Portoferraio, Elba, Italy

The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba is at the heart of a stunning land-and-marine park between mainland Italy, Corsica and the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. The main town of Portoferraio sits on a hill, its 16th century fortifications still visible today. Napoleon was famously exiled here, but Mother Nature is Elba’s real attraction. Along the rocky coastline you’ll find numerous gorgeous small bays, coves and beaches, while in the mountainous interior you’ll discover endless hiking trails that showcase the island’s rugged beauty. For a bird’s eye view, ride the cable car 1,019 meters up Monte Capanne. The local cuisine on the island is steeped in tradition and includes dishes like cacciucco (fish soup), while the local wines, like Aleatico, have been cultivated here since antiquity.