Intense fun on various and spectacular routes set in the surreal and unique landscape of the Island of Elba mines.

Eastern Elba holds a mineralogical heritage of exceptional historical and archaeological importance. Since ancient times, Elba’s iron ore has always been considered exceptional; the extraction of Oligist, a shining local hematite, first initiated by Etruscans then carried on over nearly 3000 years of history, has formed both territory and eastern Elba people.

Minerals have been extracted for more than two centuries: in ancient times by digging tunnels, then, from 800 AD, mining cultivations started being conducted open-air through the tearing down of large horizontal mountain sections, creating at the same time an evocative panorama of wide concentric terraces.

Nowadays, for the first time, it is feasible to take guided tours on foot or by mountain bike around such a surreal location, to discover and get to know one of the most interesting and fascinating environments on Elba; thanks to the precious collaboration of local custodians, we will be leaving enriched by their throughout knowledge of stories, secrets and anecdotes.

Along wide roads, once travelled by huge diggers and excavators, of which we will encounter their now rusty carcasses all in one with soil and reddish mining rocks. On trails leading to mysterious descent wells, followed by spectacular single tracks, while surrounded by a lush Mediterranean scrub and flanking prehistoric settlements and furnaces from the Etruscan era.

Our MTBs will come across old trucking stations as well as tracks that suddenly disappear as if swallowed up by rocks. We will discover surreal red ponds with iridescent hues, while cycling between history and nature, in a succession of spectacular panoramic views enhanced by a contrast between the soil’s sanguineous colours, and the blue of both sea and sky, all the way to “Martian” landscapes, and the legendary “half-pipe” on Mount Calendozio.