The Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) is one of the most fascinating hikes in Italy, a trekking route that crosses the entire Island of Elba from east to west, offering breathtaking views and an extraordinary variety of natural landscapes. With its approximately 50 kilometers of length, the GTE is a true hiking experience, combining wild nature, history, and the charm of Elba’s small villages.

The official starting point of the Grande Traversata Elbana is in the small village of Cavo, overlooking the island’s eastern coast. From there, the trail follows the central hills of Elba, crossing holm oak woods, stretches of Mediterranean scrub, and rocky areas. The beauty of this route lies in the constant alternation between mountain views and sea vistas, with sights that span the Tyrrhenian Sea and, on clear days, even nearby islands such as Pianosa, Capraia, and Corsica. The entire route runs along well-marked and maintained trails, many of which are part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park network. However, the GTE is not just for experienced hikers: with good physical preparation and the right equipment, it can also be tackled by those taking on their first multi-day trek.

Hiking the GTE in 3 days is a common choice among trekkers, allowing for a steady pace without sacrificing restorative breaks and local discoveries. The first day can cover the stretch from Cavo to Porto Azzurro, passing through Monte Grosso and the Semaforo, an old military outpost with spectacular views. Porto Azzurro is a perfect stopping point: lively, welcoming, and well connected.

The second stage takes you from Porto Azzurro to Procchio, crossing Elba’s inland. This stretch offers deep silence, unexpected views, and an encounter with nature that gradually becomes more rugged and mountainous. The final day, perhaps the most intense but also the most thrilling, leads from Procchio to the western coast. Here you reach Monte Capanne, the island’s highest peak at 1,019 meters. After admiring the incredible panorama from the summit, the descent heads toward Pomonte or Patresi, two quiet coastal towns perfect for ending the experience with a swim in the sea.

One of the most important aspects to plan ahead during the GTE is where to sleep. The trail does not pass directly through towns, so you’ll need to plan some detours to reach the nearest villages. Towns offering convenient accommodations include Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, Procchio, Marciana, Poggio, Marina di Campo, and Portoferraio. Many hikers choose to travel light, relying on pre-booked lodging, while others opt for a wilder experience, sleeping in a tent (where permitted). In both cases, good planning is essential, especially during peak season.

This trek is an opportunity to exercise and experience the island deeply, far from the usual tourist routes. It’s an invitation to slow down, to reflect, and to authentically discover a remarkable territory. For many, it’s also a chance to enjoy a real adventure holiday on Elba, filled with effort, emotions, encounters, and landscapes that stay in your memory. Along the way, it’s common to meet other hikers, but also cyclists who take advantage of the network of mountain bike trails that intersect with the GTE path, offering dynamic alternatives for every kind of explorer.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Grande Traversata Elbana is a journey through the island’s history and culture. While walking, you pass by archaeological sites, ancient hermitages, old mining areas, and landscapes shaped by centuries of human life. Villages like Rio Marina reflect Elba’s mining soul, while Portoferraio preserves the architectural and historical charm of Medicean and Napoleonic rule. Every stage, every climb, every stop represents a fragment of a larger story that unites land and sea, effort and wonder. It’s a transformative experience that leaves a deep impression. Amid the scents of the scrubland, endless skies, and breathtaking views, the trail invites you to reconnect with yourself and with nature. Whether you tackle the GTE in 3 days or at a slower pace, the important thing is to surrender to the rhythm of your steps, discovering, one stretch at a time, the true essence of the Island of Elba.