Round the western side of Elba

Anyone visiting the Island of Elba, even for just one day, cannot miss the western ring road: the coastal road connecting Procchio to Marina di Campo. Gentle shores, villages perched on the mountains, fresh chestnut woods, and barren granite boulders alternate along a road that plunges steeply into the sea.

In the distance, the horizon is marked by Corsica, the mainland, and the entire Tuscan Archipelago as your milestones.

Starting from Procchio, about 1 km away, you'll find the Isolotto della Paolina, named so because it is said that Paolina Bonaparte used to visit this paradise corner to bathe nude, away from prying eyes.

Next, head towards Marciana Marina, a small and colorful typically seaside village. After this, a steep road leads to Marciana. Before reaching the town, you can stop at the Monte Capanne Cable Car to ascend to the highest peak of the Tuscan Archipelago. Entering Marciana, follow the signs for the Pisan Fortress. From there, you can enjoy a truly wonderful panorama: in front of you, the rooftops with red tiles of Marciana, the marinas opening to the vastness of the sea, Corsica, the island of Capraia, and the entire coast of the mainland; behind you, the majesty of the 1,019-meter-high Monte Capanne. Venture into the village, discovering alleys, small houses, and little chapels, until you reach the Medieval Gate of the Lorena family, where once again you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view.

Continuing your journey, you’ll begin to gently descend towards the coast, passing through the areas of Sant'Andrea, Zanca, and Colle d'Orano. This is where the Coast of the Sun begins, a scenic stretch of coastline full of coves, cliffs rising steeply from the sea, sea caves, and beautiful golden beaches, extending all the way to Cavoli.

At a certain point, you’ll find on your right a small house surrounded by terraced vineyards. A natural setting for high-level concerts, Campo Lo Feno is a place of great artistic value and interest. Solitary and enchanted, it is also one of the most photographed spots on the Island of Elba. Take a moment to admire the vastness of the sea and the islands on the horizon: Corsica, Pianosa, Montecristo, and Giglio.

After passing this fairytale-like place, continue your journey along the cliffside road, passing through the villages of Chiessi and Pomonte, until you reach the Fetovaia Gulf.

Stop again here to admire the landscape: the strip of land extending into the open sea, the crystal-clear water, the islands on the horizon, and behind you, the grandeur of the granite promontories, creating an atmosphere of a lost paradise. Continuing along the western ring, you will reach the village of Seccheto and the area of Cavoli with its white quartz beach.

Finally, resuming the road to Marina di Campo, you can stop for the final stop: the cliff plunging into the transparent sea, the islands on the horizon, and the coastline of the mainland reappearing behind the promontories, offer a perfect farewell to this intense itinerary that has filled your eyes, mind, and spirit.