2016-07-16 Esaom Cesa Marina, Portoferraio, Isola d’Elba to Porto Capraia, Isola Capraia
Goodbye to the friendly non English speaking captain from the motor boat on our starboard side. It is amazing the conversations we had regardless!!Time to leave the marina and continue our journeyLooking back to Easom Cesa Marina with Monte Capanne in the backgroundGoodbye to the lovely port of Portoferraio
We finally leave Isola d’Elba and head north west towards the island of Capraia which will take us about 3 hours of motoringLooking back to the wonderful Isola d’Elba where we have spent over 2 weeks this year, not to mention around 10 days last yearFinally we approach the small island of Capraia which is also one of the Islands adjacent to the Tuscan coast, situated around 32 kms from Elba, 30 kms to Corsica and 62 kms to LivornoAs we approach Capo Ferraione the Genoese fort, the white square lighthouse and the old Genoese watch tower stand out clearly on the capeThe conspicuous fort which is called the Fortress of St George was apparently built by the Genoese in 1540As there were no spaces available in the port, with the assistance of port staff, we moored fore and aft in the bay on their permanent mooringsThis is the first time we have seen this system of mooring while cruising the MedWe take our dinghy and do a little tour up a small river by the port where the locals keep their small boats, runabouts and dinghiesBack towards the Tangaroa and then we go into the main port
Pretty pastel coloured houses line the foreshore of Porto CapraiaChurch of the Assunta is situated close to the portThe simple interior of the Church of the AssuntaWe caught the bus to the town above the port and got off in the main town squareChurch of St Nicola in the main square in the upper townThe fortress is built on a huge solid rock outcrop overlooking the waterFrom the walls of the fortress graduating down and joined by channels are large deep rectangular and square troughs carved into the rock. Perhaps created for water runoff from the walls for collection and storage or even used for bathing or washing in past timesGreat views of the sea from here
We pass a very upmarket hotel with guests very relaxed overlooking the sea
The blue and white colour theme certainly stands out!!The facade of the Chiesa del Carcere di Capraia appears to have recently been restoredA great mini market that sells everything from vegetables to oven mittens!!
When we came back down to the port we noticed the boats were starting to fill up the berthsWe head back to the Tangaroa to freshen up for dinner at La Garitta at 9 pmThe harbour is tightly packed tonight with visiting yachts
On recommendation from an Italian boat owner who spends a lot of time around Capraia, we book a table at La GarittaAn interesting mural on the staircase leading to the restaurantWhat a pleasant surprise it was to be led to a table in the restaurant which was again up another level, outside in the open air and with a wonderful view of the surrounding bayA fabulous view of the bay from our table, including a glimpse of the TangaroaAgain Ric chooses a nice vino rosso to have with our dinner tonightOur share entree was a combination of freshly steamed mussels, prawns and calamari which were all deliciousTonight we have the swordfish cooked in the oven with potatoes and tomatoesThe panna cotta dessert we shared was amazing with the melted dark chocolate on topWe were pleased with this delightful restaurant which was recommended to us. The food was fresh and good, the staff were efficient and friendly and the venue was certainly wonderfulBack in the dinghy carefully for our trip to the Tangaroa moored in the bay
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