Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Great Elba Crossing
A three-to-four day, 60km east-west island crossing, including
Monte Capanne, Elba's highest point, and overnighting on the coast as camping is not al-
lowed on the paths. The highlight is the final 19km leg from Poggio to Pomonte, passing
the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte and the Masso dell'Aquila rock formation.
Colle Reciso to San Martino
A 15km (round-trip), medium-difficulty mountain-bike trail
that peaks at about 280m. The trail continues past San Martino, and descends into Marmi,
but save some breath for the return trip, as circling back to Portoferraio from Marmi on
the main road is neither pleasant nor particularly safe in high season.
Getting There & Away
Elba is a one-hour ferry crossing from Piombino on the mainland to Portoferraio (at least
hourly, passenger/car and driver €10/50); in season a handful of boats sail from Piombino
to the smaller Elban ports of Cavo and Rio Marina.
Campo in La Pila.
Getting Around
Car is the easiest way to get around the island, except in traffic-clogged August when you
really won't get very far at all. The southwest coast proffers the most dramatic and scenic
motoring - traffic aside, count on one hour to motor the 35km from Procchio to Cavoli.
In Portoferraio, rent a mountain bike, scooter or bike from
Twn Rent
(
www.twn-rent.it
; Viale
Elba 32)
; or take an ATL bus from the bus station, almost opposite the Toremar jetty.
Portoferraio
POP 11,600
Known to the Romans as Fabricia and later Ferraia (since it was a port for iron exports),
this small harbour was acquired by Cosimo I de' Medici in the mid-16th century, when
the fortifications took shape.
It can be a hectic place in high season, but wandering the streets and steps of the histor-
ic centre, indulging in the exceptional eating options and bargaining for sardines with fish-
erfolk at the old port more than makes up for the squeeze.
