The 10 Most Adventurous Things to Do on Tuscany's Elba Island
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Loading... - Sara Wright
- 10 Dec 2021
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Isola d'Elba, or Elba Island, is the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago, the group of seven enchanting islands off the coast of Tuscany, Italy. While it's a popular beach destination for droves of Italians, Europeans, and, increasingly, North Americans, Elba is also a hub for adventure lovers. Much of the island, especially in the rugged interior, is undeveloped and laced with hundreds of trails for hiking and biking. The pristine sea surrounding Elba invites lovers of water sports, while other attractions on the island are designed with soft adventure in mind.
Of course, if you want to visit Elba and pass your time hopping from one beach to the next, there are plenty of opportunities for that. But if you yearn for a more active vacation, here are our top-recommended things to do on Elba Island, starting with mild and escalating to wild!
Ride to the Top of Monte Capanne
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57030 Isola d'Elba LI, Italy
At 950 meters above sea level, Monte Capanne is the highest mountain on the island. From viewing platforms at the top, you can catch glimpses of the islands of Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio, and even the French island of Corsica on a clear day. But the real fun is in getting to the summit. Up to two riders at a time stand in bright yellow, bird-cage-like cable cars (cabinovia in Italian) that slowly climb up the mountain. During the 20-minute ride, you get spectacular views of the terrain and sparkling blue sea in the distance, and you might spy a mouflon or two—the wild sheep are common on the island. In the summertime, there's a bar when you reach the top of the mountain.
Descend Into Miles of Abandoned Mines
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Since at least Etruscan times, Elba was prized for its rich mineral sources, especially magnetite, or iron ore. While the operations at the Calamita Mine in Capoliveri are much more recent—the mine only closed in the 1980s—they tell the history of mining on Elba. Via a guided tour, you can trek through underground tunnels and mine sites, learning about its mechanics and the dangerous, difficult lives of the miners who worked there. There are more than 7 miles of tunnels, though the tour visits just a portion of them. Don’t worry—the mines are safe to visit these days, and hard hats are mandatory.
Jump on a Mountain Bike or E-Bike
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With so many miles of terrain and trails on Elba, think about exploring the island on a bike. Cyclists of all skill levels will find a route to meet their match, with trails rated in difficulty level from green to double black diamond. You can rent a traditional mountain bike or e-bike—perfect for getting some extra oomph on those steep hills—from Bike Centre Elba, which also offers guided tours of the island.
Tackle a Challenging (or Easy) Hiking Trail
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One really cool thing about hiking on Elba? It's hard to get lost. That's because the island's miles and miles of trails are fully charted on Google Maps thanks to the Elba Smart Exploring project. Using drones and a 360-degree camera, the project mapped every hiking and biking trail and beach on the island, making it super easy for anyone to navigate Elba with their smartphone.
One of Elba's most epic hikes is the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE), a 31- to 34-mile, multi-day trek across the entire island. There’s also plenty of short, flat trails, so anyone can join in on the fun regardless of fitness level.
Snorkel in the Tyrrhenian Sea
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Tyrrhenian Sea
Crystal-clear water, amazing visibility, colorful corals, and lots of fish: Snorkeling in the Tyrrhenian Sea is one of the best ways to cool off on Elba. You can bring your own snorkel and fins, though most sizable beaches and seaside towns have stores that offer gear rental. Once you’ve got your mask, simply swim out from the beach—no boat required. Some of the best snorkeling spots on Elba include the beaches of Capo Sant'Andrea and Marciana Marina. Do be aware of and avoid the medusas, or jellies, that float on the top of the water—several species here have a nasty sting. Read More…
