Hiking on the west coast of Elba

In the west of Elba lies the Monte Capanne massif, the island’s highest mountain at 1,018 m. From all sides of the island, fertile valleys or rugged ridges rise from the coast towards the summit, offering a variety of hikes on secluded paths.

A short and scenic tour to Monte San Bartolomeo begins at Chiessi, a quiet little village on the west coast. I’d recommend doing this in the (late) afternoon to enjoy the evening sun and the sunset. I parked in the village near the church, where the path quickly climbs past houses and gardens. On a ridge (to the left), I rapidly gained height and reached the pass between the two peaks. To the south, I looked down into the Pomonte valley, through which another tour runs from the coast right up to the summit of Monte Capanne.

The striking rock of the western peak can only be climbed via a short section secured with ropes and is considered Elba’s first via ferrata. Following the ridge eastwards to the eastern peak, I enjoyed the peace and the wide view over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the island of Corsica.

You can find more photos of Elba in the “Elba” gallery