Legend has it that the goddess Venus, born from the foam of the Mediterranean Sea, broke the string of pearls – given to her by Paride – that she had round her neck while hurrying to reach the shore. The pearls of the necklace fell into the sea, becoming the islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago.
The myth is fascinating, and so are the seven islands that make up this archipelago: a composition of natural and marine charms of incomparable beauty. Seven “pearls” arranged from north to south: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri.
Where to go on holiday in Italy: the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago
Elba Island
It is the largest island of the archipelago: if you are wondering where to go on holiday in Italy, know that this is a true paradise lapped by crystalline waters and bordered by beautiful beaches protected by rocky coves. Elba is also a trekking paradise: the most popular destination is Mount Capanne, which, with its more than one thousand meters of altitude, is renowned for its splendid views. A little history: Napoleon Bonaparte stayed here before his escape.
Gorgona island
Gorgona, which stands out from the sea with its feminine shape, is the smallest of the seven “sisters”, the most northern and the most verdant. However, it can only be visited with a guide and only in part. Where to go on holiday in Italy, if not in one mysterious island?
Capraia island
Capraia has volcanic origins, which have shaped it over time with steep slopes, and strong color contrasts. Only 31 kilometers from Corsica, it has few inhabitants, and boasts only 3 hotels, a campsite and a few restaurants. It is ideal for total relaxation, but you can also visit it in a day along with Gorgona.
Giglio island
Particularly wild and of great beauty, the second island of the Tuscan Archipelago is particular for maintaining the heritage of history and traditions of the island unchanged. To this is added the incomparable beauty of the surrounding nature, and of a sea considered among the most beautiful in Italy.
Giannutri island
Giannutri and the waters that surround it are a protected natural area. A true paradise for scuba-diving enthusiasts, its rugged and rocky coasts host meadows of sea fans, sponges and corals. Its beauty was also appreciated by the ancient Romans: the remains of a large villa dating back to the 2nd century AD are testimony to this.
Montecristo island
Its name is linked to the famous novel by Dumas, The Count of Montecristo. The island has long been a complete natural reserve, so it is not possible to stay overnight, neither to fish in its waters nor to bathe in a radius of 1000 meters from the coastline (with the exception of special permits issued by the Forestry Corps of Follonica). The island, which has always been uninhabited, preserves flora and fauna intact.
Pianosa island
This mostly flat island, alternates stretches of rocky coastline with stretches of beach. Here you can find the Cala San Giovanni, a beach made up of white sand where the remains of a Roman villa can be seen.
Now that you have discovered about these beautiful islands, you just have to decide where to go on holiday in Italy!
