Capo Castello - Tonietti Mausoleum - Cavo - Trekking excursion in Elba

Departure / Arrival: Cavo
Average time: 2 hours
Distance: 5.2 km
Difficulty level: very easy
Elevation gain: 139 m
Trails followed: 260, GTE
Sights: Mausoleo Tonietti

The journey starts from Capo Castello, located one kilometer north of Cavo, near Villa Tonietti, which can be reached from the bus terminal or the pier by walking along John Kennedy's seafront. Upon reaching a parking area, follow the road on the left, taking trail n. 260.

The trail is immersed in Mediterranean scrub, sometimes so lush that it almost forms a tunnel. The path gently ascends with wide zigzags along the slopes of Monte Lentisco until reaching a holm oak forest where the view in the woods narrows, and the path becomes more shaded. Near Capo Vita, the northernmost tip of the island, the trail overlooks both sides of the promontory: to the west, in the distance, you can see the fortified walls of Portoferraio, and to the east, the islets of Topi and Palmaiola.

The trail then reaches a rest area and a crossroad. Turning left, a very short path leads to the Mausoleo Tonietti. The structure is in a degraded state, so it is strongly advised not to enter.

Returning to the main path, continue on the GTE Turning left, you can follow the GTE eastwards to quickly return to Cavo.

At the end of the trail, you will find another building constructed by the Tonietti family: Villa Bellariva, also known as The Castle.

The imposing eclectic-style building, constructed at the end of the 19th century, also served as a symbol of the family's economic power and strength.