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Starting point: Porto Azzurro
Ending point: Procchio
Distance: 21.33 km
Elevation: 272 m
Recommended detours: Colle di Santa Lucia, Mulino a vento
The second stage of the GTE is more spacious, smooth, and fast. It follows the central ridge of Elba Island through woods, countryside, and cultivated areas.
Leaving Porto Azzurro, the trail climbs the Botro valley up to Capo Galletti, then crosses into the Buraccio valley, known for its olive and vine cultivation, eventually reaching the provincial road to Porto Azzurro and the vineyards of Casa Marchetti at Campo ai Peri.
From here, the path ascends, surrounded by fragrant rosemary and broom plants, towards Monte Orello (377 m). The pine forests around the summit partially obscure the view, but you can still enjoy a lovely glimpse of Portoferraio.
Descending from Monte Orello, after passing a horse riding stable, turn left onto an old and wide military road that runs along the ridge, shaded by high scrubland with a few scattered houses around.
After about ten minutes, a short detour allows you to reach the Fonte agli Schiumoli spring, the only water source along the GTE trail where you can refresh yourself (coordinates 42.78486, 10.32047).
Approximately 100 meters after the spring, another brief left turn leads to an old kiln. After reaching the Colle Reciso pass, marked by a large limestone quarry, follow the signs for Lacona at the junction.
At the end of the short ascent, the first road on the right leads to Colle di Santa Lucia in about 30 minutes.
The current Church of Santa Lucia and the hermitage were once places of pilgrimage and shelter for hermits. In more recent years, they became the destination for the traditional Ascension Day procession from Portoferraio. It is believed that the ancient village of Montemarsale and the Fortress of Lucéri stood on this hill, both destroyed by the pirate Barbarossa.
Returning to the road for Lacona, the next unpaved road on the right leads you back to the GTE. The trail continues along a wide road, mostly shaded by trees such as holm oak, strawberry tree, and heather. Along the way, you can spot old ammunition depots from World War II.
Just before reaching Poggio del Molino a Vento (288 meters), an unmarked but visible detour leads to the ruins of the old windmill overlooking the Lacona Gulf.
The old and imposing windmill ruins stand as guardians of the island's two sides: to the north, the Portoferraio Gulf, and to the south, the Lacona Gulf and Capo Stella. About 100 meters west of the mill, there is a stone boundary marker with a cross of Malta engraved, placed in 1579 to mark the border between the Medici's Cosmopoli and the rest of the island, which was part of the Piombino principality. To reach it, after the clearing, you must pass a water hole and follow a faint arrow into the scrub.
Resuming the GTE trail, the path continues at the same altitude. From here, there are several variants, one of which leads to San Martino and the Napoleonic villa, while another diverts to the Monumento, allowing access to the trail network of the Fonza promontory.
Following the GTE signs, the trail descends through Mediterranean scrub to reach some ruins of old farmhouses under a pine forest. Following the signs, the path leads to a zone with many local roads and scattered houses. Eventually, you will easily reach the provincial road number 25, just a few hundred meters from [page id="952"]Procchio.
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