Agriturismo in Elba with Restaurant, Riding

The Isle of Elba lies about 10 km off the Tuscan coast, opposite Piombino. It is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest in Italy, after Sicily and Sardinia. It is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Inland, vines and olives are grown, and the farms produce wine, extra virgin olive oil and honey.

The farm stays on Elba listed on Agriturismi.it are in Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, in the countryside and a few kilometres from the sea. The list also includes farm stays on the coast opposite, around Piombino, for those who prefer to sleep on the mainland and reach the island by ferry.

WHERE TO STAY ON ELBA: in Portoferraio, the main port, where ferries from Piombino arrive after a crossing of about an hour, or in Porto Azzurro, on the east coast.

WHAT TO SEE ON ELBA: the Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino, Napoleon's residences during his exile in 1814–1815; Forte Falcone in Portoferraio; the beaches of Fetovaia and Cavoli; Monte Capanne, 1,019 metres; the Rio Marina Mining Park.

FOOD AND WINE: fresh fish and cacciucco, gurguglione (vegetable stew), sburrita (salt cod soup), stockfish alla riese and, for dessert, schiaccia briaca. To drink, Ansonica, Elba Rosso and Aleatico Passito dell'Elba DOCG.

THINGS TO DO: ride the cable car from Marciana up Monte Capanne, walk the trails of the National Park, go snorkelling and diving, visit the old iron mines and the island's wineries.