A HIKE FROM SEA TO SUMMIT

Short excursion around Cape St. Andrea
- Cape St. Andrea (10 mt)
- Madonna del Monte (630 mt)
- Cape St. Andrea.
- Trip time: 5 hours

This is the perfect excursion for those who would like to hike for a few hours among the green woods and rocky cliffs, then cool off with a dive into the transparent waters along the northwest coast of the island. Leaving Cape St. Andrea at sea level in the morning, one climbs up to Zanca on a perfectly kept mule trail and then takes trail no.13 which leads to one of the most beautiful woods in Elba after about a 30 minute walk. Passing under ancient chestnut trees and other shady trees, you reach Madonna del Monte (630 mt., 2 hours).Here you can refresh yourself in the waters which spurt from the fountains of the sanctuary and relax in the shade of the ancient chestnut and pine trees which cool the surroundings. The area is also interesting from an archaeological point of view. Here, there are many caves and remains of shelters used by the inhabitants of the island since prehistoric times. Who wishes to climb even higher can reach the heights of Mount Jove (850 mt.)in about 25 minutes. Here is one of the most panoramic points of the entire west area. You can descend along the crest towards the west until Serraventosa where you will find an ancient herder's hut in perfect condition, animal enclosures, and the strangest, most beautiful rock formations you have ever imagined. In the distance, Cape St. Andrea, Marciana Alta, Corsica, and the island of Capraia. From Serraventosa, the return trip to Madonna del Monte is easy by way of a level road you will find. After a rest and refreshment, leave in the early afternoon descending on trail no. 3 and then no. 13 until you reach the main road in locality San Rocco, after a grove of chestnut trees. Follow the main road for 1.5 km. up to the crossroads for Maciarello. Once at Maciarello, descend towards Cotoncello-St. Andrea (the trail starts just to the left, near the "Enel" electricity shed). Try taking a dip in the waters of Cotoncello before returning to the hotel.

Tracking the past
The Hotel Ilio is offering clients "archeotrekking", a new way of experiencing Elba. The island's history comes to life along these ancient trails