Third Stage of the GTE

The third stage of the GTE leads from Procchio to Patresi or Pomonte.

From Procchio, returning to the arrival point of the second stage of the GTE, you leave the paved road and take the uphill path that climbs up Monte Castello (226 m), where it would be interesting to make a short exploration of the surroundings to discover, hidden by the Mediterranean scrub, the ruins of an Etruscan fortress, built here to watch over the Golfo di Marina di Campo from above, as well as a military outpost used during the Second World War as an observation point.

The route continues like a tunnel through the vegetation, until it reaches a cluster of houses and crosses the junction with trail no. 180 and the junction with trail 121 for Sant’Ilario. Leaving the wide, easy road followed so far, the steep and demanding ascent begins, leading to Monte Perone in 50 minutes.

The GTE then follows the same path as the Santuario delle Farfalle: another short but steep climb through the pine forest, up to the junction with trail no. 107, where you follow a short level stretch before reaching a wood, also to be crossed uphill.

Once you reach the place known as Malpasso or the GTE fork (833 m), just below the altitude of Passo delle Filicaie (870 m), you must decide which branch of the GTE to follow.

Northern GTE towards Patresi

The northern GTE continues to the right, at altitude, below the Capanne massif. This branch of the GTE takes about 8 hours, as the trail is very long and varied. In the first part it crosses several landslides of granite boulders where you need to take care to follow the easiest route.

After crossing trail no. 101 twice, the route becomes pleasant and level, with a beautiful view of Marciana, the northern coast of the Isola d’Elba, Piombino and the Tuscan coast as far as the junction with trail 110.

Here you continue to the left, along the last climb of the day, up to the locality of la Tavola at 920 m, where, stopping for a moment to rest, you can enjoy a wonderful view.

From this point a descent begins, demanding in places, down to the locality of La Terra, with views over the southern side of Elba and, in the background, the islands of Pianosa and Montecristo. Making a curious turn northwards, you reach Il Troppolo (690 m), one of the most remarkable places on Elba’s trails, especially in May when the flowering of broom, rockroses and other plants turns it into an extraordinary fragrant garden. After passing Bollero (556 m) and Serraventosa (620 m), continue downhill to Patresi (loc. Mortaio).

Northern GTE map: Procchio - Patresi

Southern GTE towards Pomonte

If instead you want to take the southern GTE, once you reach the GTE fork, turn left in a south-westerly direction, following the ridge that divides the wide Pomonte valley from that of Vallebuia and Seccheto.

Descending from 839 m a.s.l. to 0 m a.s.l., you pass Colle della Grottaccia (647 m), Le Mure (630 m), Monte Cenno (592 m) and Monte Orlano (546 m), before descending quickly towards Pomonte.

The route is highly evocative: it crosses dry-stone walls, goat shelters, clearings and vineyards that once covered the entire valley. About 3 hours and 20 minutes of walking are required.

Southern GTE map: Procchio - Pomonte