Description
Beach of Ortano
It is one of best known beaches in Rio Marina because the crystal clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling.
There is a tiny island on the south side of this beach called after the valley bearing the same name, and towards the end it becomes narrower between the two promontories.
In the past, Ortano was one of the main mining areas for iron extraction on the Island of Elba. When the mine in Monte Fico was closed down for good, the area was dedicated to tourism, and a large holiday complex, that in no way has made the beach smaller, was built behind it. Even now you can still see traces of the past: what is left of the mineral loading wharf and the iron rails used for the wagons for transporting the minerals.
This sand and brown pebble beach, 150 metres long and 45 metres wide, is exposed to winds from the east.
A visit to the tiny island is a must. You can reach it either by swimming, or by walking along the coast, and crossing the tiny beaches on the right of the bay.
The beach is at the end of the deep valley of Ortano. Go round the roundabout in Rio nell’Elba and follow the asphalt road for about 2 kilometres, or take the turning at the signpost on the road between Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba.
You will have to park your car in the free car park before you get to the entrance to the holiday village, then walk for about 200 metres along the right of the complex.
Beach bar inside the Village.
