These islands of Tuscany are real gems to visit this summer

Seven islands, seven souls, one archipelago : the Tuscan one where wild nature, crystalline sea and ancient history meet creating a surprising balance. An ancient legend tells that they were born from pearls that fell from a necklace worn by Venus and these precious jewels shine off the coast between the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto remaining enclosed within the Tuscan archipelago national park. The islands of Tuscany are part of the Pelagos sanctuary and can all be visited, a top destination especially in summer.

Capraia Island

The first island in Tuscany not to be missed is Capraia . The territory is lived, breathed and listened to. As soon as you arrive you are welcomed by the silence of the volcanic rocks that characterize the landscape mixing everything with an intense scent of wild herbs.

It was already known by Greek navigators who nicknamed it Aigylion, or “ goat island ”. The first thing not to miss? Obviously the small port which is not a simple landing point but the starting point from which to explore the destination. Not far away are many shops, boutiques and an elegant promenade. In about 800 meters you reach the hilltop village and here, among stone alleys and silent stone houses you can enjoy the landscape.

Trekking and outdoor activity lovers can plan an excursion to the Zenobito tower : it will take seven hours of walking but you will enjoy the view from a Genoese tower overlooking the Cala Rossa crater . And then there is the sea, the real attraction of the island in summer.

The beaches of Capraia

Those lucky enough to have rented a boat can enjoy going around the island , that is, circumnavigating it. The alternative is to enjoy the mosaic of coves that distinguish it: from Cala di San Francesco near the convent of San Antonio to Cala dello Zurletto , a secluded place with pebbles and rocks where you can snorkel, then passing through the splendid Cala del Ceppo, a stony beach paradise for marine fauna. A real gem? Cala della Seccatoia , an exclusive inlet that can only be reached by boat and offers a wow effect.

Montecristo Island

Montecristo is not just any island but a place that escapes the rhythms of traditional tourism. Shrouded in an aura of mystery, it is accessible by following precise rules to preserve its beauty. Wild and silent , it is located about 60 kilometers from the Tuscan coast and is a state nature reserve within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. The island is a biogenetic reserve recognized by the Council of Europe and is part of the Pelagos sanctuary.

What to see? Every corner has something to tell, starting from the cave of San Mamiliano, the first hermit on the island and often linked to various legends, to the monastery of San Mamiliano, destroyed by pirates in the sixteenth century. But the real gem is the Villa Reale, now closed, but once built by Baron George Watson Taylor and later expanded by Carlo Ginori Lisci and Vittorio Emanuele III.

The beaches of the island of Montecristo

Unlike other islands of the archipelago, there are no real coastlines here; the only landing place is Cala Maestra with a narrow bay between granite walls and diving is prohibited but you can enjoy the deep blue sea and nature that reigns supreme.

Island of Pianosa

The third largest island in the archipelago, Pianosa is a true jewel of Tuscany because it hides its wonders from few. Far from the most crowded beaches and trendy clubs, it is a surprising mix of silence, nature and history. For more than a century, a maximum security prison stood here, but today it is a sanctuary of biodiversity where migratory birds and wind provide the soundtrack.

Among the things to see on the island, of course, the ghost town . It is characterized by abandoned neo-Gothic houses, avenues invaded by vegetation, buildings corroded by saltiness. Some people notice a resemblance to post-apocalyptic film sets but it's all true. It was inhabited until 1968 and then everything changed.

History is tangible and enthusiasts will appreciate both a visit to the early Christian catacombs and the Agrippa baths , a Roman thermal complex complete with mosaics and the remains of an imperial villa just a stone's throw from the sea. In the distance? The Teglia fort, white and imposing, a symbol of Napoleon's passage.

The beaches of Pianosa Island

Those who come here in the summer, however, do so above all for the beaches of Pianosa . Among the most beautiful is Cala Giovanna, which is also the only accessible one with fine sand and a sea with Caribbean hues. A mask and fins are a must to explore the seabed. The more adventurous could venture as far as Cala dei Turchi, a place where the water is crystal clear and uncontaminated.

Giglio Island

Giglio Island is a real gem not to be missed: time slows down and it is a symbol of slow tourism. The pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea born from the necklace of Venus, as legend has it, is made up of three villages and 28 kilometers of coast. And while some singers like Gazzelle have cited it in famous songs, it enchants tourists and adventurers with postcard views that make the heart beat.

What to see on Giglio Island ? We start from Giglio Porto , also the landing point. With the colorful houses overlooking the sea and restaurants that prepare delicacies, the holiday starts off on the right foot. Among the first monuments are the remains of the Roman villa and the ancient Roman cataree, or tanks dug into the rock to raise fish.

Then you reach Giglio Castello , the most beautiful medieval village on the island with ancient walls and narrow streets that lead to the Aldobrandesca fortress that still protects the town from above. On the opposite side is Giglio Campese, the village synonymous with relaxation and more modern that overlooks the bay with the Medici tower dominating the scene. Trekking lovers can enjoy dream trails here with over 60 kilometers of excursions.

The beaches of Giglio Island

Of course, Giglio in summer is synonymous with the sea and there are many beaches that deserve a mention. Let's start from Cala dell'Arenella, a favorite among those looking for golden sand and shallow waters, then we move on to Cannelle where the water is so calm and clear that it seems like a swimming pool and then off to Cala delle Caldane , a hidden corner of paradise reachable only after a hiking trail or by boat.

Those looking for wild nature will find what they are looking for at Cala del Corvo , which is also one of the least crowded; but the queen of all the beaches on the Giglio Island is Campese : dark sand, deep sea and large spaces. Dominating the scene is a stack that juts out like a sculpture.

Giannutri Island

Of course, not all Tuscan islands are large: a tiny gem is Giannutri , which extends for less than 3 kilometers between Argentario and Giglio . At first glance it may seem like just a thick patch of vegetation, but in reality, despite its small size, it has some gems to discover.

As soon as you disembark you arrive at Cala Spalmatoio , a small village with white houses and terraces overlooking the sea. Right here are the remains of the Roman port and the suggestive Roman villa of Domizi Enobardbi built in the 1st century AD which conquers visitors with its "balcony" towards infinity and the floors covered with mosaics.

The island is crossed by two main paths: the one that leads to the lighthouse of Capel Rosso and the road that leads to Monte Mario , a panoramic point ideal for birdwatching and taking some photos. Don't miss the mysterious Grottoni , or ravines dug into the rock that open up overlooking the sea. From here you can glimpse a treasure, the submerged island of Zanara that on the clearest days can be admired.

The beaches of Giannutri Island

Among the most beautiful beaches on the island of Giannutri there are two accessible coves. The first is cala Spalmataoio , right next to the mooring point. It is deep and protected by rocks but the water is incredibly transparent; a plus point is the ease with which it can be reached.

Second option is Cala Maestra: it is located about 15 minutes walk from the first, on the opposite side. It is a mix of sand, pebbles and rocky platforms, it has a wilder soul and is less crowded. By boat you can then reach other beauties such as Cala Schiavone or Cala Volo di Notte.

Gorgona Island

Gorgona Island can be as small as it is mysterious. It is located at the northernmost point of the archipelago, almost touching the Ligurian Sea. One of its peculiarities? It is the last prison island in Italy. You arrive with respect, curiosity and a desire to discover a place where the freedom of nature is total, but the human presence is guided and limited: a maximum of 100 people per day can disembark here and only if accompanied by official park guides who will show you authorized routes.

The hills conquer and host over 400 species of Mediterranean plants , including the white Gorgogna, a special olive that is grown only here. Prestigious buildings such as the Old Tower and the New Tower stand guard. Also not to be missed is Punta Gorgona, the highest point from which you can enjoy a dream view of the island. The most incredible corner, however, is the Grotta del Bove Marino on the cliff of Cala Scirocco where monk seals once took refuge.

The beaches of Gorgona Island

Wild and authentic, it does not have equipped beaches and establishments but offers three main coves: Maestra, Marina and Scirocco . The first is the largest and most accessible, the others are scenic and secluded but worth a stop.

Elba Island

We left it for last, it is the largest and most famous and certainly needs no introduction: we are talking about the island of Elba . A dream sea, historic villages to explore and authentic flavors accompanied by a massive dose of history: there are so many activities to do on the island.

Among the things to see on the island of Elba are the characteristic villages. We start with Portoferraio , the landing point and known for the Medici fortifications, the sticks overlooking the sea and the uphill streets. Do not miss the Stella fort from which you can enjoy an excellent view and the Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon's residence during his exile.

The second top village not to be missed is Capoliveri : Flower-filled alleys, art shops, little squares with tables always full and sunsets that light up in pink and orange. There are also excellent ice cream shops that offer artisanal flavors linked to the territory. Among the summer events not to be missed is the Magnetic Festival in July that transforms the area into an open-air stage where music is the protagonist.

A panoramic climb takes you to Marciana , one of the oldest villages on Elba where you can breathe in an atmosphere of times gone by, between medieval walls and dizzying views. Just below, Marciana Marina stands out as a perfect mix of port life, seaside elegance and signature gastronomy. The seafront is perfect for a stroll at sunset.

Among the places not to be missed, especially for trekking lovers, there is Monte Capanne : it is the highest peak on the island and from here, on clear days, you can see Corsica , Capraia and sometimes the Apennines. Those who do not feel like walking up can opt for the panoramic cable car, highly instagrammable and definitely less tiring.

The last gem not to be missed is Rio nell'Elba and its Rio Marina : the area shines with a ferrous red due to the mining park and the beaches have a character all of their own, very particular and absolutely worth seeing.

The beaches of Elba Island

It is really difficult to choose which are the most beautiful beaches on the island of Elba , after all they are all splendid in their particularity and tell the thousand faces of the territory. Among the favorites we point out:

• Cabbages . Perfect for the younger ones, with aperitifs at sunset and crystal clear waters;
• Fetovaia . A Caribbean soul with smooth rocks nestled between green promontories;
• Samson . White pebbles and deep blue sea, perhaps among the most photogenic;
• Padulella . Small but a real gem not too far from Portoferraio;
• Lacona . It is among the longest and most spacious, ideal for families, it has fine sand;
• Cala dei Frati . Secret and wild, it can only be reached by sea but it is heart-pounding.