The seven islands of the Tuscan archipelago
Within the Tuscan archipelago we find the largest marine park in Europe and includes all the main islands of the Tuscan archipelago: Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona and some smaller islets and rocks: Palmaiola and Cerboli An archipelago defined as "anomalous", because each island is its own reality, with its own character different from the others and rich in a wonderful array of natural environments, vegetation, culture, history and art. All the islands are also part of a protected marine area that extends for 90,000 square kilometres, established thanks to an agreement between Italy, the Principality of Monaco and France. The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, although they are subject to a different protection regime, can all be visited.
Elba island
The strategic position of the Island of Elba just 5 miles from the Tuscan coast, combined with the always mild climate and the abundance of shelters in any weather condition make it an ideal holiday destination 365 days a year. It was chosen as a place of exile by Napoleon, who modernized its architecture making it a city worthy of an emperor; it is very interesting to visit his latest residences, such as: Villa di San Martino and Villa dei Mulini, full of history and culture. North and west coast of Elba A little further on, to the west of Capo d'Enfola, a large inlet opens up, inside which we find the Gulf of Viticcio, with wonderful seabeds to explore with a mask, and the Gulf of Biodola, among the most beautiful beaches in the island. The city is dotted with elegant late 19th century villas, and a cable car allows you to go up to Monte Capanne, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the archipelago and Corsica.
South and east coast of Elba
Passing through Punta Fetovaia you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany, with transparent water on a sandy bottom. The southern coast is interspersed with large gulfs and smaller, more hidden coves, among which stands out the Gulf of Lacona, beautiful and popular, or the romantic bays of Zuccale and Barabarca, excellent for seaside anchorages. To conclude, Porto Azzurro is an unmissable stop to enjoy the holiday atmosphere among restaurants, trendy clubs and beautiful boutiques. A little further offshore, two smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago offer us shelter for a swim in a wild and uncontaminated setting, Palmaiola with its romantic lighthouse, and Cerboli with its solitary charm. On the western side of the island just south of Pomonte lies the wreck of the Elviscott, a cargo ship that sank in 12m of water in 1972, an incredible setting for diving and snorkelling.
Capraia
We continue towards Capraia, which offers a dream setting. Most of the island is a protected nature reserve; it is impossible not to mention Cala Rossa, which with its iron-filled cliffs offers a breathtaking contrast with the turquoise water, and Cala del Moreto which is home to a vast colony of seagulls under the conspicuous Torre dello Zenobito.
The island of Giglio
The island of Giglio is full of enchanting places to visit including unmissable coves and bays such as the Emerald one, named for the colors of the water. Or even the nearby Cannelle beach of fine white sand. This beach is both equipped and free, perfect for families with children or groups of friends. To the north of the island there are also Punta delle Secche and Cala del Morto, two unmissable places for turquoise water and suggestive cliffs, while to the south west visit the magnificent Cala del Corvo. Set off on an excursion to the island of Giannutri and head towards Cala dello Spalmatoio, a unique place with breathtaking landscapes and uncontaminated tropical seabeds where you can have snorkeling sessions and have fun in company. What are you waiting for? Set sail with us for a new adventure!
Giannutri
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Nature reigns supreme here, and snorkelling and diving lovers will be enchanted by the explosive biodiversity that characterizes the seabed. The only landing point is Cala Spalmatore, where in particular, you can walk along these paths far from modern life, restoring order to the chaos in which we are normally immersed in the city. Finally, in the northern part of the island, we find Cala Maestra, a corner of paradise dominated by the silent remains of a Roman villa.
Gorgona
The remaining islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are today declared an integral natural reserve, which makes them difficult to visit but truly uncontaminated. Gorgona is inaccessible by sailing boat except for emergency shelter cases and the only possibility to visit it is on a guided tour departing from Livorno.
Pianosa e Montecristo
Pianosa like the previous island is inaccessible by catamaran, but you can take a ferry from Rio Marina on Elba. The visit will leave you amazed by the natural beauty and the quiet of the small town centre. The last island is Montecristo, unlike the other two, you can visit Cala Maestra where waiting for you you will find a forgotten paradise, indescribable in words.
