Sailing and Trekking in Capraia and Elba Islands
23-30 September 2023
In the heart of Parco Nazionale dell’Archipelago Toscano, immersed in the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, Capraia and Elba islands are two pearls of the Mediterranean Sea. Their natural characteristics and environments can be slowly discovered through walking along trails and mule tracks, as well as sailing along the coasts. Capraia offers wild nature and no roads, while Elba’s tourist areas create charming scenery all over the island. Springtime brings life as flowers bloom, and their colors and fragrances make it an unforgettable show to watch from Monte Capanne, 1019 meters above sea level.
Activities
Mountainsailing, Trekking
Number of participants
Min 4
Prices
1.600 EUR per person
Activity duration
8 days / 7 nights
Objectives
– discover the most beautiful places of the islands
– Live the adventure outdoors, and combine two slow-paced ways of traveling: sailing and trekking.
– Taste the delicacies of local cuisine, and feel the warmth of the people
– Learn the basics of sailing
– Relax, discover new things and places, have fun!
Practical Information
• Meet at the Port of Rosignano Solvay (Livorno, Italy).
• Treks duration will vary from 4h 30 to 7h 30, and the maximum ascent will be of about 1000 mt.
• It will be possible to skip a trek and stay on the boat with the skipper, for those who wish to rest and relax.
• The entire trekking experience does not present any technical difficulties, although it is advised to be trained in walking long distances and be willing to adapt.
• Depending on the sea and weather conditions, the Skipper and the Alpine Guide will decide whether to switch the order of the treks.
• Daily programs will be adjusted to the fitness level of the group, by adapting the length of the treks to the needs of the participants.
Recommended clothing and equipment
Complete trekking apparel, GoreTex shell, rainproof and windproof cape, fleece sweatshirt, sturdy footwear, backpack and backpack cover, headlamp. Sleeping bag, personal towels and effects are needed for the accommodation on the boat. Bring a duffel bag, no luggage nor trolleys.
DAY 1
Meet at the Port of Rosignano Solvay (LI). We willl then board the sailboat, and the skipper will brief us all on on-board safety. Beginning of the navigation to Capraia, which will take approximately 5 hours. Dinner at one of the local restaurants.
DAY 2
Breakfast on board, then we will depart for our first trek, a loop on Mount Penne (420 mt a.s.l.) in which we will reach Stanone lake. Return to the Port of Capraia. The trek is approximately 6h 30 long.
DAY 3
We cover the first part of the trek we did the day before, to then walk south to Punta dello Zenobito, the southernmost point of the island. Here, we get back onboard and start sailing to Elba Island, which we will reach 4 hours later. We arrive at the Port of Cavo in the late afternoon, and have dinner in one of the local restaurants.
DAY 4
We begin the “great crossing” of Elba Island that will lead us to Pomonte, on the opposite side of the isle. We climb to Mount Grosso, 348 mt a. s. l., from where we will have a spectacular view on the northern side of Elba. We continue to Cima del Monte, 516 mt. a. s. l., and then descend to Porto Azzurro to get back on the sailboat. The trek is 6 hours long.
DAY 5
The second leg of the trek connects Porto Azzurro to Marina di Campo, in a 7 hours walk. The itinerary runs along Valle del Botroe and Valle del Buraccio, and reaches Mount Orello (377 mt a. s. l.) and mounts Barbatoia, San Martino and Tambone, from where we will enjoy a scenic view. Return to Marina di Campo and dinner at a local, charming restaurant.
DAY 6
The daily program unfolds from Marina di Campo to Marciana Marina in around 7h 30, and it involves the greatest ascent of the trip. We will reach Monte Capanne, 1019 mt. a. s. l. It is the most challenging trek, along which we will walk through old quarries, unbroken granite, old sheepfolds and amazing views on the whole archipelago. We descend and climb again to reach Mount Tambone (377 mt. a. s. l.), and then join our skipper in Marciana Marina.
DAY 7
This is the last day of our great crossing, we will go from Marciana Marina to Pomonte in 6h 30. The first part of the trek will be on roads and mule tracks, but we will soon discover the historical side of the island as we walk among the secular chestnut trees following the steps of Napoleon Bonaparte. We reach Roccia dell’Aquila (650 mt. a. s. l.) and enjoy the view on the northeastern side of Elba and the faraway Capraia. Once in Pomonte Valley, we walk down through vineyards and to the village of Pomonte, where we meet again our skipper and our sailboat. We start our last navigation to Rosignano Solvay.
DAY 8
After our last night on board, we will have some time to prepare the luggage and then return to our destinations.
THE RATE INCLUDES: Organization and support by our Alpine Guide UIAGM for the duration of the trip; accommodation aboard the sailboat, skipper service, galley supply, breakfasts, post-trek snacks, dinners on board. Fuel, dinghy, port charges, boat cleaning fees at the end of the trip.
THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: round-trip to and from Rosignano Solvay, any dinners at restaurants, anything that is not included in the “The rate includes” section.