VIA DELL'ESSENZA
The "Via dell'Essenza" is the project for the creation of a coastal path on the island of Elba. 130 kilometres of trails divided into 12 stages, designed to make the island of Elba and its wonders even more accessible.
The project was launched in 2011 on the basis of an idea by Umberto Segnini who designed the entire path and later opened 4 of the 12 trails.
In 2022, the project came under the management of the Acqua dell'Elba Foundation, which decided to create a partnership with the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago to make the Via dell'Essenza even more accessible thanks to new signposting, digital maps and the highlighting and promotion of points of interest.
The first phase of the "New Via dell'Essenza" takes the form of a five-year project (2023 - 2027) undersigned by the Acqua dell'Elba Foundation and the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago aimed at renewing the footpath surface, modelling the vegetation along the edges of the path and highlighting the historical and natural features of seven sensory stages/routes that will make it possible to develop the circumnavigation of western Elba, at the foot of Monte Capanne, for a total of 66.5 km:
1) VIA DEI LENTISCHI: Marciana Marina - S. Andrea
Length: 6.7 km; Difficulty: Easy
2) VIA DELL'ERICA: S. Andrea - Mortigliano
Length: 6.68 km; Difficulty: Easy
3) VIA DELLA LAVANDA: Mortigliano - Cavoli
Length: 17.6 km; Difficulty: Challenging.
4) VIA DEI ROSMARINI: Cavoli - Fonza
Length: 10 km; Difficulty: Easy
5) VIA DEI GINEPRI: Fonza - Lacona
Length: 7 km; Difficulty: Easy
6) VIA DEI LECCI: Lacona - Procchio
Length: 10 km; Difficulty: Challenging.
7) VIA DEL MIRTO: Procchio - Marciana Marina
Length: 9 km; Difficulty: Easy
In 2023 the Acqua dell'Elba Foundation and the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago worked together to equip the first of the seven paths of the new Via dell'Essenza with new signage. In particular, two new panels were erected at the beginning and at the end of the path and five signposts with QR codes were installed along the 6.68 km route. The QR codes redirect to a page on the Acqua dell'Elba Foundation website which provides details on the things the hiker can see at that specific location. The site has also been enhanced with general technical data and detailed descriptions of the flora and fauna that can be observed along the route.
VIDEO OF THE OPENING OF THE NEW VIA DEI LENTISCHI
The next 6 stages are currently accessible and will be equipped with the same services as stage 1 in the coming months. The technical details of the stages (starting point, finishing point, route according to the current numbering of the Park, overall length, altitude difference) are available in the dedicated section on the Foundation's website.
At the end of the first phase of the "New" Via dell'Essenza, a second phase (starting in 2028) including five more stages is planned to complete the inner tour of the island.
"Via dell'Essenza" is an initiative carried out by the Acqua dell'Elba Foundation and the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago with the aim of promoting the natural beauty of the island, facilitating access for residents and tourists alike, with complete respect for nature. The variety and richness of the paths makes it possible to attract hiking tourism all year round and also enrich the experience of summer tourists.
