Porto di Rio Marina

The port of Rio Marina on the island of Elba is second after Portoferraio among the ports of arrival for the ferries. The ports have been the embarkation point for transport ships of material extracted from nearby mines in the municipalities of Rio and Rio Marina.

A breakwater and quay equipped with bollards and mooring rings make up the structure of the port, which has a northeast entrance. The port offers 100 berths, 15 of which are reserved for transit. Entry hours are continuous, and boats must have a maximum length of 15 meters. Water, stores to replenish the galley, bars and restaurants can be found at the dock. The fuel station is in the village 250 meters from the port. Well sheltered, with Sirocco and Libeccio winds the undertow rises in the ports making it impassable.

The port is overlooked by high ground behind the town that bears the marks of the excavations of old mines. The hills are clearly visible from offshore along with the built-up area of Rio Marina. Landmarks on approach are also the towers on the elbow and at the Radice of the pier. Arriving at night, a reference point becomes the lantern placed on the head of the outer pier.

In Rio Marina the iron mining activity prevalent until the 1960s has now given way to tourist development. The medieval village that winds through narrow alleys, small squares and long stairways is dominated by a polygonal tower from the first half of the 16th century. In the Town Hall you can visit the Elban Mining Museum, which documents all types of minerals found on the island. It is possible to take excursions to the iron mines, the tower, Mount Grosso, the islands of Palmaiola, Cerboli, and the islet of Topi.

Rio Marina offers a wide choice of beaches. On the eastern side they are for the most part made up of fine, shiny sand while the coast to the south has sheer cliffs and coves that can only be reached by sea. The most popular beach is Topinetti beach along the road from Rio Marina to Cavo formed by fine black and shiny sand.

Among the typical dishes of Rio Marina are stoccafisso alla riese, gurguglione, rice and fennel, zuppa con l’ove, and schiaccia briaca riese. Other dishes that can be enjoyed in the many local restaurants include sburrita di baccala’, zeri ammarinati, and the classic boiled octopus.