Idyllic Elba & the Southern Tuscan Coast

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)

Ascent: 1,100 ft (335m)

Today we explore the Western part of the island. After a short transfer to the town of Marciana we start our hike from the Pisan Fortress in direction to the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary. The Church is in a particularly enchanting position surrounded by nature. According to the tradition Napoleon used this church for a short period during his stay in 1814 at Elba in order to escape from the torrid heat of Portoferraio. After the excursion we will have a short transfer to Marciana Marina for relaxing and then return to Marina di Campo.

Distance: 6.6miles (10.6km)

Ascent: 1,775ft (540m)

Today we explore the Western part of the island. After a short transfer to the town of Marciana we start our hike from the Pisan Fortress in direction to the hermitage of San Cerbone. sits on a flat piece of land at the foot of Monte Capanne at an altitude of 530m. We continue to the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary. The Church is in a particularly enchanting position surrounded by nature. According to the tradition Napoleon used this church for a short period during his stay in 1814 at Elba in order to escape from the torrid heat of Portoferraio. After the excursion we will have a short transfer to Marciana Marina for relaxing and then return to Marina di Campo.

Distance: 5.8miles (9.3km)

Ascent: 930ft (280m)

Descent: 1,100ft (335m)

Today we explore the Eastern side of the island starting in Campo ai Peri, a group of country houses where the GTE “great trek of the island of Elba” passes by. The first part of the trail is uphill along a gravel road. When we reach the highest point, we will have a spectacular view of the bay of Portoferraio.  This part of the island is famous for its iron mines that go back as far as the Etruscan period, and was the island's mineral centre until the iron ores were finally closed down. The second part of the trek is a long descent that will take us to the village of Porto Azzurro, the island's ancient Spanish port. Stop for an ice cream and relax.

Distance: 7.3miles (11.7km)

Ascent: 1,675ft (510m)

Descent: 2,150ft (655m)

Today we explore the Eastern side of the island starting in the outskirts of Rio nell’Elba, one of the oldest towns on the island. Sitting up on a hill 180 metres above sea level, like all the other towns on the eastern side its past lies in the mining tradition now lost in the mists of time. It is famous for its iron mines that go back as far as the Etruscan period, and was the island's mineral centre until the iron ores were finally closed down. Along our crest path we could see the Volterraio Castle the most ancient fortification on all  Island of Elba. We continue to Cima del Monte and then down to Porto Azzurro. Before reaching the town centre, we will arrive at the beach of the famous pirate corsair Barbarossa. From here, a path along the cliff will take us below the Spanish castle called Fort San Giacomo.  Arrive in the village and free time.

Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)   

Total Ascent: 1,230 feet (375m)  

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: 6.5 miles (10.5km)   

Total Ascent: 1,560 feet (475m)  

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 (8.8km)   

Total Ascent: 500 feet (150m)   

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: 8miles (12.9km)   

Total Ascent: 1,200 feet (365m)   

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: 5.5miles (8.8km)

Ascent: 285ft (90m)

The last excursion brings us in the untouched wild landscape of the Maremma Natural Park. The walk begins on flat ground, with slight undulations, in the suggestive Grand Ducal pine forest. Once reached the Turtle Bridge and after skirting the caves you begin to go up on the left through a low scrub of rosemary, lentisk, holm oak and cistus, what only a few centuries ago was a cliff overlooking the sea. From Collelungo tower we can enjoy one of the most beautiful and varied panorama of the entire Park. We reach the Collelungo beach where we can take a rest in this untouched environment before to take the way back.

Distance: 8miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,030ft (315m)

The last excursion brings us in the untouched wild landscape of the Maremma Natural Park.  Through the fragrant Mediterranean scrub we reach the remains of the impressive Abbey of San Rabano, which rises from the middle of a beautiful holm oak forest. We continue along the lush vegetation and centuries-old olive groves to the viewpoint of the Collelungo tower, from where we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire coast and take a break on the white beach. The return is through the fascinating pine forests.