Patresi is particularly attractive for swimming and snorkeling, given the abundance of fish, marine life and variety of underwater landscape.
A canal situated on the side of the pier is used for small size boats’ access, and especially in the early morning one can see locals and tourists departing for fishing expeditions.
Down by the sea one can rest on a sun chair, enjoy a snack and witness the spectacular sunset from the little Café. Or rather choose to explore the rocky side of the bay, for a more nature-seeking experience.
Thanks to the wide variety of natural environments, in addition to marine activities, you can also engage in multiple land-based activities including mountain trekking (e.g. on the rocky summit of Monte Capanne over 1,000 metres high), seaside and hill walks, biking and mountain biking; or take sightseeing tours at local wineries (which have seen an important renaissance in recent years), and nearby towns, which offer a rich program of music, culinary experiences and other events throughout the summer.
From the house, through a private path, immediate access to the pier on the bay of Patresi, which has a sizeable section with large rocks, and a pebble beach as well. The water is amongst the clearest on the Island. From the pier children love to jump in the water, while one can access the sea also with a latter.
Just above Patresi Mare, there is Colle d’Orano, the closest village for everyday shopping, reachable in 15 minutes by foot going uphill on a beautiful path or in 7 minutes by car. In this area there are also several restaurants with stunning sunset positions.
The closest town, edging on the Northern side of Elba, at 15 minutes’ drive on the hillside of Monte Capanne, immersed in the fresh woods of ancient chestnuts and pine trees, is picturesque Marciana, which is a small but active centre of events and cultural life (with historic landmarks such as the Fortezza Pisana and the Archeological Museum); while only a bit further, going down to the sea, lies Marciana Marina (25 minutes from Patresi), with its charming port, a variety of shops, night life, waterfront restaurants, and the characteristic weekly market every Tuesday.
Going around the Island on the Southern side, one finds instead a very different landscape, with dramatic rock formations carved by wind and sea, and spectacular views over the southern islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (including Pianosa, Montecristo, and Giglio); in this direction, you will find a series of white sandy beaches, with clear turquoise water (including Fetovaia and Cavoli) at only 20 minutes by car from Patresi.
Elba can be reached by car, with a one-hour trip by ferry leaving from Piombino on the mainland and arriving at Portoferraio. Ferries leave Piombino every half hour; booking is strongly recommended in high season and week-ends.
From Portoferraio you will drive to Patresi in less than an hour. Detailed instructions to reach the House will be provided.
There is also a small airport near Marina di Campo, at about 35 minutes’ drive from Patresi. Tourists arriving by plane can arrange car rental at the airport.