Overview
One of the island’s oldest villages
With records dating to the 13th century as Comune Rivi, Rio nell’Elba is one of the oldest villages on the island with a mining tradition. Perched on a hill 180 metres above sea level, it has a medieval urban layout, with narrow alleyways, flights of steps and picturesque little squares. You can visit the Mining District Archaeological Museum, housing more than 700 exhibits, as well as the old Public Washhouse, the Valley of the Mills - where 22 mills were once operational, fed by the Canali spring - and the Church of the Souls, to admire a mechanical nativity scene. The 16th-century Hermitage of Santa Caterina is also well worth visiting.
Rio Marina is less than three kilometres away. Here, the most picturesque beaches include Ortano, Porticciolo, Cavo, Capo Castello, Fornacelle or Cala del Telegrafo, San Benedetto and Topinetti. Some of them are sandy and spacious, while others are embedded in rock or covered in pebbles.
Jupiter Fortress and the Volterraio Castle, the only one ever conquered by Saracen pirates, located at the top of Monte del Volterraio are of particular interest, while Orto Elbano dei Semplici is fantastic for a nature walk.
