 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 The fabulous terrace
 La Terrazza dei Gabbiani
Outdoors: As its name would suggest, La Terrazza dei Gabbiani is centred on its impressive terrace, with all of its rooms opening onto it. In addition to the view towards the town and to the beautiful body of water known as the Gulf of Talamone, guests relaxing on the sun loungers can lazily watch the fishing boats making their way back to the harbour, each followed by hundreds of hungry seagulls.  Beautiful sea views
Despite its proximity to the harbour and town centre, the property’s location within a condominium that can only be accessed by a long flight of steps means that there is no passing traffic and the peaceful atmosphere amidst nature is retained. La Terrazza dei Gabbiani is situated slightly nearer the foot of this flight of 140 steps, but the road at the bottom leads only to a lighthouse and attracts few cars from the town – those relaxing under their parasol will not be disturbed!  The initial entrance gate At the entrance to the casetta, within the enclosed communal gardens, a courtyard area offers a shady alternative to the terrace and also has a barbecue that guests may make use of. Several fishmongers are based in mobile stalls along the port, and if you are unable to catch your own dinner then these make for a good alternative to throw on the grill.  Porto Santo Stefano harbour
Surrounding Area: At the foot of the steps there is a quiet little beach sitting adjacent to a hotel, which provides many amenities and will rent out deckchairs and parasols. Slightly further on, at the boundary of the port, the small Il Moletto beach is found behind an excellent restaurant.  Little nearby beach
Guests who have motorised transport and want to explore the beautiful coves on the west coast will find an abundance of sea-life and some very special panoramas. In the opposite direction, are the enormous sandy beaches of Giannella and Feniglia where convenience and safety replace the excitement of exploring a rocky cove.  View at the bottom of the road
An open-air cinema is located very close to La Terrazza dei Gabbiani, and the town of Porto Santo Stefano has a lot to offer. The smart marina is separated by the more functional port by a long boulevard where a crafts fair is sometimes situated, specialising in jewellery and leather goods from Tuscany. As well as being the embarkation point for day trips to the islands of Giglio and Giannutri, the fishing port is worth a visit for its trattorias. These bear no resemblance to the smart restaurants closer to the casetta, but can still be relied upon for an excellent meal. A visit to the medieval town should not be omitted either, though attempts to treat it as a shortcut from one port to the other should be treated with caution – the crazy winding network of steps and cobbles may take longer to navigate than the less direct boulevard. At the top of the town, near where the steps from La Terrazza dei Gabbiani emerge, a huge fort looms protectively over the harbour.  The kitchen corner
Indoors: A strong maritime theme characterises the living room of La Terrazza dei Gabbiani, which fully opens up onto the terrace. In the colder months a small dining table separates the kitchen corner from the rest of the room, and this can be moved out onto the terrace in the main season for al fresco meals. With a kettle and toaster as well as a washing machine, the kitchen is well equipped for British visitors. Both the double bedroom and the bunk-bedroom have a french window opening onto a side patio that leads to the main terrace. Back at the entrance to the apartment there is a shower room immediately to the right of the entrance hall.  The living room
 The master bedroom
Sightseeing: Porto Ercole, Orbetello, La Feniglia, Giglio, Giannutri, Rome, Tuscany.  A chic marina bar
Italian Islands Insight: La Terazza dei Gabbiani benefits from an excellent position at the quiet end of port, and while the steps leading up to it make it unsuitable for guests with mobility difficulties, it is these steps that preserve the peaceful, rural feeling that is so rare when coupled with the convenience of the town’s proximity. Plus the stairs can help you burn off all those extra calories consumed while feasting on Italy’s delicious food and ice cream! An imperious seagull!
With amenities, shops and restaurants all within walking distance, hiring a car is not a necessity. La Terrazza dei Gabbiani would be ideally suited to a small family who want fun and excitement nearby, but who also want a quieter place to retreat to in the evening, where they can appreciate and reflect upon the sea, ships and seagulls. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
