Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago — the island of Napoleon's first exile, the iron mines that made it wealthy, and some of the finest beaches in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is less internationally known than Capri or Sardinia but equally beautiful and significantly less crowded, which gives it a specific appeal for the Italian and European luxury traveller who values the combination of natural beauty and relative quiet.

For Portoferraio. The island's capital — the Medici fortifications, the lighthouse, Napoleon's exile residence at the Villa dei Mulini, the harbour. A PP linen shirt in white or a warm natural with linen trousers and leather shoes. The historic port context rewards natural fabric in the natural palette; the warm Tuscan light makes white and warm naturals glow.

For the beaches. Cavoli, Fetovaia, Sansone — some of the finest beaches in the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the clear water and granite rock formations that distinguish the Tuscan Archipelago. White PP linen over natural swim shorts, leather sandals. The beach and rock combination for a day exploring Elba's coastline.

For the wine and the iron mines. Elba produces a specific and underrated DOC wine — the Elba Rosso and Elba Bianco from the island's vineyards. The wine estates and the historic iron mines of the Capoliveri area. A PP linen shirt in a warm earth tone with linen trousers and leather shoes for the countryside visits.

For the evenings. Capoliveri — the village on the hill above the southeastern coast with some of the island's finest restaurants — and the marina towns of Marina di Campo and Marciana Marina. A navy PP linen shirt with linen trousers and leather shoes or leather sandals depending on the setting.

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