4.8
(561)
3,598
riders
The mines of Capoliveri – MTB on Elba Island
03:49
33.2km
1,150m
Mountain biking
The town of Capoliveri stands perched on a hill on the slopes of Monte Calamita, and is one of the most characteristic and active towns on the Island of Elba. Its past is mainly linked to the mining activity of the magnetite mineral (from which the name Monte Calamita derives), as evidenced by the abandoned mines that characterize the area in the extreme south-east of the island.
This itinerary starts right in Capoliveri and joins the most beautiful trails of the Capoliveri Bike Park, almost faithfully tracing the route of the Marathon World Cup which was held here in October 2021. The landscape you will cross has a post-industrial aspect, dominated by gigantic machinery rusty stones once used for mining which give the area a truly surreal feel.
Leave the town of Capoliveri and immediately set out to conquer the summit of Monte Calamita, from whose summit you can sometimes see the coast of Corsica. Then dive down to the Innamorata Beach, so called because of a legend that tells of a young woman who, in an attempt to save her beloved from pirates, jumped into the sea and disappeared in the waves.
Then continue to the Miniera del Vallone, the oldest construction site in Capoliveri, where the abandoned buildings of the mine are visible, including the former administrative building, inhabited until the 1960s by the director of the mines with his family. Eight kilometers later you will pass through another mine – the Calamita mine – the largest in Capoliveri as well as a real playground for those who love mountain biking.
Take the dirt road that climbs halfway up the southern slope of Poggio Polveraio until it crosses over and then descends to Punta di Buzzancone, on the east coast of the Capoliveri peninsula. Before the small Buzzancone beach, turn left onto the steep ramp that leads almost to the top of Poggio Fino. At the end of the climb, a long flowing path called Capre is followed by a wide dirt road that ends in the village of Capoliveri.
Last updated: May 31, 2024
Tips
Includes a segment that is highly dangerous
A part of this route comprises highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 30.0 km for 73 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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2.81 km
Monte Calamita Lookout
Highlight • Viewpoint
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9.67 km
Vallone Mine
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18.0 km
Calamita Mine
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23.8 km
View of Elba’s bays from Villa Capo Calvo
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33.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
16.6 km
13.2 km
2.36 km
1.05 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
16.9 km
10.5 km
3.25 km
1.83 km
711 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (380 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 12 May
20°C
14°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
We only did one lap, not three like the cracks 😉
It would seem that the route is not very long, the elevation gain is typical, but it's been a long time since we were as physically exhausted as on the Calamita singles on the island of Elba. Technically difficult terrain, rocky, large ascents and declines. Orca. We were probably the only group on analogs, everyone else was electrified. An interesting place, with nature and views so different from our Polish regions. The closed iron mine and the landscape like on Mars are incredibly impressive.
Was great. Lots of S2 with steep places. But we all did great 👏 had a lot of trails
I created a tour starting from Capoliveri from the green route (east bank) and on the return transfer when it crosses the starting transfer of the black route (word cup) I continued on this. Same thing when the return transfer crosses the starting transfer of the red route (mines) I continued on this by making a branch halfway around the lap to do the final part of the "enduro 3" then at the end another branch to do the enduro 5 and a nice enduro off the map then return to Capoliveri following the red route
Finally we are ready to face what should be the tour of the tours, at least for us.... Arrived in Capoliveri, we follow our track which takes us inside the town (very nice).. Then after a few KM the dirt road at first on beautiful dirt tracks, then here too the CAI paths are not long in coming. But what about the views of the sea, the sea today was flat with a wonderful blue, the many boats with their colored sails seemed to dance on the water. Then the scents, the rosemary which grows spontaneously here in my opinion... it has a strong scent that you can smell even while cycling on the paths. I forgot we covered a good stretch of the "Legend Cup" what a thrill, beautiful route..... Remember to bring plenty of water with you because you can't find any along the route... What can I say about the route that leads to the mines, it feels like entering in a scene of a film everything remained as it was then, they didn't dismantle or take anything away. Locomotives with their trolleys attached, the lifting and unloading structures into the sea on the ships below are still there to document those bygone times where the miners worked hard to be able to feed their families.... What can we say about the colours, everything and dark brown, given by the ferrous material, then from above you can see all the tracks where the bikers run happily.... How many kids on the routes, but they climbed up and then rushed down the most well-known DH routes... We were satisfied with our beautiful route and the views as far as the eye could see that intoxicated us today.... BEAUTIFUL... BEAUTIFUL.... BEAUTIFUL.... TO GO BACK....
It was quite demanding. Among other things, deep washouts, longitudinal grooves and plenty of single trails. You should try to avoid a breakdown or “getting off” your bike.
World Cup, Legend Cup, Enduro Trails, Lost Places, ... The Capoliveri bike park on Monte Calamita not only has countless routes and variants for every ambitious mountain biker, it also has one of the most impressive landscapes and views on the island. Many of these highlights were created by humans, quarries and mining have left their mark. The trails on Calamita are technically less difficult than in Bikeland Elba Ovest, but are a lot of fun. Every biker can work on their skills in the quarries. There are descents down to sea level, single trails through forests and maquis. We were simply thrilled on the 4th day of our Elba Enduro Bike Week. You can find even more Elba trails in my Mountain biking on Elba and Bikeland Elba Ovest collections.
An awesome MTB round with an almost uninterrupted view of the sea and wonderful trails. The trails are average S1-S2 and rather stony. The long descent from Monte Calamita through an old face is fantastic and yet leads to a grotesque red rock landscape - like on the moon 😀