Mountain biking on Elba

We decided to join the Nosurrender Cycling Team for three days on Elba, in Tuscany, and did not regret it. It was October, with pleasant daytime temperatures of 20–25°C. We explored numerous MTB trails and enjoyed wonderful sea views. We stayed at Hotel Montemerlo in Fetovaia, on the island’s southern coast.

Nosurrender is a cycling team from Milan, combining exploration with hard pedalling. They enjoy long distances without giving up craft beer and good food. We love their mix of sport and pleasure.

Elba is an appealing destination for riding beyond the summer season. We spent two full days on our bikes. On the first day we concentrated on the western side of the island. I love Mediterranean landscapes, and Elba delivers: the scent of plants fills the air, trails cross lush woodland, and the sea is never far away.

If you are looking for Elba GPS tracks, an online search will provide plenty of options; the maps below show the rides described here.

Day two: the Capoliveri Legend Cup trails

On our second day we headed to Capoliveri and rode sections of the well-known Capoliveri Legend Cup course. This mountain bike race is traditionally held in May. Look up its route tracks if you would like to explore the area yourself.

Getting to Elba

Elba is about an hour by ferry from Piombino, on the Tuscan coast. Our journey from Milan to Piombino took roughly four hours by car, followed by the crossing.

Routes for different riding styles

Whether you enjoy cross-country or enduro, Elba offers a wide variety of trails. Browse the photographs for a sense of the terrain and choose a route suited to your riding skills.

Western Elba route

Capoliveri route