Discover the wealth of environmental attractions in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park by mountain bike. The Hotel Ilio offers all sorts of activities: for cyclists, expert mountain bikers, free riders or, simply, for nature lovers

Itineraries through wild, unexplored areas. Paths that change from hard and steep, to easy and level. And all through the heart of a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Discovering or rediscovering the pleasure of a mountain bike excursion, far away from the monotonous routine of working days, can be a really unforgettable experience. It offers all the emotions of a small challenge, testing you and your endurance skills, along a route through the green countryside and fresh air. The Hotel Ilio in Capo S. Andrea proposes this adventure for all those who want to discover "alternative Elba", Elba's hidden side, which is even more attractive, because much of it has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. Fun is guaranteed, so what are you waiting for? Let's get ready to go! All you need is a good mountain bike and the obligatory cycle helmet. And there's no need to worry if you don't have your own bike: you can hire a bike and helmet for 10 Euros. Our efficient organization is ready and able to cater for all your requirements and assist you in any way possible. Maurizio Testa will provide all bikers with information and a guide to the various routes through the Elban heartland, indicating how fit and skilled participants need to be for each individual route. There are itineraries for beginners, winding tracks for experts and adventurous downhill descents for free riders: you will be spoilt for choice.
The MTB school, which works together with the Hotel Ilio, organizes 1st and 2nd level cycling theory/practical courses for those interested. These courses last two days (€ 240 for 1 or 2 people; € 310 for 3 or 4 people) and half day trips around the island (€ 30 for one person, € 60 for 2 people, € 70 for 3 - 4 people, € 140 from 5 to 10 people). The courses and trips are organized and led by instructors and guides from the same school and include insurance cover and technical assistance in the price.One of the most exciting trips - strictly for expert bikers - starts from S. Andrea and runs towards Marciana. After a flat start, the slope increases progressively along a panoramic stretch with splendid views of the north-western coast and, weather permitting, of Capraia, Gorgona and part of the Etruscan Riviera. From the town of Marciana, at 375 metres above sea level, we take the first road on the right, following signs to the Santuario della Madonna del Monte, and this is where the fun really starts: steep cobbled slopes, for a tiring and technical climb. We continue to climb up the Via Crucis until coming to the path for Patresi, at 555 metres above sea level. Here, with a few highly technical stretches past the boulders, we are able to observe the unusual granite shapes of the Aquila
and Uomo Masso from close up, while enjoying a view over the sea down below A few very difficult stretches force us to proceed on foot, carrying our bikes, but this is all part of the fun. The descent - which starts of easily enough, but becomes progressively more difficult - runs through a scented chestnut wood until coming to a small chapel. There is another technical stretch, a flat area and then the fun really begins for free riders: with our saddles lowered, we start off down the steep path over large granite boulders firmly stuck in the ground, almost forming a long natural stairway that leads us back to S. Andrea.

For further information:
Hotel Ilio Capo S. Andrea 24 - 57030 Marciana - Isola d'Elba
Tel. 0565.90.80.18 Fax 0565.90.80.87
Website: www.ilio.it