2016-07-11 Portoferraio to Porto Azzurro, Isola d’Elba

Last year we visited Portoferraio in September on our way to Corsica and Sardinia

Last year we visited the port of Portoferraio in mid September on our way to Sardinia via Corsica

The main port does not appear to be as crowded as it was last time

The main port does not appear to be as crowded as it was on our last visit

Looking towards to where we moored overnight with Monte Capanne in the distance

Looking towards Monte Capanne in the distance, the highest mountain in Elba, which we visited while we were in Marciana Marina

As we have to return to Portoferraio in a couple of days to get some work done on the Tangaroa we decide to go to Azzurro on the for the west coast for a day or so

Again passing Fort Stella. As we have to return to Portoferraio in a couple of days time to get some work done on the Tangaroa, we decide to go to Azzurro on the west coast for a night and try a restaurant that we were unable to get into while there last year

We pass Villa dei Mulini which overlooks the sea is where Napoleon Bonaparte lived during his exile in Elba

On our way out of the port we pass Villa dei Mulini which has a commanding view over the sea. This is the main residence where Napoleon Bonaparte lived during his exile in Elba in 1814

Situated between Fort Falcone and Fort Stella, Villa dei Mulini is a simple building with pleasant gardens and a great sea view

Looking back towards Portoferraio as we head up to Capo Vita

As we head up the coast to Capo Vita we look back towards the town of Portoferraio

The town of Cavo almost on the north western tip of Isola d'Elba

The town of Cavo which is almost on the north eastern tip of Isola d’Elba

The amazing beach, Cala Seregola by the remains of and old iron ore mine

Heading south again down the north east coast towards Porto Azzurro, we pass the amazing beach called Cala Seregola, situated by the derelict buildings of and old iron ore mine

We approach the old mining town of Rio Marina

Continuing on we approach the nearby old mining town of Rio Marina

Along this north eastern part of the coast has the most incredible dark grey beaches

Along this north eastern part of the coast are the most incredible dark grey beaches

Market day in Rio Marina which today relies mostly on tourism

Market day today in Rio Marina

Rio Marina relies mostly on tourism nowadays rather than the income from iron ore. The mines of the area closed back in 1981

There are some lovely small beaches further down the coast such as the one at Ortano

There are some lovely small beaches further down the east coast of Elba, such as the one at Ortano

An alternative to being on a sandy beach!!

Back to our favourite little bay with the old fort near Porto Azzurro

Unfortunately a large motor yacht with it’s toys trailing behind, has conveniently taken up most of the bay

Just around the point we drop anchor in a small bay for a few hours to enjoy a swim and watch a happy young family having fun on the water

No doubt they were enjoying a sailing holiday too

Later in the afternoon we approach Porto Azzurro and make the decision to anchor out in the large bay by the town tonight

Again we arrive back to see the lovely town of Azzurro

After we freshen up for dinner and secure the Tangaroa in the large bay by Porto Azzurro, we go ashore to the town by dinghy

Passing the marina with the old hilltop town of Capoliveri in the background

Wall to wall restaurants along the alleyways of Azzurro

We arrive at Ristorante Tamata which Ric had booked the day before

We arrive early at Ristorante Tamata which Ric had booked the day before and was lucky to get a table for us. The restaurant only seats up to 25 people and only have one sitting during the evening

Patience while the waiter explains the intricacies of the menu !! We decide to order several delicious sounding seafood entrees from the menu to share

Ric orders some nice vino rosso

An amazing complimentary starter arrives which comprised of a margarita filled gel sphere which was eaten by raising the cube to the mouth!! This was served with a fish cake and a wasabi pea!!