The Tuscan archipelago consists of seven islands: charming destinations where history and myth melt together. They not only differ from each other but are regarded as unique: their crystal clear water, sandy beaches, small inlets and rock formations make them ideal destinations for unforgettable holidays.
Capraia is the furthest island from the Tuscan coast. Its name seems to derive from the presence of wild goats on the island or, according to an another theory, from the word “karpa” that means “rock”.
During the world war II and until 1986 the island was used as penal colony and in 1989 it was included in the Natinonal Park of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Today Capraia is a tourist destination that preserves the features of a island with wild nature and crystal clear water; here it is possible to enjoy wonderful nature walks, go for walks, go diving and fishing. The island is characterized by steep sheers dropping from the cliff into the sea, rocks with beautiful colours and a lacustrine basin located on the hills. There are only two sandy beaches (“Cala Rossa” and “Cala della Mortola”), that can be reached exclusively by sea. In the southern cape, the most appreciated area, is an ancient and extinct volcano.
Elba island is the third largest Italian island after Sicily and Sardinia and is the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago. It has recently become part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park together with the islands of Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri. It offers a marvellous variety of scenery, from small hidden coves to long sandy beaches,each corner holds its own special surprise for visitors. The island is washed by crystal clear water in every shade of blue – a paradise for divers and snorkellers.Its wooded hills make it ideal for hikers, it’s panoramic roads so popular with mountain bikers. Those in search of culture will find it’s ancient churches and museums a pleasant alternative to seaside activities.
Already in ancient times Elba’s destiny was always determined by two factors: its strategic position and the richness of its mineral resources. Due to these characteristics, it was often the object of conquest for the various powers along the Mediterranean. For the Etruscans and the Romans, Elba represented an inexhaustible source of riches and the iron from Elba contributed to the prospering of their civilizations.
In more recent history, the period that made this island famous and placed it on the world map was the brief exile of Napoleon, who stayed here for 10 months prior to his 100-day adventure which ended in Waterloo. Bonaparte’s short reign left a significant mark: important reforms and buildings like his townhouse “Villa dei Mulini” in Portoferraio and his impressing summer residence “San Martino” – which are now museums and can be visited.
The island first opened to tourism soon after 1950 but has managed to preserve it’s waters, flora and fauna thanks to its local administration and inhabitants.
Giannutri is the most southern island of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and it's also known as “Isle of Gabbiani”, due to the presence on the island of the Mediterranean herring-gull.
There are many famous caves along the coast; an example is “Cala dei Grottoni”, in the southern point. Many tropical plants grow up all over the island, thanks to its climate, mild in winter and windy in summer.
Giannutri can be reached all year round through ferryboat, but for the most of the island it's forbidden to dock with own boats . here.
There aren't filling stations and specialized medical assistance centres here.
The island is a heaven with a wild nature and a mild climate almost all year round. It's a destination appreciated by the lovers of activities as divings, bird-watching and trekking.
The Isle of Giglio is mostly mountainous, made of granite, and it's characterized by the Mediterranean flora and rare animal species. The most famous features of the island are its coasts, rich of sandy beaches and small creeks, and its limpid sea.
The castle, that houses the Apostle S.Peter Church and its many works of art, is an important stage that can't be miss on a holiday in Isle of Giglio.
Gorgona is the smallest island in the national park of the Tuscan archipelago, to which it belongs since since 1991.
Today it is peopled by only 300 inhabitants; most of the island is occupied by the prision.
The island is covered by the Mediterranean maquis and is mostly mountainous and rocky; as bathing is prohibited and the human impact on the environment is extremely low, the seawater is crystal clear with marvelous turquoise colour tones.
The island's most important coves are the "baia dei gabbiani", "cala scirocco" and the "cala del bue marino". The latter is currently unaccessible due to the national park's restictions.
Sights:
- the medicean and Pisan Fortresses;
- the Etruscan and Roman site Villa Margherita;
- The old tower, founded in the 13th century by the Pisans;
- The new tower;
- The clock tower;
- The little church of S. Giorgio
- The little cemetery.
Visitors are required to send their personal data to the park's authorities via a licensed travel agency at least 15 days prior to their arrival. Only a limited number of people is admitted.
This granitic island belongs to the national park of the Tuscan archipelago since 1971; it has always been a terrestrial and marine reserve and for this reason almost unaccessible to tourists.
Montecristo is montonous, its nature is wild and abounds in creeks and springs; it is accessible only through Cala Maestra, where you will find the island's only building: the Watson-Taylor villa.
Overnight stay, fishing and swimming are not allowed (swimming is allowed only at a distance of at least 300 mt from the shore) A special permit issued by the Ministry of Agricultural policies is required in order to visit the island: applications must be sent to the state forestry corp (Corpo forestale dello stato) of Follonica ( ph +39 0566 400 19, Fax: 0566 406 11 ;e- mail: utb.follonica@corpoforestale.it )
Its main feature, from which its name derives, is that it is the only island of the archipelago that is mostly flat.
Pianosa was a penal settlement, a prison and today it is uninhabited. It belongs to the national park of the Tuscan archipelago almost 15 years ago and for this reason fishing and navigation are forbidden within a range of 1 mile.
Its crystal clear waters are populated by many species, among which dolphins, turtles and big cetaceans; sandy beaches and rocks alternate on its coasts. It is important to visit “cala S. Giovanni”, that houses the ruins of a Roman villa.
It is forbidden to live or stay on the island and it is possible to visit only through organized tours.
