Castello del Volterraio on Elba

One of the most beautiful viewpoints on Elba is the ruins of the Castello del Volterraio fortress above the bay of Portoferraio. The fortress dates back to the 11th century and sits impregnably atop a steep 400m-high mountain. The walls are barely distinguishable from the rocks, so the fortress only becomes recognisable as a building as you approach it. From the winding road between Magazzini and Rio nell’Elba, a simple but steep and sweaty path without shade leads up through the macchia in about 30 to 45 minutes. The fortress could previously only be entered via a drawbridge; today, a “secret” passage – a small opening in the wall at the north-western corner – leads inside and onto the battlements. The climb is particularly recommended for the fantastic panorama of the island of Elba from the north-west to Monte Capanne.

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