Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Cableway; 05 6590 1020; single/return €12/18; 10am-1pm & 2.20-5pm summer)
If you only
have time for one road trip from Portoferraio, make it this. Some 750m south of Marciana
on the road to Poggio, the Cabinovia Monte Capanne whisks walkers up in open, barred
cabins - imagine riding in a canary-yellow parrot cage - up the mountain to the summit of
Elba's highest point,
Monte Capanne
(1019m).
The trip takes 20 minutes and at the top you can scramble around the rocky peak to sa-
vour an astonishing 360-degree panorama of the entire island, surrounding Tuscan Ar-
chipelago, Etruscan Coast and Corsica 50km away. The scent of
la macchia
(Mediter-
ranean scrub) is heavenly. Keen hikers can buy a one-way ticket and walk back down - a
1½-hour hike along a rocky but well-marked path.
Sleeping & Eating
FISH
€€
Osteria del Noce
( 05 6590 1285; Via della Madonna 27; meals €25; lunch & dinner)
This family-run bistro in
hilltop Marciana is the type of place where the bread is homemade and flavoured with
fennel, chestnut flour and other seasonal treats. The
miso mare del Noce
(mixed fish
anti-
pasti
) makes a fabulous start to any meal - in the company of sweeping coastal views
from its cosy terrace, part open, part covered.
Not to be missed: spaghetti laced with Granseolo Elbano (a large crab typical to Elba).
Information
Casa del Parco di Marciana
( 348 7039374, 05 6590 1030; 10am-1pm Mon, 9am-1pm Tue,
9am-1pm & 5.30-7.30pm Wed & Thu, 10am-1pm & 3-7pm Sat, shorter hr mid-season, closed Nov-Mar)
National park visitors centre with lots of walking and outdoor-activity info. It's below
Fortezza Pisana.
Poggio
A twisting 4km ascent into the mountains from Marciana Marina brings you to the attract-
ive inland village of Poggio on the SP25, famous for its spring water. It's an enchanting
little place with steep, cobblestone alleys and stunning coastal views.
Sights & Activities
