According to the legend, the islands of the Tuscan archipelago appeared from the torn necklace which belonged to the goddess of love, Venus. They have been embracing Tuscan lands at the border of the Ligurian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea since that time.
The Tuscan Archipelago, L'Arcipelago Toscano, consists of seven large islands and dozens of small islets and cliffs located between Tuscany and Corsica. Isola d'Elba, Isola di Gorgona, Isola di Capraia, Isola di Pianosa, Isola di Montecristo, Isola del Giglio, and Isola di Giannutri are the largest islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Nature, geology, level of development of these islands differs greatly. To preserve their uniqueness, the islands were given the status of the National Park of Italy, Parco nazionale Arcipelago Toscano. By the way, this is the largest marine park in Europe.
Famous Elba, the place of Napoleon’s imprisonment, is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. It is interesting not just as a historical site, but also as a destination for beach, health improvement and active recreation. Beaches of Giglio Island are very popular with tourists as well. You can stay here at a hotel, or rent a villa, a guest house, an apartment. Besides, there are camping areas on the islands.
The other islands of the archipelago are also unique and worth visiting.
Everyone knows the name of Montecristo Island due to Alexander Duma who gave its name to the restless earl. He escaped from his prison to struggle for justice. However, detective stories are more likely to be connected with three other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa. They were used as prisons for a long time. After the jails were closed, the islands started to receive visitors. Though still there are some restrictions left; and the majority of tourists come here just to do sightseeing.
The very southern island is Giannutri. This rocky island is remarkable for its unusual crescent shape.
Such cities and towns as Piombino, Livorno and Porto Santo Stefano have a ferry connection with the Tuscan islands.
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A perfect combination of relaxing and educative recreation is offered by the most famous island of Tuscany, Elba. The tourist season lasts from April till the middle of October on the island.
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The Island of Giglio administratively belongs to the province of Grosseto. The council of Giglio consists of three located nearby settlements, Giglio Porto, Giglio Campese, and Giglio Castello. Besides, the neighboring island of Giannutri also belongs to it.
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Nature of the island of Pianosa charms you with a variety of flora and fauna. Pianosa is a nature reserve, so it is not crowded with tourists. Besides, fishing, diving, and anchoring are prohibited farther than 1nautical mile from the coastline.
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The Island of Capraia, Isola di Capraia, is the third large island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Magnificent landscape of the island was created by volcanic eruption. Sullen volcanic rocks neighbor spacious flower fields. In summer, visitors are charmed by fragrance of heather, oleander, and myrtle.
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