Hotel Yacht Club: the village of Marciana Marina
Marciana Marina, one of the most picturesque villages of the island of Elba, is framed like a precious jewel among the rocky cliffs. On one side you find the old harbour, in the back the granite massif of the Monte Capanne mountain and on the other side the small touristical harbour protected by the anciant Pisan Tower. The town counts 2.000 inhabitants and is famous for its touristical value and services.
The harbour is dominated by beautiful fortified pisan tower (VII cent. A.D), that became, since then, the defense and the emblem of the town.
On the opposite side of the gulf lies 'Il Cotone' the oldest part of Marciana Marina which hosted at its origins only some houses of Ligurian and Napolitan fishermen and sailors.
The link with the past, when centuries of history and popular culture have interlaced a strong social and urban web, is easy to feel walking along the seafront with its tamarins, or through the inner lanes, along the precious and small pieces of land, jeallously surrounded by strong walls and carefully cultivated.
The sea influenced marciana marina as well as the old farming traditions. The large amount of fish and the protected harbour always helped the fishing activities and the people from Marciana Marina were always good navigators and mariners and distinguished themselves as famous captains and admirals.
Also very beautiful and absolutely to see are the surroundings of Marciana Marina which are worthwhile a longer visit.
Poggio and Marciana for example, two old mountain villages, one in front of the other. They can be reached over the road that leads to the Monte Capanne mountain. From these villages you have a breathtaking panoramic view over the valley and the gulf of Marciana Marina, and the islands of the tuscan archipelago Capraia and Gorgona.
Marciana Marina offers numerous services for the tourists spending their vacation in this town:
Assistance: Marciana Marina disposes of all necessary services: two banks, post office, pharmacy, first aid and public assistance, information office, all in the center of town.
Sailing: the Circolo Velico, one of the best organised on the island, disposes of 150 places for boats and organises events of national and international importance. A lot of side services are offered like boat storage or rental.
Sports: The tennis club disposes of two courts, other courts are available in the surrounding hotels.
The 'Circolo della Vela' organises sailing lessons for kids and adults on various boat types. Marciana Marina hosts also the headquarters of 'Elba Sea Kayak' who organises sea kayak lessons.
Restaurants: Marciana Marina disposes of over 30 restaurants and pizzerias, some of them mentioned in important international restaurant guides.
Shopping: there is only the pain of the choice. On the beach promenade and in the historical center you can find fine handicrafts, art objects and fashion clothing.
Excursions: during the summer excursions over the sea around the island and to the island of Capraia. A particular excursion can be done with an 'over-water-submarine', a boat with a glass bottom so that you can admire the marine flaura and fauna of the island.
Many are the possibilities for the trekking appassionates. From Marciana and Poggio are departing beautiful trails through the woods and the macchia vegetation up to the summit of the Monte Capanne (1.019 meters) allowing a panoramic view over the whole island and the tuscan archipelago. From April to October a cable way allows you to reach the summit of the Monte Capanne without any effort.
The beaches: always fresh because of the northern direction, never overcrowded and with clean, clear waters. Beside the village are the 'town beaches' of Fenicetta and Fenica. A nice walk leads you to the beaches of Cala and Caletta on the west side of the village and on the raod between Marciana Marina and Procchio you can find small sandy bays and flat cliffs that can be reached with a short walk from the main road.
Internet: 1 internet point exists in the historical town center.