Hiking the Hiking the Tuscan Coast from Pisa to Elba

Seize the arrival day and visit the world-renowned Leaning Tower and embark on a stroll into the bustling historic centre.

The initial hiking day leads you into the Pisa mountains. From the fortress ruins in Ripafratta through an enchanting deciduous forest past the hermitage up to the Passo di Dante. At the Dantepass you enjoy a marvellous view onto the plain of Pisa all the way to the sea. You descend on lovely hiking paths along the Rio della Croce into the pretty spa town of San Giuliano Terme and return to Pisa by bus.

The Colli Livornesi, the Hills of Livorno, offer extensive hikes through the forest, across meadows and over high-altitude pastures with grazing sheep. Let your eye wander onto the sea and into the surrounding chains of hills. You ascend the peak of the volcanic mountain Poggio Pelato, the ‘bare mountain‘, which offers a wonderful panorama from the woodless top, black volcanic rocks accentuate the exotic flair. In the afternoon you reach the lovely coastal village of Castiglioncello.

Today a fabulous beach walk awaits. Initially you hike through the Pineta of Cecina, a pine forest with lots of shade, stretching over many kilometres along the beach. Numerous trails lead through the dense forest canopy. Later you walk past the exceptional nature reserve of the oasis of Bolgheri and stroll across the soft sandy beach. Naturally a dip in the water is a must, or at least a stop at the beach bar.

You start in the Golfo di Baratti, the Etruscan harbour for the maritime traffic to Elba. Next to it you find the archeological park of Popolonia. Along spectacular paths you proceed directly above the water through dense macchia on partially rocky trails always along the coast, and by doing so you go round the Piombino mountains. Along the impressive Sentiero dei Cavallegeri you reach the bay of Calamoresca situated on the rocky spit Punta Falcone. Now it is not far to Piombino featuring its lovely historic centre and the lighthouse at the sea. A dream-tour along the coast with swimming options in numerous bays.

Take the Ferry to Elba, and during the ferry ride you can enjoy the wind in your hair and observe the giant boats in the harbour, the coast from a distance and the island slowly approaching. We recommend a visit to the historic centre of Portoferraio or a swim at the renowned beach Le Ghiaie featuring white pebbles with black dots. In the afternoon a little circular tour leads you on fantastic coastal paths to the beach of Barbarossa and to the colourful sea of Terranera.

A stupendous summit hike on the island of Elba awaits you today. You hike past fragrant macchia with views onto the neighbouring islands and the glistening Mediterranean Sea on Mediterranean forest- and marvellous high-altitude paths. You ascend the mountain of Monte Croce and observe the mountain goats in their rocky habitat. We also recommend a visit to the hermitage hidden in the rocks. As a finale a dip at the beach and a final drink at the bar is a must.

The tour concludes after the breakfast.