Cavo, Elba Island
The northernmost village on eastern Elba, surrounded by beaches and mining heritage
At the north-eastern tip of Elba Island, at the foot of Monte Grosso, lies Cavo, a village in the municipality of Rio Marina. It is the closest point on the island to the Tuscan mainland and has long offered one of the fastest ferry connections to Piombino.
Cavo retains the atmosphere of an old fishing and trading village, enhanced by a small marina, a palm-lined seafront promenade and some of the most peaceful beaches on Elba’s eastern coast.
Where is Cavo?
Cavo is located at the northern tip of Elba Island, along the coast facing Piombino. It is part of the municipality of Rio Marina, just a few kilometres from Rio nell’Elba and the eastern side of the island.
Its location, sheltered by Monte Grosso and overlooking a secluded bay, makes it a quieter destination than other seaside resorts on Elba, while still being easy to reach.
Beaches in Cavo
San Bennato and Cala Bolbaia
Cavo’s seafront promenade stretches for approximately 420 metres and is lined with palm trees and small sculptures. It overlooks two beaches separated by the marina.
Towards San Bennato lies the longer stretch, comprising around 400 metres of dark sand, mixed in places with small pebbles smoothed by the sea—a legacy of the nearby iron mines. On the other side of the harbour is Cala Bolbaia, a smaller, more secluded beach characterised by light-coloured sand.
Both beaches have beach clubs, sunlounger and parasol hire, bars and restaurants, as well as public sections for visitors who prefer greater independence.
Capo Castello and Cala delle Alghe
Continuing along the seafront promenade beyond the village, you will reach Capo Castello, a scenic headland where the remains of a 1st-century AD Roman villa can be found, with floors and mosaics that are still visible.
At the foot of the headland lies Cala delle Alghe, a small, wilder and more sheltered cove, ideal for anyone looking for a quieter spot by the sea without straying too far from the village.
From here, the coastline continues past cliffs and Mediterranean scrub to Capo della Vita, the island’s northernmost point.
Cavo’s history and interesting facts
Cavo’s history is closely linked to both the sea and the iron mines near Rio Marina. During the Middle Ages, the coast was exposed to pirate raids, and the 17th-century Torre di Polmaiola still bears witness to the village’s former defensive role.
Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cavo became the favourite holiday destination of the Tonietti family, the first concession holders of the iron mines on Elba’s eastern coast following the unification of Italy. The Tonietti Mausoleum was built for them: an unusual Art Nouveau building designed by architect Adolfo Coppedè, surrounded by the island’s vegetation. It was never used for its original purpose and is now best known as a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the village and the sea.
Cavo’s notable visitors also include Giuseppe Garibaldi, who made a brief stop here in 1849 while travelling to the island of Caprera.
Things to do in Cavo
Beyond its beaches, Cavo is a good starting point for walks and hikes along Elba’s north-eastern coast. The stretch between Capo Castello and Capo della Vita offers some of the island’s most striking views.
The small marina, equipped with water and fuel facilities, also makes Cavo a convenient stopping point for those travelling by boat along the coast.
Other lesser-known and wilder beaches can be found nearby, including Fornacelle and Nisportino. Accessible by car or via short walking trails, they are popular with visitors seeking more secluded coves and good waters for snorkelling. Discover the other beaches of eastern Elba to make the most of your days by the sea.
Cavo is also a key destination for anyone wishing to explore the Elba Island Mining Park, which extends through this area and towards Rio Marina.
How to get to Cavo from Ortano Mare
Cavo lies on Elba’s eastern coast, approximately 15–20 minutes by car from Ortano Mare. Continue past Rio Marina along the coastal road heading north.
During the summer, a minibus connects Ortano with the main beaches and destinations along the coast, including Cavo, providing a convenient alternative for visitors who prefer not to drive. The journey passes through the characteristic Mediterranean scrub of eastern Elba, with sea views along the entire route.
Ortano Resort as a base for visiting Cavo
Ortano Resort enjoys a strategic location for exploring Elba’s entire eastern coast, including Cavo. From the Rio Marina area, you can plan a day visiting the beaches of San Bennato and Cala Bolbaia, walking to Capo Castello and stopping at the Tonietti Mausoleum before returning to the resort in the afternoon.
This itinerary combines sea, history and scenery, making it a perfect alternative to relaxing days on the beach or by the resort pool.
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Cavo is located at the north-eastern tip of Elba Island, in the municipality of Rio Marina. It is the closest point on the island to the Tuscan mainland.
The main beaches are San Bennato, with its dark sand, and Cala Bolbaia, with its light-coloured sand, separated by the small marina. Nearby beaches also include Cala delle Alghe, Fornacelle and Nisportino.
Highlights include the remains of the Roman villa at Capo Castello, the Art Nouveau Tonietti Mausoleum and the Torre di Polmaiola, as well as the scenic walk towards Capo della Vita.
Cavo is approximately 15–20 minutes by car from Ortano Mare. Continue past Rio Marina along the coastal road. During the summer, a free minibus also connects Ortano with the beaches along Elba’s eastern coast.
Yes. Cavo’s beaches have beach clubs and visitor facilities, while the village’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a convenient destination for families travelling with children.