Trekking, mountain biking and sea kayak itineraries of adventure and excitement to discover hidden treasures. The Boutique Hotel Ilio offers a Spring of promise.

A green Paradise in the natural park of the Tuscan Archipelago is an ideal location for indulging in unforgettable sport and excursions. Take advantage of the May "All Sports" weeks organised by the Boutique Hotel Ilio in Capo Sant'Andrea on the Island of Elba. Amazingly beautiful, luxuriant landscapes are especially verdant at this time of year and form the backdrop to the mountain-bike, trekking and sea kayak sports weeks. From May 1st to 8th and from 12th to 19nd the mountain bike takes centre stage, with four days of adventure in the saddle under the guidance of professionals from the national centre of mountain bike instructors, who will give you map reading guidance, explanation of mountain bike mechanics and saddle position; everything you need to help you improve your technique and stamina. The rest is up to you! Steep, precipitous trails, gentle, almost level paths; nothing can stop you from enjoying this high level experience, whilst learning how to get the most out of the sport in an open air gym "between the sea and the mountains". You can bring your own technical mountain bike, otherwise it's easy to hire one here. The first four days are dedicated to mountain bike excursions and cost 280 euros a head for the four lessons, including CONI subscription and insurance. If you hire the bike and helmet, the inclusive cost is 360 euros. The last three days are for relaxation and touring the island.
Trekking weeks to discover the "alternative Elba", before the season starts and when the island is less crowded with visitors so that you can truly appreciate the beauty of the landscape, are organised from May 5th to 12th and from 19nd to 26th. All you need are a good pair of walking boots and a spirit of adventure to enjoy not only the famous coastline of the Island of Elba but also to venture into the hinterland where there is more amazing beauty to behold. The itinerary is the "Great Elba Crossing", from the granite mountains to the iron mines, divided into four daily stages of natural wonder. Each morning a minibus will take you to the start of the day's walking and collect you in the evening to bring you back to the Hotel Ilio. The first day begins with the "Eastern Ridge" from Cavo to Porto Azzurro: 17.6 kilometers of mountains and valleys and magnificent views towards the coast of mainland Italy and the islands of Topi, Palmaiola and Cerboli. The second day takes in the "Central Ridge", starting in Porto Azzurro and descending into Marina di Campo, 15.5 kilometers away, passing by the Schiumoli spring, was used as far back as Etruscan times. The third day begins in Marina di Campo and ends in Poggio, a walk of 16.3 kilometers, including the highest climb of the program up to the Elba Heights, Mount Capanne (1019 metres). The longest excursion is kept for the last day, 19.5 kilometers from Poggio to Pomone along the "old path". We pass the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte and continue towards the impressive Masso dell'Aquila before the gentle descent down the terraces of the old vineyards. The cost of the four day programme, including the services of professional guides specialising in this type of sport and nature activity, insurance and daily transport from and back to the hotel, is 160 euros per person for a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8. The remaining three days are for rest and relaxation.
Water-sports fans can take part in the sea kayak weeks, organised for the weeks from 1st to 8th and from 12th to 19nd May. You will be able to explore tiny bays and unknown inlets around the coast in one of the oldest means of water transport known to man, the kayak, one of the most ecologically sound, exciting ways to come into close contact with the wild, natural beauty of the island. The kayaks used for the excursions are the latest models, usually one-man, and each outing is accompanied by an expert guide. One of the possible itineraries back to Capo S.Andrea begins from the little beach in the port of Marciana Marina. Five magical miles along the coast there and back, passing by traditional Elba houses, the Cala and doubling the Punta del Nasuto and Madonna, a priceless land and sea scape. May is when the "Hottentot Fig" or "Witches Nail", with its creeping stems clinging to the white granite of the rocky shoreline, flowers. The excursions in the company of professional sea kayak guides, are arranged for the first four days of the stay and cost 200 euros per person for a minimum of two people, including kayak hire and insurance. The last three days are for rest and relaxation, free time to discover the island.
The week in half board (breakfast and evening meal) at the Boutique Hotel Ilio in Capo Sant'Andrea costs from 350 to 630 euros per person in double accommodation, depending on the room type booked.


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