May is the perfect month for walking outdoors, and Elba Island is one of the most beautiful places to do so. The paths along its western side wind through Mediterranean scrub, descend towards the sea, and climb again among rockrose, everlasting, and rosemary: scents and landscapes that inspired Acqua dell’Elba’s fragrances, and that reveal themselves in a completely different way on foot. Villages, small coves, stretches of wild coastline and pine woods: an island within the island, still waiting to be discovered even by many long-time visitors to Elba.
Walking through the scrubland changes the way you perceive the landscape: the scents become more intense, and the sea seen from a trail above reveals shades of colour that are impossible to appreciate from the beach. This is what happens along the Via dell’Essenza, the 68 km circular coastal trail on the island’s western side, promoted by Fondazione Acqua dell’Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park to enhance the area, its nature and its identity.
The Via dell’Essenza Passport is the travel companion of everyone who takes on the route: each stage has its own stamp, eight in total, to collect along the 68 km loop. Those who gather them all receive the GTE Parchment, the official recognition for those who have walked the island all the way to the end.
Accessories for the Via dell’Essenza and every walking adventure
Walking takes commitment, and the right accessories can make all the difference. For those setting out along the Via dell’Essenza, or dreaming of it from afar, Acqua dell’Elba has created three objects that speak of the trail and the island. The 500 ml Clima Bottle in stainless steel, made in collaboration with 24Bottles and customised with the Fondazione Acqua dell’Elba logo, keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12. Practical, lightweight and reusable, it is designed to accompany you over time, on every excursion. An object that benefits the environment, because every reusable bottle means one less plastic bottle, and Elba Island too: for every bottle sold online or in Acqua dell’Elba boutiques, 20% of the retail price will go directly to supporting the Foundation’s local projects, including the Via dell’Essenza itself.
The pin and the patch, to be attached to backpacks, jackets or bags, are visible signs of the journey: items to collect, give as gifts, or keep as a memory of a stage completed alone or in company, of a day spent on Elba Island, of a bond with a place that is not easily forgotten. You can find them in every Acqua dell’Elba boutique.
