Somareria dell'Elba

The Somareria dell'Elba grew out of the love of nature and animals shared by Luca Giusti, a qualified nature and hiking guide, and his family. With his donkeys Ambra, Giulia, Rosina and Titina he offers a different way to hike on the Island of Elba: walking at a donkey's pace.

Walks at a donkey's pace

The donkey was the working companion of Elba's farmers. Today it carries the backpacks and slows the pace of the walk, leaving time to look around. Along the trails Luca talks about nature and the history of the places: who used these paths in the past, how the land was worked and which tools were used before modern technology. These are themed outings on Elba's farming culture, not just guided hikes.

The walks are designed for all ages in terms of routes, themes and cost: children love the animals, and older walkers rediscover stories from their youth.

Summer programmes for kids

In summer the Somareria runs A scuola di natura con i somari (Nature school with the donkeys), a set of activities for younger visitors:

• Old crafts: farm life as it used to be, with a first go at weaving a basket.
• A night at the Somareria: a late-afternoon walk to an old charcoal-burning site, a packed dinner, a night in tents and, in the morning, caring for the donkeys and having breakfast with them.
• Plants and animals of the island: a short walk on the Somareria trail to discover the local flora and fauna, with a packed lunch and drawing from life.
• The world of bees: on foot with the donkeys from Marina di Campo to Agriturismo Castiglione, to learn how bees live and taste their honey.
• Storytelling in the woods: in partnership with the municipal library, with the donkeys carrying the books up to a panoramic spot.

Donkey-assisted therapy

Together with a psychologist, the Somareria also offers donkey-assisted interventions: therapy (TAA) alongside other treatments, education (EAA) and recreational activities (AAA), for people with and without disabilities.

All activities are by appointment.