It is just over two weeks since we returned to Dolce Farr Niente. The first week we were held up at Blue Dolphin Marina, our Homa in Roma, while a few jobs were completed. We used the time to clean the boat, get things ready on board for the coming season and explore more of Fiumicino.

Our plan is to head northwest up the coast to the Tuscan archipelago, cross to the island of Elba, on to Corsica and Sardinia, then back to our Homa in Roma… …all at a leisurely, relaxing pace.

Our first stop, Santa Marinella, was an unexpected delight. The little harbour is close enough to Rome to be popular with local boaters. The beach is all but deserted now, one can imagine how busy this place is when the season is in full swing. The castle that overlooks the marina dates back to the 12th century. It is now a popular wedding venue, during the 50s and 60s it was frequented by the likes of Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck and Rock Hudson. The statue, obviously inspired by the famous photo taken in NYC at the end of the war, is called Embracing Peace or Total Surrender.

At our next stop, Cala Galera, we are officially on the Tuscan coast.

After Cala Galera, we made the jump to Elba. Napoleon was exiled to Elba in 1814. Our first night on Elba we spent at anchor. It was so nice to jump off the boat and have a swim. From there we went to Porto Azzurro which may now be my most favourite spots ever. The pastel stucco buildings around the harbour remind me of the Greek island of Symi (which I also love). There is a big piazza and many shops and restaurants all waiting for us to explore.

There may be more on Elba in the next post, we are likely to make one or more stops before we make the jump to Corsica.