Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano

Easy trail

• Trail Conditions: On foot
• Interest: Flora, Wildlife, Panorama, Hystory

• Departure: Capoliveri
• Arrival: Capoliveri
• Duration: 3 hour/s 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Length: 11.4 km
• Difference in height: Uphill 292m

Path No 230 begins in Piazza del Cavatore, in Capoliveri, and goes up Mt. Calamita. Turn right at the fork and take path No 231, where the loop trail begins. The walk is very steep until Poggio del Pozzo, but that is the itinerary's only demanding hill. The path is mostly wide, even and easy to walk, although its length and difference in elevation must be kept in mind. The view encompasses the Gulf of Portoferraio, Mt. Orello and Mt. Capanne. The colours of the walk change with the season; it is especially lovely in the spring, with the white and pink rock roses, yellow brooms and violet lavender. Several types of wild orchids grow in the clearings; hares and red-legged partridges are often to be spotted. At the four-road junction go uphill; near the top of Mt. Calamita there are a weather station and a military radio beacon. Keep on the right on path No 231 and you will see the large valley of Fosso del Pontimento. Several species of butterflies and small birds fly over the flowers; higher up, kestrels and buzzards look for preys. Walk past the fork with path No 233 towards Poggio Fino; at the four-road junction, which marks the easternmost point of the itinerary, turn left and re-take path No 230, on the north-facing slope of Mt. Calamita. Here, vegetation grows taller and includes pines, mimosas and locusts. Be careful near Mt. Rotondo, at the junction with path No 232. Path No 230 goes on downhill and later crosses a mule track; from there you can see the Gulf of Porto Azzurro to the East of the promontory, and Golfo Stella to its West. Go on toward the village of Capoliveri and cross a small chestnut wood (unusual in this area) and close the loop at the fork with path No 231.