Elba is a major Italian island 20 km from the Tuscan coast, putting it within range of full-day excursions for anyone staying in one of the villas in Tuscany.
It is an interesting island, particularly well-known for being the site of Napoleon's 1814-1815 exile - and, indeed, there are many local sights associated Napoleon.
But there is more to the island than just the French emperor.
Santuario della Madonna del Monte On a hill near the village of Marciana is the Santuario della Madonna del Monte, a medieval church, which has been much altered over the centuries.
Christian tradition ascribes to it a miracle: a stone inside the church bears an image of the Virgin, painted by a divine hand and blessed with miraculous powers.
Climbing the hill through chestnut and pinewoods to reach the church is splendid experience, rich in woodland scents - not only from the trees, but also thyme and wild sage growing along the track - and views over the coast and sea.
Museo Nazionale della Residenza Napoleoniche (Villa San Martino) The Museo Nazionale della Residenza Napoleoniche (Napoleonic Residences National Museum) has a history more famous than most other villas in Tuscany - it was one of Napoleon's residences while exiled in Elba.
Located approximately 5 km outside San Martino, this was where he went to escape city heat and conduct more private aspects of his life.
He had the residence's interior decorated by the painter Reveli.
Today, it functions as a gallery for exhibitions relating to Napoleon, as well as an architecturally impressive destination in its own right.
Portoferraio Old Town The harbour town of Portoferraio is the largest town on the island, built around a marina in a natural cove.
Visitors to Elba travelling from surrounding villas in Tuscany will arrive by ferry, after which it is a 1 km walk to the winding streets of the Old Town.
It is a charming setting, whether standing on the deserted ramparts of the 16th century Forte Stella or stepping into the dim 17th century church Chiesa della Misericordia.
Inside is a copy of Napoleon's death mask.
The town is also the site of Napoleon's other home on Elba, Villa dei Mulini.
Villa dei Mulini This was Napoleon's urban residence and the place where he primarily conducted his public business while in exile.
Though it lacks the quantity of artefacts in the San Martino, it has an attractive terraced garden and a library with books bearing the personal insignia of the emperor.
It is a splendid residence - quite a contrast to Napoleon's life on campaign.
Visitors staying in any of the villas in Tuscany with an interest in Napoleon or stately homes should visit the island; they will find it a rewarding addition to their itineraries.
It is an interesting island, particularly well-known for being the site of Napoleon's 1814-1815 exile - and, indeed, there are many local sights associated Napoleon.
But there is more to the island than just the French emperor.
Santuario della Madonna del Monte On a hill near the village of Marciana is the Santuario della Madonna del Monte, a medieval church, which has been much altered over the centuries.
Christian tradition ascribes to it a miracle: a stone inside the church bears an image of the Virgin, painted by a divine hand and blessed with miraculous powers.
Climbing the hill through chestnut and pinewoods to reach the church is splendid experience, rich in woodland scents - not only from the trees, but also thyme and wild sage growing along the track - and views over the coast and sea.
Museo Nazionale della Residenza Napoleoniche (Villa San Martino) The Museo Nazionale della Residenza Napoleoniche (Napoleonic Residences National Museum) has a history more famous than most other villas in Tuscany - it was one of Napoleon's residences while exiled in Elba.
Located approximately 5 km outside San Martino, this was where he went to escape city heat and conduct more private aspects of his life.
He had the residence's interior decorated by the painter Reveli.
Today, it functions as a gallery for exhibitions relating to Napoleon, as well as an architecturally impressive destination in its own right.
Portoferraio Old Town The harbour town of Portoferraio is the largest town on the island, built around a marina in a natural cove.
Visitors to Elba travelling from surrounding villas in Tuscany will arrive by ferry, after which it is a 1 km walk to the winding streets of the Old Town.
It is a charming setting, whether standing on the deserted ramparts of the 16th century Forte Stella or stepping into the dim 17th century church Chiesa della Misericordia.
Inside is a copy of Napoleon's death mask.
The town is also the site of Napoleon's other home on Elba, Villa dei Mulini.
Villa dei Mulini This was Napoleon's urban residence and the place where he primarily conducted his public business while in exile.
Though it lacks the quantity of artefacts in the San Martino, it has an attractive terraced garden and a library with books bearing the personal insignia of the emperor.
It is a splendid residence - quite a contrast to Napoleon's life on campaign.
Visitors staying in any of the villas in Tuscany with an interest in Napoleon or stately homes should visit the island; they will find it a rewarding addition to their itineraries.