Tuscany is not just sweet hill and arts towns, but much more! In summer, the famous islands forming its Archipelago get huddled with thousands of tourists came to appreciate their beauties and dive into the wonderful sea. The seven paradises included in the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago are the islands of Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Pianosa, Montecristo, Capraia and Gorgona. Schools of colored fishes and a special type of flora grows in this protected and uncontaminated area. This is why it is not easily accessible and, in some cases, you even need to book your visit in large advance or to take advantage of extraordinary occasions that allow visitors to reach their coasts. However, if you are lucky enough to be part of these "chosen ones", you will admire some views and visit beaches that will certainly make this experience unforgettable!
But what should you see on these islands and how can you reach them? Follow our travel tips and start planning your memorable tour in this Thyrrenian Sea atoll! Also, if you are looking for the perfect holiday rental to book for your stay, choose Casale Argentario in Porto Santo Stefano!
1) Elba Island
The largest island of the Archipelago is the perfect base for your tour to the discovery of the nearby places! Elba is an ideal summer destination: breathtaking views, splendid beaches and countless ways that young people have to enjoy their vacation to the fullest make it popular in the months of July and August. The narrow streets immersed in the green Meediterranean scrub conceal some marvellous glimpses and important monuments, like those connected to Napoleon's exile period.
How to reach it? Elba Island is connected to the ports of Piombino, Livorno and San Vincenzo with a daily ferry line. It's also possible to get there by plane landing at the small Marina di Campo airport.
2) Pianosa Island
This island is a small trait of emerged land known for being very flat ("piana" in Italian), as its maximum elevation is 29 meters above the sea level. For years, Pianosa has been a maximum-security prison and it was closed to the public, but as soon as it was shut in 1998 it became a well-loved tourist destination! Who reaches the island can enjoy this exclusive location, have fun on a kayak tour to see its hidden caves or relax on the large beach of Cala Giovanna, while sleeping in this desert island under a flaming starry sky surrounded by an incredible silence is a privilege reserved to the lucky guests of its only hotel.
How to reach it? A daily ferry connection departs from the ports of Rio Marina and Marina di Campo, but it is better to book the trip in advance as places on board are limited.
3) Giglio Island
Lily Island is the second biggest islet of the Archipelago. As well as being famous for the Costa Concordia shipwreck in 2012, Giglio offers some stunning beaches in the area of Campese and tourists can experience wonderful boat trips, scuba diving or incredible snorkeling activities. While the area of Giglio Porto looks like a pictoresque fishermen village, the center of Giglio Castello presents some splendid Medieval buildings to see at all costs.
How to reach it? It is possible to get to the island departing from Porto Santo Stefano, which is a coastal locality near Grosseto.
4) Montecristo Island
The island of Alexandre Dumas's Count is a remote and uncontaminated place with a fragile ecosystem that it is only possible to visit with a special permission. The purity and the extreme tranquillity of this unique islet fascinates all the fortunate guests and it conciliated the meditation of a community of monks that has resided here until 1971.
How to reach it? You need to request a permission to "Corpo Forestale di Follonica" paying €50, but waiting times are very long and they can last for more than two years.
5) Capraia Island
Steep seafront cliffs, isolated beaches, a blooming vegetation and an arid inland are some of the characteristics of Capraia Island, which is a tiny volcanic island near Gorgona. It's an authentic and wild land with rocky coasts and small inhabited centers near the port and the castle of San Giorgio is frequented by rare species of birds and is chosen by many tourists looking for a relaxing ambiance.
How to reach it? The island can be reached from Elba, Livorno or San Vincenzo, where daily ferries depart everyday.
6) Giannutri Island
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Archipelago and its rocky coast hides some beautiful marine caves. Snorkeling lovers and scuba divers will find a treasure of coral and rare fish species, while history enthusiasts have the opportunity to visit the majestic Roman Villa dating back to the first century BC.
How to reach it? You can get to the island with one of the boats departing from Giglio Island or Porto Santo Stefano.
7) Gorgona Island
The minuscule island of Gorgona is a heaven on Earth located north, in the middle of the Ligurian Sea. Visitors are welcome to explore its private beaches, the hidden caves and the numerous natural wonders behind each corner as this is a real eden of tranquillity. Howver, it is also a famous prison and it is only possible to visit it in small groups accompanied by a guide.
How to reach it? The ferries directed to Gorgona Island depart from Livorno, but available tickets are limited.
© Alice Pilastri
