Ortano beach, about 150 meters long and 45 meters wide, is located on the eastern side of Elba Island and is one of the most renowned in the Rio Marina area. It is composed of small pebbles mixed with sand.
The beauty of Ortano beach
The water of course, as in the whole of Elba Island, is a clear blue color, made even clearer by the contrast with the small white pebbles of the beach (mixed with sand). Snorkeling is also practiced here precisely because of the beauty of its seabed and the rich marine fauna.
An anti-jellyfish net was also placed on the left side of the beach, to allow everyone to take a relaxing bath without having to worry too much about unpleasant encounters with these stinging aquatic organisms.
The beach is easily accessible although to reach it you have to leave your car in the free parking lot and walk about 150/200 meters along a flat pedestrian path that crosses the Residence Ortano Mare.
The history of Ortano beach
The history of this place is very particular, it is said that its name derives from the fact that here, in the past, there were vegetable gardens due to the fertility of the soil and the abundant amount of water available. What is certain is that, where Ortano Rio beach is now located, mining activity was practiced quite recently. As evidence of this, there are still remains of industrial architecture, such as a pier (now almost completely ruined) and the railway over which trolleys filled with the extracted minerals passed.
From Ortano Rio beach you can also reach a beautiful islet (which bears the same name), swimming one section and walking one along the cliff (remember to bring your rock shoes to avoid ruining your feet or, even worse, slipping!) and passing through the small beaches located on the right side of the bay. It is a very green islet, rich in fish and perfect for diving.
Ortano Beach Services
The beach has some services such as pedal boat and kayak rentals, while the bar service is offered by the residence located right at the back of the beach. There is also a small convenience store here and the hygienic services, essential for enjoying a pleasant day at the beach in peace.
This beach is the arrival point of a beautiful trail, called the Path of Love, which starts from the port of Rio Marina. It follows a series of small coves and then enters the forest. It's ideal for trekking enthusiasts, and also allows you to reach the Monte Fico Observatory, where you can admire a beautiful view of the entire surrounding valley.
Once you leave the beach you can visit the town of Rio Marina, a true pearl of the island, where mining was once practiced intensively.
Today the mines are closed and the town has become a destination for an increasingly curious tourism of the island's past: here you can also visit the Mineral Museum, to discover what treasures hide the depths of Elba Island, how they were mined and transported.
