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Isola d'Elba

GTE, THE GREAT ELBAN TRAVERSE: IRON MINES AND GRANITE PEAKS ALONG THE BLUE ITALIAN SEA


Hiking

Category

5 Days

Duration

Advanced

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 14

Participants


What you'll do

Elba is not just about the sea; it is a labyrinth of trails winding through the red earth of the mining districts and the granite peaks that defy the Tyrrhenian Sea. This hiking itinerary traverses the island from east to west, following the slow rhythm of walking to capture its wildest and quietest essence. From the cliffs of Cavo to the ridge of Monte Maggiore, the landscape changes constantly: we will walk where iron colors the ground with metallic reflections, then immerse ourselves in the chestnut forests of Monte Capanne. We will cross the "Butterfly Sanctuary" and reach ancient hermitages and stone shepherd huts, witnesses to a pastoral life that resists the passage of time. Every stage is a chromatic discovery, a constant dialogue between the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the deep blue of the horizon. A MapoTapo journey for those who wish to rediscover the Tuscan archipelago far from the beach resorts, favouring the family hospitality of small villages like San Piero and the timeless charm of Porto Azzurro. An experience where the effort of the elevation gain is rewarded by panoramas embracing the entire Tyrrhenian coast and by the quality of a cuisine that tastes of both land and sea.


Itinerary

Your journey begins at the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea. We meet at Piombino at 2 PM and board the hydrofoil, watching the mainland fade as the rugged silhouette of Elba rises from the waves. After docking in the quiet charm of Cavo and settling into our hotel, you'll have the chance to stretch your legs with a sunset walk to breathe in the island's signature scent of wild rosemary and salt. As evening falls, we'll gather over dinner to map out the days ahead, tracing the ridge-lines and hidden coves that await us on this "miniature continent".
Step into the heart of the "Continental Island" as we begin our journey across Elba's wild ridge. We'll climb toward Monte Maggiore before tracing the edge of the Rio Elba mining park, where the earth bleeds deep ochre and rust. Following the panoramic spine from Monte Strega to Cima del Monte, your senses will be flooded by the scent of Mediterranean scrub and the vivid contrast of red earth against the infinite blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The day ends with a gentle descent into the vibrant harbor of Porto Azzurro—the perfect spot for a well-deserved gelato and a slow evening by the water. Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi) | Elevation gain: +900 m (2,953 ft) | -900 m (-2,953 ft) | Time: 6 hrs
Leave the coast behind and dive into the wild, aromatic heart of the island. After a quick morning transfer (10 min), your journey continues along the central ridge of Elba, where the air is thick with the scent of wild rosemary and rockrose. From this high vantage point, the sea stretches out on both sides, offering panoramic views over the bays of Portoferraio, Lacona, and Stella. Descend through a rugged canyon before climbing toward Colle di Procchio for a sweeping look at the southern coast. Your day ends in the granite village of San Piero in Campo, where the warm hospitality of a family-run hotel and a traditional home-cooked meal—perhaps the best on the island—await. Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi) | Elevation gain: +750 m (2,461 ft) | -500 m (-1,640 ft) | Time: 6 hrs
This is the soul of the Grande Traversata Elbana. Leaving San Piero, we ascend through the ancient forests of Monte Capanne along the delicate Butterfly Sanctuary trail. After a pause in the chestnut groves of San Cerbone, we reach the historic village of Marciana for a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon takes us higher to the Madonna del Monte sanctuary before joining what is arguably Elba's most breathtaking coastal ridge. As we crest the Troppolo, the landscape shifts, revealing a panoramic descent toward the sea. We’ll end the day in the magical seaside village of Chiessi, celebrating our journey with a fresh fish dinner as the sun dips below the horizon. Distance: 23 km (14.3 mi) | Elevation gain: +1,200 m (3,937 ft) | -1,200 m (-3,937 ft) | Time: 8 hrs
The journey concludes where nature is at its wildest. We set off early into the lush Pomonte Valley, a hidden corner of Elba so verdant and dense it feels like stepping into a Mediterranean jungle. As we climb, the trail reveals ancient Caprili—stone shepherds' huts that stand as silent witnesses to the island's pastoral soul—offering sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the white houses of Pomonte huddled by the shore. After reaching the hilltop village of San Piero for a final shared meal, we’ll head to Portoferraio for our ferry back to the mainland. You’ll leave with the scent of wild macchia in your lungs and the spirit of the Island Continent in your heart. Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi) | Elevation gain: +800 m (2,625 ft) | -300 m (-984 ft) | Time: 4 hrs

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

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What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
4 nights accommodation
Certified guide
4 Breakfasts
4 Dinners
All transfers on the island during the trekking tour
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Lunches
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Expenditure of personal nature
Transfer from/to Piombino pier (around 50€ total per person)
Beverages during the dinners
Optional luggage transfer

Accomodations

Hotel Maristella (Night 1)


A family-run 3-star hotel with guest rooms for two and with a private bathroom. The rooms (approximately 24) are distributed across charming villas immersed in a well-tended garden with pine, olive, and oleander trees, offering a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Hotel 2 Torri (Night 2)


A family-run 3-star hotel located in the center of Porto Azzurro with rooms for two and private bathroom, the rooms are furnished in a simple yet functional and comfortable way.

Hotel La Rosa (Night 3)


A family-run 2-star establishment located in the picturesque hillside village of San Piero in Campo, featuring rooms for two (private bathroom) equipped with every comfort and furnished in an essential style with pastel colors.

Hotel Aurora (Night 4)


A family-run 2-star hotel featuring 8 marine-style rooms for two equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning, refrigerators, and satellite TV. Some rooms offer a patio with a sea view. The property also includes 3 modern self-catering apartments, ideal for those seeking greater independence.


Guides

Giorgia Cribari

Giorgia Cribari

Giorgia is a certified wilderness guide and lifelong cycle-tourist; she is fueled by a restless sense of wonder and a thirst for the unknown. For her, traveling by foot or bike is more than just movement—it is a way to see the world and its people through a different lens. She finds magic in the stories hidden along winding trails and quiet roads, blending her deep passion for nature with a love for local lore. Travel with her to turn every path into a narrative and every journey into an unforgettable discovery.


Meeting point

42.925584810.5258554
Isola d'Elba


Frequently asked questions


Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

September 2026
Wed
30 Sep
2:30 PM
Sun
4 Oct
5:30 PM

Confirmed

14 spots left
720 €
(237 € deposit)

720 €

(237 € deposit)