A historic village on the hillside called also Rio Castello; it dominates the mining area which was Elba's fortune for centuries. It stand between the two peaks of Monte Strega and Cima del Monte equidistant from the sea from East to West. Rio nell'Elba can be reached by a panoramic road which winds its way through vineyards and olive groves. The same road leads to the Volterraio on whose summit lies the remians of the Castello di Volterraio dating to the Pisani era and which has withstood every attack launched on it. The pathway to the castle is steep and windwing but the view from the top is very rewarding. 

Rio Nell'Elba - Picture Carlo Carletti

Eremo di Santa Caterina - Picture Carlo Carletti

Built around the church of San Giacomo and Quirico, today, Rio is a very quiet, tranquil village but in the past the richness of its iron resources meant it was the chosen location for primitive settlements. In fact, it is in this very area that the Neolitic remains of the grotto of San Giuseppe can be found.

Worth a visit, the hermitage botanic garden, the Mineralogical museum "Alfeo Ricci" and the archeological centre.

Pirite