Frequently Asked Questions
How far are you from the sea?
We are only 1,000 m from the beach of Lido di Capoliveri but we can see the sea from the farm. The beach is equipped with umbrellas, deckchairs to rent, toilets and parking; part of the beach is free and you can set up your umbrella and stay for as long as you like. There are other beautiful beaches equipped with parking and toilet facilities that are 5-10 minutes away by car.
How can we reach the sea?
The closest beach is 4 minutes away by car (Lido di Capoliveri) and 8/10 minutes by bicycle. We don’t recommend walking to the beach under the scorching summer sun!
What happens if I book and send my deposit but I can’t come in the end?
For cancellations up to 60 days before arrival we refund the deposit in full. Up to 30 days before arrival we withhold 50% of the deposit paid. If you cancel outside of these terms the entire amount will be withheld. If, however, we are able to re-rent the apartment at the same price, we will return the deposit in full. If we re-rent the apartment at a lower price we will refund an amount, proportional to what we receive. If the booked apartment has not been re-rented, it is possible to use the deposit for another holiday period or even for the next season. No refund will be paid for holidays that are cut short.
Where can we shop?
We have a small Coop supermarket at 800m from the farm, which can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle. There is a teller machine close by, a fishmonger’s, a petrol station, a newsagent’s, cigarettes, telephone recharging cards, without having to go into the town.
Are you very isolated? Is there someone there in the evening?
We live a few hundred meters away from the guest apartments on the farm. Porto Azzurro is 2.5 Km. away, 3 minutes away by car and 10 minutes by bicycle. The town has a doctor’s surgery, chemist, shops, restaurants, supermarkets. There is a market on Saturdays in the square of the post office. We are secluded, but not isolated.
Do mobile phones work on the farm?
There is an excellent line for all mobile phones.
Are there problems for my young son?
The holiday farm was born around the family to increase the pleasure of staying with our children. The children can play in safety and freedom with other children. We have a playground, and lots of space for open-air games. If necessary, the hospital of Portoferraio has a highly equipped paediatric ward with very competent doctors. We also have an arrangement with a Paediatrician, who can come directly to the farm if necessary.
Can I bring the bicycle for my family and me?
Elba Island can be discovered by bicycle in all its splendour. It is easy to reach the beaches by bicycle. It is possible to go shopping by bicycle. It is possible to reach the port in early morning to watch the fishing boats come in. It is also possible to rent bikes, if you don’t want to bring your own.
What do I have to bring from home?
The apartments are fully furnished and equipped. The kitchens have all they need for cooking. For coffee lovers, we suggest you bring your own coffee machine, which always makes the best coffee. The kitchens and kitchenettes have a hob with 3 gas rings and one electric ring, 60 litre fridge, and all necessary cooking utensils: plates, cutlery, glasses, pots and pans, cups, can opener etc. There is no oven or dishwasher. We do not provide kitchen linen: table cloths and tea towels.
Is breakfast included in the price?
The price agreed includes apartment rental with water, gas, electricity, use of external wood powered BBQ, use of the swimming pool including equipment (umbrella, deckchair, table, showers), final cleaning and bedroom and bathroom linen changed weekly. There is also a safety deposit box, colour TV, wireless internet access, covered unguarded parking, table-tennis. The price does not include daily tidying and cleaning of the apartment. Midweek cleaning, swimming pool linen and kitchen linen are not included and, naturally, breakfast, lunch and dinner are also excluded.
What time should I arrive, to book the ferry?
The apartments are vacant after 4pm and before 8pm. If you arrive after 8pm an extra charge of € 15 will be charged; always advise us by phone. Our holiday farm is not a hotel; we don’t have a night porter, but if we know you are delayed we can organise your welcome at any time.
How can I book?
We take bookings by phone, fax or through our website. They are valid from the time we receive a 30% deposit of the total, which can be sent by current account bank cheque, bank draft, postal order, (or postal cheque as it is now called), or bank transfer.
To pay the balance, do I have to bring cash?
You can settle the payment by cheque or Bancomat, Eurocard – Mastercard – Visa credit card. There is an ATM at 800 m from the farm.
Can I wash my clothes?
We have a washing machine, which can be used at any time of the day, at a cost of 3 € per wash, inclusive of washing powder, which we provide. There are also laundrettes at Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio.
Can we bring our dog?
Dogs and cats are always welcome. Naturally we ask owners to follow a few simple rules of good manners. Do not dirty the children’s playground. Do not leave them alone if they are not used to it, to avoid them barking for a long time in a place unfamiliar to them.
Can we bring our dog on the beach?
It is forbidden to bring dogs on almost all beaches due to an order of the Harbour Office. During the low season, on less crowded beaches, well-educated dogs are frequently tolerated. In any case, a few hundred metres from the farm there is a “dog beach”, a section of coastline equipped with umbrellas and deckchair, ideal for going to the sea with our four-legged friends. The beach is clean and well-kept.
Are there water problems in summer?
The farm has its own wells as well as being connected to the public water system in case of any emergency. We have our own drinking water system. We have never had any problem of water shortages in the last twenty years. Even if saving this precious resource is very important to us.
In what way is your holiday farm different from a hotel or residence?
To do farm tourism means spending a holiday period on a farm, living in contact with the countryside and nature and the people, depositories of a wealth of traditions which is lost in remotest time and fascinating for anyone who wants to become acquainted with it. If a holiday in the countryside is experienced with this kind of spirit, you will personally appreciate the difference between the two types of accommodation. Naturally, the holiday can also be lived by simply secluding oneself in a tranquil place and relaxing, “cutting ourselves off” for a time from the world that surrounds us. Or by going to the seaside non-stop. Each of us lives our holiday in our own way. We simply try to offer a few opportunities. We assure you that each day we commit ourselves to making your holiday a delightful one. It is very important to us because we are very attached to our island and want you to enjoy it in full. We have personally followed the renovation work of the apartments we rent and try to take care of every detail. We personally take care of our guests to provide all types of assistance. We would like them to keep a memory of a perfect holiday on our farm.