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Parapendio in Toscana

5 sports to try on Elba Island

Unique experiences for a holiday of fun and beauty in the pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago

Elba Island, a favorite in the Tuscan Archipelago, is also an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, from the more "quiet" ones to the more "extreme"! 

Those who want to go trekking can do it sourrounded by the pristine Mediterranean nature of the island. Those who love mountain bikes and dirt roads will enjoy the "sea view" paths. Those looking for new adventures can discover the island from a new perspective, from a rock wall or from the sky.
For everyone, an active holiday between fun and beauty. Here are our recommendations.

Contents
  • 1.
    Free climbing: adrenaline and sea view
  • 2.
    Paragliding: the thrill and the panoramas
  • 3.
    Biking: from villages to beaches
  • 4.
    Trekking: beauty one step at a time
  • 5.
    Watersports: fun above and below the sea
1.

Free climbing: adrenaline and sea view

Chiessi, Elba Island
Chiessi, Elba Island

A gray and pink granite mountain more than a thousand meters high, a mountain ridge that crosses the entire western area, everywhere high cliffs that are reflected in a spectacular sea: Elba Island is a paradise for free climbing lovers, a chance to get in touch with nature and with ourselves. There are a few places on the island that can only be reached along free climbing trails, at varying levels of difficulty and with some via ferrata (cable paths) to enjoy the challenge and conquest of nature, far away from mass tourism. Our recommendations include the rocky trails near Chiessi, Pomonte and Marciana. On the northern slope of San Bartolomeo there’s a via ferrata that allows visitors to climb easily to the top.

1.

Paragliding: the thrill and the panoramas

Monte Capanne, Elba Island
Monte Capanne, Elba Island - Credit: Shutterstock.com / Stefano Valeri

The thrill of the silent flight of falcons and seagulls is one of the most interesting experiences on Elba Island. There are many takeoff points for paragliding, especially various points on the even but bulky contours of Monte Capanne, the perfect launch pad even when there’s no wind for free gliding from the woodland and Mediterranean brush to the sandiest of beaches
The top of Monte Perone is another good place to start gliding, to the north and south.
On the island’s eastern ridge, begin from the summit of the Volterraio, making the most of the strong currents above the scenic valleys or simply gliding. You’ll have an easier time from lower-lying hills, which open out over striking scenery, such as the slopes in central Elba, from Monte Orello and Norsi, towards the stunning inlets of the southern coasts and Portoferraio Bay.

1.

Biking: from villages to beaches

Biking on Elba Island
Biking on Elba Island

Elba Island, with its hills and breath-taking colors, is the perfect place to go mountain biking and cycling. From Capoliveri, for example, you can set out to explore the Calamita Mines National Park, surrounded by the colors of the minerals and the sea
From Rio Marina, a circular itinerary allows you to travel the north-eastern side of the island, arriving as far as Cavo, to the north.

1.

Trekking: beauty one step at a time

Hiking on Elba Island
Hiking on Elba Island

The Monserrato Way, the Enfola Headland, the Calao del Mausoleo route: there are many hiking trails crossing the island.
Dirt roads, mountains with cliffs dropping down to clear seas and archaeological sites: by hiking here you discover the natural, historical and artistic beauties of the island. And, with the right stages, also the foody ones!

1.

Watersports: fun above and below the sea

A kayak trip on Elba Island
A kayak trip on Elba Island - Credit: ViviCapoliveri

What could be better than taking a swim in the sea off Elba Island? Beaches, coves, rocks and crystal clear waters ensure a never dull spectacle for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. You can go kilometers chasing colored fish and looking for wrecks on the seabed.

Those who prefer kayaking and canoeing can explore the rocky coastline among cliffs and hidden beaches, to discover the Mediterranean brush.

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