Elba is one of those places that puts you immediately in the ultimate holiday mood! Here the omnipresent sea seems even more beautiful than anywhere else – the water shimmers crystal clear and turquoise in the picturesque, secluded bays we are passing during our hikes. You will get used quickly to the laid-back rhythm of the locals – characterized by relaxed serenity. The nature of the island, which is a part of the Tuscan Arcipelago National Park, is breathtaking. Depending on the season, we find orchids and pass through the Mediterranean vegetation with its intense fragrances of lavender and thyme, Myrtle and rosemary. With luck we’ll meet some mouflons that live in the mountains and give the island a hint of alpine atmosphere in the middle of the Mediterranean. The hiker will enjoy the intense mountainous terrain reaching up to more than 1,000m of altitude on narrow, stony paths, and will be rewarded with beautiful naturalistic experiences and stunning views!
The varied history of the island is fascinating too – a melting pot of cultures of the Mediterranean. Other features are the cuisine with fresh ingredients from the sea, the ancient tradition of viticulture and the aromatic olive oil.
Benvenuti in Elba!
1st day: Looking for a suitable location for our hiking trip, we have chosen the western part of the island, the more authentic, wilder one. Here start some of the most spectacular hiking trails and also the highest mountains can be found here. Our hotel is in the small village of Pomonte, a sleepy little hamlet by the sea, where some of the most beautiful beaches can be found and where the most beautiful walks begin. In the evening we invite you to an aperitif in the hotel, where you will meet your hiking guide. Enjoy the local cuisine during your first dinner in the hotel.
The valley of Pomonte and a trip back in the history of the island
2nd day: Today you’ll explore the historic Pomonte valley, an area where viticulture has been done in former times. The path leads through ancient terraced fields and century old vineyards. On your hike you’ll learn a lot about the traditions of the local people and the history of wine growing on the island. Around lunch time you will reach the „magazzino“ of the family – a kind of „farm house“ that has been used until 40 years ago during the grape harvest. For lunch you will be served a traditional local „wine grower’s snack“ with rustic local wine, the same that the grandfathers made and that cannot be found in the supermarkets. A perfect day to get in the mood for the hiking week! Walking time about 4 hours. Altitude approx. +/- 500 m. Approx. 11 km
By the sea – from Procchio to Viticcio
3rd day: Today you will take the public bus to the northern coast of the island. The hike starts in Procchio, a small seaside town with a long sandy beach. The hike continuous, always near to the sea, past idyllic bays until you reach Viticcio. Some of the picturesque coves with crystal clear water can only be reached on foot. In Viticcio you will be picked up by our private bus that will take you to a winery. Visit a biological estate in which not only wine, but also fine pasta is made. Walking time approx. 2.5 hours. 7.5 km. +/- 200 m
On ancient paths from Pomonte to Marciana
4th day: Today one of the longest but also one of the most beautiful trails of our program awaits you. It starts directly at the hotel and takes you on the ancient mule track that has been, paved hundreds of years ago to connect the mountain village of Marciana to Pomonte on the coast. First the hike climbs steeply up on the mountainside. Surrounded by picturesque vegetation, lone pine trees, exotic opuntias, fragrant lavender, with luck you will encounter some mouflons and can observe some birds. Finally, you will reach the highest point from where you enjoy a scenic view over the entire west coast of the island. On the way you will meet some Caprili (stone storage facilities used by the shepherds). The landscape changes and you’ll reach rock formations that have always inspired people’s imaginations. Then the hike leads through a shady chestnut forest and soon you will meet a pilgrimage church which has been visited also by Napoleon during his stay on Elba island. Now Marciana, the destination of your hike is not far, it is a picturesque mountain village at the foot of Monte Capanne, the highest peak of Elba. Here a food & wine tasting in a rustic but cozy location waits for you with some typical snacks. Walking time about 5.5 hours. Altitude approx. + 750. Approx. 14 km
Dolce far niente!
5th day: Dolce far niente! Or better said – a day at your own disposal for the individual exploration of Elba, a boat trip around the island, a cable car ride up the Monte Capanne, a visit to the island’s capital Portoferraio or just a day on the beach. Also the dinner is up to you that day – maybe you would like to have a pizza or something different from what the hotel offers. Try one of the island’s gourmet restaurants or just have a picnic enjoying the sunset at the beach of Pomonte.
Glittering beaches at Porto Azzurro
6th day: In the morning you’ll visit Rio nell’Elba, a former mining village in the eastern part of the island, a sleepy and picturesque place. Afterwards you reach the starting point of today’s hike at San Felo. Comfortable gravel roads take you down to the famous beach of Terranova – a totally black beach and behind it there is small grass-green lake. On the beach glittering pyrite stones can be found and the rocks on the coast shimmer in all colors. The hike continuous along the large bay by the name of Barbarossa and takes you then to Porto Azzurro, where you’ll have time for a lunch break. The pretty harbor and the small streets invite to stroll, stop for an icecream here and a picture there. In the early afternoon visit of an important winery, famous for its research work and innovations. Here wine is produced in amphorae and there is also a wine from non -autochthonous grape varieties like the Sagrantino (native to Umbria), which is very interesting. Walking time about 2.5 hours. 7.5 km. +/- 200 m.
Around the Monte Calamita near Capoliveri
7th day: Drive with a private bus to Capoliveri. From here, a circular hike takes you around the Capoliveri peninsula and to the Monte Calamita (the “magnetic mountain”). Countless different orchids bloom here in spring. Enjoy wonderful views across the coast towards Monte Capanne. In the past, ore was mined here, and you can still see the old mining sites. Around noon you will reach a beautiful country estate. The wine cellar is situated above the vineyards in a scenic place above the sea. Enjoy a wine tasting and relax in this beautiful location before heading back to Capoliveri on another route. It is known that Capoliveri is famous for being one of the most picturesque towns on the island. You’ll have time for a stroll before the return to the hotel in the early evening. Walking time about 4 hours. 13 km. +/- 300 m
Arrivederci e alla prossima!
8th day: departure or extend your stay.
Prices
Services
- 7 nights in a double room in Hotel*** in Pomonte, 6 x dinner (without drinks), welcome aperitif in the hotel.
- Hiking guide for 5 days of hiking according to the program
- Bus transfers according to the program, 2 trips in the public bus.
- 5 Wine tastings, 4 of them with light lunch.
