 Il Cotone is the oldest part of Marciana Marina, Elba. So, what's it like to be on this "civilized" kayaking trip? Ah. Well, a typical day starts with the breakfast buffet at Hotel Yacht Club.  After breakfast walk a few blocks along the embarcadero to meet Sea Kayak Italy owner and guide, Gaudenzio Coltelli at the kayak center. Pick up your kayaking gear and discuss plans for the day. The photo below shows the beach near the kayak center with a crowd of Italian paddlers ready to do the annual Elba Maremaraton circumnavigation. The second shot shows the SKI "fleet" of kayaks.   Gaudenzio decides on the paddle for the day taking into consideration the desires and skills of the group, and the weather. If it's breezy on the north shore he can put the kayaks on the trailer and drive to a more protected part of the island for the day's tour.   Mary Marcia and JoeAfter paddling for an hour or two there's a rest stop on a beach for a picnic lunch or you can buy food from a seaside cafe. Here's a shot of Barbara with Duillio, the owner of La Sirena, one of our regular stops in San Andrea just west of Marciana Marina. Try one of his tasty salads. In this photo we're celebrating his fiftieth year in business.  Below is one of the lovely beaches you'll visit. You can swim, relax, and with Gaudenzio's instruction, practice cool kayaking moves like rolls and braces.     Some folks stay on the beach and relax, and the enthusiasts might paddle off to see what's beyond the next point. Then you'll head back to the protected harbor at Marciana Marina to land and put away the gear. It's a short walk back to Hotel Yacht Club to clean up and rest. Before dinner you may want to meet your friends at nearby bar for an aperitif. Marciana Marina is known for great dining options.  After dinner you can stroll the nighttime avenues of Marciana Marina in the traditional Passeggiata. Some stores in town are open until midnight. If you can stay awake that long, you can shop. Here's a map of Marciana Marina. Zoom out for a view of Elba Island, and Italy. Call or write me if you have any questions.  Best, Barbara Moss Beach, CA 94038 Home Studio: 650-728-8720 Mobile: 650-430-1094 bkossy@coastside.net |