Napoleon was banished to the island and both of his homes ( summer & winter ) are available to tour. You can hike,bicycle, swim or walk around the plaza at night with the locals. Incredible beauty - many,many small towns set on hilltops. Many castles. Flowers galore and the interior is full of old, little viewed churches.

Little Mine 57036 Porto Azzurro - Via Provinciale Est Tel. & Fax: (+39) 0565.95350 Tel. (+39) 0565.920961 info@lapiccolaminiera.it

Sapere Archeological Museum Mola 50736 Porta Azzurro Info: tel. 056595033 – fax: 056595064 Email: info@sapereonline.it Website: http://www.sapereonline.it

• fetovaia si the best beach, you can reach by bus

Go by ferry -- taking your car, as it a must to explore the entire island. The ships start from Piombino. Book the ferry in real time visiting this Elba Travel Guide

Bring a rental car with you on the Ferry as the island is fairly large and mass transit ( don't think I saw any???) won't get you to all the old hilltop towns or up the winding roads.

Sorry or glad to say that shopping isn't what you might expect but the island is for experiencing. Some local wines.

Seafood is fresh ( it is an island) and the bread is what you were dreaming about. Get the Italian version of steak and try the bread and tomato salad.

• There are some shops in Porto ferraio ( the capital) but the recommended place for shopping and relaxing , walking in the evings is Marciana Marina, nice shops there where you can get designer sunglasses, ralph lauren clothes etc. Its reminding of moore of a preppy st. tropez

Some local wines and water is great tasting.