L’Archipelago è composto da sette isole, originate, secondo una leggenda, dalla collana di perle della Dea Venere. Ogni isola del Parco Nazionale dell’Archipelago Toscano merita una visita, per godere dei profumi della vegetazione mediterranea (ginepro, mirto, lavanda e rosmarino in particolare) e della fauna selvatica (uccelli migratori, conigli selvatici, martora, cinghiale maremmano). Le distese d’acqua trasparenti, invece, ospitano diversi cetacei come il delfino, il capodoglio o la balenottera.
How to reach the Tuscan Archipelago?
The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago can be reached by taking a ferry, such as those bookable on traghettilines. For The Island of Giglio and Giannutri ferries depart from Porto Santo Stefano (GR), while for Capraia they depart from the port of Livorno, as well as those for Gorgona. For the latter, however, a reservation is necessary because visits are limited in number, as well as for Pianosa. To reach the Island of Elba, on the other hand, the ferry must be taken from the port of Piombino (LI). Finally, for the island of Montecristo, a special permit must be requested from the State Forestry Corps of Follonica (GR) and their assistance must also be requested to cross it.
Island of Capraia
One of the most exclusive destinations in Tuscany is the Island of Capraia, a wild and quiet area that is not overwhelmed by tourists. For this reason, it is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility without the rush imposed by other tourist spots, and for those who love activities in contact with nature, such as diving in the clear waters. It should be noted, however, that there are no sandy beaches, only pebble coves accessible by sea, and some piers. Among the most beautiful is the picturesque cala rossa, characterized by a reddish cliff which is actually what remains of the crater of the Capraia volcano. The island’s only road, accessible by shuttle, leads to the town located 500 meters above the port, where the 400 inhabitants reside, who usually spend only the summer season in the area.
Island of Pianosa
Pianosa is the third largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, it is an almost deserted area, characterized by lush nature. The only area of Pianosa that can be visited without the help of a tour guide is the 19th-century village, uninhabited since the island was used as a maximum security prison in 1968. Here you find the buildings in neo-Gothic style, as well as the Christian catacombs and the remains of Agrippa’s Roman villa, where the nephew of Emperor Augustus was exiled. The villa, which also included a theater and thermal baths, and was covered with white and black two-tone marble and mosaics, was brought back to light in the nineteenth century.
Montecristo Island
If you are on vacation in the Tuscan Archipelago, you must also visit Montecristo Island, an entire protected and uninhabited area, perfect for guided excursions. The sea is pristine, which is why swimming and the removal of any geological and/or plant material is prohibited. Since 2019, only 2000 people each year can access the island, but not during the period from April 16 to May 14. Animals that can be encountered in the area include the wild goat, the Sardinian warbler, the Corsican gull, the golden eagle, and the imperial crow. On the seabed, there are sea anemones and corals.
