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Walking on Elba island, the tuscan Gem

Both Venus, Roman Goddess of Beauty and Napoleon, all-powerful French emperor chose Elba Island as a great place to take a walking tour. You are in for exhilarating visits through picturesque fishing villages, along rugged coastlines and mountain ridges and on the dreamy, sandy island beaches. Find idyllic peace of mind as these invigorating walks warm your soul and inspire your body. Enjoy a climb up to the top of Monte Capanne and get that tingling feeling as you look out across the rich blueness of the Mediterranean Sea out to Corsica, mainland Italy and the Tuscan Archipelago. Experience paradise!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Italy and travel to the Island of Elba

From the airport go to the nearest train station and take a train to Piombino. Then board a ferry and marvel at the magical emerald blue Mediterranean Sea as you make your way to Portoferraio. At the port, a transfer will take you to the lovely hotel in Marina di Campo, where you stay for four nights.

Challenge: Train to Piombino and boat to Elba Island

Villages along the way: Portoferraio & Marina di Campo

Day 2-4: A selection of walks to choose from day 2 to 5: Marina di Campo round walk

We provide you with a wide array of marvelous walking tours to choose from, ranging from short and easy to longer and more demanding. This gentle walk is a pleasant introduction to the village of Marina di Campo and the Capo di Poro on her west side. Along the harbour and through steep streets, you slowly climb higher. The vegetation gets Mediterranean and every now and then you will be surprised by splendid views of the island. You end the hike with a gradual ascend and descend along small forest trails and stroll back to the centre of Marina di Campo.

Challenge: 8.6 km; 250 climb; 250 descent, 3.0 hours

Villages along the way: Marina di Campo & Capo di Poro

Day 2-4: Pomonte round walk

Travel along old mule roads, once used by pre-Roman rural dwellers. Breathe in the lavender as you climb the Valley of dei Mori. Splash along the waterfalls and stream of Fosso Barione reach a goat shelter on top of the ridge. Cross the Villanovan settlement of Le Mure (900 BD) as you make the steep descent back to Pomonte.

Challenge: 11 km; 750climb; 750 descent, 5-6 hours

Villages along the way: Pomonte

Day 2-4: Marciana & Madonna del Monte Santuario round walk

On the slopes of Monte Capanne, at an altitude of 357m lies Marciana. Travelling to Marciana, a long winding road offers spectacular views of a rocky coastline and tiny harbours. Marciana shows you a labyrinth of small street, gates and hidden squares, all filled with colourful flowers. An alley of elegant chestnut trees leads you from Marciana to the most important chapel of Elba: the Madonna del Monte Santuario. From here a splendid hike across the alpine terrain of Monte Capanne. A rocky trail leads you to the mountain ridge Bollero. A long, shady descend leads you across some streams back to Marciana.

Challenge: 7.0 km; 425 climb; 425 descent; 4-5 hours

Villages along the way: Marciana & the Madonna del Monte Santuario

Day 2-4: Monte Capanne to Sant' Ilario walk

Reaching the top of Monte Capanne, the highest on Elba (1018m.) means having the best, 360°C views of the island as well as the other Islands of the Archipelago, Corsica and mainland Italy. You start walking to Sant' Ilario at the terrace of the bar. The descent is through an open rocky area and the path leads you through a forest with a butterfly sanctuary. After a large pick nick area close to Monte Perone you continue towards Sant' Ilario on a forest track.

Challenge: 9.5 km; 75 climb; 825 descent, 4-5 hours

Villages along the way: Monte Capanne & Sant' Ilario

Day 2-4: San Martino-Villa Napoleon to Procchio walk

Ride the public bus to visit the old French emperor Napoleon's summer residence, Villa San Martino and imagine it's your own. Inside you will find the charming Demidoff Gallery with its glorious collection of statues and frescos. Follow onward along a trail winding through the enchanting beach resort of Procchio and amidst uncontaminated oak forests, passing hamlets and remote ruins.

Challenge: 7 km; 250 climb; 250 descent, 3 hours

Villages along the way: San Martino & Napoleon's summer residence

Day 2-4: San Pietro in Campo to Seccheto walk

Today is the day to explore the splendid, Mediterranean landscape above Marina di Campo during a gentle, pleasant walk. The hike starts in the small village San Piero in Campo. After a short climb through the village, the track leads you gently ascending along the mountain slopes. Marvellous views of the coastline and Marina di Campo, Vallebuia and Seccheto are your reward. A gradual descent along small trails through the garrigue and along a quite asphalt road to Seccheto for the last 2 km.

Challenge: 7 km; 100 climb; 300 descent, 4 hours

Villages along the way: San Piero in Campo & Seccheto

Day 2-3: Sant' Ilario to Procchio walk

The bus brings you to Sant' Ilario. This beautiful medieval town is the starting place for a nice and easy walk of 6 kilometres over mainly good paths and roads. The first part of the walk is in the open, the second part of the hike is shadier.

Challenge: 5,6 km, 75m in ascent, 250m in descent, 3 hrs

villages along the way: Sant' Ilario

Day 4: Arrivederci Elba!

The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked extra nights or other services with us. Transfer to Portoferraio and say "arrivederci" to the Elba Island as you ride the ferry to Piombino. 

Challenge: Boat ride to Piombino

Villages along the way: Portoferraio, Piombino