Palmaiola is an islet located in the middle of Piombino Channel, at 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Elba and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Piombino; it is part of the comune of Rio Marina and is wholly owned by the State.
The Pisans built in 909C.E. a tower restored by the Appiano of the Principality of Piombino in 1534; a new lighthouse and the keeper’s house were built on 15 January 1844 and were operated by the Civil engineering for the Maritime Works; in 1911 it was transferred to the Regia Marina Lighthouse Service. The lighthouse consists of a one-story white building, 14 metres high, surmounted by a quadrangular tower with balcony and lantern situated at a height of 105 metres above sea level. It is fully automated, active and operated by Marina Militare identified by the code number 2016 E.F. Near the building a helipad was erected which is utilized by the Marina Militare EH-101 to fly in regularly the maintenance team. It has a solar power unit and emits an alternating single white flashing in a five seconds period visible up to 10 nautical miles.[2][3]
