Elba’s west coast rises steeply and ruggedly from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Only a few small villages are nestled in this wild and stark stretch between Sant’Andrea and Fetovaia – Chiessi, Pomonte, or Patresi. It’s noticeably quieter and more relaxed than the rest of Elba, which might also be due to the lack of large beaches. While many holidaymakers do drive along the spectacular coastal road during the day, you’re usually alone on the numerous hiking trails away from the road. A worthwhile destination, reachable in about an hour, is Monte San Bartolomeo above Chiessi. From there, a vast panorama unfolds, stretching from Monte Capanne in the interior of Elba, along the Pomonte valley out to the sea, and across to Corsica. It was a view I could have enjoyed for hours, had my family not been waiting for my return before dark – so I missed the undoubtedly spectacular sunset, which I’ve planned for my next visit.

More pictures of Elba can be found in the “Elba” gallery