News 2022

The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) is approved by Shanghai Press & Publication Administration, organised by Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group Co., Ltd., China Education Publishing & Media Group Ltd., and China Universal Press & Publication Co., Ltd., co-organised by Ronbo BolognaFiere Shanghai Ltd. Launched in 2013, CCBF has quickly become an important event for the global publishing industry. It is the only fair fully dedicated to books and specific contents for children aged from 0 to 16 in Asia Pacific.

Over eight editions, CCBF has thrived to accomplishing its motto—Embracing the Future. Not only is the fair a leading copyright hub for children’s books, but it is also a premium platform offering marketing solutions and crossover possibilities for a wide range of industries. CCBF plays an important role in promoting quality children’s literature and encourages reading culture among young children. Since 2018, it has entered into close cooperation with Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) organised by BolognaFiere. With a history of over 50 years, the BCBF is the largest children’s literature fair in the world. This exciting association also aims to better serve the current strategy of China’s publishing industry—disseminating original content worldwide and bringing the best international books to local readers—also known as the “go global, bring in” policy.

Other than the exhibition itself, the fair offers a rich programme of events. Some of the most notable activities include the Conference & Seminars, the Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, the Illustrators Avenue, the Children Plus Exhibitionand many other events to promote reading. All in all, the 2020 programme boasted 83 guests and speakers from 12 countries brought together in 57 official events, held as a conjunction of online and offline sessions.

In 2020, CCBF was held as scheduled, making it one of the very few international book fairs to take place physically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought together 386 exhibitors including 99 overseas exhibitors from 21 countries and territories. In three days, the total number of visitors reached 18,963, among which 8,305 were professionals from 17 nationalities, representing publishing, educational and other children’s entertainment-related industries. Simultaneously, online matchmaking meetings and online broadcasting events gathered about 520,000 views.

China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) is the only book fair in Asia Pacific fully dedicated to books and other contents for children co-organised by BolognaFiere/Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Due to the recent situation of the epidemic control in China, and in order to ensure the health and safety of all exhibitors and visitors, the 9th CCBF, originally scheduled from 22 to 24 July at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre and postponed to March 2022, is rescheduled to 02-04 December 2022 at the West Bund Art Centre. West Bund Art Centre is located  in the core of the “West Bund Cultural Corridor” in the Waterfront Area of Xuhui District, Shanghai. It forms a connected art ecosystem with more than 20 art spaces, such as Long Museum, Yuz Museum, Tank Shanghai and West Bund Museum. The open and thick artistic ambience and human-centered atmosphere are what empower the CCBF to imagine for the future. This is a place where writers of children’s books, book producers, fans of books, and scholars from all over the world will assemble. Here, they can brainstorm and think up more excellent and spectacular content for children’s books. With a wider audience at the West Bund of Shanghai, this fair aims to ultimately influence thousands of children.

Regarding CCBF online matchmaking system (https://connect.ccbookfair.com), since October 2021, the CCBF online matchmaking system has been in operation and continues to provide exhibitors with the following services.

• Browse all the exhibitors’ company profiles, catalogues and latest products.
• Instantly send messages to chat with exhibitors.
• The online video meeting function is set to reactive in June.
• More functions are planned to be launched, please wait for our notification. 

中国上海国际童书展（CCBF）由中共上海市委宣传部（上海市新闻出版局）指导，上海新华发行集团有限公司、中国教育出版传媒集团有限公司、环球新闻出版发展有限公司共同主办，上海融博会展有限公司承办。自2013年创办以来，迅速确立了其在国际出版市场上日益显著的重要地位，是目前亚太地区唯一专注于0-16岁童书出版及儿童内容的专业展会。

CCBF紧紧围绕“与世界和未来在一起”的主题，为童书版权贸易、营销发行及跨界合作提供了卓越的交流平台，为提高儿童文学质量以及推广少儿阅读发挥了重要作用。自2018年起，CCBF携手全球最具规模的意大利博洛尼亚国际童书展（BCBF），以行业领先的专业知识、丰富的办展经验、海量的优质资源，更好地服务于中国出版业“走出去”、“引进来”的发展战略，将中国优秀的原创内容推向世界，同时将最好的国际作品带给中国的读者们。

CCBF将出版商、版权代理、作者、插画师、译者、平面设计师、内容开发者、印刷商、发行商、书店及其他销售渠道、数字/多媒体企业、移动应用软件开发商、动画/影视/游戏制作方、品牌授权商与被授权商、阅读推广人与机构、教育培训机构、文化机构、图书管理员、专业媒体、教师和儿童文学爱好者汇聚一堂，呈现了一场高品质的全球童书出版文化全产业链盛会。

CCBF举办的同期活动亦是亮点纷呈，包括官方专业论坛与会议、国际出版人上海访问计划（SHVIP）、金风车国际青年插画家大赛与插画展、插画师大道、“童书+”主题书籍特展以及城市联动等一系列中外童书出版、创作交流和阅读推广活动。

2020年，在全球新冠肺炎疫情影响下，CCBF依然着力保持其国际性及专业性，积极探索“线下落地、线上同步”即线下线上融合的书展模式。在疫情防控措施到位、活动举办安全有序的前提下，线下展览顺利举办，共吸引来自21个国家和地区的386家展商参展，海外展商99家；来自12个国家的83位特邀嘉宾参与了57场官方活动；展会三天进行线下参观的观众达到18,963名，其中包括来自17个国家和地区的8,305名专业观众。同时线上商贸配对及线上各类活动参与和观看量突破52万人次，标志着童书行业开启互联互通与协作的新时代。

第九届中国上海国际童书展（CCBF）将于2022年12月2日至4日在西岸艺术中心（上海市徐汇区龙腾大道2555号）举办。

Tim Burton, renowned Director and Producer, is looking into the bestselling novel for children The Guardian of the Stars – The Journey of Anais with the Wind by Davide Amante, some say. If confirmed, this would be very interesting news since the novel is a thoroughbred literary piece, defined by many as the modern Little Prince. The news would be even more interesting considering that the protagonist is a girl and the story tells of her journey to discover life and the other side of things.

Tim Burton, for those who want an insight into this exceptional filmmaker, directed films of the caliber of Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Frankenweenie, Beetlejuice, Big Eyes, Alice through the looking glass, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo and many more. e worked with producers like Denise di Novi, Katterli Frauenfelder, Derek Frey, Ehren Kruger, Justin Springer, Joe Roth, Jennifer Todd, Suzanne Todd, Scott Alexander, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Allison Abbate, Richard D. Zanuck.

He is known for his gothic fantasy and horror films, he has worked with actors Winona Ryder, Johnny Depp, Lisa Marie, Helena Bonham Carter and composer Danny Elfman, and received nominations for two Academy Awards and three BAFTA Awards, won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Source: Culture Magazine

In the run-up to its 60th edition, Bologna Children’s Book Fair with BolognaBookPlus and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids begin a new tour of four global book fairs

First stop: Frankfurt – 19 – 23 October

Following the success of the first Bologna Grand Tour of the world’s top book fairs in 2021, we’re now starting out on a new world tour. Developed with the support and collaboration of ITA – The Italian Trade Agency promoting Italian companies abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the 2022 Grand Tour aims to strengthen Bologna Fair’s global reach, promoting new international publishing opportunities. It also kicks off celebrations to mark the 60th Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which, together with its brand extension BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus) – general adult trade publishing and developed in partnership the Italian Publishers’ Association (AIE) – and Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/ Kids, will be held in Bologna from 6 to 9 March 2023.

The Tour begins at the Frankfurt Book Fair (19 – 23 October), moving on the Sharjah International Book Fair (2-13 November), followed by the Salon du Livre de Montreal (23-27 November) and finally, to the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (26 November – 4 December).

In Frankfurt (Hall 4.1, stand H26), BCBF will be presenting what’s in store for 2023. First off, the Literary Agents Centre – traditionally reserved for children’s book agents – now becomes a new Bologna Rights Centre, designed together with BolognaBookPlus, to include general trade publishing agents and rights professionals of all exhibiting publishers.

Our booth will also host two exhibitions.

Curated by Accademia Drosselmeier, Out of Silence. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, narrating through wordless books brings together a series of extraordinary Italian wordless story books, one of the most dynamic

genres in children’s publishing. 39 wordless picture books by both internationally renowned artists and Italy’s youngest generation of authors and illustrators, show how silent books reach beyond language barriers to children of all ages, allowing them to tell their own stories of what they see, developing creativity and an ability to read the world.

The second exhibition, A glimpse at Italian illustration. A selection from the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition, features 20 of the most outstanding Italian artists selected for the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition in recent years, who have gone on to international careers.

Guided tours of the exhibition by Grazia Gotti of Bologna’s Accademia Drosselmeier, and illustrator and critic Anna Castagnoli, a former Illustrators Exhibition juror, have been organised for: 19 and 20 October at 4 p.m., and 11 a.m. on 21 October at the BCBF booth.

Also on show, and organised together with Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, are two examples of licensing excellence in children’s book publishing, created entirely in Italy: an illustration that has become an educational game, and a book that led to an animation film. The fertile exchange in recent years between the publishing industry and the world of educational games has led to the creation of several outstanding products. In Frankfurt, two examples of this transition will be on show: the educational game based on an illustration by Giulia Orecchia – awarded at the Toys Awards as Best Italian Game of 2022 -, and the animated film based on the acclaimed novel Nel Mare ci sono i coccodrilli by Fabio Geda (translated into more than 30 languages) that director Rosalba Vitellaro and screenwriter Alessandra Viola adapted using illustrations by Annalisa Corsi, and which won the Best Short Film Award at the Giffoni Film Festival. The TV special will in turn become a book, this time inspired by the cartoon images.

Giulia Orecchia, Rosalba Vitellaro and Alessandra Viola will facilitate a series of informal meetings, “A coffee with” to discuss how the publishing industry can work more closely with the licensing sector to create top-of- the-range products. Roberto and Alessandra will be on hand on 19 October at 3.00 p.m., while Giulia Orecchia will be present on 20 October at 3.00 p.m. and on 21 October at 12.00 a.m.

The meeting BolognaBookPlus: A Briefing. Calling All General Trade Publishers! – 19 October at 2 p.m. – will detail BBPlus’ 2023 programme and the many exhibition and training opportunities on offer.

The international book community is invited to the Bologna Grand Tour’s networking party on the first day of Frankfurter Buchmesse (19 October, 5.30 pm) at the Italy booth (Hall 4.1, stand F31) to celebrate the many new features planned for BCBF’s 60th anniversary, and hear the announcement of the inaugural BolognaBookPlus Market of Honour.

* BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere S.p.A. is a leading exhibition organiser in Europe with over 85 events. A premier world trade show organiser in a range of sectors, including art, publishing, cosmetics, agribusiness, construction and design, BolognaFiere has developed a portfolio of cutting-edge international exhibitions in the major Russian, North American and Asian markets, including China, where it has organised 8 trade shows to date.

* Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF)

Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the world’s leading fair of children’s publishing and content, attracting 1,500 exhibitors and about 30,000 trade visitors from around 100 countries. BCBF celebrates its 60th edition in 2023. Every year Bologna plays host to a truly unique gathering of publishers, agents, developers, illustrators,

authors, booksellers, librarians and allied professionals but also multimedia and children’s content licensing specialists.

* BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus)

Launched in 2020 by BCBF/BolognaFiere, in partnership with the Italian Publishers’ Association (AIE), BolognaBookPlus caters for a general trade publishing audience. Occupying a distinct exhibition area, its wide- ranging programme includes training courses and conferences. BolognaBookPlus Guest Director Jacks Thomas and her UK team work closely with the Bologna team.

* Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/Kids)

An integral part of Bologna Children’s Book Fair, located at the centre of the Fair, BLTF/Kids hosts major international licensing and entertainment operators presenting over 800 brands on offer, the Licensing Business Lounge, a themed exhibition, the only international conference uniting the whole world of content around licensing topics on products for children and young people, the International Kids Licensing Days, and one of the most important awards for the industry, the Bologna Licensing Awards.

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Known for supporting gender equality and for his opposition to all forms of stereotypes, the novelist Davide Amante collects the approval of the #MeToo movement for his novel The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind, which breaks down an important gender bias and affirms a new feminist conquest. Approval that takes the form of a wide international success, so much so that the book has been translated into 4 languages in just two years from its release, attracting a considerable number of young and adult readers.

Janice McCabe, assistant professor of sociology at the Florida State University, led a study on over 6,000 children’s books published from 1900 to 2000, finding male characters prevail 57% against female characters just 31%. Furthermore, no more than 33 percent of children’s books published in any given year contain central characters that are adult women or female animals, but adult men and male animals appear in up to 100 percent of books. Finally, male animals are central characters in more than 23 percent of books per year, while female animals are in only 7.5 percent.

The research has been reported in the world by prestigious newspapers and it is also confirmed by further independent researches in very recent times. But there is more: if we analyze the trend over the years of this phenomenon, which should have attenuated at least thanks to feminism before and later to the #MeToo movement, it immediately stands out that there is no tendency to rebalance these percentages. on the contrary, the prevalence of men remains so even in the most recent publications.

“We looked at a full century of children’s books. We were surprised to find that books did not become consistently more equal throughout the century.” says Janice McCabe then adding: “The widespread pattern of underrepresentation of females that we find supports the belief that female characters are less important and interesting than male characters. This may contribute to a sense of unimportance among girls and privilege among boys.”

According to a literary magazine, novelist Davide Amante’s book is particularly interesting with respect to this research for two reasons, and it could prove, given it’s success, to set a trend that is not isolated: first of all the protagonist of the story is female and has a strong and daring character, but above all it has been observed that the beautiful story told by the author is a story of ‘inner exploration’, an emotional journey towards understanding life and becoming adult. This latter aspect, in the past typically entrusted to male protagonists, is innovative because it belongs to a female protagonist who is willing to to explore herself by getting involved in a daringly difficult journey towards the discovery of the meaning of life. Of course it is a book written not only for children but also for adults.

Described as “a poetic and literary work in the guise of a children’s tale The Guardian of the Stars – the journey of Anais with the wind is deemed a modern day masterpiece and is on its way to break down a gender bias that sees males prevailing in successful children’s novels of this kind.

Davide Amante, novelist and author of a children’s bestseller The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind, explains the importance of play and tell with small children in the process of learning language.

Learning language is a complex process that takes into account several factors. At a very young age, when children begin learning language, the fundamental factors are in terms of quantity, I mean the amount of surrounding speech they hear; in terms of quality, meaning the interactions they have with adults even at basic level when very few and simple words are exchanged; and in terms of tangibility, meaning stimulated by the surrounding environment. This latter factor has great influence in the development of children’s language because it is a direct, personal experience that the child has with any object or experience they can physically touch and interact with.
This is why words related to the immediate physical world are typically learned earlier than words related to concepts, one example for all is the word ‘food’ which the child learns before the word ‘sky’. The difference here is in the opportunity the child has to touch, move, taste food, whereas sky is still physical but more difficult to touch and materially relate with.
Children tend to touch, play, turn around, hold, throw objects and in doing so they not only feel the consistency of the object but associate it with a name, the process of moving around the object being essentially a process of labelling the object with a definite name.
Ideally, the parent should name the object or the experience each time they see the child fiddle with it. Even more so, the name the adult pronounces should be one and unequivocal, without hesitation or assigning more than one label to the object or the experience. This is an important process because it sets the velocity at which the child will later learn more complex concepts and language.
Seeing an object in the hands of a parent or, even worse, on a screen, is uncomparable to handing over that same object to the child and letting the child touch it and use it while the adult names it. The vary same happens with physical experiences, which the adult should define with a word as the child lives it.
Passing time with a child is in itself a very important educational moment which requires simply naming clearly each object and experience that the child lives during that time. This process can influence for the good the learning process of the child, the building of a vocabulary, the child’s ability to develop language and, ultimately, the child’s ability to interact through the knowledge of objects and experiences.
As parents, the first and probably foremost activity with children, is play and tell.

A children’s book can become a hit in your home or classroom depending on many factors. The story, the pictures, the characters, the participation are all important.

Here are 5 Essential Reading Tips you can try when reading a book to children. It doesn’t really matter that the book exactly matches the age of the children, what matters is that the book should be interesting enough to inspire children, stimulate curiosity and discussion. Among the best books for all ages we feel to suggest The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind.

1) Create interest in the story by discussing the cover. 
Before you even open the book, read the title of the book and show the cover. Ask the children what they think the title means and what they expect from the story. Look at the illustration on the cover of the book. What is happening in the picture? Do you think the picture tells you something about the story? Remember, “reading” the cover is often an underestimated moment, to which instead we should dedicate time with children, to build they interest and curiosity. Expectation is a very strong driver to make children appreciate reading.

2) Read, but remember you don’t have to read every word on the page. When you have in your hands a good children’s book, you can trust the author and follow the story. However complicated or, on the contrary, simple it may seem, the author knows what he or she is doing, especially if it is a professional novelist. Let the author guide you through the story, read each paragraph and stop at the end to discuss it’s contents with the children. You will discover an entire world of opinions, points of view, thoughts. You just need to feed children’s enthusiasm in talking about their point of view and never reject any thought, even those that seem the strangest. When a paragraph is too difficult just try to change some words, skip some text, to suit the level of the children you are reading to. Use the illustrations to help you tell the story at a level that makes sense for your situation.

3) Comment on the story while you are reading. This is a fundamental step. It helps build vocabulary, reading skills and many more skills related to interpretation, expression , relation with others through discussion. The so called Dialogic Reading method is based on this step. The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind is an ideal book for this.

You can ask the children to what the story is telling us, where it is leading us, what the author wanted to convey us or to guess what might happen next, before you turn the page. 

Ask your emerging speakers simple yes/no questions or questions that can be answered with short answers to check for comprehension. If the paragraph is particularly interesting then you can start a discussion over that particular paragraph. You don’t need to complete the whole book in an hour. A good book can be read slowly. Take all the time to discuss ideas and opinions.

4) Change your voice for each character. When you read a book aloud, try becoming all of the characters. Change your voice. Whisper, speak angrily, kindly, in a surprising way. You can even speak in a loud silly voice. This will make the story more entertaining and help the children understand which characters are talking.

5) Make sure everyone can see every page. When you read aloud to only one or two children, you can hold the book in your lap, just like you do when you read to yourself. When you read to a larger group, hold the book so that the pictures face out towards the group. If you are unfamiliar with the book, it’s a good idea to read the story to yourself a couple of times before reading it to a group of children.
Some prefer to hold to the book to one side. Reading sideways is usually easier than reading upside-down. When you read to a larger group, sit on a chair or stand so that you and the book are above the group. This will make it easier for everyone to see.

“Quite simply, a contemporary masterpiece.” – CulturesMag

“Perhaps it is only in childhood that books have any influence on our lives . . . In childhood, all books are books of divination, telling us the future.” – Graham Greene

 The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind is a poetic and literary work in the guise of a children’s tale and is deemed a modern day masterpiece.

The Wind, the Forest of Talking Trees, the Wolf, the family of Dolphins and the special relation with Nature, will lead a girl to discover the world as she takes a journey across a deserted island in summertime.
The girl‘s grandfather, only resident of the island, is the lighthouse keeper. One summer the wind reaches the island and blows so strong that it reveals to the girl the full skyline and encourages her to take a journey across the island to discover the other side of things.
The wind will lead the way and the girl will understand the meaning of life as she reaches a secret beach where animals and sailors celebrate the midsummer reunion.

Elba Island, where the sea meets the sky, is best described in the the bestselling novel The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind by Davide Amante. You can simply not go to Elba Island without having read this book, which will take you immediately into the magic of this island.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, came to life from the spume of the sea. Still drowsy, as she attempted to fasten her necklace, she dropped seven pearls into the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona: these are the names of the seven legendary pearls which make up the Tuscan Archipelago, situated in the Upper Tyrrhenian not far from the southern coasts of Tuscany.
Declared a National Park in 1996, the Archipelago is a nature oasis covering some 300 km2, whose extraordinary richness comes from the variety of its seven pearls, each of which has its very own morphology and characteristics.
Linked by Nature’s beauty, each of the islands offers extraordinary beaches of varying degrees of accessibility, with an unforgettable scenario for visitors: trekking and kayaking are often the only means of reaching some of their hidden treasures, which would otherwise be inaccessible.
The largest island is Elba, and it is also the most heavily populated. Famous the world over for having hosted Napoleon in exile, it is rich in historical reminders, from the archaeological findings preserved in its museums, to the medieval Castle of Volterraio, and the Napoleonic residences such as the Palazzina del Mulini.
But what makes it truly unforgettable is the crystal-clear sea and its white sandy beaches such as Biodola, Procchio or the Spiaggia dei Cavoli. But not just a beach holiday – Elba is also the perfect destination for tourists in search of a sea-sports holiday and, thanks to the bath complex of San Giovanni, it is an excellent venue for those in search of relaxation and thermal treatments.

In Roman times, Capoliveri was called Caput Liberum. Now it is a small village on the top of the hills looking towards the sea, characterized by her ancient urban roots. From the top of the hill on which it is built you can see stunning and unique views of the sea. You can also see far off the coast of Elba to many of the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Capoliveri is also a great place for shopping and entertainment. You will find some of Elba’s most delicious restaurants, trendy boutiques and social events that vary from day to day. On top of this, the gorgeous natural environment is an important attraction for Italian and foreign visitors. You will be more enamored and impressed with Capoliveri every day, and you can get a great, affordable Capoliveri rentals that let you stay in the center of all the action.

In Capoliveri you will enjoy a full and satisfying holiday. You can explore the wild beaches that are rich and charming like Laconella Remaiolo. There are a myriad of coves and inlets to explore for those who enjoy spending time in nature. You can rent one of the Capoliveri villas along the long, well-developed yet pristine beaches like Lacona, Lido and Naregno. On top of that, you can enjoy many different seaside clubs that offer you whatever your heart may desire. If you like to spend your day at the beach surfing, snorkeling or diving, Capoliveri is the place for you. Also, make sure to check out the Capoliveri Bike Park for wonderful trails on which you can mountain bike and hike. There is something available for all levels of fitness, so don’t be afraid to get out there and hit the trails!

The Capoliveri territory runs all the way from Mola in the north to the promontory of Calamita to the south. To the east you will find the Gulf of Lacona and to the west the Gulf of Stella. Capoliveri has a great history of mining and ancient craftsmanship. This is a place where the wildlife and the historical identity of the island blend wonderfully. Capoliveri is one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world to take a guided tour, or just go hiking by yourself on Mount Calamita. You will discover something new every day on Capoliveri. For example, check out the ancient architecture of Madonna delle Grazie, which is just a short stroll from the beach. Then there is the beautiful and powerful fortress called Forte Focardo, which overlooks the sea. The fortress itself is tangible evidence of the Spanish domination of Elba.

The squares of the old village and the medieval streets always attract tourists from around the world. Enjoy the typical bistros, shops and wonderful tastes of Capoliveri, along with the wonderful musical and cultural events that go on all year round. For example, the Grape Festival, the Capoliveri haiku contest, and the famous Legend of the Beloved are three of the most famous festivals on the island. These wonderful cultural events contribute to the identity of Capoliveri and keep the historic memory alive while attracting new visitors from around the world. A hotel in Capoliveri is a great way to feel comfortable, safe and welcomed in the beautiful and charming town.

The small village of Marina di Campo is extensively described in the bestselling novel for children and adults The Guardian of the Stars – the Journey of Anais with the Wind. The author creates a magical atmosphere in this village, where all residents seem tilted towards the blue. Here Anais’ grandfather arrives with his big wooden boat to pick her up and take her to the small island where there is the lighthouse. The Campo nell’Elba comune extends from the Gulf of Lacona to Pomonte. Marina di Campo, the capital, was once a fishing village that stretched all the way down the long and sandy bay. Today, it is the main center of the town of Campo nell’Elba. Its lovely sandy beach is always busy and packed during the summer season. On the western end of the bay of Marina di Campo stands an imposing cylindrical tower. It was most likely built during the Pisan rule as a defense system.
Today the area of Campo nell’Elba has excellent hotels. Tourists will have the option to choose between a lively, social holiday in one of the Campo dell’Elba hotels on the coast, or a quiet and secluded holiday in the picturesque inland village. Both San Piero and Sant’Ilario are great little villages that offer great options of diverse Campo nell’Elba hotels and accommodations . You can also choose to stay in one of the Campo nell’Elba hotel select seaside villages like Cavoli, Seccheto, Fetovaia, and even the charming Island of Pianosa. The airport of La Pila is in the town of Campo and it efficiently connects the island of Elba with various Italian and European cities, even during the winter months.
The village of St. Hilary, situated on a hill 207 meters above sea level, gazes down upon the lovely Gulf of Marina di Campo. It is one of the oldest and most characteristic villages on the island. A Sant’Ilario you can see the Church of St. John, the largest primitive Christian temple on the Island of Elba. Along the road leading to San Piero you will find the stunning Tower of San Giovanni in Campo. This is a very important Pisan monument that dominates the surrounding landscape with its grandeur.
San Piero stands on the huge granite face of Monte Capanne at 227 meters above sea level. Here you can visit some of Elba’s most famous caves. They are all rich in minerals. The most famous are Fonte del Prete, Caviere, Vallicella and Grotta d’oggi.  Many geologists call Elba the “granite treasure chest” thanks to these caves. In San Piero you can also visit the important religious monument called the Church of St. Nicholas. This church was actually built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple.