Tuscany’s treasured islands: five to explore

The Tuscan archipelago, a protected national park of seven islands scattered between the Tuscan coast and Corsica, offers a diverse range of experiences beyond the crowded mainland cities of Florence and Siena. While Montecristo and Gorgona are only reachable through tightly limited guided tours, the remaining five islands—Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa and the lesser‑known Giannutri—each boast distinct personalities, from Elba’s bustling towns and wind‑surfing hotspots to Giannutri’s tiny, car‑free villages. Visitors can explore white‑pebble coves such as Sansone and Capo Bianco near Portoferraio on Elba, or enjoy the golden sands of Fetovaia and Cavoli beneath Monte Capanne, while Marina di Campo serves as a centre for watersports and a gateway to the island’s many beaches.

Each island presents its own culinary and lodging highlights that cater to a range of tastes and budgets. On Elba, Portoferraio’s Ristorante da Gianni is famed for handmade pasta and seafood, while Marina di Campo’s beachfront Da Piero offers fresh catches; accommodation options include the eco‑focused Hotel Montemerlo near Fetovaia (£88 per night B&B) and the historic Indarsena in Portoferraio (£86 per night B&B). Giglio’s gastronomic scene features the sea‑view Ristorante Doria in Giglio Porto and the rustic Da Zio Meino in Campese, complemented by stays at B&B La Vela (£87 per night B&B) and the upscale Le Poste di Simplicio (£100 per night B&B). Capraia provides a blend of natural and cultural attractions—red rock formations at Cala Rossa, the 16th‑century Torre dello Zenòbito, and Roman archaeological sites—supported by modest lodging such as the La Mandola Eco Hostel (£70 room‑only) and the boutique Il Saracino Suites (£130 per night B&B). Pianosa, once a penal colony, now offers a single restaurant‑café, Da Brunello, and the Albergo Milena (£95 half‑board) as its sole accommodation, with swimming limited to Cala Giovanna to protect the marine environment.

Reaching the islands is straightforward via regular ferry services: Piombino to Portoferraio takes about an hour with operators like Toremar, Moby or Blu Navy; Giglio is accessible from Porto Santo Stefano in roughly an hour; Capraia’s ferry departs from Livorno after a 1‑hour‑45‑minute crossing; and Pianosa can be visited on authorized excursions from Elba or limited Toremar ferries from Piombino, the journey lasting around three hours. The archipelago’s blend of pristine beaches, historic villages, and eco‑conscious hospitality makes it an appealing alternative for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, while the protected status of the national park ensures that its natural and cultural treasures remain preserved for future visitors.

⚡ Effects Interpreter