Red Lake on Elba: The mystery behind its color

On the island of Elba, there's a lake that shimmers red, hidden in a former mining area. Here's how you can visit it and what's behind its extraordinary color.

Travelers love Elba for its amazing beaches, crystal-clear sea water, and the countless fragrant flowers that adorn the Italian island from springtime. Also stunning but mysterious is the Red Lake on Elba, also known as Laghetto delle Conche. With its bright red shades that at times turn deep violet, it captivates tourists.

But what exactly causes its striking color, and how can you experience this special place?

Laghetto delle Conche is located on the eastern side of Elba, about four kilometers inland northward from the town of Cavo. It's also around four kilometers from the eastern Cala Seregola Beach.

The mining lake is surrounded on three sides by rugged cliffs, with a lush green forest growing on their slopes. The vivid red of the lake seems all the more dangerous in this idyllic setting, almost like an old, still bleeding scar embedded in the landscape.

You could interpret Laghetto delle Conche as such. The Red Lake was formed when people exploited the land here and mined iron ore. Up until the 1960s, ores were extracted at the site. After the last shift of the miners, the lake reportedly quickly filled with water according to "Go Elba." The characteristic red coloring is due to the hematite iron mineral in the rocks around the lake.

Today, the lake is part of a mineral park. Besides the lake, you can explore other mining sites and a museum.

Whether it's a poisonous mushroom or toxic beetle, the color red often signals danger in nature. The same goes for Laghetto delle Conche, whose red color acts as a kind of warning: especially right after heavy rainfall, landslides and falling rocks may occur.

Additionally, many paths around the lake can be slippery due to the clayey ground, especially if you're wearing the wrong footwear. You should definitely avoid swimming in the lake: there are no living organisms here, writes "Go Elba" - a clear indicator of the questionable water quality.

You can still take in the colorful display despite these hazards. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and carry enough water, especially in the heat. Drive along the SP26 road until you find the Agriturismo Il Termine. Look for a nearby parking spot from where you can start your walk. From this point, you're about two kilometers away from the lake.

There's also a visitor center that offers tours through the entire Mineral Park of Elba, although it was closed in July 2022. Tours, when available, are led by a guide who takes you to the most exciting spots in this former mining area within about five hours. Alternatively, a little train ride takes you to the most interesting sights within the mineral park (Duration: about 1.5 hours).

Note: The ongoing drought is hitting Italy hard, and this becomes evident at the Red Lake. In July 2022, travelers reported that the lake on some days was reduced to a large puddle, and by the middle of the month, it was completely dried up.

As early as mid-September 2021, the Italian newspaper "Qui News" reported that the lack of rain was affecting the lake. It's best to plan your visit for a few days after a substantial rain shower.

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