42:48.31N 10:19.38E Elba

Ariel of Hamble
Jim and Valerie SHURVELL
Thu 29 Jul 2010 19:50

42:48.31N   01:19.38E    Elba

 

We left Capraia and motor sailed to Elba covering a distance of 25.37 miles.  Elba is described as “the largest, richest and most beautiful island of the Archipelago Toscano” and from what we have seen it is truly a good description.  The island is mountainous with Mount Capanne over 3,343 feet high.  The slopes everywhere are green and palms, eucalyptus, cedars and pine grow everywhere. They cultivate olives and vines and while we were out we bought a dry white Elba direct from the vine yard.  Ferries bring tourists and cars from Piombino 6 miles away on the main land.

In ancient times Elba was important for iron ore but the last mine closed in 1984.  Pirates preyed upon Elba and back in 1564 a fleet of 42 ships were sighted off Elba.  In the 17th and 18th centuries the anchorage at Portoferraio was used by France, Spain, Italy and England.  Elba’s most famous resident was Napoleon who spent 9 months here after the fall of Paris in 1814.  With him came soldiers, 100 grenadiers and light infantry and 600 others and the navy ship “Incontant”.  He constructed roads and modernised Portoferraio but all the time he was working out how he could get back to France.  On 26th February, 1815 he left on the “Incontant” managing to evade the naval patrols and sailed to France. 

Jim and I walked up to his house on the cliff but as it a little run down we didn’t spend the 14 euros to go in. Although looking at the Elba book we bought later it did look very fine inside and an opportunity missed.

We anchored for 3 nights in the bay at Portoferraio overlooking the old town.  Jim and I walked into Portoferraio to view the castle and watch the world go by on the quay as this is one of the most expensive harbours in this part of Italy. There were a lot of motor cruisers of several decks but we decided it was much to noisy as it was right by the road as well and we were better off at anchor.

Behind the harbour of Portofferraio are mostly 18th century buildings in shades of cream all in view of the 16th century citadel which was built by Cosmino I, Duke of Florence.  The town has a charm of its own.

The next day we hired a car and viewed as much of the island as possible.  It has marvellous scenery, lots of very nice sandy beaches and a great place for a holiday.  We can see why the Italians flock to Elba.

For the 4th night we relocated to the bay at Procchio.  The hotel on the beach had a wedding party in the evening and we were treated to live singing all evening, a fire eating act and at midnight fireworks.

We had hoped for an early start for Corsica but the southerly wind has stopped us. Perhaps tomorrow!!!

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