Idyllic Elba & the Southern Tuscan Coast

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)   

Total Ascent: 985 feet (300m)   

Total Descent: 1,970 feet (600m) 

Today we explore the western part of the island. After a transfer to Marciana, we start our hike from the Pisan Fortress in the direction of the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary. The church is in a particularly enchanting position surrounded by nature. According to tradition, Napoleon used this church during his stay on Elba in 1814, to escape from the torrid heat of Portoferraio. We continue down to Punta Polveraia for our transfer back to the hotel. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)   

Total Ascent: 1,310 feet (400m)   

Total Descent: 2,460 feet (750m)  

Like the option 1 walkers, our hike on the western side of the island starts in the ancient village of Marciana. From here, we’ll head from the Pisan Fortress in the direction of the hermitage of San Cerbone, which rests at the foot of Monte Capanne, at an altitude of 530m. We continue down to the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary, whose frescoes date back to the 16th century. Our next destination is Punta Polveraia from where, after time for refreshment, we return to the hotel.  

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)   

Total Ascent: 820 feet (250m)  

Total Descent: 1,800 feet (550m)  

We’ll set off to explore the eastern side of Elba, beginning on the outskirts of Rio nell’Elba, one of the oldest towns on the island. Sitting on a hill 180m above sea level, it’s a town steeped in mining heritage, thanks to the area’s rich deposits of iron ore. We’ll hike to Volterraio Castle, the most ancient fortification here, before continuing to Cima del Monte and then descending to Porto Azzurro. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)  

Total Ascent: 1,640 feet (500m)  

Total Descent: 2,130 feet (650m)  

We’ll start in historic Rio nell’Elba, famous for its iron mines that go back as far as the Etruscan period, and once the island's mineral centre until the iron ores were finally closed. We hike onwards to the ancient fortress of Volterraio Castle, to Cima del Monte and then down to Barbarossa Beach, surrounded by a lush green bay. Walking along the wonderful coastline, we cross at San Giacomo fortress to reach Porto Azzurro. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)   

Total Ascent: 985 feet (300m)  

 Total Descent: 985 feet (300m)  

Our walk today is part of the shepherd’s trails across a network of ancient granite routes. We begin at the tiny hamlet of San Piero, at the foot of Monte Capanne. At 227m above sea level it looks across to Campo nell'Elba and the gulf of Marina di Campo. We walk the “Butterflies Path”, a natural Sanctuary in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, where more than 50 species of butterfly have been recorded. Our destination is the rock formation of Pietra Murata, a sentinel watch post, dating back to the Middle Ages, from where we can admire views across the southern islands. 

Distance: 8 miles (13km)   

Total Ascent: 1,970 feet (600m)  

Total Descent: 1,970 feet (600m)  

Following a slightly harder trail than our fellow group, we also start in San Piero, and then walk along the “Butterflies Path”. Along our way, we will pass surprising granite quarries and remains of work sculpted from rocks such as columns, altars and tanks, telling us much of the past. We’ll reach the rock formation of Pietra Murata, to admire the view of the southern side of the Island of Elba, the Island of Corsica and the islands of Pianosa, Montecristo and Giglio.  

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)   

Total Ascent: 820 feet (250m)   

Total Descent: 985 feet (300m)  

Today we leave Elba and head back to the mainland to discover the unique territory of Maremma, a timeless region dating back to the Etruscans and Romans. We take a fantastic hike through untouched coastal landscapes along two of the most beautiful bathing bays in this area – Cala Violina and Cala Martina. From the hills above we’ll be rewarded with unique views of the Tuscan coast. After our walk, we move to the tranquil village of Castiglione della Pescaia, where we can watch the hustle and bustle around the fishing port and take a walk through winding streets up to the medieval castle. 

Distance: 6 miles (10km)   

Total Ascent: 985 feet (300m)   

Total Descent: 1,150 feet (350m)  

Departing Elba today we travel back to the mainland where we will explore the beautiful Maremma region. Following a similar trail to our easier option, today is a more leisurely route for us too, through the untouched coastal landscapes of Cala Violina and Cala Martina, with wonderful views of the Tuscan coast. After our walk, we move to the tranquil village of Castiglione della Pescaia, where we can watch the hustle and bustle around the fishing port and take a walk through winding streets up to the medieval castle. 

Distance: 6 miles (10km)   

Total Ascent: 500 feet (150m) 

Total Descent: 500 feet (150m)  

Our final walk brings us into the wild landscape of Maremma Natural Park. The walk begins in the Grand Ducal pine forest on mostly flat ground, with slight undulations. Once we reach Turtle Bridge and after skirting the caves, we begin to ascend through a low scrub of rosemary, holm oak and cistus, that only a few centuries ago was a cliff overlooking the sea. From Castel Marino tower we can enjoy one of the most beautiful and varied panoramas of the entire park. Finally, we reach Collelungo Beach where we can take a rest in this tranquil spot before returning.  

Distance: 8 miles (13km)   

Total Ascent: 1,150 feet (350m)   

Total Descent: 1,150 feet (350m)  

A wonderful day’s walking lies ahead for our final excursion, taking us through the wild landscape of the Maremma Natural Park. We walk through the fragrant Mediterranean scrub to reach the remains of the impressive Abbey of San Rabano, which rises from the middle of a beautiful holm oak forest. We’ll pass through the lush vegetation and centuries-old olive groves to the Collelungo tower, from which we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire coast and take a break on the white beach. On our return, we hike through the lush pine forests planted by the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.