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Elba Elba is off the mainland of Italy, and remains influenced by Tuscany. People come back time and time again for this island's fine local food and wine and great natural beauty. Pine scented forests and wind carved headlands shelter hidden coves where sandy beaches invite visitors to wade in clear blue waters. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation. Medici influence can be seen in the fortifications of Portoferraio. The island was influenced greatly by Napoleon Bonaparte, who did much to improve the island, building new roads, modernizing agriculture, and developing iron mines. His summer home, the Villa di San Martino, can be visited. Elban soil is very rich in minerals and semi-precious stones - some 150 varieties to including garnets, marcasite and tourmaline. |
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