Rio Marina combines mining history, a distinctive coastline and summer culture. The rock necropolis of Rio Marina is located in the natural cave of San Giuseppe; the remains of more than 80 people from the 3rd millennium BC were found there. This specific site opens a window onto a past that extends far beyond the more recent mining history. When choosing a holiday apartment in Rio Marina, you can therefore first decide whether your holiday should be shaped primarily by historical discoveries, cultural events or coastal impressions.
Holiday apartment in Rio Marina between mining and coast
The Giacimento di Rio Marina is the oldest mine on the island of Elba. Mining began in Etruscan-Roman times and continued almost uninterrupted until the industrial age. The Parco Minerario dell'Isola d'Elba preserves the island's geological, mineralogical and historical mining heritage. These two perspectives – the long history of mining and the preserved heritage – give Rio Marina its unmistakable character. For visitors who do not want to spend their holiday only by the water, this provides a clear focus.
The cultural side also includes San Rocco Church and the Museo dei Minerali dell'Elba e dell'arte mineraria di Rio Marina. The church was built in the second half of the 16th century by the lords of Piombino, Ludovisi Boncompagni, as a place of prayer for the miners from the mainland who worked in Elba's mines. The museum is located in the centre of Rio Marina. Every summer, between July and September, the Teatro delle Miniere hosts operas, concerts, theatre performances and music events.
Experiences for curious explorers
The mining history can be understood not only by observing it, but also through guided excursions and activities. Guided excursions visit the most important open-pit mining sites in Rio Marina. One tour starts at the museum at Via Magenta 26 in Rio Marina and stops at the impressive open pit of Valle Giove, where visitors can search for pyrite and hematite specimens to keep. Another activity follows former roads once used to transport the mined ore to the main mining facilities of Rio Marina. This brings together very different ways of exploring: a specific museum starting point, geological sites and historic routes.
Sasso Beach near the northern harbour quay of Rio Marina offers a different experience. The beach section is 25 metres long and consists of dark sand and pebbles; its surface still sparkles with mineral reflections. This stretch of beach complements the mining sites with a small landscape experience of a distinctly different character.
Getting there and choosing your accommodation
For travel to the area, route 117, operated by Autolinee Toscane, regularly connects Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Rio nell'Elba, Rio Marina and Cavo. Less frequent direct ferries run from Piombino to Rio Marina; the crossing takes around 45 minutes. When choosing your accommodation, you can compare these different considerations with your plans for excursions. Your choice of a holiday apartment in Rio Marina can be guided by the themes that appeal to you most: mining and geology, culture at the Teatro delle Miniere, routes along former transport roads or the dark sand by the harbour quay.
More ideas for places to visit
Other destinations to discover include Cavo, Ortano and Capo D'arco.
