European Parks Day & International Day for Biological Diversity: events in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park

The Tuscan Archipelago National Park organizes guided walks and workshops on the islands of Elba and Capraia for the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May) and European Parks Day (24 May). Activities are aimed at locals and visitors who want to learn about habitats, local traditions and conservation efforts.

Main program

• Sunday 17 May - Elba Island: "Walking through the holm oak woodland to the Torre del Giove". Hike on trail 259 through Mediterranean scrub and holm oak forest to the historic Torre del Giove (14th–15th c.). Meeting point: Casa del Parco di Rio, at 15:00. Duration: 2h30. Difficulty: medium. Free activity, registration required.
• Saturday 23 May - Elba Island: "When aliens land... on the Dune!" Guided walk on the Lacona Dune to learn about dune vegetation and invasive alien species. Children's workshop and citizen science data collection on iNaturalist for the "Biodiversity of the Lacona Dune" project. Meeting point: Info Park Lacona, at 15:00. Duration: 2h30. Difficulty: easy. Free activity, registration required.
• Saturday 23 May - Capraia Island: "Hike to the Pozzalamone caves". Guided trekking with historical and naturalistic interest in the area of the former penal agricultural colony up to the Monte Pozzalamone caves; route includes the "spring path" and the La Mortola branch. Meeting point: CEA "La Salata", at 11:30. Duration: 6h. Difficulty: medium. Registration required with fee: €8 full, €4 reduced (children 5–12 years).
• Sunday 24 May - Elba Island: "The dry stone walls of San Cerbone". Hike on Elba's western side focused on dry stone walls, a UNESCO intangible heritage, including explanations on recovery and conservation actions carried out by the Park. Meeting point: Marciana, Cabinovia car park, at 15:00. Duration: 3h. Difficulty: medium/easy. Free activity, registration required.

Practical tips

• Bring water and snacks for longer hikes.
• Wear trekking shoes or sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for trails.
• Use sunscreen and a hat, especially along exposed coastal sections.
• Check booking requirements: many activities are free but require prior registration.
• For paid activities, bring an ID for possible discounts (children 5–12 years).

Locations

Venue: Tuscan Archipelago National Park, 57037 Portoferraio (LI), Italy. Events take place across multiple islands (Elba and Capraia) with specific meeting points listed for each activity. Book in advance to secure your place.