Itineraries in Italy: Elba Island

Elba by bicycle

Racing or mountain biking round the island

Paths on Elba

There are numerous paths for trekking on Elba

Free Climbing on Elba/h3>
Climbing on the island of Elba

Trekking on Elba

Walking along the paths on the island surrounded by breathtaking views

Kayaking on Elba

Kayaking along the coast of Elba

A stroll between the sea and mountains – Itinerary 1

THE ITINERARIES by ELBATUTTANATURA®

A brief excursion from Capo Sant’Andrea (10 m a.s.l.) to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain (630 m a.s.l.) and back. Time: 5 hours

This excursion is a walk for the reasonably fit, or for those who, without too much exertion, want to walk among the green forests for a few hours and then have a swim at the end in the translucent sea off the north-western coast of the island.
Leaving Capo Sant’Andrea, at sea level, in the early morning, the walk climbs up to an old stone mule track (still in perfect condition) at La Zanca, and then path 13 is taken, which leads through one of the most beautiful forests on Elba in about 30 minutes. Continuing through secular chestnuts and other tall trees, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain (630 m) is reached in about 2 hours. Here, there is fresh water in the fountains in the cloister and pleasant shade provided by the secular chestnut trees, black locust trees and pines surrounding the area.

Optional itinerary A). The area surrounding the sanctuary is rich in archaeological findings dating back to the Bronze Age, when the area was inhabited by people from Liguria and the Apennines, who were mainly farmers. To visit these caves, dolmens and “goat pens”, the path towards the north should be taken for a few hundred metres beyond the Sanctuary, reaching the rocky complex known as “L’Aquila”.

Optional itinerary B). For those who like climbing up high, the dominant peak of Monte Giove (800 m) can be reached in about 25 minutes, and is one of the most beautiful places on the western part of the island. Descending beyond the crest towards the west leads to Serraventosa, where there are rocks in the strangest and most beautiful forms imaginable, with a view out over Capo Sant’Andrea, Marciana Alta, Corsica and Capraia. A flat road leads back to the sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain from Serraventosa.

After a rest and refreshment, the descent starts in the early afternoon, first down path 3 and then down path 13 through a large grove of chestnut trees. Once the provincial road has been reached in San Rocco, this is followed for about 1.5 km until the turning for Maciarello. From Maciarello, the descent goes through Cotoncello – Sant’Andrea (the path to Cotoncello starts on the left next to an Enel electricity cabin), where a refreshing swim awaits.

Elba: Tuscany's island