ITALY
Italy is not only the most famous peninsula in the world - the "Beautiful Country" of tourists -, it is a land where people from all over Europe and the Mediterranean encountered each other, shaped and developed western civilisation. The Italian peninsula is very long, almost 1200 km, and has a maximum width of 530 km. With its geographical location, it forms a bridge between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The country, bordered to the north by the Alpine Mountain range, is divided into three geographical areas with specific characteristics: mainland, peninsula and island Italy. The continental part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia; the rest of the territory, surrounded by the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Adriatic seas, extends into the Mediterranean Sea, occupying the Italian peninsula and numerous islands. The largest islands are Sicily and Sardinia; there are many smaller islands, mostly grouped into archipelagos: the Tuscan archipelago, which includes the island of Elba, the Maddalena archipelago, the Campanian archipelago, which includes Ischia and Capri, the Ponziane islands, the Pelagie, the Aeolian, the Egadi and the Tremiti.
The Italian coasts are characterised both by low, uniform seas, especially on the Adriatic side, and by high, jagged cliffs that form numerous bays and gulfs. With its 7500 km of coastline, Italy is the ideal country for sea lovers. In fact, the extreme variety of its coastline makes it perfect for all kinds of holidays and trips dedicated to nature, fun and relax.
Italy is, without a doubt, synonymous with art and history. Artistic beauty is everywhere and every corner of the country holds wonderful surprises. It holds around 70 per cent of the world's artistic and cultural heritage. In addition to representing art and music in all its forms (Italy is, among other things, the cradle of the opera tradition), it offers a full calendar of cultural and folkloristic events, some of which have been held for centuries and are world-famous.
Italy, the first country in Europe for the number of certified agri-food products, also holds one of the most appreciated culinary traditions in the world, closely linked to the Mediterranean diet.
ClimateClimate conditions vary considerably from north to south, not so much in summer as in winter: apart from the mountainous areas, average summer temperatures are 24° in the north and 26° in the south; while in reverse, average temperatures are 1° or 2° in the north and 12° in the south. As for winds, Italy remains under the influence of westerly, west and south-westerly winds above all, which bring rain. The climate is strongly influenced by the seas that surround Italy and that constitute a beneficial reservoir of heat and humidity, determining the so-called Mediterranean climate.
CuisineItalian cuisine has developed over the centuries, since Roman antiquity, with Greek, Arab, Byzantine and New World influences.
As with the country, the cuisine has many and varied regional differences. While maintaining a common line of the Mediterranean diet, each region brings with it a variety of typical dishes that tell stories of love, family and passion. From Neapolitan pizza to tagliatelle with truffles, the creamy risottos of the North and the fresh seafood salads of the South. Italian cuisine is a ritual, a time for sharing and celebrating life.
Italian cuisine is a simple cuisine, written by mothers and grandmothers and not by top chefs. Some dishes often require less than five ingredients. But it is also a balanced cuisine, which relies on the quality of products rather than quantity. One of the most important characteristics of Italian gastronomy is, as mentioned, its diversity.
But it is above all a traditional Mediterranean cuisine that is considered typically Italian and appreciated globally, even to the point of convincing UNESCO to include it in the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
FAVIGNANA
It is the largest of the Egadi Islands which is a cluster of shallow bays with a turquoise sea. Egadi is listed as a marine protected area. Its flat coastline makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, so that you can discover a different beach every day. The sea that laps Favignana is included in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the Egadi Islands, a marine park that is particularly important not only for its size but also for its geographical position. The park is in fact the first point of arrival for algae and oceanic fauna that move with the Atlantic currents, a flow of water that rises to the surface just near the Egadi Islands with its important biological richness.
MARETTIMO
It is a wild, mountainous island covered in thick scrub, situated in westernmost of the Egadi Islands where human impact has been minimal. It has archaeological sites, a Spanish fort, plenty of sea caves, hiking trails and a few beaches that can be reached with the yacht, where the color of the sea is astonishing. Marettimo welcomes you into a small port with turquoise waters and white houses.
The caves of Marettimo are one of the highlights of the island. There are about 400 of them in total, all different in shape, colour, size and characteristics. In the Camel Cave there is a small pebble beach, the Nativity Cave has stalactites and stalagmites, the Bombard Cave is so called because of the hissing sound created inside it during sea storms, etc. Depending on where the wind is blowing, Marettimo always has a sheltered slope where one can enjoy the sea and the air that is scented with thyme.
LEVANZO
Lavenzo is an island of unspoiled nature, thanks to the old-fashioned way of life of the island: only one road bisects the island from south to north, making it a veritable haven of peace and serenity, beloved by nature-lovers and those who seek solitude and rhythms set by the breaking waves or by the sound of one’s own feet on the stones. In Levanzo, as you step off the yacht, you’ll come face to face with a cat languishing in the sun and a few elderly people chatting on a bench. The only village on the island consists of around thirty white houses clinging to the hill and a port with tropical waters. Levanzo offers a very interesting archaeological underwater route. Between Cala Minnola and Punta Altarella, about 27 meters deep, there are the remains of a Roman shipwreck, with amphorae and pottery shards of black glazed pottery dating back to the first century BC. Levanzo is ideal for lovers of dolce far niente “the sweetness of doing nothing”. Perfect for those who love slow-life vacations, who want to disconnect, peace and quiet in an idyllic setting.
FORMICA
Formica is an island belonging to the archipelago of the Egadi islands, in Sicily.
It is a small strip of land which is located between the island of Levanzo and the coast of Trapani. It has been inhabited over the centuries by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Italics, Romans, Arabs, Normans. Privately owned since the 1980s it has belonged to "Mondo X", a therapeutic community for drug addicts founded by Father Eligio. Administratively it is part of the municipality of Favignana. On the Formica is still an old tuna fishery that once belonged to the Florio family, with the remains of two ancient buildings. There is also a fortified building with a tower, on which a lighthouse is built, and a mill. There is also a very ancient little church, called the church of the rais. All buildings recovered. There is also a small museum that houses various amphorae and a perfectly preserved ancient boat, once used for slaughter.
LIPARI
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, with the biggest population. In common with its neighbours, it has volcanic origins, visible today via its thermal springs and fumaroles, although there has been no eruption for the past 1400 years. The principal town on the island, also called Lipari, is the biggest of the archipelago and is a lively town with an attractive harbour and narrow streets and alleyways lined with historic townhouses spilling off from the main Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This is the road that connects the town’s two harbours, Marina Lunga and the pretty Marina Corta.
About magical atmosphere at night Lipari releases in all its beauty and exudes the charm seducing tourists who love the fun and know how to enjoy the nightlife, the night entertainment at Lipari offers all the tastes and smells typical of the island.
VULCANO
Vulcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site less than a kilometre from Lipari, is the closest to the coast among the seven islands of the Aeolian archipelago. In Vulcano you can delight in the benefits of the thermal and sulphurous waters and an unspoilt seascape, for a holiday far from the masses. If you want to make peace with nature, de-stress and detox from sedentary habits, Vulcano, with its full-of-life, primordial and, above all, healthy elements, is the ideal island for you.
SALINA
With its three inhabited centres, Santa Marina, Malfa and Leni, it’s the second largest island where olive trees, caper bushes, lush fig trees and citrus fruits are grown. Thanks to its protected central position Salina is also the richest in vegetation and water of the entire Sicilian archipelago and certainly the one where volcanic activity is at its quietest. Known as the Green Island, the ancient volcanic origins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, testified by the extinct craters of Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte Porri, two of the six volcanoes. The best way to explore the sea of Salina is on board. Don’t leave without making the journey to the island and maybe even stopping it at Punta Perciatu and Pollara, where Massimo Troisi shot the film Il Postino.
PANAREA
Panarea is the smallest and lowest of the 7 Aeolian islands, but also the oldest, geologically speaking. With its rocks and islets, it forms a kind of “archipelago within an archipelago” in the stretch of sea between Lipari and Stromboli. In the small town of San Pietro, the centre of the archipelago's summer nightlife, among clubs and discos to dance until dawn, among boutiques and restaurants, you can also visit a small branch of the Lipari Archaeological Museum. In Panarea, there is also an intense activity of underwater fumaroles. This phenomenon is due to the emission of volcanic gasses that push the Earth’s crust. They are common in all volcanic areas and in the Aeolian Islands there are many of them everywhere.
STROMBOLI
The island of Stromboli is the most northerly island of the Aeolian archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, between Panarea and the Calabrian coast. The locals have nicknamed the volcano Iddu, Sicilian for “he”, because of its small explosive flashes. The other thing to note is that there is no public lighting on the island. The almost total darkness of the night gives an extraordinary brilliance to the canopy of stars twinkling above Stromboli, sure to delight stargazers everywhere and certainly the most romantic visitors.
Much of Stromboli's coastline is marked by high cliffs. The main beaches, almost all with shimmering black sand, are located along the stretch of coast from Ficogrande to La Petrazza.
FILICUDI
The fifth-largest island of the Aeolian Islands, Filicudi is the second westernmost in the archipelago, after Alicudi, and lies 24 nautical miles from Lipari. On the promontory of Capo Graziano, you can visit the ruins of a Neolithic village. Many artefacts have been found here that testify to the presence of a flourishing industry and processing of obsidian, a volcanic glass that forms following the rapid cooling of lava. If luxury is simplicity, real sustainability, time and wild beauty for you, then you will love Filicudi.
ALICUDI
The island of Alicudi is the least inhabited and one of the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. It is rugged and wild in the middle of a deep blue and crystal-clear sea. The characteristic lava rock gives it a mysterious and ancient, almost primordial appearance. Here, every corner is striking, to say the least.
There is no nightlife on this island, only the voice of the sea. For this reason, it is a suitable destination for a restful stay, in contact with nature and with authentic, simple and straightforward people, as proud as its sea. The island can be circumnavigated in canoes or tenders of your yacht to discover delightful ravines. All in all, Alicudi is the ideal destination for an all-sea holiday.
BUDELLI
The island of Budelli is famous for its splendid Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. It boasts much foraminifera and other marine micro-organisms, which when ground by the waves and spread over the shore, give the very fine sand a particular pink shade, matching the surrounding granite rocks. The beach is now protected and access to its environmentally threatened sands and waters is forbidden. The pink beach in Budelli is also shown in "Deserto rosso", a film by Michelangelo Antonioni.
CAPRERA
Caprera is the second-largest island of our archipelago. It has been classified as a natural reserve since 1980 and its coast and interior are truly unique. Some places on the island are classified as top environmental protection, areas and are protected by the regulations of the National Park of the Maddalena Archipelago. Its coast is so jagged that it suddenly reveals heavenly coves, inaccessible granite cliffs and tiny beaches with a unique character. The colour of the sea that bathes Caprera has shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue and emerald green. You won’t easily forget them.
LA MADDALENA
Named after the archipelago itself, this is the biggest and busiest of the islands and it is where you'll arrive with the private yacht you have booked. You'll be amazed at the stunning beaches and coves awaiting discovery, the more remote and smaller ones are often surprisingly devoid of crowds. La Maddalena is today, with its historic village, included in the list of "The most beautiful villages in Italy"; its uncontaminated nature and a panorama characterized by the continuous succession of glimpses of sea and land, punctuated by yachts, enchants lovers of naturalistic sceneries with scenarios of extraordinary beauty, unique in the world.
SANTO STEFANO
Santo Stefano is located between the island of La Maddalena and Palau. It is a very small and highly evocative island. The waters surrounding it have a different colour to that of the sea around the other islands of the archipelago, leaning towards an intense and full emerald green.
Santo Stefano is a natural oasis, a unique white and pink block of granite, whose highest peak is the Monte Zucchero, 100 meters above sea level. Discover the Napoleonic Tower, which owes its name to the fact that Napoleon was hosted in it. All the beaches on Santo Stefano Island are wonderful but one, the Spiaggia del Pesce, surpasses them all in terms of beauty and charm. The sand is very white, fine and compact.
SPARGI
Spargi is the third largest island in the archipelago. Surrounded by a difficult sea that in some places becomes treacherous due to the presence of numerous shoals, Spargi is probably the most unspoiled of the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, despite being among the most popular for the beauty of its beaches mainly concentrated in the southeastern part. Some of the beaches to see include Cala Conneri and Cala Corsara, but there are lots of little ones all over the south and east coasts of the island.
SANTA MARIA
The most exciting part of a visit to Isola Santa Maria is the journey across the crystal-clear aquamarine waters that lap its southern shores – known as Porto della Madonna or Porto Madonna, this area is renowned as one of the world's most gorgeous seascapes. On the island itself, yachts and boats typically stop at the often-crowded Cala Santa Maria.
The island of Santa Maria is separated to the west from the nearby Razzoli Island by the narrow Asinelli Pass and, to the south, from the Island of Budelli by the Porto della Madonna, the incredible stretch of sea whose waters with a thousand shades of light blue, azure and dark blue, have become the symbol of the paradise protected by the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.
RAZZOLI
Located North of the island of Budelli, Razzoli is the fifth largest island in the La Maddalena Archipelago, covering just over one square kilometer with a coastline stretching over twelve kilometers. Among the 60 islands and islets in the archipelago, Razzoli stands out as the wildest. It serves as a barrier with its high granite cliffs against the harsh weather of the often-turbulent sea in the northern extremity of Sardinia. Some sheltered coves are true ‘gems,’ such as Cala Cappello, Cala Noce, and Cala Lunga, only accessible by sea and featuring pebbles and fine sand
PROCIDA
Procida is a true Italian jewel. The island, with Ischia and Capri, dominates the Gulf of Naples. Along the coast, yellow, blue, red and orange are reflected in the clear waters of the sea, creating striking views. The island contains villages, abbeys and palaces all waiting to be discovered: such as Marina della Corricella, the island’s oldest fishing village, or the Palazzo d’Avalos, an imposing 16th-century structure dominating the village of Terra Murata. The Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, also within Terra Murata, is worth a visit. Procida’s nightlife is paradisiacal and tranquil. On the island, you can find plenty of bars that are open until late at night.
Here, you can try out local aperitifs and enjoy the island’s relaxing atmosphere. Most inhabitants and tourists favor bars located close to the port of Marina Grande or beach bars.
ISCHIA
Ischia is the eighth largest Italian island and the largest in the Bay of Naples. Ischia Ponte, a charming historic centre of narrow streets, alleys and old shops, and Ischia Porto, a small fishing village. If you’re looking for a dream beach with fine golden sand and crystal-clear green water, you should definitely choose San Montano Bay.
The Bay of Sorgeto is also worth a visit, where you can bathe in a real hot thermal water spring that mixes with sea water. Thanks to its geographical position Ischia enjoys a mild climate, which, together with the lovely, hilly landscape and the inviting sandy beaches every year attracts many visitors from all over the world.
CAPRI
Capri is an island in the Gulf of Naples just a few nautical miles from the Peninsula of Sorrento, to which it was once attached. Today, Capri is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Island of Capri is divided into three areas: Marina Grande, where the marina and port are located, Capri, with the Piazzetta at its center, and Anacapri, the highest village on the island. The island has a lush and unique nature, even hosting some animal and plant species that only exist here today. Capri is a mix of history, culture, landscape and art.
NISIDA
Nisida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples, a large volcanic rock shaped in a half-moon that emerges in the eastern part of the splendid sea of Pozzuoli. The island has been a source of inspiration for artists and poets and has always been shrouded in a veil of mystery. The island of Nisida is part of the Phlegraean archipelago and since 1936 it has been connected to the mainland by a long pier. It is volcanic in origin and forms part of a maar, an ancient crater partially filled with water.This small and beautiful island is covered in rich vegetation and surrounded by crystalline waters. Thanks to its inaccessibility it has managed to preserve its ancient nature, especially along the part of the sea that overlooks the Porto Paove inlet, the caldera of the volcano from which the island originated.
VIVARA
The island of Vivara is what remains of a circular volcanic crater that was once connected to Procida by a cliff. Today the island is connected to the promontory of Santa Margherita (Marina Chiaiolella) by bridge that can only be crossed on foot. It's green and one of the few homes to Mediterranean glowing colours, always new depending on the season. The coastline of the island is about 3 km, but it has the greatest extent, due to its topography. The coastline of Vivara is dotted with hidden coves and small beaches. These secluded spots are perfect for a quiet day of relaxation or a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. If you prefer a more private beach experience away from the crowds, Vivara is the place to be.
AMALFI
Amalfi is a coastal stretch in southern Italy that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. It lies south of the Sorrentine Peninsula and north of the Cilentan Coast. Amalfi is the oldest of Italy's four major Maritime Republics. If features some interesting tourist attractions and landmarks including the Duomo, Bell Tower and beach. There are also several interesting art galleries and museums and a beautiful seaside promenade. The history of Amalfi has been shaped by the town's extensive commercial relations throughout the Mediterranean and the great technical and scientific prowess of its citizens, such as the Amalfi-born Flavio Gioia, attributed with the invention of the nautical compass.
SORRENTO
Sorrento is one of Italy's most famous towns. Placed on a perch high above the Mediterranean, it is like a balcony over the sea with views that extend from the island of Procida across the Gulf to Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Walking through these pathways feels like stepping back in time, with artisan shops, small piazzas, and cafes lining the streets. Sorrento’s historic centre is a delightful mix of narrow, cobbled streets, ancient architecture, and a lively local culture.
Sorrento may just be the ideal destination: it has two beautiful marinas, a lively city center, gorgeous views, fabulous restaurants and sidewalk cafes.
POSITANO
Positano is one of Italy's most romantic vacation spots and one of the top Amalfi Coast towns to visit and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built vertically on the face of a cliff, it started out as a fishing village and became popular with writers and artists in the 1950's. The view and the facilities available encourage lounging, but once you have left your yacht it is worth heading to the pier to sail to the Li Galli Archipelago: three small islands in a marine reserve surrounded by crystal-clear waters, that legend has it are populated by mermaids. You can get there by dinghy of your yacht. Positano is also luxury and high society, and the whole area offers plenty of clubs, restaurants and bars.
PRAIANO
Praiano derives from the Greek “Pelagianum,” meaning open sea. It is a fishing village considered one of the brightest jewels of the Amalfi Coast. Once the summer residence of the doges, chosen for its spectacular beauty, it is dotted with narrow streets, small stairways and colourful houses. Although it is a little town, it is characterized by several churches, such as the Church of San Luca Evangelista. This is the church of the patron saint of the city and it also keeps its precious silver reliquary bust. “Flying squid and potatoes” is a worth tasting traditional dish from Praiano.
GAVI
Gavi is a tiny island in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy. Without any permanent inhabitants or a port, it attracts few visitors but the shallow waters close to its shore make for good swimming and snorkelling. The island has no beaches and has a rocky coastline with stunning cliffs overlooking the sea, in particular due to its volcanic origin. This area is very fascinating for scuba divers. In addition, is destination of the herring gull and peregrine falcon.
PALMAROLA
Palmarola is the largest and only island in the archipelago that is open to the public. With an area of just 1.89 square kilometres and barely 50 inhabitants, the island has so far successfully fended off mass tourism. Its character is characterized by untouched nature, which has been able to develop undisturbed over the centuries. Palmarola is a small but fascinating island steeped in history. It is located in the Gulf of La Spezia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palmarola is also known for its impressive caves, including the Grotta Azzurra, an underwater cave popular with divers, and the Grotta dei Colombi, a large cave with impressive rock formations. These natural wonders make the island a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
PONZA
Located in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Lazio. Known for its crystal-clear waters, fascinating sea caves, and breathtaking cliffs, Ponza is a destination that enchants visitors with its natural beauty and authentic charm. Among the most famous beaches is Chiaia di Luna, with its impressive amphitheatre of white rock, while Cala Feola offers natural pools ideal for a relaxing swim. There are also marine caves, such as the Grotta di Pilato, which tell stories of a legendary past.
Ponza is a paradise for those who love the sea and water activities. Snorkelling and diving allow you to explore rich marine life, while yacht charter offers the opportunity to discover every hidden corner of the island. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside vacation, an adventure exploring nature, or a dive into history, Ponza has something to offer everyone.
SANTO STEFANO
Santo Stefano is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy, and part of the Pontine Islands. During ancient times, it was used by the Romans as a place of exile for political prisoners. The island is uninhabited and holds a rich history, making it an intriguing destination for visitors interested in exploring historical sites and enjoying unspoiled natural beauty.
VENTOTENE
Ventotene, halfway between Ponza and Ischia, is the smallest inhabited island of the Pontine islands. It is a tranquil spot, surrounded by crystal clear waters and offers visitors a holiday where they can be at one with nature, far away from the chaos of a city. Ventotene is blessed with extraordinary morphology, wonderful smells of the Mediterranean, intense colours and exceptional hospitality. Summer is the season of the transparent sea, with the seabed perfectly visible from the surface. The unique ecosystem of the marine park allows unforgettable boat trips and scuba diving, or a simple swim, perhaps preceded by a dip from the rocks of the lighthouse or from those facing the beach of Calanave.
ZANNONE
The Island of Zannone belongs to the Pontine Islands archipelago, together with Ventotene, Ponza, Palmarola, Santo Stefano and Gavi. It is the northernmost island. Unlike the other islands in the Archipelago, jagged and barren, Zannone is evenly shaped, compact, and has a lush and well-preserved Mediterranean vegetation, therefore representing an ideal rest stop for thousands of migratory birds. Enjoy an atmospheric walk to admire the ruins of the abandoned Cistercian monastery and the remains of the Roman fishpond carved into the rock.
ELBA
Elba is the largest of the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, and the third largest of the Italian islands. Its particularly mild climate, the variety of its 147 km of coastline and the majestic beauty of the Monte Capanne mountains have made it an internationally renowned tourist centre. The Island of Elba, a green oasis within the Tuscan Archipelago, is an island of endless horizons: crystal clear water lapped by golden beaches, granite rocks standing out from the bush, stories of people blessed by the sun. In the setting of a crystalline sea and sandy beaches, green gulfs and secret or sheer rock faces, the island is rich in pleasant surprises. There are shady forests, flat countryside and sun-drenched fields where agave and prickly pears reign supreme. Enjoy the clean air and the majestic beauty which nature has so generously given to the island, perhaps after a taste of the local cuisine, which blends maritime traditions and typically Tuscan customs.
PIANOSA
Pianosa, of all the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, is the nearest to the Island of Elba and is in the Commune of Campo in Elba. The name Pianosa was originally Planasia due to the fact that its territory is practically completely flat, and the highest point is only 29 metres above sea level. The sea bed around the island is without a doubt among the richest and least polluted, partly thanks to the fact that fishing has been and still is strictly forbidden due to having been a prison there for many years, and partly because the morphology of Pianosa is such that the sea is very shallow, making it the perfect habitat both for Posidonia and for many different species of fish. The entire territory of the island is part of the Protected area number 1 inside the Park area, as are also the tiny islands of La Scarpa and La Scola, and this restriction is to be respected as far as one mile from the coast.
CAPRAIA
Between Corsica and Tuscany, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies the beautiful island of Capraia which originated from a volcano and is largely mountainous. Its special position, further from the mainland than the other islands in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, makes it one of Italy’s least populated areas. Particularly beautiful areas include the Cala del Vetriolo, recognisable by its lava flows, where you can visit the cave and venture into underwater excursions, and the Cala della Mortola, near the port. The most famous attraction, however, is the Cala Rossa (Red Cove), which comprises the remains of an ancient volcanic vent, so called because of the intense colour of its rocks. Nearby is the Zenobito Tower, a perfect vantage point from which to admire the sunset dipping into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
MONTECRISTO
The Island of Montecristo, once called Oglasa is one of the most rugged and inaccessible islands in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. The island has become famous thanks to the novel "The Count of Montecristo" by Alexander Dumas, that is the story of a legendary treasure hidden on the island of Montecristo in the Abbey of Saint Mamiliano, built in the 17th century by the Benedictine monks. Today, Montecristo is a nature reserve, left untouched by permanent residents and accessible only to a limited number of visitors each year through reservation. For the lucky few who get to see it, it is a veritable paradise. But the landscape alone does not reveal the island’s storied history.
GIGLIO
Like a pearl in an oyster, the small Giglio isle lies cradled by warm blue seas in the southern corner of the Tuscan Archipelago. Giglio’s mild climate, unspoilt nature and crystal clear, emerald-coloured waters, offer unforgettable holidays all year round. Head for the sandy beaches and beautiful coves if you want to relax, go for the incredibly rich underwater world if you’re into diving, or take one of the numerous hiking paths and explore the uncontaminated countryside of the Giglio Island. Nowadays, the port of the Giglio Island is a small, coloured village facing the sea, with two lighthouses and the old Saracen tower (“Torre del Saraceno”). It’s the heart of the island, especially during the summer, when all shops, bars and restaurants are open until night.
GORGONA
The Island of Gorgona is the smallest and most northern jewel in the archipelago, and is the last prison island in Italy. There are many inlets round the coast of Gorgona, and the most suggestive are Cala Scirocco, where the Grotto of Bove Marino is, once the home of the monk seal, Cala Maestra and Cala Martina. Today, the island is home to a small prison colony, otherwise it is almost uninhabited. The stretch of coastline is worth exploring for the beauty of its bays, access to which, however, is strictly controlled by the authorities.
GIANNUTRI
The island of Giannutri emerges from the waters of the Tyrrhenian like a white chalky crescent right on the southern fringe of the Tuscan Archipelago. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts can discover the island’s true beauty underwater, but Giannutri is also perfect for trekking, with breath-taking sea views, Mediterranean scrubland and Roman ruins to explore. Poggio di Capel Rosso hill, the highest point on the island, offers truly unique views. You can explore the rocky cliffs, sea caves and beaches of Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio during your yacht charter. Stopping for a dip at Cala Volo di Notte, Caletta di Scirocco, Cala dei Grottoni is highly recommended. The remains of a Roman boat can be found at Punta Scaletta.
