The Orto dei Semplici Elbano is a hidden treasure in the picturesque village of Rio nell’Elba, a place where the botanical richness of Elba Island harmoniously blends with the charm of an ancient settlement. This botanical garden is not only a celebration of local and Mediterranean flora but also represents the green heart of Rio nell’Elba, a village nestled among hills with breathtaking sea views.
Rio nell’Elba is an ideal tourist destination all year round: vibrant and colorful in the summer, it offers a peaceful and evocative atmosphere during the quieter months. Walking through its streets, you’ll discover artisan shops, cozy cafés, and historic architecture that tell stories of the past. Just a few steps from the center, the Orto dei Semplici invites you on a journey through the island’s botanical history, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to truly understand the culture and nature of Elba.
Where the Orto dei Semplici is located on Elba
The Orto dei Semplici Elbano is located in the quiet hamlet of Rio nell’Elba, part of the municipality of Rio, set in the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. This botanical garden spans about one hectare of land near the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, offering a serene and naturally rich environment, ideal for botanical exploration.
To reach the Orto dei Semplici, leave the center of Rio nell’Elba heading toward Nisporto, and drive for about two kilometers. You’ll find a parking area on the right with clear signage that will guide you straight to the garden entrance. This location makes the Orto easily accessible to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the splendid diversity of local flora and enjoy a peaceful moment in this unique green space.
How to get to the Orto dei Semplici in Rio nell’Elba
Reaching the Orto in Rio nell’Elba is a simple and pleasant experience, whether you’re coming from mainland Italy or already staying on Elba Island.
If you’re traveling from mainland Italy, the most convenient way to get to Elba Island is by ferry. Blu Navy offers regular services connecting Piombino to Portoferraio, one of the island’s main ports. Once you arrive in Portoferraio, the Orto dei Semplici can be reached by car in about 30 minutes. To plan your crossing, check the Blu Navy ferry schedules for Elba and choose the trip that best fits your itinerary.
If you’re already on Elba Island, getting to the Orto dei Semplici is even easier. From Rio nell’Elba, take the road toward Nisporto and follow the signs to the Orto after about 2 kilometers. A convenient parking area offers space to leave your car before diving into the natural beauty of the garden.
The Orto’s proximity to the island’s main towns makes visiting convenient for both tourists and locals, allowing everyone to enjoy this natural haven without straying too far from the island’s other attractions.
Opening times and days
The Orto dei Semplici Elbano offers varied opening times depending on the season, allowing visitors to plan their visit at the most suitable times of the year. Here’s an overview of opening hours for each period:
April
Hours: 11:00 – 13:00 / 15:30 – 18:30
Closed days: Monday
Special days: Open on Easter Monday and April 25th
May
Hours: 15:30 – 18:30
Closed days: Monday
Special day: Open on May 1st
June
Hours: 10:30 – 13:00 / 15:30 – 18:30
Closed days: Monday
Special day: Open on June 2nd
July and August
Hours: 11:30 – 13:00 / 17:00 – 19:00
Closed days: Sunday and Monday
Special day: Closed on August 15th
September and October
Hours: 10:30 – 13:00 / 15:30 – 18:30
Closed days: Monday
These hours are ideal for enjoying the pleasant temperatures and natural light that each season offers. It is recommended to check for updates directly with the Orto before planning your visit, especially on holidays or during special events, to avoid surprises.
Prices
The Orto dei Semplici Elbano offers an affordable and inclusive pricing structure for visitors of all ages. Here are the details:
Full price: €5.00
Reduced: €3.00, available for teens aged 13 to 17 and for groups of more than 12 people.
Free admission: for children up to 12 years old, students from Elban schools, people with disabilities and their companion, certified tour and environmental guides, journalists, and travel bloggers.
If you’re planning a visit to the Orto dei Semplici and need transportation to Elba Island, be sure to check the discounts and promotions on ferries to Elba Island offered by Blu Navy.
Traveling to Elba Island with Blu Navy Ferries turns a simple journey into a pleasant and relaxing experience, allowing you to start your Elban adventure in comfort and style.
Contacts and guided tour bookings
To enjoy an even richer and more in-depth experience at the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, guided tours are available by advance booking only. These tours are ideal for those who want to deeply understand the history, plant species, and ecological importance of the garden. A minimum of 5 people is required to organize a guided tour, making them perfect for school groups, large families, or groups of friends.
Contact for bookings and information:
Phone: +39 353 3924167
Email: ortodeisemplicielbano@gmail.com
We recommend contacting the Orto dei Semplici in advance to plan your visit, especially during peak season or for special events. This will ensure availability and allow the garden organizers to offer you the best possible experience.
What to see at the Orto dei Semplici Elbano
The Orto dei Semplici Elbano, founded in 1992 thanks to the initiative of botanists Gabriella Corsi and Fabio Garbari from the University of Pisa and the German writer and photographer Hans Georg Berger, is a true gem of biodiversity dedicated to the conservation and dissemination of the Tuscan Archipelago’s plant life. Designed by architects Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola, the garden serves as a center for the enhancement of ethnobotanical traditions and plant species of naturalistic, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and forestry interest.
During your visit, you’ll be able to explore unique collections of wild plants, some of which are rare and endemic, carefully cultivated and maintained thanks to the joint efforts of volunteers and specialists.
The garden is not just a place of conservation but also a starting point for new productive initiatives that respect local resources and traditions. Since 2016, the Orto has been managed by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, marking a new chapter of growth and renewal.
To complete your cultural and natural experience on Elba Island, a visit to the Rio Marina Mineral Museum is highly recommended. Here, you can deepen your understanding of the island’s natural resources, creating a perfect link between Elba’s flora and geology.