In the harbor of Porto Azzurro there are many fishing boats, sailing and motor yachts. Just behind the waterfront is the spacious Piazza Matteotti with its numerous cafés, bars and boutiques. Life is pulsating here.
Porto Azzurro is one of the most beautiful ports on the island of Elba. This is already revealed by its name: Porto Azzurro means Blue Harbor. However, the place has only had this name since 1947.
Until 1947, today's Porto Azzurro retained its old name Portolongone, which was given to the town when it was founded in 1603 by Philip III of Spain, who wanted to turn the town into a kind of fortress to defend the territory.
Today, Porto Azzurro presents itself as a characteristic fishing village surrounded by golden beaches and a deep blue sea. The main feature of this place, which offers so many charms to its visitors, is the fact that the guest is offered many interesting activities, not only through the rich and beautiful nature, but also through a valuable and diverse artistic and cultural offer.
When you stroll through the narrow streets of the historic town center, you are automatically drawn to some large buildings that bear witness to the town's past. One of the most important buildings in the town is the fortress of San Giacomo, a huge fortress whose construction was ordered by Philip III in 1602. The building was intended to complete the defensive network of the territory according to the studies of Don Garcia di Toledo, based on an already existing model in the city of Anversa, to protect the city and the island from the constant attacks of the Saracen pirates; The fortress had an important screening and protection role until the beginning of the 19th century, and only lost this when it was turned into a prison. Just as the fortress fascinates with its size, the religious buildings fascinate with their grace; Among the most interesting churches in Porto Azzurro are the Church of Madonna del Carmine and the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, and of course not forgetting the Sanctuary of Madonna di Monserrato, built in 1606 by the Spanish governor Pons Y Leòn in memory of a famous chapel in the was built near Barcelona.