Ferry from Rio Marina to Pianosa

Rio Marina Guide

On the Italian island of Elba is the town of Rio Marina which is located in the Province of Livorno, in the Tuscany Region of Italy. The area was first inhabited in the 15th century although the town didn't really begin to grow until the 18th century, following a decline in pirate activity in the area. The town itself lies on a small inlet in the eastern side of Elba, and is surrounded by hills of red earth due to the iron oxide mining that took place there in the past. Today, the town is very much a tourist resort that has a reputation for looking after its guests. The Church of San Rocco is a popular attraction in the town as is the tower in the port which was commissioned by Giacomo V Appiano in 1534. The tower has an octagonal base and was a lookout and defensive structure. Also on the island is the Mineral Park.

A ferry service operates from the town's port to Pianosa and Piombino.

Pianosa Guide

The small Italian island of Pianosa is the 5th largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and has a surface area of just over 10 sq. km and a coastline of 18 km. The island lies around 13 km to the south west of the island of Elba which was made famous by Napoleon. The island derives its name from its geography as it refers to the island's flat plains which are only 29 meters above sea level at the highest point. The island's inhabited history dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the Palaeolithic era, and was the cause of much animosity between the cities of Genoa and Pisa who both wanted control over the island. In the 19th century, Napoleon visited Pianosa and declared it as the most interesting island near Elba with its interesting flora and forna.

The island forms part of the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscana (the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago) and as a result is protected from external interference, property speculation and environmental damage. Because the island's wildlife is so important it is not possible to visit the island without first obtaining a special permit that is issues by the National Park. Shipping and fishing are also prohibited within one mile of the island's coast.