On the 19th August we lifted anchor from the bay in Portoferraio and went into Esaom marina.

Living at anchor is free but the only way to go sightseeing is to have Tioram safely tied to the dock.

We hired a car for the day to explore the interior. This lush island has a beautiful coastline but equally lovely hilltop villages now grown into chic tourist locations.

The roads around Elba are chaotic to say the least with long traffic jams of stationary traffic, especially in August when the whole of Italy seems to take a month off.

Despite this we managed to see most of the Island.

Capoliveri is a stunning hilltop village with historic architecture, flag stoned streets and alleyways, beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and coastline and of course great 'gelato' shops.

Many years ago, Porto Azzuro once a fishing village became synonymous with the mafia when the prison was built nearby to house the most famous of formidable criminals. In recent years it has re invented itself as a coastal tourist location complete with chic shops and a lovely protected bay and tiny marina. We couldn't get in with the boat as there wasn't room in the busy anchorage, easier to visit by car.

We continued to see Poggio and Marina di Marciana both very nice bays and small fishing harbours on the coast. 

Well worth a visit.

Photos of .....

Touring Elba, Capoliveri, Porto Azzuro, Poggio, Marina Di Marciana

More photos on next two blogs.

Love to all

T and T xx