<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Introduction \u2013 discovering the eastern side of Elba<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Welcome to our travel guide dedicated to Elba Island<\/strong> and the area around Rio Marina<\/strong>! We are the team of Hotel Giardino<\/strong> in Lacona and we know the island inside\u2011out. In the following pages we provide a comprehensive overview of what makes our hotel an ideal starting point for exploring Elba and, in particular, the eastern side of the island . The guide is designed to answer frequently asked questions from guests and to offer tips on what to visit, which beaches to discover, how to get around and what experiences to enjoy. You will not find advertisements for other hotels or accommodation: our aim is to explain, with the enthusiasm and passion of those who live here every day, why choosing Hotel Giardino means treating yourself to an authentic holiday on the Island of Elba .<\/p>\n\n\n\nElba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest Italian island. The eastern part, where Rio Marina is located, has a fascinating history linked to iron mines, medieval villages and lunar landscapes . The southern side, where our hotel stands, is famous for the long sandy beaches of Lacona and Marina di Campo, protected by pine forests and coastal dunes . In the centre of the island, the capital Portoferraio<\/strong> preserves Medici fortifications and memories of Napoleon\u2019s exile. Thanks to the strategic position of Lacona<\/strong>\u2014just a few kilometres from the island\u2019s main towns\u2014Hotel Giardino offers an oasis of peace immersed in greenery from which you can set off on a different adventure every day .<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn this guide you will find detailed information on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOur property<\/strong> \u2013 the history of Hotel Giardino, the rooms, services, special offers and our hospitality philosophy .<\/li>\n\n\n\nLacona and the beach<\/strong> \u2013 characteristics of Lacona Beach and its protected dune area, with tips on how to enjoy them .<\/li>\n\n\n\nRio Marina and the Mining Park<\/strong> \u2013 a journey into the island\u2019s mining past and the activities offered by the museum and the mining park .<\/li>\n\n\n\nCapoliveri and Portoferraio<\/strong> \u2013 two unmissable villages rich in history, traditions and natural beauty .<\/li>\n\n\n\nMarina di Campo and Campo nell\u2019Elba<\/strong> \u2013 the island\u2019s longest beaches and the hill villages of Sant\u2019Ilario and San Piero .<\/li>\n\n\n\nExcursions, trekking and sports<\/strong> \u2013 suggestions for hiking, cycling or boat trips to discover Elba in an active way .<\/li>\n\n\n\nFrequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/strong> \u2013 answers to the most common questions about opening hours, services, pets, parking and much more, with summary tables for quick reference .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe will accompany you in discovering the island with passion and attention to detail, citing official sources where appropriate. At the end of some statements you will find numbers in brackets linking to the consulted pages . Let us tell you about Elba as if you were already here\u2014get ready to set off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Hotel\u202fGiardino \u2013 who we are and why choose us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n1.1 A family story immersed in greenery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Hotel Giardino<\/strong> is a family\u2011run hotel located in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona<\/strong>, on the southern coast of Elba. The property is set within a park of around 30 000 m\u00b2<\/strong> of pine wood and Mediterranean scrub , creating a green oasis that remains cool on summer days. Thanks to this large area, each room has its own numbered parking space and a personal corner of garden. The Lacona Beach<\/strong> is less than 100 metres<\/strong> away and can be reached on foot by crossing the protected dune area . The proximity to the sea allows guests to spend days in the sun without moving the car and to enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the Capo Stella promontory .<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe family management is the distinctive feature of the hotel. For us, hospitality means making guests \u201cfeel at home\u201d: an informal environment where human contact is genuine, the pace is relaxed and the staff are always available to provide advice on activities and itineraries . Home\u2011style cooking made with local products, comfortable rooms and attention to every detail create a convivial and serene atmosphere. Many guests return year after year because they find here the authenticity and tranquillity they look for on holiday .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over time, Hotel Giardino has become a reference point for lovers of outdoor activities: we have a secure bike storage<\/strong>, we cooperate with local diving centres for diving and snorkelling, and we offer special agreements with ferries and sporting events . The property has been renovated over the years to offer ever better services (for example modern bathrooms and rooms with air conditioning). Nevertheless, respect for the surrounding nature remains a priority: the hotel lies within the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago<\/strong> and we promote sustainable practices such as energy saving, recycling and the use of zero\u2011kilometre products .<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.2 The rooms \u2013 comfort and tranquillity for every need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The rooms at Hotel Giardino are distributed across three separate units nestled in the greenery . This layout guarantees privacy and tranquillity: those who love to wake up to birdsong and fall asleep to the rustling of trees will find the perfect place here. Every room has a private bathroom<\/strong> with shower, flat\u2011screen TV<\/strong>, telephone, safe<\/strong> and free Wi\u2011Fi<\/strong> . Some rooms have a balcony or patio<\/strong>, others offer an exclusive garden or panoramic terrace . On request you can have air conditioning (included in many rooms) and cots for children .<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor families with small children we provide connecting rooms or larger solutions with gardens where they can play safely . In our park there is a small playground with swings, a slide, table football and ping\u2011pong , so parents can relax while the children enjoy themselves. We also have rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility. Cleanliness is one of the features guests most appreciate: linen is changed regularly and the rooms are sanitised daily .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below is a summary table of room types and main services. The cells contain keywords and numbers to facilitate consultation:<\/p>\n\n\n\nRoom type<\/th> Main characteristics<\/th> Included services<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Standard double room<\/strong><\/td>18\u201320 m\u00b2, double or twin beds<\/td> Private bathroom, TV, safe, Wi\u2011Fi, patio or balcony<\/td><\/tr> Triple room<\/strong><\/td>Larger (22\u201325 m\u00b2), double bed plus extra bed<\/td> All services of the double, possibility of cot, some with garden<\/td><\/tr> Family room<\/strong><\/td>Two connecting rooms or a single 30\u201335 m\u00b2 room<\/td> Bathroom with shower, two TVs, safe, large veranda; ideal for 4\u20135 people<\/td><\/tr> Room with garden<\/strong><\/td>Located on the ground floor with fenced outdoor area<\/td> Equipped patio with table and chairs; perfect for travellers with pets<\/td><\/tr> Room with balcony<\/strong><\/td>First floor with private balcony<\/td> View of the pine forest or garden; optional air conditioning<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n1.3 Services \u2013 everything you need on holiday<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nFree private parking<\/strong>: each room has a numbered parking space within the park . The spaces are shaded by tarps .<\/li>\n\n\n\nFree Wi\u2011Fi<\/strong>: available in the dining area, bar and relaxation area . Rooms also have free Wi\u2011Fi .<\/li>\n\n\n\nRestaurant and bar<\/strong>: our kitchen offers rich buffet breakfasts with homemade products and lunches and dinners based on fresh local ingredients, with menus including fresh fish, meat, vegetables and vegetarian dishes . We are attentive to the needs of guests with food intolerances or allergies .<\/li>\n\n\n\nGarden and outdoor spaces<\/strong>: a large park of pines and lawns with 4 500 m\u00b2<\/strong> of private garden and relaxation areas equipped with chairs and deckchairs . Outdoor barbecues are available for summer grills .<\/li>\n\n\n\nPets welcome<\/strong>: the hotel is pet\u2011friendly and animals are admitted at no extra charge, provided certain coexistence rules are respected .<\/li>\n\n\n\nBicycle storage<\/strong>: secure, covered space for storing bicycles . We offer maps of trails and advice for mountain\u2011bike enthusiasts .<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiving and snorkelling<\/strong>: we can arrange diving and snorkelling excursions with nearby diving centres . The seabed off Lacona alternates sand with rock and sea\u2011grass meadows, ideal for observing marine life .<\/li>\n\n\n\nDiscounted ferry tickets<\/strong>: we offer reduced fares for ferries to and from Elba, making travel planning easier .<\/li>\n\n\n\nChildren\u2019s services<\/strong>: playground, ping\u2011pong, table football and dedicated menus. On request we can organise baby\u2011sitting .<\/li>\n\n\n\nSafety measures<\/strong>: following health recommendations, we provide hand sanitisers, masks, social distancing and online check\u2011in\/check\u2011out .<\/li>\n\n\n\nOther comforts<\/strong>: hotel bar, sun\u2011terrace, games\/video\u2011game room, luggage storage, daily cleaning, use of fax\/modem .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe table below summarises the main services:<\/p>\n\n\n\nCategory<\/th> Services offered<\/th> Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Connectivity<\/strong><\/td>Wi\u2011Fi in lobby, rooms and public areas<\/td> Free and unlimited<\/td><\/tr> Dining<\/strong><\/td>Buffet breakfast, home\u2011style lunch and dinner; bar<\/td> Home cooking with local products<\/td><\/tr> Parking<\/strong><\/td>Numbered, covered parking space<\/td> Included in price, access via vehicle registration<\/td><\/tr> Relax & sport<\/strong><\/td>30 000 m\u00b2 garden, ping\u2011pong, playground, bike rental, snorkelling<\/td> Shaded spaces and outdoor activities<\/td><\/tr> Pets<\/strong><\/td>Pet\u2011friendly hotel<\/td> Animals admitted subject to availability<\/td><\/tr> Extra services<\/strong><\/td>Discounted ferry tickets, luggage storage, barbecue, online check\u2011in<\/td> Conventions with sporting events<\/td><\/tr> Safety<\/strong><\/td>Disinfection, masks, distancing<\/td> Updated safety protocol<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n1.4 Our cuisine \u2013 Elban flavours and zero\u2011kilometre products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Those who choose Hotel Giardino are not just looking for a place to sleep but a gastronomic experience tied to the territory. The hotel restaurant is our pride:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBreakfast<\/strong>: every morning we set up a rich buffet with homemade cakes, jam tarts, fresh bread, Elban honey, seasonal fruit, yoghurt, cereals and savoury products. Hot drinks and fruit juices are also available .<\/li>\n\n\n\nLunch and dinner<\/strong>: the menu changes daily and includes fresh pasta, soups, dishes based on local fish (such as Elba palamita), meat dishes, vegetable sides and homemade desserts. We prepare simple yet tasty dishes in line with island tradition . Our chefs are happy to cook variations for children and for those following specific diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten\u2011free, lactose\u2011free) .<\/li>\n\n\n\nSpecial evenings<\/strong>: we organise themed evenings with outdoor barbecues, wine tastings and evenings with local musicians .<\/li>\n\n\n\nZero\u2011mile products<\/strong>: we aim to use ingredients from local producers, such as extra\u2011virgin olive oil from Elba, Marciana honey and wines from the farm on the hills of Capoliveri .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nEating in the hotel means embarking on a journey through authentic Elban flavours; dining together is a precious moment for sharing travel stories and tips with other guests .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.5 Why Hotel\u202fGiardino is the ideal choice for visiting Rio Marina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Although our property is located in Lacona\u2014on the southern part of the island\u2014we believe it is the perfect starting point for exploring Rio Marina<\/strong>, its mines and eastern villages. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nCentral position on the island<\/strong>: Hotel Giardino is situated almost halfway between Marina di Campo<\/strong> and Portoferraio<\/strong>, with the provincial road SP30 crossing the island from west to east. The central position allows you to reach Rio Marina in about 40 minutes by car<\/strong> (about 30 km<\/strong>), Capoliveri in 10 minutes<\/strong> and Portoferraio in 15 minutes<\/strong> . Porto Azzurro and Campo nell\u2019Elba are also easily accessible within 10\u201315 minutes .<\/li>\n\n\n\nTranquillity and relaxation<\/strong>: after excursions you can retreat to the peace of our park, far from the hustle and bustle of tourist centres . Many guests appreciate alternating days of exploration with moments of pure relaxation in the garden or at the sea .<\/li>\n\n\n\nPersonalised advice<\/strong>: as hotel staff we know the mines of Rio Marina, the museums and trekking routes very well. We will be happy to suggest itineraries tailored to your interests\u2014be it families, geology enthusiasts or sports lovers . We provide maps and brochures, book guided tours and organise private tours on request .<\/li>\n\n\n\nConventions and discounts<\/strong>: we cooperate with the Mining Park of Elba and the Mineral Museum of Rio Marina, offering discounts to our guests on tickets and guided tours . We also have agreements with ferries for those arriving from the mainland and with sporting events on the island .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn summary, choosing Hotel Giardino means sleeping surrounded by greenery and the scent of pines, enjoying the proximity to Lacona Beach and having the freedom to explore the whole of Elba with short journeys by car, scooter or bicycle .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Lacona and its beach \u2013 a paradise of golden sand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n2.1 Lacona Beach \u2013 characteristics and services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Lacona Beach<\/strong> is one of the most famous and popular on Elba. It lies at the backdrop of the island\u2019s deepest gulf, almost three kilometres long . The south\u2011facing shoreline looks towards the island of Montecristo and is bounded to the west by the Fonza peninsula and to the east by the thin promontory of Capo Stella<\/strong> . With about 1 200 m<\/strong> of sand it is the second\u2011longest beach on Elba after Marina di Campo . Its fame is due to its very fine, golden sand, its sunny exposure and its natural setting with coastal dunes and pine forest .<\/p>\n\n\n\nLacona is celebrated for being the only beach in the Tuscan Archipelago that preserves an intact dune system . The dunes host rare and specialised plants, such as the fragrant sea lily<\/strong> (Pancratium maritimum<\/em>) . The dune area stores sand and returns it to the beach during storms, protecting groundwater . The vegetation ranges from species near the shore\u2014such as sea rocket and sand couch-grass\u2014to consolidated dunes where junipers and the sea lily grow . The blooms are spectacular: in winter and spring the dwarf iris stands out, followed by stock, sea chamomile, the sea lily and the beach cornflower .<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe beach is ideal for young people and families: it offers long stretches of free beach perfect for water sports and equipped areas with bathing establishments, bars, restaurants, diving centres and boat\/canoe rentals . The shallow waters slope gently; in some places you can walk for dozens of metres without losing contact with the bottom\u2014an ideal feature for children . Behind the beach there is a shady pine forest that offers relief from the sun . In summer 2023, a record year for turtle nests on Elba, 89 baby turtles<\/strong> hatched on the beach .<\/p>\n\n\n\nNearby services include parking, umbrella and lounger hire, stalls, pharmacies, a market, a newsagent, an ATM and disabled access . Diving enthusiasts can discover seabeds alternating sand, rock and sea\u2011grass meadows . Our hotel collaborates with diving centres that offer courses and guided trips for beginners and experienced divers .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following table summarises the key features of Lacona Beach:<\/p>\n\n\n\nFeature<\/th> Description<\/th> <\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Beach length<\/strong><\/td>~1 200 m, second longest on Elba<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Sand type<\/strong><\/td>Very fine and golden<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Coastal dunes<\/strong><\/td>Only intact dune system in the Tuscan Archipelago<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Pine forest<\/strong><\/td>Pine forest behind with shaded areas<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Seabed<\/strong><\/td>Shallow and gently sloping; ideal for families<\/td> <\/td><\/tr> Services<\/strong><\/td>Establishments, bars, restaurants, umbrella\/canoe rentals<\/td> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2.2 The Lacona dune area \u2013 a unique habitat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The dune area of Lacona, within the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, is the last example of an intact sandy\u2011coast habitat remaining in the archipelago . The dunes protect the inner areas from storms, acting as a sand reserve and safeguarding the aquifers . The flora includes species adapted to extreme conditions, such as sea rocket, wild arugula, couch\u2011grass, santolina and crucianella . On the inner dunes grow junipers, the sea lily and the Juniperus oxycedrus, while in the depressions there are wetlands with rushes and temporary meadows .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2014 the National Park launched a dune recovery project funded by the Ministry of the Environment, using bio\u2011engineering techniques to restore the ecosystem . Our hotel participates in the protection of the dunes by raising guests\u2019 awareness of the importance of not stepping on the demarcated areas, respecting the paths and not removing plants or sand .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.3 Activities and sports in Lacona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Thanks to the variety of environments (beach, rocky seabeds, pine forest and hills), Lacona offers numerous activities for those who want a dynamic holiday :<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWater sports<\/strong>: windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand\u2011up paddle, kayaking and pedal boats are available at beach rentals . The open sea and constant wind also make Lacona ideal for sailing.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSnorkelling and diving<\/strong>: the seabeds rich in sea\u2011grass host colourful fish, starfish and seahorses; further offshore there are shallows and rock walls suitable for technical dives . Our hotel offers diving packages with certified instructors .<\/li>\n\n\n\nTrekking and mountain bike<\/strong>: from the hills of Capo Stella<\/strong> depart trails that offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Lacona and the Tuscan Archipelago. You can walk or cycle them, with various levels of difficulty. From our hotel you can easily reach the mountain\u2011bike trails; we are also a logistics base for events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup<\/strong> .<\/li>\n\n\n\nBirdwatching and nature photography<\/strong>: the dune area and pine forest host migratory and endemic birds. With a good binocular you might spot the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus<\/em>), a small wader that nests among the dunes . Spring blooms offer extraordinary photographic subjects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n2.4 How to reach Lacona Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Reaching the beach from our hotel is very easy: simply follow the path through the dune area and you will be on the sand in a few minutes . For those coming from outside, the beach is accessible by car following the signs or by public transport . From the provincial road there are various access points leading to car parks and different sections of the beach . In high season we recommend arriving early in the morning or using the shuttle service from outlying car parks .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Rio Marina \u2013 the iron capital and its mining heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n3.1 History and identity of Rio Marina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Rio Marina<\/strong> is a fascinating village on the eastern coast of Elba. Once it was the iron capital: the mines and port were used for extracting and transporting ore . Today the village retains the red gleam of iron dust on the house facades, beaches and even the seabed . After the last mine closed in 1981 the mining activity gave way to tourism . The industrial buildings have been transformed into museums and the area has been reconverted into a mining park .<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe village is dominated by the hexagonal tower<\/strong> of the port, built in the mid\u201116th century by Jacopo V Appiani, lord of Piombino, to defend the settlement . Next to the tower stands the belfry with a clock from 1882, symbolising the foundation of the maritime municipality . A short distance away is the Oratory of San Rocco<\/strong>, from 1570, attesting to the local religious devotion .<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe charm of Rio Marina derives from the contrast between its industrial past and its tourism revival: the red\u2011roofed houses, colourful harbour and chimneys testify to the ancient mining vocation, while the seaside restaurants, beaches and trekking paths reveal its present . Along the village streets an Open\u2011Air Museum<\/strong> has been set up\u2014a trail with installations telling the mining story . Each work is accompanied by a QR code providing videos and information narrated by one of the last miners, passing on the memory of their hard work to new generations .<\/p>\n\n\n\n3.2 The Museum of Minerals of Elba and the Mining Art<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Museum of Minerals of Elba and Mining Art<\/strong>, housed in Palazzo del Bur\u00f2 in the centre of Rio Marina, is the heart of the island\u2019s geological heritage . The rooms host a precious collection of Elban minerals representing the island\u2019s geo\u2011mineralogical heritage . The original mining environment has been reconstructed with authentic tools and materials: you can visit the blacksmith\u2019s workshop, the miner\u2019s shelter and a full\u2011scale tunnel . The exhibition route includes a video room with vintage films of the extraction industry and photographic panels illustrating life in the mines .<\/p>\n\n\n\nUseful information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLocation<\/strong>: Via Magenta 26, Palazzo del Bur\u00f2, Rio Marina .<\/li>\n\n\n\nOpening times 2025<\/strong>: April\u2013May and September\u2013October 09:30\u201312:30 \/ 15:00\u201318:30; June, July, August 09:30\u201312:30 \/ 15:30\u201319:00. In the other months the museum can be visited by reservation .<\/li>\n\n\n\nPrices<\/strong>: standard ticket \u20ac8; reduced ticket \u20ac5 (ages 4\u201312). A Rio Pass<\/strong> (\u20ac8 standard, \u20ac5 reduced) also allows entry to the Archaeological Museum and the Alfeo Ricci Collection .<\/li>\n\n\n\nContact<\/strong>: Mining Park of the Island of Elba, tel. +39 0565 962088 .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nAfter visiting the museum, you can join guided excursions in the mining park .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3.3 The Mining Park of the Island of Elba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The Mining Park of the Island of Elba<\/strong> was created in 1991 to reconvert areas degraded by iron extraction and now protects a geological, mineralogical and mining heritage of inestimable value . The park stretches just outside the village of Rio Marina and extends as far as Monte Giove<\/strong> . The landscape features \u201clunar\u201d terrains in shades of blood red and ochre yellow, dotted with remnants of processing plants .<\/p>\n\n\n\n3.3.1 Guided visits and activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Visits to the park are carried out by jeep, on foot with specialised guides or by bicycle . The entrance ticket includes the visit to the Mineral Museum. Among the proposed routes are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nVisit to the Rio Marina open\u2011cast mining sites<\/strong>: the tour includes the main open\u2011air sites of Rio Marina (Bacino, Valle Giove, Falcacci) and Rio Albano (Conche). Guides illustrate the different mineral species (hematite, limonite, pyrite, quartz) and the extraction techniques . At the Bacino site beautiful hematite crystals were found in the 1980s ; the Falcacci site is famous for cubic pyrite and for the discovery of the new mineral species \u201criomarinaite\u201d ; the Valle Giove site has a stepped amphitheatre morphology . At the Conche site in Rio Albano you can observe a reddish\u2011brown lake rich in iron salts .<\/li>\n\n\n\nMine Adventure<\/strong>: an adventure aboard a VM90<\/strong> off\u2011road vehicle (8 seats) exploring remote sites . Price: \u20ac25 for adults, \u20ac13 for children (4\u201312 years) .<\/li>\n\n\n\nThe mining train<\/strong>: a tour by train that crosses the sites and stops at the Valle Giove site to search for mineral samples . Price: \u20ac16 for adults, \u20ac10 for children .<\/li>\n\n\n\nFamily workshops<\/strong>: \u201cIn the magical world of minerals\u201d is a workshop for families with children aged 6\u201312 held at the museum and at the Bacino site . Price: \u20ac9 for accompanying adults, \u20ac12 for children .<\/li>\n\n\n\nE\u2011bike tours<\/strong>: by reservation it is possible to participate in e\u2011bike tours organised by Safari in Miniera .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n3.3.2 The Rio Marina deposit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The Rio Marina deposit<\/strong> is Elba\u2019s oldest mine; exploitation began in the Etruscan\u2011Roman period and continued almost uninterruptedly into the industrial era . The area (about 191 hectares<\/strong>) was dedicated to extracting hematite and limonite, as well as pyrite and quartz . The main sites (Bacino, Valle Giove and Falcacci) have different characteristics: Bacino is known for hematite crystals, Falcacci for cubic pyrite and riomarinaite, Valle Giove for its stepped morphology .<\/p>\n\n\n\n3.3.3 The Rio Albano deposit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The Rio Albano deposit<\/strong> covers about 172 hectares<\/strong> around Monte Caledozio . The most important strata were the Conche<\/strong> sites, mined from 1940 to 1970, where limonite and hematite were extracted and, as accessory minerals, pyrite and siderite . A deep open\u2011pit excavation created a reddish\u2011brown lake with violet reflections extremely rich in iron salts .<\/p>\n\n\n\n3.4 Beaches and nature near Rio Marina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Beyond the mines, Rio Marina offers several enchanting beaches and places of natural interest :<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCala Seregola<\/strong> \u2013 a sandy beach mixed with gravel and rocks, characterised by the red colour due to iron residues. Ideal for snorkelling and relaxation .<\/li>\n\n\n\nTopinetti<\/strong> \u2013 a dark pebble beach accessible by car with views of the Tuscan coast. The seabed is rich in fish .<\/li>\n\n\n\nPorticciolo Beach<\/strong> and Luisi d\u2019Angelo Beach<\/strong> \u2013 small rocky coves, more isolated, reachable via paths starting from the coastal road .<\/li>\n\n\n\nOrtano<\/strong> \u2013 a bay south of Rio Marina with sand and a gently sloping seabed; from here you can glimpse the Ortano islet<\/strong> .<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nJust a few kilometres from the village are the San Rocco Sanctuary<\/strong>, the Giove Tower<\/strong> and the Orto dei Semplici Elbano<\/strong> (botanical garden) . Those who love views can climb, on foot or by car, to Monte Giove<\/strong> (350 m a.s.l.) to admire the entire eastern coast .<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Capoliveri \u2013 the medieval village and the Calamita mines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n4.1 The charm of the historic centre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Capoliveri<\/strong> is one of the most characteristic and lively municipalities on Elba. Perched on a hill at 167 m<\/strong> above sea level, it retains the appearance of a medieval village with narrow arched alleys called chiassi<\/em> . Craft workshops, typical shops and small taverns where you can taste the island\u2019s wines create a unique atmosphere. The historic centre is divided into four districts (Fosso, Torre, Fortezza and Baluardo) that compete each October in the Festa dell\u2019Uva<\/strong>, staging grape\u2011harvest tableaux .<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe name Capoliveri may derive from Caput Liberum<\/em>\u2014sacred to Bacchus, the god of wine\u2014indicating a place rich in vineyards; according to other interpretations it refers to its \u201cfree\u201d geographical position surrounded by the sea . In the Middle Ages it was fortified by the Pisans to withstand pirate raids . Among the religious monuments stand the Church of San Michele<\/strong>, dating back to the Middle Ages, and the churches of
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Camera](\"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hotel-Giardino-81-camera-217-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Golfo](\"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spiaggia-lacona-23-1024x574.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Camera](\"https:\/\/www.elbahotelgiardino.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hotel-Giardino-356-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n