This is truly the most beautiful part of the island, where the sea is clearest and the landscape most enchanting.

Nestled at a height of 630 mt. on the mountain side, the medieval village of Marciana is a maze of stepped alleys and cobbled walkways to be explored. Besides the breathtaking view of the sea enjoyed from here, a real pleasure is to experience a quiet stroll in the town itself. Every lane and single doorstep is decorated with potted flowers ranging from geraniums to dahlias; the true pride of the Marciana locals.

Just a few kilometres from Marciana, lies another medieval village. The surrounding chestnut woods also conceal a mountain spring whose bottled waters bear the name of Napoleon. Apparently, during his ten-month reign on Elba, the emperor insisted on having this water at his table for every meal.

This picturesque fishing harbour becomes pleasantly animated in summer and now offers modern facilities for yachters. Visitors should see the "Cotone" quarter which is the true old town where the quaint, pastel coloured houses resemble the villages found on the Ligurian coast of the Italian Riviera.

The main road which leads from Marciana and St. Andrea and follows the coastline along the western end of Elba towards Cavoli and Marina di Campo offers spectacular views of gulfs, promontories, and small white houses suspended above the sea. Even in high season, it is always possible to find a quiet, peaceful corner of paradise here. For example, La Zanca, Patresi and its lighthouse, Chiessi, or Pomonte. And if you take this drive at sunset, stop at Punta Nera (between Patresi and Chiessi) where the dark cliffs hovering over the sea mark the westernmost point on the island. Enjoy the sun's last rays glistening on the water and rocks, and feel the gentle breeze which always cools this magical spot.

Once passed St. Ilario going towards the right for Mt. Perone (if you are coming from Marina di Campo) or descending from Mt. Perone (if you are coming from Poggio), all of a sudden, you will see the tower of San Giovanni ( St. John) atop an enormous block of granite. The tower, which has recently been restored, seems to have been built around the 11th century as a watchtower against enemy invaders, using stones that had been taken from an earlier structure. In fact, a grinding stone which had been squared off and is now found in one of the corners confirms this. From the top of the tower, one can see the fortress of Volterraio, the channel of Piombino, the Gulf of Marina di Campo, and even a glimpse of the Romanesque church of San Giovanni. Although the passing of centuries has taken its toll, the church still conserves her austerity thanks to her dominant position above the gulf. Even without a roof, the church walls are both picturesque and quite interesting. During studies done on the church, large perimeter walls of Etruscan origin were found which surround the existing external walls. In 1987, a historical-cultural group called "La Torre" was founded whose aim it is to protect, restore and appreciate the monuments on Elba. Their first project was to restore the tower of San Giovanni; we hope that the next will be the castle of Volterraio.