Italiano
English
Deutsch
Français
Coastal hamlet · North-east · Ferry port
Cavo Village
Picturesque coastal hamlet at the north-east tip of Elba. Landing port for fast ferries from Piombino. Lively seafront, fish restaurants, excellent starting point for hikes.
Rio, the mining heart
of Elba Island
The youngest municipality on Elba (2018), born from the merger of Rio nell'Elba and Rio Marina. Three thousand years of iron mining from the Etruscans to 1981, the port of Cavo, wild eastern beaches and the Mining Park.
~3.371
inhabitants
~33
km² area
2018
year of municipal merger
8
beaches in the area
Three thousand years of iron,
three villages one municipality
Rio is the youngest municipality on Elba Island: born on 1 January 2018 from the administrative merger of Rio nell'Elba (the ancient hilltop village) and Rio Marina (the coastal port). It has about 3,371 inhabitants over an area of ~33 km², with three main inhabited centres: besides Rio nell'Elba and Rio Marina, also Cavo — a hamlet of Rio Marina and Elba's secondary ferry port.
Rio's identity is deeply linked to iron. Ore extraction began here 3,000 years ago with the Etruscans, making Elba one of the most important steel hubs of the ancient Mediterranean. Then came the Romans, the maritime republics, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, 19th-century industrialists, until the final closure of the mines in 1981. For over 30 centuries, the red hematite of these hills fuelled furnaces, forges and shipyards.
Today that memory is gathered in the Elba Island Mining Park, headquartered in Rio Marina, which organises guided tours of historic mining sites (Rio Albano workings, Vigneria, Falcacci Basin) and educational workshops. The Park's Mineral Museum houses specimens unique in the world — Elba is one of Europe's richest mineralogical sites with over 200 classified mineral species. Collectors and rock hunters come from all over the continent.
Alongside its mining heritage, Rio offers the wild coast of the eastern side: the beaches of Topinetti, Cavo, Ortano, Frugoso, Nisporto and Nisportino — less worldly than those of the south but surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and ferrous cliffs of intense red. The historic village of Rio nell'Elba on the hill preserves the Fortress of the 15th century, medieval alleys and the ancient Church of San Giacomo Apostolo, patron saint.
Rio in pictures
A look at the most evocative places: the ports of Rio Marina and Cavo, the historic village of Rio nell'Elba, the mines of the Mining Park and the wild beaches of the east coast.
What to see
in the Rio municipality
Between Mining Park, Mineral Museum, the villages of Rio nell'Elba and Rio Marina, the port of Cavo and the Roman Villa of Capo Castello, the Rio municipality tells three thousand years of iron and maritime history.
Village · Iron capital · Palazzo Burò
Rio Marina Village
Main centre of the former municipality of Rio Marina, historic capital of iron extraction. Preserves 20th-century mining industry buildings, the port and Palazzo del Burò.
Village · Miners · Hill · Authentic
Rio nell'Elba Village
Ancient miners' village on the hill, separated from the sea. Narrow alleys, stone houses, authentic atmosphere. Starting point for excursions in the Mineral Park.
Church · 16th c. · Lords of Piombino · Miners
San Rocco Church
The most representative place of worship in Rio Marina, built by the Lords of Piombino in the second half of the 16th century to offer a place of prayer for miners from the mainland.
Other points of interest4
The beaches
of the east coast
Here are 8 beaches along the eastern coast: from the port of Cavo to the wild coves of Nisporto and Nisportino, to the sandy stretches of Topinetti.
Bagnaia Beach
Sand · Family · Services · Shallow
Bagnaia lies on the eastern side of the Gulf of Portoferraio, on Elba's north coast, in a hamlet of Rio surrounded by green hills. The beach is about 300 metres long and is the widest and best-equipped beach on this stretch of coast. The shore is made of colourful pebbles and sand, with a seabed of small stones and clear water. Across the bay you can see the Portoferraio headland with its lighthouse, while the Volterraio castle towers behind the village.
Getting there
From Portoferraio, take the road towards Porto Azzurro and after about 4 km turn left, following the signs for Bagnaia, which you reach after roughly another 3.5 km. You can park near the sea, in both free and paid areas along the road. Bagnaia is also the starting point of the narrow, winding panoramic road that runs below the Volterraio towards Rio nell'Elba, Nisporto and Nisportino.
Which wind to go with
Conditions are good with winds from the north, east and south: tramontana (north wind), grecale (north-east wind), levante (east wind), sirocco and mezzogiorno (south wind). The mistral is not among the recommended winds.
Facilities and tips
This is an equipped beach, with beach clubs, hot showers, bars and restaurants, but there are also free-access stretches. You'll find a sailing school, boat, canoe and pedalo rental, and moorings for small boats; the little square in the village has shops and places to eat. The setting suits families, and in the late afternoon it is worth staying on for the sunset over the gulf.
Cavo Beach
Sand/pebbles · Port · Services
Cavo is the northernmost village on Elba's east coast, in the Rio municipality, facing the Piombino Channel. The village beach runs for about 420 metres from the harbour pier to the rocky headland topped by Villa Tonietti, and is sheltered by two breakwaters. The shore mixes fine sand and small light pebbles, and the fine-gravel seabed slopes gently. Opposite are the islet of Palmaiola and the Piombino coast.
Getting there
Cavo is also a ferry port: Toremar hydrofoils, for foot passengers only, dock at the pier next to the beach, arriving from Piombino after a crossing of about 20 minutes; some services continue to Portoferraio. By car you come from Rio Marina or Rio nell'Elba; the beach is at the village entrance, with parking nearby. In summer a municipal minibus links Cavo with the beaches along the coast as far as Ortano.
Which wind to go with
The best conditions come with the mezzogiorno (south wind), libeccio (south-west wind), ponente (west wind) and mistral. When the levante (east wind) or sirocco is blowing, it's better to head for the north coast, for example to Bagnaia, recommended in those winds.
Facilities and tips
A full-service village beach: beach clubs with umbrellas and loungers, free stretches, bars and restaurants, with shops and a pharmacy nearby. Canoes and kayaks can be rented, and there are sailing, water-skiing and diving schools. The village name comes from the Latin caput, meaning headland, and on nearby Capo Castello there are Roman remains: a short walk north takes you to Frugoso beach.
Frugoso Beach
Pebbles · Wild · Deep
Frugoso, also known as Capo Castello beach, is the northernmost beach on Elba. It lies just north of Cavo, between Capo Vita and the Capo Castello headland, on a wild-looking stretch of coast. The main beach is about 200 metres long and made of small grey pebbles broken up by sandy patches; towards Capo Vita a further strip of smooth pebbles continues. In front of you are the Isolotto dei Topi, Palmaiola and, on clear days, the coast at Piombino.
Getting there
From Cavo, follow the seafront northwards and take Via Bernardo Procchi, which leads to the Capo Castello pine wood. On foot from the village it is a short walk, given by sources as between 500 metres and one kilometre. You can also drive, with a paid car park close by. If you arrive by hydrofoil from Piombino, you can reach the beach from Cavo without a car.
Which wind to go with
Sources recommend winds from the south and south-west, the mezzogiorno and the libeccio (south-west wind): on these days the water is especially clear and the sea calmer.
Facilities and tips
Next to the free section of the beach there is a beach club with umbrellas and loungers, a bar, and canoe, kayak and pedalo rental. The seabed is stony, so bring rubber beach shoes. You will often find Posidonia leaves washed up on the shore: they are left there on purpose to protect the environment. The clear water is ideal for exploring with mask and fins. Roman remains have been found on Capo Castello.
Other beaches in the area5
Rio on the map of Elba
Rio extends over Elba's eastern coast, from the port of Rio Marina to the hilltop village of Rio nell'Elba (5 km inland) up to the port of Cavo to the north. Distance from Portoferraio: 19 km, 25 minutes by car.
Rio nell'Elba
42.8158 N, 10.4308 E
Interactive map (requires JavaScript)
42.8158 N, 10.4308 E
Interactive map (requires JavaScript)
Map provided by OpenStreetMap · OSM community contributors
Where to sleep, eat
and what to do
All types of tourist activities in the Rio municipality: between the port of Rio Marina, the village of Rio nell'Elba, the beach facilities of Cavo and the farms on the hills.
Hotels in Rio
Browse the category
Hotels we have selected and visited one by one, from small family-run places to four-star spa hotels. Every listing shows the property’s phone, WhatsApp and e-mail.
See all
Apartments in Rio
Browse the category
Apartments and holiday homes rented directly by their Elban owners, from the seafront to the inland hills. Your own kitchen and your own schedule: contact the owner directly.
See all
Residences in Rio
Browse the category
Residences with equipped apartments and shared facilities: the freedom of a holiday home with hotel-style convenience. Direct contact with reception, no commission.
See all
Camping in Rio
Browse the category
Campsites on Elba Island with pitches and open-air accommodation, minutes from the sea. Call or message the campsite directly: no middlemen, no commission.
See all
Restaurants and pizzerias
1 businesses in Rio
Restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias on Elba Island, selected and visited by our local team. Every listing shows the phone and WhatsApp to book your table directly.
See all
Farms
Browse the category
Elba is an agricultural island first and a tourist destination second: wineries, olive groves, apiaries and educational farms open to visitors. Buying from the producer is the most authentic way to take the island home.
See all
Sea activities
Browse the category
Elba lies within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park: wrecks, shoals, caves and stretches of coast reachable only from the water, with licensed centres and guides.
See all
Trekking and outdoor sports
Browse the category
From the Grande Traversata Elbana to the granite walls of the western side: routes and operators for moving on foot, by bike or on a rope.
See all
Guided excursions
Browse the category
Walk the Park’s trails with people who know every turn: hiking, geotrekking, birdwatching and the only way to reach Pianosa, with AIGAE-registered guides.
See all
Entertainment and leisure
Browse the category
Where to spend the evening and how to fill the afternoons: bars, events, parks and activities that work for children too.
See all
How to get there and useful information
Everything you need to plan your visit.
By ferry
Rio can be reached directly by sea: from Piombino to Rio Marina (Blu Navy) or from Piombino to Cavo (fast connection, ~25 min). Preferred route to avoid traffic heading east.
By air
"Teseo Tesei" airport of Marina di Campo, 22 km. SmallFly: Rome, Florence, Pisa, Milan (summer 2026).
Car and parking
Rio Marina has port parking (paid). Rio nell'Elba has parking at the edge of the old town (narrow alleys, partial ZTL). Scenic connecting road.
Postcode and contacts
Postcode 57038 (Rio Marina) and 57039 (Rio nell'Elba). Province of Livorno (LI). Phone prefix 0565. Town hall in Palazzo del Burò (Rio Marina).
Mining Park
The Elba Island Mining Park is active with guided tours, trekking in mining sites and children's workshops. Open from Easter to late October. Tickets and times on the official website: parcomineraleelba.it.
Typical events
San Giacomo (25 July, patron of Rio nell'Elba), Madonna delle Grazie (Rio Marina), September Mineral Show, Mining Park events.
FAQ about Rio
Are Rio, Rio nell'Elba and Rio Marina the same municipality?
Since 1 January 2018 yes. Previously they were two separate municipalities: Rio nell'Elba (hilltop village at 165 m) and Rio Marina (coastal port). A 2017 Tuscan regional law disposed their administrative merger into the new municipality of "Rio". Cavo, already a hamlet of Rio Marina, is part of the new unified municipality. The three villages keep distinct identities but share Municipality, mayor and administration.
Can you visit the mines?
Yes. The Elba Island Mining Park organises guided tours of the main historic sites: Rio Albano workings, Ginevro Mine (the only one visitable underground, on the Calamita side), Vigneria and Falcacci Basin. Tours often include surface trekking among red hematite piles, mineral exhibitions and educational workshops for children. Booking required.
When did the mines close?
The last active mine (Rio Albano) closed in 1981, ending three thousand years of iron extraction on Elba — one of Europe's oldest mining histories. The last years of activity had seen a progressive decline in production, due to the exhaustion of more accessible deposits and competition from foreign ores.
Where do ferries arrive in Rio?
Two ports of the municipality receive ferries from the continent: Rio Marina (Blu Navy line from Piombino, about 45 minutes) and Cavo (fast Toremar from Piombino, about 25 minutes — the fastest route to Elba). Useful especially for those going to Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro or the east side, avoiding Portoferraio. Most tourist traffic still goes to Portoferraio.
What is Topinetti beach like?
Topinetti is a characteristic beach of sand mixed with ferrous gravel, of dark red colour — the typical hematite red of Elba's former mines. The water is clear and the seabed slopes gently. It is south of Rio Marina, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. Also famous among mineralogists because among the stones samples of hematite and pyrite can be found.
Is Rio suitable as a holiday base?
It's an interesting choice for those seeking tranquillity and authenticity. Rio Marina has the atmosphere of a fishermen's port, Rio nell'Elba that of a medieval hilltop village, Cavo offers the flavour of a small seaside village. Less worldly and crowded than the southern side, but with excellent fish restaurants, wineries, excursions and unique mining history. Suitable for families and nature lovers.
Discover the other 6 municipalities
Every municipality on Elba has its own identity. After Rio and its mining past, discover the Medicean capital, the village of Capoliveri and the mountain villages of the western coast.
Rio · Eastern coast of the island
The Elba of iron
Three thousand years of iron extraction from the Etruscans to 1981, two ports receiving ferries from the continent (Rio Marina and Cavo), a medieval hilltop village with red hematite alleys, a Mining Park unique in Italy with visits to underground galleries and wild beaches on the east coast: Rio is the synthesis of Elba's iron history and a perfect destination for those seeking authenticity, industrial archaeology and nature away from the crowds.