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How to: Find the best Trails
Views for days
Why you should go there: Well, as the title states, it has some of the most scenic trails we have ridden. As the island is quite small, most trails have sea view at some point and the nature is just beautiful. Additionally, there are trails for everyone that is willing to pedal to get to the top.
It has become popular among bikers and also other tourists to visit Elba in one day. Not only do most tours only ride in one or two areas, thay also miss out on the beautiful little towns, the relaxed lifestyle in the offseason and the great restaurants. We would advise to spend a few days on the beautiful island in order to get the most out of it.
Elba is very touristic and the population that is only about 30’000 inhabitants in winter multiplies with a large factor during the high season months in summer. In the shoulder season, when places start to re-open (starting in April) the weather is not too hot yet and ideal for biking.
As the island is quite small, there are only a few bike shops. Make sure to bring everything that you need and maybe a few spares (e.g. tire, breakpads, etc.) as the shops are very small and only stock a few spare parts.
Who is it for: If you go out riding to enjoy nature, enjoy the chilled vibe and want to pedal yourself, this is for you. If you are a technically skilled rider, you can really benefit from Elba, as some descents can be challenging.
Who should avoid it: If you like to ride very easy trails and dont want to pedal up, this is not for you. Also, if you look for a place with a big biking scene, shops, etc. there might be better options.
Trails
The trails on Elba island are very different from their characteristics. There are four main Areas:
The Bike Park Capoliveri has served as cross country race track a few times. Therefore, there are many great uphill and downhill trails that are usually well maintained. Most trails are easy from a technical point of view. On the south west end, you will ride through an old mine that has been abandonned in the 80ties. There is no possiblity for shuttle here but a good area for an ebike.
The north eastern side of the island, around Cima del Monte features a few built trails that have a bit of an adventurous character and should only be ridden by riders with a good technical ability. If we had to choose to leave out an area, we would pick this one.
Bike Land Elba Ovest has a large number of purpose built enduro trails. They vary in terms of flow and difficulty. Generally, everyhting that is in the forest is flowyer and trails out in the open (mostly south facing) are rockier and more technical. The rocks and rock slabs are granite and very grippy. This area is also used for shuttles by Elba Freeride which is very efficient.
There are also a few trails around the town of Lacona that can be recommended. The rocks here get rather greasy when they are wet, so we would advise to pick a dry day for them.
There are more trail areas in Elba, especially the trails in the north west are supposed to be great. It is however harder to get to them and especially getting back to your starting point is rather painful.
Top Trails & Tours
Local services
Guides & Shuttles
- Freeride Elba: Shuttle and guided tours. Highly recommended
Bike Shops
- Cicli Brandi: Probably the best selection for bikers on the island. Located in Portoferraio.
- Velonext: Located in Marina di Campo with a focus on road bikes.
Bikeparks
- None
Food & Drinks
As the area we are covering is huge, it is quite difficult to point out the best places. Here are a few that we liked:
Top Restaurants
01
Rick’s: Great bar in Porto Azzurro to start or end your night. Knowledgable bartenders that take pride in their job. $
02
Aquarilli: Outside bar close to Lacona overlooking the sea with nice music and great drinks. $
03
Ristorante Pizzeria Calafata: Your go-to place for a simple meal in Porto Azzurro. $
04
Osteria Clandestina: Very good not everyday food in Porto Azzurro. Also good for vegetarians. $$
05
Frecchia Azzurra: This is where the locals eat in Capoliveri. $
06
Sale Grosso: Fancy sea food with great service in Marciana Marina. $$
Overnight
Elba island basically consists only of hotels, campgrounds and vacation appartments. However, if you visit during the off- or shoulder season, you might find it difficult to find a place that is open and has heating.
- Hotel Plaza: Good hotel with great service, breakfast and a small bike room.
- Air BnB: Find yourself an appartment.
Camping
There are numerous campsites on Elba. Call up front to make sure they are open if you travel during the off-season.
- Ville degli Ulivi: At Marina de Campo Beach
- Camping Arrighi: More beach camping
- Valle Santa Maria: You guessed it… 😉
More than Biking
Relax at the Beach
There are many beautiful beaches that are lonely during the offseason.
Nigh out in Porto Azzurro
Porto Azzurro has a vibrant night life on the weekend. Try to have a drink in every bar or enoteca and have a chat with the locals.
Drive around the island
Explore the rest of the island by car or public bus. Especially during a storm the western part is very scenic.
Disclaimer
The content of this website is just an opinion of a few individuals. It is not based on scientific research and some facts may have changed since the last visit. Feel free to leave a comment with suggestions for anything we have covered on this website.
You might be riding on shared trails! Yield to other trail users and animals! Control your speed, leave no traces and don’t shortcut corners! Thank you!
Last on-site research: 2022
entries with this icon have been recently tested by the author