Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) - guide, accommodation and stages
- Christian Sommer
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
The Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) is the most famous long-distance hiking trail on the Tuscan island of Elba and takes you in several stages from Cavo in the north-east to Pomonte or Patresi in the west. Over around 70 kilometres, you will cross the wild heart of the island – past dense macchia forests, windy mountain paths and fantastic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) connects remote mountain villages with historic paths, crosses Mediterranean landscapes and takes you to quiet places of power time and again.
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE)
The Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) is one of Italy's most impressive long-distance hiking trails. It runs for around 70 kilometres and covers approximately 2,800 metres of elevation gain across the entire mountain ridge of Elba Island – from Cavo in the north-east to Patresi or Pomonte in the west. The trail can be divided into five daily stages. The difficulty level is mostly easy to moderate. The GTE is generally recommended for experienced hikers. The GTE is marked throughout and well signposted. Particularly pleasant: the easy orientation and reliable infrastructure make it easy to enjoy the hike without any worries. Shortly before Monte Capanne, the GTE splits into NORTH and SOUTH. Both variants on the last stage are described in my article.
Grande Traversata Elbana arrival
Getting to the Grande Traversata Elbana is very straightforward. The official starting point is in Cavo, a small, charming coastal village in the north-east. Below you will find all the important information you need for your journey:
Airplane: The nearest airport is Marina di Campo Airport (EBA). It is located roughly in the centre of the island. To find cheap flights, I highly recommend Skyscanner – a first-class app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight deals.
From the airport, I recommend continuing your journey by bus or taxi.
Bus: There are regular bus connections from the airport to Cavo. It is best to take the 116 bus from Autolinee Toscane to Cavo. The journey takes about 3 hours and you have to change buses once. I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding connections and making bookings.
Ferry: You can also easily reach the island of Elba by ferry from Piombino (Livorno) in about an hour. There is a harbour in Cavo, the starting point of the hike. If there are no seats available on this route, you can also take the ferry to Portoferraio. From there, take the 117 bus from Autolinee Toscane to Cavo.
Return journey: The return journey to the airport is easy by public transport (bus) or taxi.
As always, I recommend watching a video about the tour:
Grande Traversata Elbana stages
The three stages of the Grande Traversata Elbana lead along the mountain range across the island. Each of these stages offers unique landscapes, from spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches to picturesque fishing villages and ruined castles. Below you will find the official stages of the Grande Traversata Elbana:
Classic:
Stage 1: Cavo – Porto Azzurro (23 km und 900 m ascent)
Stage 2: Porto Azzurro – Procchio (20 km und 750 m ascent)
Stage 3: Procchio – Chiessi (20 km un 120 m ascent)
Remember to insure your trip well – because a fall or other typical hiking injury can quickly result in high rescue costs. Auras Insurance offers you worldwide hiking and trekking insurance, specially designed for active travellers.
Use the discount code HIKINGFEX to get 10% off your insurance.
Grande Traversata Elbana Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation along the Grande Traversata Elbana, from cosy guesthouses and hotels to campsites. I highly recommend the accommodation listed below. You can book your accommodation right here via the links on my partner platform ‘Booking.com’ at no extra cost. Thank you very much!
Tip: Take your time and have a good look at the accommodation options, as there are some truly beautiful and exciting places to stay in this region!
Cavo: starting point
Stage 1: Porto Azzurro
Stage 2: Procchio
Campsite La Foce (liegt in Marina di Campo)
Stage 3: Chiessi/Pomonte
Grande Traversata Elbana experiences
My experience of the Grande Traversata Elbana in Italy is as varied as the landscape itself. From spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches to adventurous mountain trails, this route offers unforgettable experiences. Here you will find my first-hand experiences and tips:
Stage 1: Cavo – Porto Azzurro (23 km and 900 m ascent)
The first stage of the Grande Traversata Elbana from Cavo to Porto Azzurro begins on a gently ascending gravel road. The trail then follows the striking ridge, which reaches its highest point at Cima del Monte (516 m). The views of Portoferraio Bay and Castello del Volterraio are unforgettable. Tip: if you still have energy reserves, it's worth making a detour to San Leonardo. After a strenuous climb, you reach the last peak of the tour at Monte Castello (389 m). From here, the trail leads down to the port town of Porto Azzurro.
As there is little shade on the trail and you are constantly exposed to the wind, I recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream with lip care SPF 50+, as well as my ultra-light sun cap and windbreaker.
• Sun capÂ
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Stage 2: Porto Azzurro – Procchio (20 km and 750 m ascent)
The second stage of the Grande Traversata Elbana is a little more difficult than the first. It leads from Porto Azzurro over the peaks of Monte Barbatoia and Monte San Martino, both around 370 m high, to Procchio. There are frequent varied views of the sea.
The second stage of the Grande Traversata Elbana crosses the hilly landscape in the central part of the island. The starting point is Porto Azzurro, from where you initially follow the main road. The rest of the route leads along small roads and dirt tracks, offering varied views down to the sea.
Monte San Martino (370 m) and Monte Barbatoia (359 m) are the highest peaks on this stage.
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Stage 3: Procchio – Chiessi (20 km and 120 m ascent)
The final stage of the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) on the beautiful Mediterranean island starts in Procchio and leads to Chiessi or, alternatively, Pomonte. Chiessi and Pomonte are only a few hundred metres apart via a coastal path. Adjust the end point of your tour to suit your choice of accommodation. You will have to cover around 20 km and you will circle Monte Capanne, Elba's highest mountain at 1,018 m. The more adventurous can climb Monte Capanne on a T4 trail. The exposed ridges are partly secured with steel cables, but the view is all the more magnificent for it. Shortly before Monte Capanne, the GTE splits into NORTH and SOUTH. The northern variant is about 8 km longer. Continue along the beautiful mountain path to Chiessi, the end point of the trail. You have reached your destination – congratulations! If you've made it, you have my utmost respect. This tour is one of my favourites!
To prepare yourself optimally for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel.
Grande Traversata Elbana – further information
Below, I have compiled some useful information about the Grande Traversata Elbana for you.
Money: I was able to pay cashless everywhere. However, as always, I recommend taking some cash with you.
Mobile phone reception: I had continuous network coverage.
Food: There are restaurants and small shops in every coastal village!
Taxi: Bolt and Uber work perfectly.
Water: There are few water sources. It is best to take 2-3 litres of water with you from your accommodation. This is usually enough for 20 kilometres.
Wildlife: A diverse Mediterranean wildlife awaits you along the Grande Traversata Elba. In the dense macchia forests, you will encounter green lizards, hoopoes and occasionally mouflons, which shyly disappear between the rocks. Kestrels and buzzards circle above the mountain ranges, while in quieter sections you can also hear the soft calls of nightingales or the chirping of countless cicadas. With a little luck, you may also spot rare butterfly species or observe sea turtles in the shallower bays. If you have a penchant for nature watching, Elba offers great diversity in a small area – often without any hustle and bustle and in unspoilt surroundings.
Grande Traversata Elbana – Difficulty
The route is well developed and suitable for most hikers, but the difficulty varies depending on the section. In my opinion, the trail is mostly easy and moderately difficult on the third stage. In some places, it can be steeper, uneven or rockier, which requires sure-footedness and a certain level of fitness. Some sections are secured with ropes.
Best time to travel: I recommend hiking the GTE in spring or autumn, as the scorching summer sun can make hiking around midday almost impossible. In winter, on the other hand, many facilities are closed and the weather can be unpleasant.
Weather conditions: Elba enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers. The island is a rewarding destination all year round, but especially for hiking in the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasantly warm and nature is in full bloom.
Waymarking: The Grande Traversata Elbana is signposted throughout.
Grande Traversata Elbana packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note:Â These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking bootsÂ
Â
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun capÂ
• Water filterÂ
• Camping matÂ
• Sleeping bagÂ
• Hut sleeping bagÂ
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPEDÂ - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• CompassÂ
• Power bankÂ
• HeadlampÂ
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Food as neededÂ
• Energy-gel
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
• GascookerÂ
• Plastic fork/spoonÂ
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Blister plasterÂ
• TapeÂ
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
• Tick tongsÂ
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Fire steel
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• CameraÂ
• 14mm LensÂ
• 24-105mm Lens
• DroneÂ
• Tripod
• ClipÂ
Grande Traversata Elbana GPX
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive:Â
Bergfex:Â
Grande Traversata Elbana map
Here you will find a map for the Grande Traversata Elbana. It will help you plan and find your way along the route.
Grande Traversata Elbana – conclusion
The Grande Traversata Elbana is a spectacular long-distance hiking route that takes you across the central mountain ranges of Elba Island – with magnificent views, varied nature and cultural highlights. It is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the island on foot and immerse themselves in the wild, unspoilt Elba away from the coast. The GTE is well marked, not too technically demanding and offers intense nature experiences in a Mediterranean setting. If you want to hike the Grande Traversata Elbana, it is worth organising accommodation or transfers in advance – especially in high season. I wish you an unforgettable tour and lots of fun!
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.