The Elba Mare Marathon is one of the major italian kayak events, with tens of paddlers coming from Italy and abroad meeting in the wonderful sea of the Elba Island for a week of kayaking and more. On the Seakayakitaly website you can find the schedule of the 11th edition of the event, scheduled to begin Saturday June 21st, 2008

The program includes a tour of the Island of Elba divided into 5 stages for a total of 60 miles. This year there will also be a day of rescue techniques, and a 8 miles seakayak race.

if you need some extra motivation, you can get a copy of the current issue of Canoe & Kayak UK and read their special feature titled “Sea Kayaking Napoleon’s Island”.

Seahorses inhabit sea grass beds and coral reefs and they can be found both in temperate and tropical waters. The seahorse is among one of the most loved underwater creatures and, despite the smll size, a swimming seahorse represents quite an encounter even for the most experienced scuba diver.

As it is the case with many underwater species, seahorse numbers around the worl are falling. In many Asian cultures they are used in traditional medicine. Another growing trend is that seahorses are being collected for aquariums in the USA, Europe and Japan. Further still, the habitat of sea horses is under threat with declining zones of sea grass areas, coral reefs and mangroves throughout the world.

Seahorses are not yet considered endangered but they are red flagged as ‘threatened’ on several conservation lists. In the water surrounding Elba Island, where the embedded video has been shot, meeting a seahorse is not yet that difficult. We hope the same will be true for many years to come.

Watch more video like this on YouTube|

Spring is approaching and bikers all over Europe are preparing for a new season of outdoor adventures. From March to May Elba island is a real paradose for lovers of the two wheels. If you have doubts about, just look at this photo taken in the spring of last year.

To see the picture in a bigger size, click on it: Once the Flickr page has finished loading, click on the “ALL SIZES” icon located immediately above the picture.

Biking in Elba Island during spingtime
Originally uploaded by elbaflickr

“Archeotrekking” is one of the most interesting activities offered to guests at the Hotel Ilio throughout April, May, June, September and October.

It is a new exciting adventure involveing a sort of historical reconstruction of the area through its archeology, which can be enjoyed during a fun, relaxing walk. Comfortable shoes, suitable clothing, a rucksack for provisions and a path map is all you need to start your excursion along these ancient Elban ways. Guests can chose to be accompanied by an expert guide, but can also go on excursions alone.

One of the proposed routes runs from Marciana - where you can visit the Archeological Museum, with prehistoric, Etruscan and Roman finds, and the Pisan Fortress - up to the Santuario della Madonna del Monte, along a path rich in historical references. You can take a break along the path in order to admire the enchanting view, which extends right out to Corsica, or for a moment of reflection in one of the chapels along the way with the stations of the Via Crucis.

If you are feeling very fit, you can climb up to the peak of Mount Giove (855 metres above sea level), one of the most panoramic points on the whole island, where the wind-sculpted rocks have taking on disturbingly human forms. From here the path descends and leads down to the crystalline sea of Capo Sant’Andrea along an old mule path.
All the trips are led by environmental trip guides with insurance cover; the trips include a minibus service from the hotel to the starting point and vice versa.

For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d’Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.hotelilio.com

Elba is a perfect place for sea kayaking. The water is clear, and warm, and it’s often very calm, especially late spring through early fall. And there’s lots of gorgeous coastline and beaches to land on.

With 147 kilometres of coastline at your disposal you can easily find the spot that best suits your needs. However, if you are really into sea kayaking, I strongly suggest you plan a trip to Capo S. Andrea.

One of the possible itineraries back to Capo S.Andrea begins from the little beach in the port of Marciana Marina. Five magical miles along the coast there and back, passing by traditional Elba houses, the Cala and doubling the Punta del Nasuto and Madonna, a priceless land and sea scape.

If you are not confortable in kayaking alone or with your friend, you can join other sea kayak enthusiasts during he sea kayak weeks organised in the month of May by Hotel Ilio. The kayaks used for the excursions are the latest models, usually one-man, and each excursion is accompanied by an expert guide.

For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d’Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.hotelilio.com