Marciana Marina - Sant'Andrea - Trekking excursion on the Island of Elba

Departure / Arrival: Marciana Marina
Average time: 5 hours (round trip)
Distance: 13 km
Trail difficulty: difficult
Elevation gain: 633 m
Trails followed: no. 150, no. 150A, Sentiero dei Profumi
Things to see: La Cala, Sant'Andrea
Recommended deviations: Punta della Madonna

The section from Marciana Marina to Sant’Andrea corresponds to the Via dei Lentischi, one of the stages of the Via dell'Essenza.

A beautiful excursion that runs along the north-western coastline of the Island of Elba, offering stunning views of the blue sea, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, and colorful flowers.

This route connects roads, tracks, and mule paths, requiring some sense of orientation to navigate the numerous possible variations (not always signposted). These small paths were once the only routes connecting the small villages, rural houses, and vineyards located along the northern slopes of Monte Capanne.

From the Fenicia beach to Marciana Marina, the starting point of the excursion, take trail no. 150 that follows the coastal profile and soon reconnects with the road leading up to La Ripa. It's hard to believe that these slopes were, until a few decades ago, entirely shaped by terracing and vineyards, which made even the steepest slopes cultivable.

After walking about 100 meters on the paved road, take the path on the right, which soon reconnects with the road. Follow the road uphill to the first houses of La Ripa.

Infoelba suggests: before continuing along the itinerary, we recommend extending your walk for a few more meters until trail 150A, which leads to Punta della Madonna, a spectacular viewpoint. From the cliffs above the sea, the view stretches westward from the Ripa Barata coast to Capo Sant’Andrea, with the island of Capraia and Corsica on the horizon. Looking east, you dominate the coast near Punta del Nasuto and the Enfola promontory. The name Punta della Madonna is thought to have been given by old fishermen who, coming from Marciana Marina and passing the point, could observe the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte.

Returning a few meters before the houses, take the mule track on the right, which, passing between remnants of terracing, leads to a crossroads.

At the junction, follow the signs for La Cala and, after crossing a dirt road, continue on trail no. 150.

From time to time, the dense shrubbery opens up, offering captivating panoramic views of the coastal coves. Upon reaching the Cala settlement (which can only be reached on foot or by sea), the landscape immerses into a bucolic dimension. Among old dry-stone walls, country cottages, and the old building of the Hotel Andreina, closed for several years, time seems to have stood still here.

The path continues between fragrant rosemary hedges until reaching the intersection with the Cala stream: going right leads to the small Cala beach; straight ahead, the trail begins to ascend in narrow turns.

The ascent is at times quite steep but of short length and offers a panoramic view of the Cala and Ripa Barata coast, quickly emerging near the small locality of La Conca. Taking Via Maciarello, follow the paved road for about ten minutes until reaching house number 36 and the sign for Sant'Andrea.

The trail immediately plunges into the Mediterranean scrub, revealing, almost at the end, the profile of the Sant’Andrea coast and the beautiful blue of its sea.

Immediately after the Hotel L’Oleandro, take the small path on the right.

Between houses and fenced courtyards, the path descends towards the cliffs of Punta del Cotoncello, which in spring are covered by the blooming prairies of the Fico degli Ottentotti, and towards the charming small beach.

From here, the walk still offers a small surprise, as to reach the Sant'Andrea beach, you must take a scenic coastal path on wooden bridges and passages carved into the rocks, in perfect harmony with the natural environment.

Infoelba suggests: From Sant'Andrea, it is possible to continue to Patresi, located 5 km away, following the road that leads from the beach to Zanca, and from there, follow the trail along the Cotaccia (no. 150).

For the return, retrace the steps until reaching the houses of the La Conca locality (at the end of Via Maciarello). From here, you can take a different return route: the Sentiero dei Profumi.

The first section passes under a leafy oak gallery before intersecting the Cala stream, which can be crossed over a beautiful Roman bridge, until reaching the ruins of an old warehouse. The building, which still contains a large barrel, was at the center of an area affected by extensive terracing for vineyards.

At the next junction (without signs), take the trail on the right until reaching a crossroads, and then follow the descending trail to Marciana Marina.

After passing another ruin, the trail reconnects with the one descending to the left into the Val di Cappone.

The initial section is somewhat overgrown by a dense Mediterranean scrub of rockrose, strawberry tree, broom, and myrtle, but the path becomes more defined and descends without further difficulties to the houses of Marciana Marina.

Now, simply follow the paved road that leads exactly to the starting point.