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Departure: Sant'Andrea
Arrival: Colle d'Orano
Average time: 2 hours 30 min
Length: 5.7 km
Elevation gain: 498 m
Trail difficulty: challenging
Trails followed: no. 150, no. 127
What to observe: heather (2A, 2D), granite erosion forms (2B), Mediterranean scrub (2C), Punta Polveraia lighthouse (2E), ophiolites
The Heather Route begins on trail no. 150, which climbs from Sant'Andrea, following the dry-stone walls of abandoned vineyards, towards scenic, wooded mountain massifs. These peaks rise along the coast, offering spectacular views of the Formiche della Zanca shoal and, in the distance, the islands of Capraia and Corsica, constant presences on the horizon throughout this stage.
Mediterranean scrub remains the predominant vegetation along the route: while passing through the areas of Serrone and Sambucaia, several impressive specimens of tree heath can be observed.
The route then approaches the village of Zanca, descending once again through abandoned terraces to the coast at Cala della Cotaccia, one of the most fascinating places on the Isola d'Elba. Here, the magnificent white granite sculpted by the sea and the clear waters, enhanced by the pale rocks of the seabed, create an unforgettable sight.
From Cotaccia, the trail climbs through a holm oak wood and lush Mediterranean scrub, before joining an easy path that runs just below the provincial road and leads to the small village of Patresi. In Patresi, the route descends along the paved road, passing close to the Punta Polveraia lighthouse before reaching the sea. After leaving Patresi beach, follow trail no. 127, climbing along an old paved track shaded by strawberry trees. This route leads towards the village of Colle d'Orano, reaching the provincial road, where this section of the Via dell'Essenza ends.
Ophiolites
Along this section of the Via dell'Essenza, the rocks that make up the terrain are serpentinites, also known as ophiolites, which form an important part of the geology of the Isola d'Elba.
Ophiolites are rocks of great geological importance because they represent the oceanic crust and the underlying part of the Earth's mantle. These rocks formed in extremely deep marine environments (hundreds of kilometres below the surface) and were brought to the surface by tectonic movements, indicating the presence of an ancient ocean.
The colours of serpentinites range from light green to darker shades, and they have fibrous, massive and crystalline structures. The deformation events that affected the ophiolitic rocks on Elba date back to the formation of the Western Tethys Ocean (Jurassic period) and created metamorphic structures visible around Punta di Fetovaia, Colle d'Orano, Punta Le Tombe, along the coast of Golfo Stella and in the area of Monte Strega.
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