Monte Capanne via Marciana. Sentiero Elba 101

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · Views · Wildlife

There is ample free parking at the cabinovia (cable car), which is a 5-minute hike from the start of the trail at Marciana. You may find parking around Marciana early in the day. You can also park near Poggio and access the trail at Romitorio di San Cerbone using Strada Provinciale 25 and then the unsealed road between Poggio and San Cerbone.

It is not uncommon for people to hike the trail in one direction and take the cabinovia in the other direction.

There is a café/bar and toilet at the top of the cabinovia near the summit; I've only found it closed once but don't just assume that will be open. Be aware that the ticket office for the cabinovia opens surprisingly late in the morning (Italian time), after which a long queue forms.

The trail initially ascends from Marciana through a shady chestnut grove to the Hermitage of San Cerbone. It passes a small ruin after roughly 2km, where a deviation to the "Grotta di San Cerbone," is indicated. Immediately after passing under the cabinovia, you reach the Hermitage of San Cerbone (roughly 2.3km).

After San Cerbone the trail climbs more steeply and passes the GTE Nord twice (~3km). From the second crossing with the GTE it is about another 700m steeper climb to the top of the cabinovia through exposed granite slopes and sparse vegetation. From there you can explore the summit and admire the panorama.

The Park Authority website ( islepark.it/sentieri/sentie…) indicates an ascent time of 2.75 hours. Obviously take plenty of water. There is a public fountain with excellent quality water at the starting point on Via della Rena near the Casa di Accoglienza per Anziani Santa Caterina Retirement home. If accessing the trail from Poggio, the famous Fonte di Napoleone is below the intersection of Strada Provinciale 25 and the unsealed road between Poggio and San Cerbone.

The trail can be attempted as a simple return trek, a one-way trek using the cabinovia to ascend or descend (with a short walk between Marciana and the cabinovia) or you can create a circuit/loop using other trails, such as the 105 from Poggio, or for a longer loop, the GTE Nord and 110 from Marciana.

There is a chance of spotting wild mouflon sheep at higher elevations along the trail, but you're likely to need binoculars.