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Intermediate Short Elba Trail

Name: Intermediate Short Elba Trail
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 365.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 5 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day

Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> Walk the Short Elba Trail in 5 days
> Stay in handpicked island B&Bs and hotels
> Take a ferry ride to and from Elba Island

Start your Elba adventure with 5 days of sun-drenched trails, clifftop views, and Mediterranean charm. The Short Elba Trail offers the best of the island without needing a full week. Starting in the capital, Portoferraio, you will hike south through lush forests and granite peaks to the coastal village of Lacona, where you can enjoy fresh fish and sea breezes.

This itinerary is perfect for intermediate hikers who want a rewarding trek with time to relax. Expect varied terrain, long days and comfortable stays along the way. With your route and accommodation sorted, all you need to do is lace up and enjoy Elba at your pace.

Note: To start and finish your trekking trip, you will need to arrange a return ferry ride between Piombino on the Italian mainland and Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. Don't worry, we'll explain how!

Itinerary

Day

Arrival day

Your Elba adventure begins in the island’s charming capital, Portoferraio. Whether you arrive by ferry from Piombino or by private transfer, this historic port town offers the perfect setting to ease into trail mode. Cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses, and sea views from every angle. It’s clear from the start that Elba is something special.

Use this day to check in, explore the old town, and enjoy a relaxed aperitivo by the waterfront. If time allows, visit the Medici fortresses or take a dip at one of the small beaches near town. Tomorrow the trail begins but tonight, it's all about island vibes.

al 28 B&B (Portoferraio)

Info

Day

Portoferraio - Procchio

Duration: 04:15 h

Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi

Ascent: 450 m / 1476 ft

Descent: 450 m / 1476 ft

After leaving Portoferraio and its last houses behind, the path climbs steeply for a short but intense stretch. Stop and turn around to enjoy the beautiful view of Portoferraio! Later on, you will follow La Via del Rosmarino, a peaceful woodland route alternating between dirt trails and gravel roads, accompanied by birdsong and the scent of pine resin.

After passing a few rural dwellings, the trail ascends again in a brief, steep section. As you go downhill once more, you will reach a junction near a small rural chapel, easy to miss if you are not aware of it. Take the path on the right to avoid the paved road and begin the scenic route to Spiaggia di Lamaia. Take in the spectacular view of this secluded beach or enjoy a refreshing swim.

You will soon pass Spiaggetta del Porticciolo, a secluded sandy beach far from any city or road. From there, a gently ascending, rocky, wooded trail will offer your first glimpse of Procchio. You've made it!

Note: Some beaches may have signs indicating that sea turtles may be laying their eggs in the sand.

Villa Villacole (Procchio)

Info

Day

Procchio - Marina di Campo

Duration: 07:15 h

Distance: 22.3 km / 13.9 mi

Ascent: 910 m / 2986 ft

Descent: 910 m / 2986 ft

The day begins with a steady ascent to Monte Perone (630 m), overlooking Golfo di Procchio. The trail then follows the Grande Traversata Elbana route, featuring a series of short zigzags. Depending on the season, the trail may be overgrown with vegetation. From the summit, enjoy the stunning vistas of the Tuscan Archipelago. Now, a long descent begins.

A few kilometres later, you will spot the Romitorio di S.F. Saverio, an abandoned hermitage hidden in the forest with some frescoes inside its crumbling walls. You will then encounter more ruins and the Butterfly Trail. As you skirt the village of San Piero in Campo, the trail veers off, offering coastal vistas and crossing a former granite quarry, in use since Roman times. The path then opens up to reveal Cavoli Bay.

After spending a full day inland, you will return to the coast. Turn left, leaving Seccheto behind, and continue along Cavoli's beach. The route then takes you through Colle di Palombaia and accross a narrow, rocky path alongside a cliff. Once you reach the ruins of a stone house, turn right, and you will soon spot Marina di Campo, where you will rest for the night.

Tip: On a clear day, you may be able to see Corsica in the distance from the south coast.

Hotel La Barcarola (Marina di Campo)

Info

Day

Marina di Campo - Lacona

Duration: 06:05 h

Distance: 20.6 km / 12.8 mi

Ascent: 560 m / 1837 ft

Descent: 550 m / 1804 ft

Starting from Marina di Campo, follow the Via dei Rosmarini trail to immerse yourself in the beautiful Mediterranean scrubland of the island. You will then reach Punta di Nercio, a panoramic coastal viewpoint from which you can see Fonza Beach in the distance.

Next to Punta di Mele, a long, steep ascent to Monte Fonza begins. This challenging route climbs from sea level to the peak and features fixed cables in some sections. Although challenging, the climb is rewarding, offering stunning views of the cliffs below and the Gulf of Lacona. The descent follows a rocky, steep and uneven trail, so protective clothing such as gloves may be useful.

Shortly afterwards, you will reach Capo di Fonza, where there is an optional short detour offering incredible coastal vistas. Next comes a challenging downhill section that requires experience and sure-footedness. As you join the narrow coastal trail, watch your step on the eroded stone slabs and look out for mountain bikers, Lacona is not far away!

Optional: If you're still feeling strong, be sure to check out the optional 7 km Anello della Stella loop trail around the Capo Stella peninsula. This circular route takes in both sides of the cape and passes several secluded coves where you can swim or simply enjoy the views. Please note that the terrain is undulating with loose stones in places. The total distance for today includes this optional hike — if you prefer not to do it, you can end your trek after arriving in Lacona.

BnB Il Grecale (Lacona)

Info

Day

Departure day

After breakfast, you can take a bus to Portoferraio, from where you can catch a ferry back to the Italian mainland, usually to Piombino. Alternatively, you can continue your Italian adventure elsewhere. Isola d'Elba is just the beginning!

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Included

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation on the Elba Trail in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Elba Trail. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Breakfast

Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.
Accommodation before and after the tour

Accommodation before and after the trek is included. Breakfast is, if possible, part of your stay.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.
Transfers

If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.
Ferry Trip(s)

Please note that ferry tickets are not included in this package. You will need to purchase them separately through local ferry operators. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.

FAQ

How to Get to the Starting Point of the Elba Trail
End Point: Lacona
What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Intermediate Short Elba Trail

Itinerary

Arrival day

al 28 B&B (Portoferraio)

Portoferraio - Procchio

Villa Villacole (Procchio)

Procchio - Marina di Campo

Hotel La Barcarola (Marina di Campo)

Marina di Campo - Lacona

BnB Il Grecale (Lacona)

Departure day

Included

Accommodation

Full travel guide

Breakfast

Navigation support

Accommodation before and after the tour

Excluded

Traveling to and from

Transfers

Travel Insurance

Lunch and Dinner

Ferry Trip(s)

FAQ

How to Get to the Starting Point of the Elba Trail

End Point: Lacona

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

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