Elba Island

Let me have the greatest pleasure of introducing you to the most beautiful hidden treasure in Italy... Elba Island, known as the Island of Tuscany.  Only an hour ferry ride away from the coast, (perfect amount of time for the first beer of the day) this historically famous, final island prison of Napoleon, yet seemingly unknown vacation destination, is enjoyed by mainly only Italians and Germans.  Other than Vesspas, tour buses with Willkommen written on the side are the only vehicles you see on the narrow, winding, cliff roads.  German tourists are so prevalent, that the menus are actually translated into German from Italian, rather than into English.  This being said, even on the busiest summer day in Elba, you feel like you're on a private fantasy island.

The oceans are saturated with salt, so floating is done with the greatest of ease, (which of course makes you feel pretty good, after the beers and pizza) and the water is so unbelievably clear, you can practically count the stones on the bottom of the sea floor.  With several dozen beaches to choose from, one can rent a beach lounger, or enjoy sun bathing on the rocks for free... mix with the locals on one of the more populated beaches, or sneak off to a private spot for some topless tanning.  Dining on local seafood, Mediterranean snorkeling or scuba diving, and watching the many colors of the sunset, are all possible activities on a beautiful Elba day.  Most of the beaches here are 1000 times better than any on the mainland; inexpensive, not overly crowded, and breathtakingly gorgeous.  There are very few places in Italy that I can recommend as highly for a beach destination

The ferry ride in

The Port

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Of course, I paid special attention to the food, I defiantly suggest ordering anything from the sea, it taste like they caught it the same morning! (and they probably did)  Most the hotels are run as a Bed and Breakfast, where they try to sell you dinner as part of the package, usually a cheaper option, but if you can avoid it, do.  The restaurants in the area give an extra effort to try to get your business ;)  Ultimately, other than your friends not knowing where the heck you are talking about, it will be a vacation you talk about for years!

My favorite Italian appetizer, Bruschetta and Steamed Mussels

Paradise