Visiting Florence

If you come to visit Elba island you cannot miss to spend few days in Florence, the main city
of Tuscany which is worthy a visit in every single moment of the year.
Florence is a memorable town, loved and visited by millions of tourists for i
ts incredible artistic, historical and cultural patronage. Who hasn’t heard of
Michelangelo’s David? Or the Old Bridge? Or simply sleeping in the so
called agriturismi sipping a glass of red Chianti wine under a patio of
a typical Tuscan country house?
Florence offers so much and not only museums and monuments. Florence is a
very active town with a sparkling night life:aperitif bars, discos, restaurants and
wine bar. And exibitions, shows, films, concerts.
But how can you find all these information? How you can you know what’s hot in town? How can
you know where to eat in restaurants where locals eat, where can you eat well
for less? The best places for an after dinner, the cheapest pizzerias,
the authentic trattorias, the historical ice cream shops but also
places where to eat an excellent sushi or a good mojiito…
Where tofind all of this? Florence night and day
a blog about Florence written by a young florentine girl who loves
her city and loves to tell its most beautiful places with authentic
passion.

Hotel ilio has many articles in the international press in the last few years; here you will find the most important!!

The Observer:

read the article Now!

the Ryanair magazine

read the article Now!

If you’d like to come to the Island of Elba without a car, taking advantage of the daily coach service “Eurostar Link”, run by the Ferrovie dello Stato, in only 2 ½ hours you can reach Piombino – the port of departure for the island.
The Gran Turismo buses depart and arrive from the square outside the Florence train station in connection with the arriving and departing Eurostar trains.
The service runs every day, except for August 15th. “Eurostar Link” tickets must be purchased prior to departure from train station ticket booths or from authorised travel agents. The cost is 12 euros.
Schedules can be consulted on the website :

July 8th – 12th, 2008 in Marciana Marina (Li)

For five nights, in the piazza of Marciana Marina (Li), at sundown when the when the gentle sea breeze begins to blow and the sky lights up with stars, live music will fill the air along the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean during the spectacular Elba Jazz festival from July 8th – 12th, 2008. A live music festival, conceived of by Paolo Boggi, organized by the Elba Jazz Association with the support of the Regione Toscna, the Provincia di Livorno and the Comune di Marciana Marina, which reaffirms the Island of Elba’s status as a cultural centre for art, rhythm and excitement. The 3rd edition of this festival begins on July 8th with the quartet led by Stefano Di Battista, one of the most renowned Italian saxophonists, well-known around the world, accompanied by the lovely voice of his musical and life partner Nicky Nicolai and an exceptional rhythm section, made up by Fabrizio Bosso on trumpet, the French Baptiste Trotignon on Hammond organ, the New York drummer Greg Hutchinson, author of the successful album “Trouble Shooting” for the Blue Note label. The festivities continue on July 9th with Renato Sellani and Danilo Rea, two icons of Italian jazz and world-renowned pianists. On July 10th, the spotlight is on Antonella Ruggiero, known to the public as the voice of Matia Bazar. On July 11th, an exciting evening of classical swing and melodies, ranging from Sinatra and Tenco to Elvisand Bublé, is planned with Matteo Brancaleoni, the new star of 2008, the “Italian Frank Sinatra”, recognized for his vocal talent as well as his mind-boggling charisma on stage. The event will close with one of the best musical phenoms of the last decade: Ray Gelato & The Giants. Ray Gelato is a English singer and saxophonist of world-renown, capable of captivating even young audiences. His wild and irresistible band stirs up crowds around the world, getting them off their feet and dancing. Five evenings lined up in the beautiful setting of the Island of Elba.

Everything an athlete could want to know
about the Island of Elba in 2008

The island is a unique geographical wonder. Here, you can experience the physical detachment that characterizes an island - for those who are not yet familiar with the marvellous sensation of being completely surrounded by the sea, this island offers an escape from the frenetic pace of daily life.
The Island of Elba is truly unique. While sharing with its neighbouring islands the sense of isolation from the hysteria of mainland Italy that is only partially caressed by salted waters, Elba never comes across as a boring or static place. Indeed, the island is alive with activity, never ceasing to excite. It is as if, overtaken by ideas and events, it cannot stay still despite the apparent drowsiness that its detached position would by definition impose upon it.
Perhaps, thanks to this magnificent peculiarity, the Island of Elba was able to organize a series of events that promise to make 2008 an unforgettable year for sports and nature lovers alike.
Things get started in April in Campo of Elba, with the Granfondo Isola d’Elba, the 11th edition of the national and international road bicycle race for super-lightweights.
From May 5th to the 10th, for fans of competitions that put men up against their own strength and ability, without the support of anything other than their own legs and stamina, there is the Elba Ecomarathon Tour, divided into four parts for a total of 42.195 km. Running along the paths that follow the Gulf of Lacona, participants will have the chance to discover some of the most beautiful spots on this splendid Mediterranean island.
Keeping in mind that “island” also means “360 fishing”, from May 8th to the 11th, anglers won’t be able to stay away for the 34th Italian individual fishing championship. Meanwhile, the 18th Elba Island and Tuscan Archipelago run, from the 12th to the 18th, will allow racers to experience the incredibly beauty of the island in 5 parts of about 13 km, starting from Portoferraio.
In June, celebrations focus on the sea. From the 27th to the 29th in Portoferraio, Marelba consists of 3 days dedicated to water sports. On June 29th the sailboat is at the centre of attention, with the 4th edition of Sail and Songs, an event that unites the passion for the sea, music and solidarity. After the sailing event, the day finishes off with music concerts and art open to everyone. Finally, from June 21st - 29th, seakayak lovers set out from Marciana Marina for the 11th Elba Sea Marathon to circumnavigate the Island of Elba in 5 parts at a sightseeing pace.
In September, when the summer is coming to a close, the rumble of motors from another era can be heard in Marina di Campo. Elba Graffiti, 19th Rally Elba Storico is valid for the European championship as well as the historical cars Mitropa Cup. September 20th and 21st the island is transformed into a exceptional circuit for historical race cars.
In October, when the debilitating heat has faded, it’s time for the toughest of the tough. On October 5th, athletes compete in a extra-long Triathlon for the Elbaman (IRONMAN).
And that’s not all. October is also the month of Marcianella, the 15 km trail run departing from Marciana Marina as well as the Gran Fondo Elba Ovest, which includes two mountain bike events: one non-competitive 23 km race, including prizes and lottery drawings, and another 55 km competitive race.
Lastly, from November 1st, the sailboat is once again rules the waters with the 22nd ‘Mauro Mancini’ Trophy – boat races in the City of Portoferraio.

ELBA BY BOAT

Originally uploaded by elbaflickr

What would we suggest for an out-of-the-ordinary day?
Take the opportunity to admire the Island of Elba from the sea, renting a boat with its own skipper. It will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Departure is after breakfast from S. Andrea in a 10-metre long boat. The skipper will make sure you get to know the Elban coast from a new and exciting perspective. You will come across splendid hidden bays, not visible from land.
At noon, you will disembark for brunch in Porto Azzurro at one of the most renowned restaurants in the area, to try to their various seafood specialties, accompanied by fine Elban wine.
After brunch, you will head back out on the boat, with a mid-afternoon stop at one of the marvelous beaches on the Eastern side of the island, where you can take a refreshing dip in the beautiful crystalline water.
You will return to Cape S. Andrea around dinnertime feeling re-energized after an exceptional day spent in harmony with the nature and beauty of the Island of Elba.
For those who would prefer not to spend a full day on the sea, half-day trips are also available.
Prices per day with a skipper, including taxes: May and October € 450,00 June and September € 500,00 July € 550,00 August € 600,00
The client is responsible for covering the cost of petrol and meals.
Our guests are welcome to book this service, which is offered by professionals external to the hotel.