ITALIA AND ITS ISLANDS
We all know that Italy is beautiful, its islands are above everything. Most often small, none resembles the other and each one dazzles us.
On the mainland, not far from France, Portofino and Cinque Terre stand out. The first is a small authentic and colorful village, its port is at its heart, the surroundings are pleasant to visit. Cinque Terre, further east, is a kind of long village with spaced houses, built at the top of the cliff. No terrestrial access, the inhabitants cultivate a garden on the side of a cliff and artisanal staircases lead to the sea.
Heading south, the first island is Elba. Are harbor is very beautiful, surrounded by fortifications, and small local restaurants are there to delight you. Further south, you will admire the famous Giglio. But the goal is to arrive in the Pontine Islands.
Offshore, little Ponza . Just by approaching it, a swimming anchorage in its north, under the dazzling limestone cliffs and in its turquoise waters, is recommended. Then you will have a place in the port or drop anchor just in front, to go for a stroll in this charming beige granite village.
The next morning, a tour of the island and you will be amazed! What colors, what pretty landscapes. Some parts of the rocks are even bright orange. At the end of the day, if not the next day, crossing an hour for Ventotene. Totally different, its orange-beige, granitic rock is round and smooth, of uniform color. The little vegetation is bright green. Its tiny port welcomes boats up to 10 meters, the fishmongers all have their small restaurant, it's good, fresh and very friendly.
A Grand staircase leads to the village square, where as in all the Italian islands, the inhabitants are found.
Teenagers in meetings around their scooters, the little ones at games, the old ones on benches to remake the world. The next island, a little further out, is Ischia , one mile from the port of Naples. Apart from its pretty cachet, I didn't find it very interesting. On the other hand, an hour south, we are at the most famous, Capri . Grandiose, impressive, its cliffs whose summit is as far as the eye can see, dark gray contrasting with the colors of the village. In its port, the most beautiful yachts.
Its very fun taxis, whose multicolored tarpaulins replace the roofs, take you to this hilltop village of restaurants with fine and varied dishes, quality shops, the inhabitants so welcoming. During the day, bypassing the island to the east will make you discover the southern beaches, if the captain of your boat is reckless enough, he will take very narrow passages between two cliffs, in complete safety, to entertain you. Head east to visit the Amalfi Coast. Very well known, it is not for nothing. At the beginning, you will be able to anchor in the middle of three small islets, therefore under total protection, in a peaceful atmosphere, without neighbors, and pretty. The coast is wonderful. Small traditional villages with imposing bell towers, decorated with a thousand multicolored flowers.
The port of Amalfi is at the end of this coast, very congested and lively in the evening, this area is worth a visit. A long crossing to the South at the end of which you will be guided by the Stromboli . This still active volcano is a real spectacle at night.
You will then pass between Lipari and Vulcano, smelling of sulfur from its volcano, to go to Alicudi then Filicudi, two small beautiful and simple islands, where fishermen, offer you lunch at home, in their advanced beach huts. Longer navigation and appears the Egadi archipelago, west of Sicily. The little Maritimo and its white Greek-style houses will only welcome you if you are lucky enough to find a place in its tiny port.
The little Maritimo and its white Greek-style houses will only welcome you if you are lucky enough to find a place in its tiny harbor. I wish it for you. Otherwise, you will go to Favignana , its big neighbor.
The port is large, the village too, this flat island is made only of beige granite, even the constructions of its village. The Italians are very pleasant there, the anchorages quiet and safe. On your return to the south of Corsica, especially see Ustica . A tiny island in the open sea, I will also avoid telling you about it to leave you with the excellent surprise of its discovery. All of Sardinia is very beautiful, we will only discuss the subject of its Northeast. Porto-Cervo , the Sardinian Saint-Tropez, is of a much higher standard than our Provencal village. Its bay is closed, finally, a narrow opening allows yachts to enter the port. Total protection. Everything is very expensive there. Luxury is everywhere, even the buildings in the village on the hillside. Everything is very beautiful, it is to be seen. End of our trip to Italy, The Maddalena archipelago , the largest island of which bears this name. Superb village, populated and lively.
In the north of the island, a very technical navigation in very weak funds, between the stones, will allow you to find yourself alone in a paradise. Further west, the island of San Stephano is nothing particularly interesting, but its neighbors Budelli and Santa Maria are exceptional. Turquoise, transparent waters, calm anchorages, beautiful landscapes and the pink beach on Budelli , where the sand is really that color. I can tell you all about the Mediterranean. You will have leisure to read it soon in my book, " Le Petit Capitaine ". If you want to know more about Sicily, the Adriatic, Greece or Turkey , I suggest you ask me, through our Contact page. Good sailing and lots of fun!
