EASYROME

Not many people may know about it, but Elba and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, together with their sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, also offer many beautiful and exciting trails, perfect for adventurous hiking. Most of the island are quite samall and they can be explored on foot by everyone with a pair of good shoes.

The islands which are best suited for hiking (namely Elba, Pianosa, Giglio, Giannutri and Capraia), all have different histories as well as natural habitats. As a matter of fact, every island differs from the others with its characteristic type of Mediterranean vegetation and its peculiar geological history. As you climbs the sea cliffs of the island of Capraia, through the arid scrubland of the Pomonte Valley or through lush chestnut forests to the remarkable alpine summit of Monte Capanne on Elba, you will have hard times believing so many different landscapes could be found in such a small area.

Elba, by far the largest and best known of the islands, is linked to Piombino by regular hydrofoil and ferry services. Famous as the place where Napoleon was briefly exiled before his final defeat at Waterloo, it has lovely beaches, campsites shaded by pines and, last but not least, a well maintained hiking trails network..

If you are serious about hiking, the "Great Elba Crossing" will definitely put you to the test. Mapped out by the ancient inhabitants of the island, the route follows the watershed ridge leading from the eastern to the western side of the island. The route extends for 60 kilometers and it is typically split into three or four daily legs.

If you feel like the whole hike is too much for your feet, the fourth leg of the crossing is the one you don't want to miss. This 19 kilometers walk will take you from Poggio to Pomonte along the so called "old path". On the way to Pomontre, you will reach the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte and the impressive rock formation known as Masso dell'Aquila before beginning the gentle descent toward the sea down the terraces of old vineyards of Aleativo grapes.

With a surface area of 21 square kilometers, Giglio is the second largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. The island is rich in wildlife and the thick Mediterranean scrubland is only broken by terraces of olive groves and the vineyards, which produce the excellent Ansonica white wine. The most popular Giglio Island itinerary leads to the St. George source. Starting from Giglio Porto, you will follows the path of the old aqueduct until its source. In the neighborhood, you will have the chance to visit the remains of a small church, a fountain carved in the rock and a roman times "ninfeo".

Capraia is the only volcanic island of the Tuscan Archipelago. What remains of this former volcano can bee seen at the amazing 'zenobito' bay. Hiking allows you to explore a large part of the island with its unbelievably steep coastline. You'll enjoy stunning views of the sea with nearby Corsica and the other islands of the archipelago scattered here and there. During spring migration, this excursion offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.

Arriving at Pianosa will make you feel like entering a forgotten world: there is a ghost town, a closed penal colony, and the land has been fallow for many years. Soon enough, however, you will experience the special atmosphere of an island which has been populated since ancient times. Hiking around Pianosa you can visit the remains of a roman settlements and the former state prison. However, the real beauty of the island lies in its spectacular coastline. A swim at the marvelous Giovanna bay should not be missed.

Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Tuscan Archipelago, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His travel articles and Elba Islands hotels and restaurants reviews have been published by several national and foreign newspapers. http://www.visitelba.com

Article Source: Discover the hidden Tuscany: hiking in the Tuscan Archipelago