A journey into elba's mining heart: new experiences between history, nature and landscape
The Elba Island Mining Park, in collaboration with Safari in Miniera — a well-established and highly regarded presence in the island's tourism landscape — is expanding its cultural and tourism offer with two new experiences. Both take place aboard specially equipped military vehicles, accompanying visitors through the historical, mining and natural heritage of the territory.
The two new itineraries are "Safari in Miniera – Rio nell'Elba" and "Safari in Miniera – Night Tour", designed to offer a fresh and engaging perspective on the mining district and its distinctive character.
The Mining School and its Minerals – Rio nell'Elba
The tour begins at the Archaeological Museum of the Mining District of Rio nell'Elba, at the end of the museum visit. From there, participants head towards the mines of Rio Marina, passing through the Cantiere Bacino and on to the Galleria del Rosseto. At the gallery, a stop of approximately forty minutes is planned, during which visitors will learn about the historical period when the mines were one of the island's primary economic resources — a time when Elba was not yet synonymous with sea and beaches, but with mining, work and daily toil. The route continues back to Cantiere Bacino, where visitors can discover the main minerals found in the area, including haematite and pyrite, the characteristic ochres and a number of accessory minerals present at the site. The return to Rio nell'Elba passes through San Giuseppe, with in-depth commentary on the Valle dei Mulini and the fundamental role that the mills played in the history and development of the local community. Throughout the journey, an audio guide accompanies visitors with stories and insights ranging from the figure of Emilia di Grassera to the geological formation of the Island of Elba, through to the mining stories and the miners who have profoundly shaped the identity of this territory.
Safari in Miniera – Night Tour
The second new experience is an evocative evening tour departing from the Mining Park Museum of Rio Marina towards the Laghetto Rosso delle Conche. The area will be enhanced by a lighting system powered by solar panel floodlights, allowing participants to appreciate the colours and unique atmosphere of the site even after dark. The tour continues along the firebreak road of Monte Giove, with a stop in an area free from light pollution, where visitors can observe the starry sky and enjoy an immersive experience in direct contact with the nature and mining landscape of the island.
Contact: info@parcominelba.it
