Intermediate Short Elba Trail
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
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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.
Itinerary
Day
1
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)
Day
2
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)
Day
3
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)
Day
4
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 Mete, 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.BnB Il Grecale (Lacona)
Day
5
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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Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
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Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft ascent per day
