Ortano Bay
A small green bay on the east coast of Elba
Ortano Bay is a small inlet on the east coast of Elba, in the municipality of Rio, between Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba: a beach of about 200 metres of light sand and shingle, clear water and, just offshore, the islet of Ortano, protected by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. The best time to visit is from May to September.
Ortano Bay opens onto the east coast of Elba Island, in the municipality of Rio, between Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba. It is a small inlet at the end of the Ortano valley, enclosed by hills of Mediterranean scrub and cliffs, facing an islet that is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This is where Ortano Mare stands, looking straight onto the beach.
- From Ortano Mare: on the bay, a few steps from the beach
- Beach: About 200 metres, light sand and fine shingle
- What to see: The islet of Ortano, the cliffs on either side of the bay
- Ideal for: Swimming, snorkelling, canoeing and SUP, families
- Best time to visit: From May to September; June and September are the quietest months
Ortano beach
Ortano beach is about 200 metres long, made of light sand mixed with fine shingle and small pebbles. The seabed drops quickly: after a few steps you are swimming, and the water stays clear even on the hottest days.
The bay faces east, towards the Piombino Channel: the hills behind it shelter it from the westerly winds, and in the morning the sun rises out of the sea.
The islet of Ortano
In front of the bay, opposite Capo d’Ortano, lies the islet of Ortano: a rocky outcrop covered in low scrub, uninhabited and protected within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Its outline can be seen from every point of the beach and makes the bay instantly recognisable.
When the sea is calm it takes just a few minutes to reach by pedal boat or canoe, for a trip around the rocks: stay in the water and respect the Park’s rules.
Snorkelling and water sports
On either side of the bay the sand gives way to rocks, and that is where to put on your mask and snorkel: rocky seabeds a few metres from the shore, fish and transparent water. The area towards the islet is among the most beautiful.
At Ortano Mare you can also enjoy the sea actively:
- diving: dives, courses and snorkelling trips for adults and children;
- water sports: windsurf, SUP, canoe, pedal boat and dinghy hire, sailing and windsurfing courses;
- boat trips and Taxi Boat along the east coast.
Nearby attractions
About 4 km away is Rio Marina, the mining village with its little harbour and the Torre degli Appiani, the Mining Park and the Mineral Museum. Around the village are the beaches of Topinetti and Cala Seregola, with dark sand glinting with iron minerals, and the cove of Luisi d’Angelo, reachable on foot from the panoramic road of the Porticciolo: you will find them in the guide to the beaches of eastern Elba.
The hill village closest to Ortano is Rio nell’Elba: just outside the village, at the foot of Monte Serra, are the Hermitage of Santa Caterina and the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, a small botanical garden.
About 5 km away you can visit the mines, with tunnels, a mining train and trails among the iron quarries; about 7 km away rises the Volterraio Fortress, the medieval stronghold with one of the finest views on the island.
When to go: best time and tips
Ortano Bay is at its best from May to September. In July and August the sea is at its finest, but the beach is also busier.
June and September are the quietest months: warm water, fewer people and long days.
Ortano Mare’s tip: For snorkelling, choose the early morning, when the sea is calmer and the light shines straight into the water.
Ortano Mare, overlooking the bay
Staying at Ortano Mare means waking up facing the bay, with the beach, the pools and water sports a few steps away, and Rio Marina, the mines and the trails of eastern Elba a few minutes away.
At Ortano Mare you can choose between the hotel rooms and the residence apartments, just steps from the private beach in the bay of Ortano.
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On the east coast of Elba Island, in the municipality of Rio, between Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba.
It is about 200 metres long, of light sand and fine shingle, with a seabed that soon becomes deep and clear water.
When the sea is calm it takes a few minutes by pedal boat or canoe. The islet is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park: stay in the water and respect the Park’s rules.
Yes: the rocks on either side of the bay and the area towards the islet have clear seabeds full of fish.
About 4 km, around ten minutes by car.