Capoliveri mines

In the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park

The Capoliveri mines are located in the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, on Monte Calamita, which takes its name from magnetite, the iron ore found in these mines. This is one of the wildest and most picturesque areas of the entire island, with large sun-drenched beaches, panoramic trails, and the only underground mines on the Island of Elba.

The mineral deposits are Calamita, Ginevro, and a small site called Sassi Neri.

Curiosity: Magnetite is a very dense mineral, with a specific gravity 8 times greater than water. It is also the iron ore with the highest iron content, and consequently, with the most intense magnetic properties found in nature.

For centuries, they were the greatest source of work for the Elban populations, especially for Rio Marina, Rio Elba, and Capoliveri. After over 3000 years of exploitation, in 1980, production was suspended, even though the deposits are not exhausted—there is still much iron available in the depths below sea level.

To discover the fascinating and ancient history of iron and retrace the hard work of the miners, you can take a guided tour of the Ginevro mine and the Old Workshop Museum.

The Calamita and Ginevro mines are located one after the other, about 7 km apart. To reach them, you must travel the ancient miners' path, a road that is partially unpaved today and winds through a panoramic route of remarkable beauty, with distant views of Corsica, Pianosa, Montecristo, and the nearby tourist locations of Pareti, Morcone, and Innamorata.

The small Sassi Neri mine is located on the eastern side of the Capoliveri coast, between Straccoligno and Ginevro, and can be reached on foot starting from Calanova or, even more easily, by sea.

Infoelba recommends: By reservation, you can join excursions organized by Safari in Miniera, aboard a military vehicle, on off-road paths.