For English speakers heading to Elba
Review Submitted: July 31, 2008
Date of Stay: July 2008
This house is Capo Perla which is about 4 miles from Capoliveri not 2 as written in this property overview, we tested mileage in the car. You do need a car. We wanted to walk to town but it is too far in the heat so we had to hire a car in Capoliveri for about 35Euros per day. Also you need a car to get food from Capoliveri. We were picked up by Massimo who owns the house, when we arrived in Capoliveri. (Note it is about 60 euro taxi ride from the ferry to Capoliveri.)
He is a very kind, helpful man and he does not speak any English (he speaks other languages just not English) despite what were told when we booked through the Germany agent for the house. This was a problem as he could not tell us about the house, except to point. We wish we could have talked to him. It would have been so helpful. Note that Elba in general, offers very little in English. It is in German or Italian.
The house has wonderful sea views and is very close to the beach, you can explore other beaches around the island too. It is in a very quiet area. The house does not have a fans or AC and in the 40+ heat this was an issue for us. We bought a fan from Capoliveri. With open windows at night, you will get mosquitoes in the house and you will get bitten…this was a problem for us as a family. The house is clean. The rooms were very hot to sleep in but we did get some very unusually hot weather while there.
Also, you will deal with a German booking agent. They were helpful and it is said that they will send you a “passport” of information about Elba and the house. The English version is not very helpful and often it did translate at all. They should really have this document written by someone who writes in English….it has the potential to be so helpful…but it is not at all.
Capoliveri is lovely. It is safe and clean and has everything you will need. It comes alive after 9pm. If you have a car, go exploring, so many great beaches and nice towns and villages. Our kids tried to have pizza every day, (hey, we were on holiday) they really enjoyed searching for good pizza places in each town. Ask about jelly fish at the beaches you swim at. Our daughter did get stung and it is painful for a few days.
We loved Elba, and don’t want to discourage English speakers from going and we wanted to tell the truth about are experience in hopes that the booking agents and owner will take notice and provide proper information in English for future visits.
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Helpful votes: 4/5
