Monte Capanne on the Island of Elba

On a clear day, at a height of 1019 metres, not only the view from the top of the highest mountain on the island is unique, but you can also see the far off islands of the archipelago: Pianosa, Caparaia, Montecristo, Gorgona and Corsica.

The Island of Elba is paradise on earth for those who love excursionism, bird watching, nature, and above all trekking.

Just follow any of the many paths and trails and you will come across many different microorganisms based on delicate balances, or admire different endemic species, orchids of rare beauty, intense perfumes, all this while you have breathtaking views all around you.

As in many other parts of the island, there are more than 200 different types of mushrooms that grow under the holm oaks to be seen during the autumn months, the most sought after being the boletus.

The area at the foot of Monte Capanne is characterized by Mediterranean scrub and large granite rocks, and although time has erosed them, you can still see traces of ancient mineral formations that over the years have become very strange shapes.

If you watch out for them, you might be lucky enough to see some herds of moufflons or the odd magnificent bird of pray.

If you want to go to the top of Monte Capanne, you can either follow the paths up, or go up on the chair lift, two people in each, that starts in Marciana, but is open only during the summer. It only takes a few minutes to get up, and the view from there is breathtaking!