If you are a lover of white sand, crystal clear water, nature and tranquillity, this article is for you.
Today we take you to discover one of the most beautiful and least contaminated islands of the Tuscan archipelago: the island of Pianosa.
This small strip of land (it has an area of only 10 square kilometres) is about an hour's ferry ride from San Vincenzo and can mostly be visited on day trips.
The island is a protected nature park and has only one bathing beach: Cala Giovanna. Don't let this put you off, however, there are plenty of other activities you can do.
Read on to find out how to get there and what to do in a day (we are sure you will return more than once).
Before virtually guiding you to the discovery of this hidden paradise, we think it appropriate to leave you with a few historical notes.
Pianosa has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the remains of a number of settlements and artefacts have been found along its shores, which indicate that the island was on the trade routes that crossed the Tyrrhenian Sea in the second millennium BC.
The Romans called it Planasia (flat) and between 6 and 7 A.D. Agrippa Postumo, nephew and potential heir of Emperor Augustus, was exiled here. Agrippa remained on the island until 14 AD, when he was executed. The island still preserves several vestiges from that period, including:
- the remains of Agrippa's Villa (reachable with mask and snorkel)
- the catacombs (Mr Carlo will accompany you on the visit: he is the only resident on the island)
In the 16th century, the island was the target of multiple Turkish raids and lost many of its treasures.
In 1814, the island was visited by Napoleon, who was in exile on Elba at the time. It was he who initiated the construction of Fort Teglia on the island's promontory.
In 1856, the Pianosa prison was established: first an agricultural colony, then a maximum-security penitentiary intended for the imprisonment of terrorists and mafiosi. On that occasion, all the inhabitants of the island were evacuated and it was made inaccessible from the outside.
Over time, the activities of the Pianosa prison were reduced until its final closure in 2011.
How to reach it?
There are ferries departing from Piombino and San Vincenzo: a must if you are staying at Casa Riva.
You can check timetables and rates here .
But what to do on this island?
- Paleontological trekking
Mountain bikingFrom the village along the south coast towards Cala S. Giovanni and the Grotto of Cala di Biagio where numerous prehistoric lithic tools were recovered in the 19th century and, with a recent excavation, deposits of cervid and bovid bones came to light, testifying to an ancient connection with the continent.
- Archaeological trekking
Mountain bikingOne reaches areas of recent excavation that have uncovered important archaeological evidence. You reach the Belvedere, the highest point on the island, from which you can admire the surrounding landscape.
- Kayak (Sit on top)
Mountain bikingDiscovering the east coast of the island, starting from the beach of Cala Giovanna. An extraordinary opportunity to navigate the waters of the Marine Protected Area, approaching the island's spectacular coastline and cliffs.
- Mountain Bike
On flat roads and paths to the Marchese branch off at the northern end of the island, for a view of the beautiful Porto Romano bay; then along the cliffs of the west coast and at the penal colony branches.
- Guided tour by carriage
A slow and gentle way to discover the nature, beauty and charm of the island. The excursion allows you to visit the branches of the former prison, the Orti di Pianosa, with a few stops to admire the extraordinary panorama.
- Snorkelling at Cala dei Turchi
Fins, mask and snorkel to observe the marine flora and fauna along a stretch of coastline designated by the Park for this activity. The highlight? The secret cave you will enter; you will feel like the protagonists of Pirates of the Caribbean.
© Rebecca Taizzani
