WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE TRAVEL GUIDE?
A USEFUL GUIDE TO ORGANIZE YOUR HOLIDAY IN TUSCANY?
If your answer is yes, subscribe to our newsletter, receive the free guide now, and stay updated on our news, events, and offers!
THE TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO
There are 7 islands in the Tuscan archipelago and going in order from largest to smallest they are: Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona.
These Tuscan islands are all beautiful, both from a naturalistic and historical point of view, and are well worth a visit. With the exception of Montecristo, which requires a permit to be visited, the other islands can all be reached from ports on the coast such as San Vincenzo, Piombino and Porto Santo Stefano. Only the ferries to Gorgona leave from Livorno.
One important thing to keep in mind is that the Tuscan archipelago park authority, in order to protect all this naturalistic wealth, charges a fee to land on almost all the islands. The amount is derisory compared to the care and work it takes to keep this ecosystem alive.
Tuscan Archipelago by sailing boat
Visiting the Tuscan archipelago takes a bit of time, unless you just need a short break on the various islands and know how to drive a boat. Yes, you read that right, sailing holidays in the Tuscan archipelago is indeed the most adventurous and exciting way to enjoy this earthly paradise.
Perhaps the question that arises is: how do you do it if you don’t have a boat?
There is a remedy for this, whether you are able to sail or would like to rely on the experience of a skipper, you will find many sailing boat rental agencies in the area.
Tuscan islands to visit
Once you have chosen your vehicle, all that remains is to choose your destination.
Recommending one island among the 7 is a daunting task, not least because each one is unique and fascinating. So we will just tell you what we find most fascinating about each island, so that you can choose based on what appeals to you most.
If you have decided to visit the Argentario archipelago because you would like to immerse yourself in the most authentic Maremma, we recommend a mini-cruise to Giglio and Giannutri.
What will leave you speechless is the harmony of colours that nature masterfully orchestrates here. The green of the vegetation, the blue of the sea, the blue of the sky and the gold of the sand will take on a vibrancy that you have never seen before. Try it to believe it.
If you have decided to spend your entire holiday here, the nearest islands, apart from Elba, are Capraia and Pianosa. In fact, in San Vincenzo there are many ferries that take you to these islands so different from each other that they share a sea of indescribable beauty.
More Tuscan islands to see
The island of Capraia is well-known and evocative because it is the only island of volcanic origin in the Tuscan archipelago. The blood-red colour of what remains of the ancient volcanic cones contrasts sharply with the blue of the sea, and it is this majestic contrast that will take your breath away and make this a unique experience to be savoured to the full.
Pianosa, on the other hand, is an island that has only recently opened up to tourism, since until a few years ago it was still one of the archipelago’s prison islands.
Since the maximum-security prison was decommissioned, it has been revalorised and destined for tourism.
A great gain for all of us, thanks to its history and unusual conformation. In fact, it is an island almost at the water’s edge, populated by typical Mediterranean vegetation made up of small aromatic shrubs that will make your stay on the island an all-round sensory experience.
Over the years, Legambiente Arcipelago Toscano has fought to protect the Island of Elba first and then all the other islands. Thanks to the cooperation between organisations and the respect of tourists, these islands remain natural paradises and it is not possible to visit the Tuscan archipelago if you do not land on Elba.
Here you will find majestic nature, an ancient history marked by minerals and more recent thanks to the Napoleonic residence. It is still an island and therefore offers beaches of unparalleled beauty. However, it is also the most densely populated, and therefore vital and rich in folkloric and gastronomic traditions.
Montecristo and Gorgona
We have left Montecristo and Gorgona for last, not because they are less beautiful and fascinating, but because they are the ones with the most restrictions on visits.
In fact, Montecristo is an island with limited access; in fact, only a maximum of people per year can land there. However, it is possible to try to be among those lucky few by applying to the coast guard in Follonica.
Gorgona is still a maximum security prison and therefore access is limited and guarded. In addition to the charm of being one of the few prison islands still in existence, it is fascinating because of its small size, where nature reigns supreme and the sea is a fairy tale because it is highly uncontaminated.
Now that you have read all this, all you have to do is choose your destination and organise your trip to the Tuscan islands.
Ask online now
Fill out the following form to receive a quote for your holiday. We will send it to you as soon as possible.
Fields with an asterisk (*) are required.