Excursion A mining history: rio marina & porto azzurro tour at Portoferraio

If your interests lean toward the scenic and the mineralogical, this half-day outing should amply satisfy your curiosity on both topics. Though all active mining operations in the Monte Giove slopes surrounding Elba’s coastal commune of Rio Marina ceased in 1981, the city never quite lost its Capital of Iron nickname. These days, it’s a flourishing resort town – with a world-class mineral museum that showcases its earthy heritage.

Your guided outing begins with a 45-minute coach drive eastward from Portoferraio to Rio Marina, sporting a 16th-century octagonal tower built by the Appiani family, lords of Piombino and historic owners of Elba. After a century of industrial-scale ore extraction, the iron mines here are quiet. But their legacy remains active at the Museum of Elba Minerals, where you’ll spend time browsing an important collection, including numerous mineral specimens of exceptional beauty. A recreated blacksmith’s workshop with original tools and materials found in abandoned mining sites brings a realistic sense of place to the experience, as does the photographic documentation of the old mines of Rio and Capoliveri and the life-size reconstruction of a miner’s shelter and actual mining tunnel. Following some free time in town, you’ll depart for Porto Azzurro, some 45 minutes to the south.

Clustered at the base of a promontory on the Gulf of Mola, this charming town’s medieval Spanish origins are evident – exemplified by the photogenic cliff-top Forte Focardo complex, commissioned by Don Garcia di Toledo in the 1600s in an attempt to defend the village from roving Saracen pirates. Enjoy a brief guided Porto Azzurro walk followed by free time to browse for treasures in the shops of local mineral artisans. Afterwards, the scenic return drive to Portoferraio takes about 30-minutes.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Rio Marina, Museum of Elba Minerals & Mining Art, Porto Azzurro

Note

Please note: This moderate excursion includes about 0.5 mi / 0.8 km of guided walking along various surfaces, including cobblestones, plus optional additional distances during free time. Guests must be able to board the coach independently; the excursion is not suitable for those who utilize a wheelchair. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes; bring your preferred sun protection. Time for shopping for local products is made available in both Rio Marina and Porto Azzurro. The order of sights and activities may vary.