Central Coast & Elba - Florence and Tuscany - page 336

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
BIKING & HIKING ON ELBA
A dizzying network of walking and mountain-biking trails blankets Elba. Many start in Portoferraio,
but some of the best, far-flung trailheads kick off elsewhere on the island.
Colle Reciso to San Martino and return 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.
Marciana to Chiessi A 12km hike starting high up in Marciana, dribbling downhill past ancient
churches, sea vistas and granite boulders for about six hours to the seaside in Chiessi.
The Great Elba Crossing A three- to four-day, 60km east-west island crossing, including Monte
Capanne, Elba's highest point (1018m), overnighting down on the coast as camping is not allowed on
the paths. The highlight is the final 19km leg from Poggio to Pomonte, passing the Santuario della
Madonna del Monte and the Masso dell'Aquila rock formation.
Getting There & Away
Elba is a one-hour ferry crossing from Piombino on the mainland to Portoferraio (at least
hourly, foot passenger/car & driver €10/50); in high season a handful of boats sail from
Piombino to the smaller Elban ports of Cavo and Rio Marina.
Elba's airstrip, Aeroporto Isola d'Elba ( www.elbaisland-airport.it ) , is 2km north of Marina di
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 island's southwest coast proffers the most dramatic
and scenic motoring - with no traffic count one hour to motor the 35km from Procchio to
Cavoli.
In Portoferraio, rent a mountain bike, scooter or bike from Twin Rent ( www.twn-rent.it ;
Viale Elba 32) ; or take an ATL bus from the bus station, almost opposite the Toremar jetty.