The most beautiful excursions on the Island of Elba

Characterised by an incredible variety of landscapes, the Island of Elba is the ideal destination for those who love hiking, but above all for those who wish to spend a relaxing and unforgettable holiday in contact with unspoilt nature: it is a veritable treasure chest of treasures to be discovered. Whether on foot, by bike or by boat is of no importance, Elba offers a wide range of extremely interesting excursion activities, both in terms of nature and landscape.

We have selected for you the most beautiful excursions to do on the island of Elba. Although it was by no means an easy choice, because the island offers a large number of opportunities to be visited.

GROTTA AZZURRA (BLUE CAVE)

With around 147 km of coastline and more than 150 inlets, Elba is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for sea lovers. For those who want to admire and discover the incomparable beauty of the coastline, there are many possibilities for excursions and boat trips, suitable for all needs and all ages. In particular, you cannot miss for any reason in the world the excursion to the splendid Grotta Azzurra, one of the most enchanting places on the island. Also known as Grotta di Mare, it can only be reached by sea. Situated along the west coast of Elba, it is so called because of the particular and striking hue of its waters. If you are looking for a place to snorkel, this is the ideal spot.

PATH OF HEALTH

For walkers, an excursion not to be missed is the Path of Healt, a pleasant walk of about 4 km long and suitable for everyone (including children), which starts at the Biodola bay and reaches Procchio beach. The path, filled with the intense perfumes and colours of the Mediterranean scrub, offers breathtaking views and even allows you to pass through a tunnel dug into the rock, dating back to World War II. Along the way are two spectacular coves, sheltered and almost always deserted: the Porticciolo and the Lamaia. We recommend that you bring your swimming costume to swim in one of the beautiful beaches along the path, but above all, don’t forget your camera.

CARMIGNANI PROMENADE

It is also definitely worth taking a stroll along the Carmignani Promenade, a fascinating nature trail on the eastern side of the island that connects the centre of Porto Azzurro with Barbarossa beach. The walk, which is more than pleasant and suitable for everyone, is 1 km long and takes about 30 minutes on a beaten road. It is named after the creator of the project, former general Luciano Carmignani, who was elected mayor of Porto Azzurro in 1999 and died prematurely in 2001. Along the way, one can enjoy a magnificent panorama and admire the two fortifications that guard the entrance to the Gulf: Fort Focardo, which can be seen looking south; and Fort San Giacomo, whose historic bastions overlook the path.

ROUTE OF ENFOLA

Another spectacular excursion is the one that leads to Capo d’Enfola, one of Elba’s most characteristic promontories due to its high scenic value and the wealth of natural elements and historical evidence dating back to the Second World War. The trail, which is about 5 km long and can be covered on foot in just over 2 hours, does not present any difficulties requiring special attention. The path starts from the car park between the two small beaches at the base of the cape, near the historic Tonnara, now the offices of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Along the way, you can admire the remains of military buildings and bunkers, alternating with enchanting panoramic views: to the west, the Viticcio Gulf and Sant’Andrea; to the east, the beautiful white pebble beaches of Portoferraio.

RIO MARINA MINING PARK

It should not be forgotten that, due to its geological characteristics, Elba is a paradise for mineral collectors: rich in iron (pyrite, haematite, limonite, etc. are easily found there), it is also famous for its quartz and beryl crystals (the latter also with green and pinkish hues), tourmaline, malachite and fluorite. Among the most beautiful excursions, one could not therefore miss those to the Rio Marina Mining Park, which houses a geological, mineralogical and historical mining heritage of exceptional value. After visiting the Museum of Minerals and Mining Art, you can choose from various types of excursions on foot, by bicycle, on board a small train or a military off-road vehicle, always accompanied by expert environmental guides.