TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO

The Tuscan Archipelago consists of seven islands: Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri, Gorgona. All of these islands have a very different geological formation. Capraia is a volcanic island, while Giglio and Elba are mainly granitic islands. 

Tuscan Archipelago

The great geological variety influences shape and landscape of each island. The very ancient presence of man, witnessed by the finds and the long mineral processing tradition, has deeply shaped the original vegetation and the ilex woods only survive in some parts of Elba, which is dominated by Mediterranean maquis.
 

Elba Island

The Island of Elba is the biggest of the islands and is very touristic. It has a very mild mediterranean climate. The island has a network of trails of several difficulty levels to satisfy the needs of any type of bicycle rider: more technical routes for road racers and their training, trails and dirt roads for bikers to have fun on, and accessible routes for families with children who need safe and relaxing routes. The terrain is quite varied. Elba Island is dominated by Mount Capanne (1.018 metres), also called the "roof of the Tuscan Archipelago". The central part of the island is a mostly flat section with the width being reduced to just 4 km.

Exquisite villa with sea view in Capoliveri

To the east is the oldest part of the island, dominated by Monte Calamita, where you find the touristic town Capoliveri with many private holiday homes and cottages hidden in the Mediterranean maquis. The island has 147 km of coast and more than 130 beaches of different types, which make it a paradise for sailing, beach holidays or scuba diving.You can reach Elba by ferry from Piombino in about one hour.
 

Giglio Island

Giglio Island is only 16 km away from the nearest point of the mainland, the promontory of Monte Argentario. It is mainly mountainous and it consists almost entirely of granite, culminating in the Poggio della Pagana (496m). 90% of its surface is covered by Mediterranean vegetation, alternated with large pine forests and numerous vineyards which allow the production of the local "Ansonico" wine. The coast is 27 km long, mainly made up of rocks, smooth cliffs and four sandy bays (Arenella, Cannelle, Caldane and Campese) which attract tourists in the summer. Since January 2011, when the cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground just off the shore near the harbor of the Island, Giglio has been in the international news for months. You can reach Giglio Island by ferry from Porto Santo Stefano in about an hour.
 

Harbor of Capraia

The Island of Capraia is located 64 km from Livorno, and 32 km northwest of the island of Elba. It is slightly closer (31 km) to the French island of Corsica. Capraia is accessible by ferry from the port of Livorno. The island is of volcanic origin, and has an area of 19 km². Its highest point is 466m above sea level and it has a coastline of about 30 km in circumference. The island has about 300 inhabitants and it produces wine and is a centre of the anchovy fishery. In the summer Capraia is also a popular stopping point for yachts sailing between Livorno, Elba, and Corsica.
About 37 km to the north you find the island of Gorgona (2,25 km² and 220 inhabitants), which is a prison Island. Also Gorgona is known for its anchovies.
 

Montecristo

Montecristo has an area of 10.39 km². The coasts are steep and extend for 16 km. The island is a state nature reserve and forms part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Much of the island's fame derives from its providing the setting for part of the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. To visit the island one must apply for access at the Forestry Corps in Follonica. The average waiting time for approval is three years since an upper limit has been set of only 1.000 visitors per year.
 

Pianosa is about 10.25 km² and its highest point stands 22m above sea level. The island was the site of a maximum-security prison (1858–1998), in later years holding especially dangerous Mafia criminals. It is possible to participate in guided visits to Pianosa with small motor boats from Elba Island and the number of visitors allowed per day is limited.

Giannutri (2.6 km²) is the most southern island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Its features include rocky coasts, Maquis shrubland landscapes, and a Roman seaside villa called Villa Domizia. In the summer you can visit Giannutri with a daily ferry from Porto Santo Stefano. The island is particularly interesting for scuba diving near the vertical rocks where you can see spunges, stony corals, tunicates and sea fans.
 

There are also some smaller islets belonging to the Tuscan Archipelago: Palmaiola, Cerboli and Formiche di Grosseto.

Apartment in a lovely villa with sea view on Elba Island