Corsica, Elba

[DutchDan]

Hi,

This summer we will go to Elba andCorsica. What are the good places to go to?
nice bays, towns, ports etc. We are with our children (they love swimming, scuba diving, beaches).

Dan

 

[capt_courageous]

We have never been to Elba but Corsica is beautiful. We stayed near Porto Vecchio. The local beaches are very nice. Not too large but clean white sand and a clear warm sea - perfect for kids to swim - snorkel or scuba. Explore a bit and you can still find quiet bays if you are prepared to walk. Also do go inland to the mountains - Bavella in particular. Pink granite peaks which actually look like they do in the brochures. By far the nicest place we have been to in the Med. Have a great time - I am sure you will love it. When the kids get too much to bear try the local chestnut beer.

 

[aluijten]

Hi,
Last September we've been to Calvi, on the north-west side. It is a beatyful part of the island. It's claimed to be the sailing capital of Corsica. If you want to rent a boat there you need to be quick, most of the fleet is reserved by now.
The coastline is stunning. Driving in the inlands takes a lot of time. If you want, I have a Imray chart available (code M6).
Arno

 

[whisper]

Hi Dan and welcome.
I've had a search through an old log-book as we chartered a yacht from Piombino and sailed to Elba and Corsica in 2003. Here are some opinions :-
1) <u>Elba</u> - lovely island and lovely people.
Portoferraio - lots of atmosphere/character and very beautiful. Lots of restaurants/shops. An enjoyable "trip" would be around Napoleon's Villa dei Mulini. Don't bother to go to his Country Villa out of town.
Porto Azzuro Small, very pretty, beaches nearby, scuba diving
Marina di Campo - pleasant - I cannot remember much about it other than the restaurant/bar floors get very slippery after 22.00hrs /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif .There may be scuba diving here as well but I'm not sure.
Marciana Marina - not been there but allegedly very nice. A good trip would be to go up Mt.Capanne by cable car. It isn't actually a marina as such, but an attractive small harbour.

<u>Isola Capraia</u> - lovely little island - small harbour - worth a walk up to the peaceful village and a look at the now disused gaol buildings as the island used to be a penal colony. A very spooky/scary atmosphere I thought.

<u>Corsica</u> - We didn't find it quite as friendly as Elba but :-
Bastia - interesting to moor in the "vieux port" - lots of character but maybe a slightly ominous atmosphere. Don't moor there if a maestrale is forecast and beware of large rocks just off the quay. A big town so lots to explore.
Macinaggio - a small village with a few restaurants in the middle of nowhere. A very helpful chandler. Otherwise not really worth visiting. Is now a base for atleast one yacht charter company.
St.Florent - lovely little town in a shallow bay. Entrance difficult to see unless you are very near. Large beaches quite close.

The coldest I have ever been, whilst sailing , was on the trip from St.Florent to Capraia. It was so cold, no one wanted to be helmsman. I was wearing every shirt that I had with me, all at the same time. This was in the middle of April and is unusual apparently.

I think all the places mentioned will get very busy in the Summer so it would be wise to arrive as early as you can.
Hope the above is useful and that you all have a good time.

 

[DutchDan]

thank you very much for your suggestions.

Dan