Mining trekking to the old railway: discovering the island’s mining past

Known in the Etruscan era as “Island of a thousand fires”, Elba island is rich in places of historical interest related to the extraction and processing of iron. The Elban fields are in fact among the oldest iron deposits exploited in the world. A stay on the island is therefore a unique opportunity to visit the places of industrial archeology: open-cast mining, disused railway tracks and structures related to the life and work of miners.

In addition to the famous mining park of Rio Marina, interesting excursions are organized throughout the year, one of the most recommended is certainly the mining hiking of the old railway.

The mining hiking 2018

It is an afternoon excursion to the mines of Calamita and the Vallone shipyard, passing through the Innamorata beach, one of the most evocative and exciting on the island. The excursion includes moments of collection of small samples of copper and iron mineralization and a visit to the Museum of the Old Workshop. You will not miss a small tasting to refresh yourself from the path. The appointment is September 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the Innamorata beach, Capoliveri. The level is medium-easy. Duration of trekking: about 5 hours.

For more information on the route of mining trekking at the Old Railway (prices, how to participate, any changes in dates and times), see the official website of the Tuscany walking festival, Tuscanywalkingfestival.it.