Tuscan Archipelago Luxury Yachting Guide

Off the northwest coast of Italy lies a rustic slice of Mediterranean paradise divided amongst the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago; Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Capraia, Gorgona, Pianosa, and Montecristo. Surprising, unique and a true natural treasure, the Tuscan Archipelago is a real discovery.

This alluring chain of dramatically unique islands is fabled to have been formed from the pearls of Venus, lost as she swam in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean. Wilder and less refined than its Mediterranean neighbours, the Tuscan Archipelago is no less spectacular. A place of sea, sun and culture, the Archipelago is a rare piece of the world offering all the luxury of modern-day life without compromising its landscape, coast, mountains and forests.

Cruising Grounds
Genuinely able to be enjoyed in every season due to its warm summers and mild winters, time spent in the Tuscan Archipelago is unforgettable, the distinctive beauty and shared history of the islands only increasing their magic. Sandy beaches, narrow inlets and rocky coastlines make the islands perfect for holiday escapes, while their unusual remoteness make for a sailing adventure with a difference. While not granting the same cruising freedom as other island chains, the Tuscan Archipelago more than compensates with the sheer diversity of sites the islands have to offer.

Nature
The Tuscan Archipelago constitutes the largest marine park in Europe, its pristine natural beauty being the main reason visitors seek to spend a week or two sailing the Italian waters. An island escape that truly allows you to form a relationship with nature, the Tuscan Archipelago is the ideal destination for enjoying the best of the natural world at its most basic. Exclusive in every sense of the word, only the islands of Elba, Giglio, Giannutri and part of Capraia are able to be freely visited, while Gorgona and Pianosa Island are homes to gaols, and Montecristo is hugely protected.

Elba
Elba is the largest and most popular of the islands, whose role in major historical events has left a dramatic and fascinating mark on the island. Its landscape means you are always kept close to the sea, ensuring you are never too far away from the comfort of your yacht. Elba’s modest sandy beaches are sprinkled with coastal towns, while its towering mountainous interior plays host to ancient mining villages. Porto Ferraio is the largest city and biggest port on Elba, sheltered by sensational cliffs and surrounded by delectable shops and cafes. Elba’s social calendar is usually full of cultural events, sporting competitions, concerts and fairs, and many national and international Sailing Regattas are held here every year.

Giglio
Of the seven islands, Giglio perhaps offers the best fishing spots, its crystal emerald sea remaining 90% wild and promising depths rich in marine life. The port itself is a site to see, with tangles of vineyards climbing high to surround the picturesque dock. For beach-lovers as well, Giglio offers 28km of coastline to explore, tempting visitors to bathe in the warm but refreshing waters of the Mediterranean. The fresh wind that blows in from the south makes the Bay of Campese the perfect place for an energising surf or sailing adventure, while its position to the west ensures your own yacht can become the theatre for a majestic sunset.

Capraia
The volcanic island of Capraia lies at the very north of the Archipelago, and while only half of it is accessible, its amazingly diverse ocean floor and countless underwater caves make for remarkable diving sites. Its depths shelter an amazing array of marine life and archaeological ruins in the flourishing sea beds, a site on really discoverable in volcanic regions.

Giannutri
A small piece of paradise is the best way to describe the island of Giannutri, lying alone at the bottom of the Archipelago. About five kilometres long, it is the perfect place to stretch your sea-legs during a virtually private walk. Still hiding wrecks of ships who visited long ago, Giannutri attracts divers to immerse themselves in its ghostly legends and mysterious depths. Full of caves, coral gardens, sea horses, sponges and starfish, the fascinating waters also make it possible to catch rare glimpses of dolphins, whales or turtles.

Montecristo
Being the furtherest island from the mainland has ensured the small, uninhabited natural reserve of Montecristo is the wildest and loneliest of the Archipelago. Composed of grey-pink granite, the island is no less beautiful to gaze upon and sailing its waters is well worth it, even if you are not one of the 1000 people lucky enough to be granted permission to set foot on the island each year. To witness the lonely reality of Montecristo, full of forests, wild animals and waterfalls will for most never be possible, but if you get a chance to sail into the remote waters, it’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.