The Island of Elba presents an extremely varied natural heritage, with numerous endemic animal and plant species.
Precisely to protect and promote this extraordinary biodiversity, the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago was established on Elba in 1996, the largest marine park in Europe, which includes not only Elba but also the islands of Capria, Gorgona , Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri.
The prevailing vegetation on the Island of Elba is the Mediterranean scrub and spring, the flowering season, is undoubtedly the best period to savor the intense aromas and the variety of colors and shapes of the plant species present: the aromatic lavender, the showy broom, the elegant strawberry tree, the delicate cistus, the inebriating myrtle and an exclusive mix of aromas, fragrances and colors that enliven walks, on horseback or by mountain bike along the numerous trekking paths of the island of Elba.
The more curious, during their holiday on the Island of Elba, can dedicate themselves to classic birdwatching to observe the various avifauna, both walking and sedentary, or to innovative biowatching, the observation of nature in all its forms, from plants to animals, from flowers to rocks, from minerals to the infinite habitats that can be encountered during walks in Elba.
For lovers of mineralogy and geology, the eastern side of the Island of Elba represents a small corner of paradise, just think that the famous Tuscan geologist Bernardino Lotti defined it as "a grandiose open-air museum"!
In Rio Marina it is possible, in fact, to visit hematite, pyrite, magnetite, limonite and ilvaite quarries where it is possible, pickaxe in hand and with the help of expert guides, to collect mineral samples; in Capoliveri underground mines tell the story of the hard life of the miners and mineralogical museums display samples of minerals of extraordinary beauty discovered during the long years in which the mines were active and functioning.
And of course, not to be missed, the sea of the Island of Elba, with its curious and fascinating tenants.
By choosing one of the many boat excursions organized on the Island of Elba it is possible to meet dolphins and sperm whales playing in front of the bow or immerse yourself in the pristine waters of biologically protected areas to swim among enormous schools of colorful fish. p>
If you are a lover of nature and culture, or you want to know more about the endemic species of the Tuscan Archipelago, we recommend going to the Case del Parco, the two visitor centers of the National Park, located on the eastern (Casa del Parco di Rio nell'Elba) and western (Casa del Parco di Marciana) sides of the island.
Here, thanks to expert guides, dioramas, illustrative panels and videos, it is possible to learn about and appreciate the surprising biodiversity of the islands of the Archipelago as well as purchasing souvenirs, illustrative, educational and informative material.
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