AROUND THE ISLAND OF ELBA

IN ITALY, TUSCANY

Lionel de Compostelle fait le tour à pied de l'île d'Elbe

After exploring the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre in spring 2024, I wanted to return to Italy during the summer. I set my sights on the island of Elba, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean or more precisely of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It is a destination still preserved from mass tourism, known mainly for having been the first land of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte from May 4, 1814 to February 26, 1815.

In Portoferraio, you can also visit one of his residences that he occupied "La Palazzina dei Mulini" (the "Palace of the Mills") or Fort Stella, a medieval fortress offering a breathtaking view of the sea.

However, the island of Elba offers us much more than its imperial past, it remains a haven of peace and a privileged place of discovery. A true green oasis, with its fine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and verdant forests, it offers a vast space of freedom for hikers.

It is also a lively island where Italian culture is expressed through its many festivals, its gastronomy and its traditions. You can taste local wines produced on the sunny hillsides of the island and culinary specialties, such as the famous "Schiaccia Briaca" cake, made with flour, mixed dried fruits, sugar, pine nuts, walnuts, olive oil and two Tuscan alcoholic beverages that give it a unique taste.

Also do not miss the Monte Capanne nature reserve, the highest point on the island at over 1,000 meters above sea level, which offers beautiful views of the entire Tuscan archipelago.

The island of Elba is therefore a destination with a thousand facets, ideal for a getaway in the heart of nature, both cultural and gourmet.

I hope my videos will make you want to embark on this adventure yourself. ✨ Buen camino ⭐ Lionel de Compostelle 🦋

MY STEPS DEPARTING FROM PORTOFERRAIO IS 5 DAYS OF WALKING FOR APPROXIMATELY 125 KILOMETERS

1- Portoferraio / Marciana Marina,

environ 23 km,

2- Marciana Marina / Sechetto,

environ 25 km

3- Sechetto / Lido,

environ 26 km,

4- Lido / Cavo,

environ 24 km,

5- Cavo / Portoferraio,

environ 27 km,

CLICK HERE

In order to better estimate the distances and the elevations, click on the following link to obtain all GPS tracks (in GPX format) To view and follow my different hiking routes, download the free app before Wikiloc on your smartphone.

These itineraries are provided for information only and without any guarantee. On the ground, your choices engage your responsibility and safety.

For a first preview in pictures ofmy turn, click on the videos below. To see more photos, then go to the section dedicated to slideshow.