Outdoor sports and adventures to enjoy on the island of Elba

Thursday, 3 November 2011 11:59 AM

Fans of the great outdoors who are considering renting holiday villas in Italy for an active break may wish to choose the beautiful island of Elba as their base. Here, they can make the most of the plentiful sporting opportunities on offer.

The isle is part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and so is renowned for its vistas - which you are likely to want to spend as much time in as possible.

Whether you are looking for villa rentals in Italy for your sports-mad family, or a group of you are planning to travel together, you will find the ideal accommodation in Elba, but what can you expect to do when you arrive?

Walking is an extremely popular activity on the island and there are plenty of set routes you can take.

If you are interested in wildlife, you may wish to take a stroll that starts off in Pomonte, a town that sits at the foot of the islands - the highest of which, at almost 3,500 foot, is Mount Capanne.

You can follow the ancient tracks that were created by mules as you are led up into the hills, keeping an eye out for the many species of birds flying overhead as you do so.

Elba also has a rich history and you could select a walk that is tailored to that. On such a stroll, just a few of the sights you may enjoy are prehistoric caves, Bronze Age stone villages and age-old quarries.

One of the island's most famous former residents was Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled here in the early 19th century following his abdication from power.

A site particularly connected with Napoleon's time on the island is the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain. It is believed it was here he met with his mistress Countess Maria Walewska.

The Sanctuary is famed for its fresh water and views of Corsica, Napoleon's birthplace. It is this sight that some believed inspired the emperor to escape Elba and return to France.

In addition to walking, you can also explore the island's landscape by bike or, why not choose to travel on horseback?

If you want to experience something a little more extreme on your activity break, you could try your hand at free-climbing in the mountains.

However, it is not just the sporting opportunities on land that attract tourists to Elba, but also those based on the water.

You can go sea kayaking around the isle and experience those breathtaking views from the azure blue of the waters. On your journey, you will pass many inviting beaches where you can stop and relax for a while, or top up your tan under the Mediterranean sun.

The Capo Sant'Andrea - known locally as the island within the island - is a particularly good place to come to shore, as you can purchase some refreshments from the small bars.

However, you may wish to stay in the water longer and enjoy the scuba diving opportunities.

There is plentiful marine life on the seabed to admire, along with the odd sunken boat. Keep an eye out for any treasure as people have come across the remains of old ceramic vases when they have dived around the island.

To find out more of what awaits you in Elba, why not check out a holiday villa blog to help you plan your stay?

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