In September, Martin and his family explored the stunning Tuscan coast on a hiking tour with Eurohike. It was their first vacation with us, and you can discover all the details of his journey and experiences here. Definitely worth checking out!
Our first Eurohike hiking tour took us to the Tuscan coast, with a grand finale on the island of Elba.
We opted for the night train from Salzburg to Florence, then continued on to Pisa at a relaxed pace. To have more time to explore the city, we booked an extra night in Pisa, which we really enjoyed!
The information materials provided were well-organized, and we also received valuable tips for the upcoming days from Simone, an employee at the Eurohike hiking station in Tuscany.
Accompanied by perfect weather, which we were fortunate to enjoy throughout the entire vacation, we officially started the tour on Sunday. We used both the printed materials and the Eurohike on Tour navigation app on our phone for guidance, and the combination of these tools worked brilliantly.
On the first day, Martin and his family explored the Monti Pisani, the Pisan Mountains. This hiking paradise rises high above the Arno River plain. The trail winds through a vast chestnut forest and over solitary hills to the Passo di Dante. Once at the pass, they enjoyed a breathtaking view over the Pisa plain, making it an ideal spot for a brief pause. The return path leads to the charming town of San Giuliano Terme.
Our adventure took us into the hills of Livorno on the second day where we set off from Quercianella, a charming coastal village, and followed a sandy path that led us deep into the Colli Livornesi. As we hiked, we were enveloped by oak forests and the soothing sounds of birdsong. The trail meandered over the rolling high plains of Pian dei Lupi, guiding us along picturesque hillside paths with breathtaking views of the countryside.
Reaching the summit of Poggio Pelato, we were rewarded with a stunning panorama of the shimmering sea and verdant hills. Our descent took us along rugged gravel paths adorned with black stones, leading us to the enchanting town of Castiglioncello, where we concluded our day’s journey.
Today's hike takes us along a stunning coastal route. We start by strolling through the Pineta di Cecina, a serene pine forest that gently hugs the beach. From here, the trail continues right along the shoreline, offering a delightful change for our feet. The Bolgheri Oasis Nature Reserve is a true gem; with a touch of luck, you might find yourself alone in this tranquil haven, watching the seagulls glide gracefully overhead.
Today's stage begins in Baratti, home to an ancient Etruscan harbor that once served as a shipping route to Elba and is close to the archaeological sites of Populonia. We set out on spectacular high-altitude paths leading us towards our destination. Narrow trails wind along the rugged coastline, filled with the delightful scent of Mediterranean scrub. The views extend across the sea towards Elba, adding a breathtaking touch to the journey.
The island is within arm's reach. The "Sentiero dei Cavalleggeri" follows an old path that once led to Livorno. It guides you to the bay of Calamoresca on the rugged promontory of Punta Falcone. From there, it's a short distance to our final destination in Piombino. The charming old town and the seaside lighthouse are inviting for exploration.
The day kicks off with a ferry ride to the renowned island. Explore the historic charm of Portoferraio’s old town or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the iconic Le Ghiaie beach, known for its unique white stones speckled with black.
Martin and his family relished their time on Elba, but read on to discover their experience:
The island of Elba, with our "base camp" at Hotel Plaza in Porto Azzurro, was the perfect "icing on the cake" of this unforgettable journey. We explored the mountainous terrain of the island’s eastern half via a variety of routes and thoroughly enjoyed our extended stay, making the most of every moment.
