Elba to Calvi: A Tuscan-Corsican Hop
The scent of wild maquis and salt spray fills the air as your yacht slips from Elba’s historic harbour. This is a journey of two islands, a tale of Tuscan charm and Corsican fire. Navigate from Napoleon's exile island, with its pine-fringed coves and pastel villages, across the sea to Capraia's volcanic solitude. The final act unfolds along Corsica's rugged coastline, where formidable Genoese citadels stand guard over chic harbours and untamed beaches, culminating in the iconic bay of Calvi.
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- DAY 01
Portoferraio, Elba
Embark in the historic heart of Elba, where the imposing Medici fortresses guard a harbour brimming with history. Settle into your yacht, feeling the gentle sway at the dock, as the town's terracotta roofs glow in the afternoon sun. The air is thick with anticipation for the week ahead, a blend of Italian coffee and the salty promise of the sea.
- Explore Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's official island residence.
- Climb to Forte Stella for commanding views of the harbour.
- Swim in the crystalline waters of Spiaggia delle Ghiaie.
- Wander the cobbled lanes of the old town centre.
- Anchorage
- Marina di Portoferraio
- Dining
- Ristorante Le Viste
- DAY 02
Golfo della Biodola, Elba
A short morning cruise reveals the magnificent golden arc of Biodola bay. The anchor drops into turquoise water, surrounded by hillsides cloaked in Mediterranean scrub. Spend the day indulging in watersports from the yacht's swim platform or simply relaxing on the fine sand of one of Elba's most celebrated beaches.
- Deploy the water toys in the sheltered bay.
- Enjoy a long lunch at a chic beachfront restaurant.
- Snorkel the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach.
- Take the tender to the quieter neighbouring beach of Scaglieri.
- Anchorage
- Anchor in Golfo della Biodola
- Dining
- Lunch at Ristorante da Lido, dinner on board
- DAY 03
Marciana Marina, Elba
Navigate west to the sophisticated fishing village of Marciana Marina. Pastel-hued buildings line a charming waterfront promenade, watched over by an ancient Pisan watchtower. The town exudes a quiet elegance, a perfect spot to enjoy an evening passeggiata before dining on fresh, local seafood.
- Stroll the elegant lungomare from Cotone to the tower.
- Take the cable car from Marciana Alta to the peak of Monte Capanne.
- Browse the stylish boutiques for unique souvenirs.
- Discover the secluded beach of La Paolina.
- Anchorage
- Porto di Marciana Marina
- Dining
- Ristorante Salegrosso
- DAY 04
Fetovaia & Marina di Campo, Elba
Cruise along the sun-drenched southern coast to Fetovaia, a jewel of a cove protected by a wild, green promontory. The water here is an almost impossible shade of blue, inviting a day of swimming and relaxation. As evening approaches, a short hop brings you to the lively town of Marina di Campo for the night.
- Anchor in the turquoise waters of Fetovaia bay.
- Snorkel around the granite rock formations.
- Relax on the talcum-powder white sand.
- Explore the bustling waterfront of Marina di Campo.
- Anchorage
- Anchor off Marina di Campo
- Dining
- Ristorante Da Piero
- DAY 05
Capraia Island, Italy
An invigorating open-water passage leads to the volcanic island of Capraia, a remote outpost of the Tuscan Archipelago. This is a place of wild, untamed nature, a designated national park with a rugged coastline and pristine waters. The quiet harbour village feels a world away from the mainland, offering a moment of true tranquility.
- Hike a section of the island's extensive trail network.
- Swim in the dramatic red-hued waters of Cala Rossa.
- Explore the Forte di San Giorgio overlooking the harbour.
- Discover the island’s former penal colony.
- Anchorage
- Porto di Capraia
- Dining
- Il Carabottino
- DAY 06
Macinaggio, Cap Corse, Corsica
Cross the sea to France, making landfall at Macinaggio on the northern finger of Corsica. The landscape becomes instantly more dramatic, with high peaks plunging into the sea. This bustling fishing port is the gateway to the wild Cap Corse peninsula and its famous coastal path, the 'Sentier des Douaniers'.
- Walk a portion of the Sentier des Douaniers to a secluded beach.
- Take the tender to explore the nearby Finocchiarola Islands nature reserve.
- Discover the ruins of the Genoese towers that dot the coast.
- Enjoy a glass of local Muscat wine at a quay-side bar.
- Anchorage
- Port de Plaisance de Macinaggio
- Dining
- U Pescadore
- DAY 07
Saint-Florent, Corsica
A spectacular cruise down the western side of Cap Corse brings you to the Gulf of Saint-Florent. The town itself is a chic hub, with a vibrant marina, a 15th-century citadel, and a maze of old streets. It is also the gateway to the Désert des Agriates, a protected wilderness with some of Europe's most beautiful beaches.
- Take the tender to the pristine Plage de Saleccia or Plage du Lotu.
- Explore the narrow streets and ramparts of the Citadel.
- Arrange a wine tasting tour in the nearby Patrimonio region.
- People-watch from a cafe in the Place des Portes.
- Anchorage
- Port de Saint-Florent
- Dining
- La Gaffe
- DAY 08
L'Île-Rousse, Corsica
Navigate to the alluring town of L'Île-Rousse, named for the red porphyry rocks of its peninsula. Founded by Corsican patriot Pasquale Paoli, the town has a different feel to the Genoese ports, with a charming central square and a wonderful covered market. The ambiance is relaxed, inviting a slow exploration on foot.
- Walk the causeway to the lighthouse on the Île de la Pietra for sunset.
- Sample local cheeses and charcuterie at the Marché Couvert.
- Swim at the town's beautiful Plage de Rindara.
- Play a game of pétanque with the locals in Place Paoli.
- Anchorage
- Anchor in the bay of L'Île-Rousse
- Dining
- Le Grand Large
- DAY 09
Calvi, Corsica
Your final cruise is a short one, into the magnificent bay of Calvi. The yacht anchors beneath the watchful gaze of the colossal Genoese citadel, its ramparts dominating the scene. Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, soaking in the view of the marina and mountains, before disembarking with memories of two distinct island cultures.
- Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Calvi Citadel.
- Take a final swim in the calm waters of the bay.
- Stroll along the bustling Quai Landry, lined with restaurants.
- Shop for Corsican crafts on Rue Clemenceau.
- Anchorage
- Port de Calvi
- Dining
- A final breakfast on board overlooking the citadel.
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Destinations on this route
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- Elba Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Italy
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Calvi Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Corsica Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Tuscan Archipelago Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Portoferraio Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Capraia Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
Berths on this route
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- Capraia Isola harbour
Berth or call on this route
- Marina di Campo
Berth or call on this route
- Marina di Portofino
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Yachts for this route
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