ISOLA ELBA

6th Oct 2017. Elba Island.
Today we drove to Piombino to catch the ferry to Elba Island, about 2.5 hours from Rome. The ferries are huge taking up to 300 cars and trucks and take about an hour.
We arrived in Portoferraio, the main town on the island and drove the winding and often narrow roads to our unit, on the way being singled out by the local cabineri (police) for a random check. He asked if we spoke Italian and we said no, so he continued talking Italian. Why ask?? Gary just showed his licence and he sent us on our way.
The view from the unit is stunning, a beautiful sunset over a very calm ocean and so quiet all around. It makes up for a very narrow, bumpy road into the property and no signs at all to direct us.
Tomorrow we will explore the island further and drive to some other beaches. Now to get some well needed sleep

7th Oct 2017. Port Azzura
Up early for a quick walk to the nearest tiny beach less than 1 klm Like a lot on the island very pebbly beach and just a very small cove.
We drive along the windy roads to come to Port Azzura and find a local market on. Lots of tourists who seem to be mostly German and Swiss.

After checking out the market we sit for a nice gelato overlooking the waterfront. With our energy restored we go for a walk to the hilltop fort but find that it is actually a working military base so no going in there.
We decide to drive a bit further long the coast and find a small beach called Spiaggia di Barabarosa. Just a few tourists and some beautiful yachts, the weather is far warmer than we expected and Gary is brave enough to go for a swim I just had a paddle. The water is so clear it's nice to just sit and admire the beautiful view.
Back to our home base of Capoliveri and there is a festival in the village tonight, lots of locals and there is food and wine tasting for 5 euro. We had to check that out.

8th Oct 2017. Marina Di Campo
A nice cooked breakfast on our terrace and a wonderful morning view over the still ocean to start our day. It is so quiet here, just a cat purring at our feet and birds tweeting.
Heading off along the coast in a different direction today to explore other towns. There are beaches and small coves all the way along some accessible only by boat. It is quite mountainous with most towns being along the coast. Took and slight detour to the lovely beach of Lacona where another small market was set up and I bought a nice top to wear in this warm weather. Time for a coffee stop ( again) and a nice relaxing view over the small bay.

Continued along the coast to Marina di Campo, more of a fishing port with a lot of the beach occupied by private hotels. Some beaches have very little area's for the public and you then have to pay the 'deck chair mafia' to sit there. On the way back we called into one of the sandy beaches, most are pebbles. This was quiet busy and one guy decided to get changed out of his wet speedos on the beach, this is also quiet common, but the image is etched into my mind. George Clooney he was not. Back to the unit for another sunset.

9th Oct 2017. Marciana Marina & Portoferraio.
Heading to the north west coast today and a short detour to see the villa of Napoleon. He was exiled here for a short time but looks like no expense was spared to keep him comfortable. Unfortunately it was closed for the day so I hope he didn't mind me having a pee behind a tree in his driveway !!
Another harbour town that seemed to be more little pleasure boats than fishing fleet. A few tourist buses arrived, again mostly German but they sure don't stay long. I had only just looked in one shop and they were getting back on the bus maybe I take too long browsing. Sure glad we are not doing a tour, it's nice to stop wherever you want for as long as you want. Again the weather is perfect,cool mornings and evenings and about 22c in the day, quite warm here for this time of the year.