Innamorata: Beach and Mining History

For a trip to Innamorata, you can choose between the beach, mining history and activities on the water as different areas of focus. Spiaggia dell’Innamorata is known for its dark sand, while traces at nearby Punta delle Ciarpe recall the area’s mining past. A museum and several trails explore this historical theme in greater depth, while the Gemini islets are popular for excursions and attract snorkelling enthusiasts. This lets you plan your visit around whether the coast, industrial history or a trip out to sea is your main interest.

The beach and visible traces of mining

Spiaggia dell’Innamorata is about 280 metres long and has dark sand. Right beside it is the small beach of Punta delle Ciarpe, where traces of mining are still visible. Those who distinguish between the two stretches of coast will find two different features here: the dark, approximately 280-metre-long Spiaggia and the smaller Punta, whose mining traces also reveal the area’s history.

The Museo della Vecchia Officina

The Museo della Vecchia Officina is housed in the workshops of Cantiere Vallone. It displays original objects and equipment, as well as historical documents and maps relating to miners’ lives, the history of mining and the area. Material artefacts are presented alongside information about the people and the history of mining.

The museum is also the starting point for several hiking trails and guided tours of the mines, beaches and trails of Monte Calamita. If you are planning an outdoor activity in addition to exploring the museum’s historical perspective, you can choose between hiking trails and guided tours with different destinations.

Trails with different points of interest

For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Monte Calamita e Miniere di Capoliveri MTB route passes the turn-off to Spiaggia dell’Innamorata, follows the old iron road downhill to the sea and crosses the Calone mining area before reaching the Museo della Vecchia Officina. When planning your ride, check current trail conditions and access rules.

By contrast, The Way of the Old Railway follows the former railway line between the Vallone open-pit mining area and the former loading point near Innamorata Beach, opposite the Gemini Islands. The two trails therefore have different points of reference: the MTB route is defined by its course along the old iron road and the museum as its endpoint, while the other trail traces the former railway line.

The Gemini islets and trips out to sea

The Gemini islets lie close to Spiaggia dell’Innamorata and are popular for excursions. You can reach them by canoe, pedal boat or swimming. Sea conditions and equipment availability vary by season, so check what is available for your visit before setting out. The seabed is rich in marine life, and the islets attract snorkelling enthusiasts. Visibility and underwater conditions also vary by season.

An annual event and its connection to the beach

The Festa degli Innamorati is celebrated in Capoliveri on 14 July. It includes a procession and a large torchlight event at sea. The festival adds a distinct cultural dimension alongside Innamorata’s beach and mining themes.

Innamorata Beach can be reached by MareBus. Check the current services for your visit date before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Lacona, Morcone, Naregno

Go to the main travel overview: Capoliveri.