Next stop, Porto Azzurro on the SE side of Elba.

Once again we're motoring in really light winds but did enjoy looking at the coastline and spotting a lone dolphin! Elba is really green but we couldn't help but notice that the cactus are suffering with droopy and sagging heads... suggesting lack of water?

The anchorage is a decent size and well protected and only open to the East but depths vary greatly. We anchored in 9m just off the village.

The village is backed by tall red mountains. It's small but really pretty with palm trees, flower filled troughs and hanging baskets everywhere. It's geared up for the tourist with several craft shops selling coral jewellery, ceramics, paintings, tapestry and souvenirs of Napoleon. The island even has it's own perfume Acqua dell'Elba, a fragrance inspired by the abundant wildflowers and ocean scents. Historically, the citadel was a prison for hardened criminals, both the political and mafioso type, and the original name of the fortress, Longone, has always been associated with criminals in Italy. The name of the village was changed to Porto Azzurro to break this association and attract tourists to this beautiful spot - judging by the numbers of tourists here the ploy has worked well.

The central square is elegant, with ample cafes and restaurants - some of which overhang the waterfront.



Total distance this season: 465.36 nautical miles