Rio Marina
Rio Marina: the gem of the eastern coast of Elba island
Rio Marina is a splendid resort on the eastern coast of Elba island. The municipality was an autonomous commune from 1881 to 31 December 2017, and is now the administrative center of Rio. In addition to the main town, the municipality of Rio Marina also includes the hamlet of Cavo and the island of Palmaiola, with a total population of 2191 inhabitants. In this text, we discover more about its physical geography, its history, and the activities that can be done in the area.
Physical geography: a strategic location
Rio Marina is located on the eastern coast of Elba Island, known for its natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes. The town is bathed by the Piombino Channel, positioned about 130 km southeast of Florence and 80 km south of Livorno. The territory of Rio Marina also includes the island of Palmaiola, accessible from Rio Marina by boat or ferry.
History: from mineral extraction to the first shoreline community
The Rio Marina region, along with nearby Capoliveri, was an important area for mining extraction due to the presence of pyrite, hematite, and limonite minerals. This activity has been practiced since Etruscan times until the closure of the mines in 1981. The minerals were extracted and transported by sea to the nearby Populonia and later to Piombino. The area has had a stormy past, with pirate raids that pushed the inhabitants to build their villages on the hills. In the eighteenth century, ship owners and Ligurian and Corsican sailors settled in Rio Marina with the local fishermen, giving rise to the first shoreline community that allowed the city to progress.
Touristic activities: from the beach to the rock necropolis
Rio Marina is a much sought-after tourist destination thanks to its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Among the most beautiful beaches, we mention Cala Seregola, Cala del Sole, and Punta Cannelle. Tourists can also visit the rock necropolis of Rio Marina, dating back to the Eneolithic period, an important archaeological site in the area.
Rio Marina is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, such as cycling or hiking. The most adventurous ones can try the thrill of scuba diving, or participate in sea tours to visit the island of Palmaiola.
If you want to spend a holiday surrounded by unspoiled nature and the millennial history of the island, Rio Marina is the right destination for you!
