There are trails virtually everywhere on Elba. In the far west, the terrain is steep, the trails a little old-school and the ascents strenuous. On the eastern side of Monte Capannes, on the other hand, there is a kind of trail centre for all ability levels with an asphalt road as a feeder road.
Centrally located, Monte San Martino offers a handful of natural tails around Villa Napoleone and a real highlight on the south coast with the Serro del Pero.
The "bike park" is located in the south-eastern foothills of the island next to the tranquil village of Capoliveri. The name is actually somewhat inappropriate, but cross-country riders will get their money's worth on the Legends Cup trail. The mountain range in the north-east still offers some great trails, especially the Buca del Bandito.
The island
Elba is located around ten kilometres from the Tuscan mainland and is significantly smaller than the neighbouring islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The highest elevation, Monte Capanne, measures 1019 metres, is located in the west of the island and is even accessible by a historic cable car. Further to the east, the hills rise only around 300 to 500 metres into the sky.
The precinct
Biking on Elba is extremely varied: from built trails in the jungle-like forest to rockgarden intermezzo à la Finale Ligure and good-natured cross-country trails, everything is on offer in the smallest of spaces. The trail experience is framed by a fantastic view of the Mediterranean and the typical Italian lifestyle.
There are only a few local shuttle companies. However, some tour operators from Germany and Austria also offer their guests this luxury on Elba. If you pedal yourself, you need strong legs: The metres in altitude have to be fought for on loose gravel and steep ramps. Downhill, the island also tends to show its rough and stony side. You won't find any classic "marble runs" here.
Best time to travel
Ideally, you should make your way to Elba in spring or autumn. Midsummer is simply too hot for cycling. The generally mild climate makes cycling possible even in winter.
Arrival and overnight stay
Take the car to the ferry harbour in Piombino and then cross over to Portoferraio, Elba's capital, in around an hour. There are many inexpensive holiday flats on the island. It is best to look for a domicile in the centre of the island.
Those who prefer to spend the night in a motorhome will find numerous campsites in the eastern half of the island, most of them around the town of Lacona. Wild camping is prohibited.
You can read the entire "Elba" travel report in BIKE 10/2021 - printed or digital. Order the print edition of the BIKE home delivery free of charge or read the digital edition in the BIKE app for iOS or Android. A particularly favourable and convenient experience BIKE subscription.
