The cable car from Marciana village, a short drive south of Marciana Marina, climbs Monte Capanne — at 1,019 metres, the highest point on Elba — in about 14 minutes. The gondolas are open baskets rather than enclosed cabins, which gives the ride an exposed, exhilarating quality that is not for the nervous. The views from the top on a clear day take in Corsica to the west, the scattered islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Piombino coast on the mainland.
The summit is rocky and windswept, with a small snack bar and easy walking trails along the ridgeline. The descent can be done by cable car or on foot — the hiking trail back down to Marciana takes about an hour and passes through maquis and chestnut forest. The cable car operates from Easter through October; check seasonal hours before visiting.