Tuscan Archipelago National Park: What to Do and What to See

Il Tuscan Archipelago National Park is a natural jewel located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A fascinating place, full of beauty, which allows you to live a unique experience immersed in breathtaking landscapes and marine biodiversity. It boasts 7 main islands and several islets, confirming itself as a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Good. But what to do in the Park, and what see? Let’s go in order.

Tuscan Archipelago National Park, what to see

As anticipated, it is made up of seven major islands. The largest of these is theElba. Then follow Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa (among the best known) and Montecristo, Gorgona, Giannutri. The archipelago is characterized by its colors (from the intense blue of the sea to the green of the Mediterranean scrub (also present in the Gargano National Park), without forgetting the beaches, rocks, coves. The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is the largest marine park in Europe. It was established in 1996 and extends from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ligurian Sea, between the coasts of Tuscany and Corsica.

Elba island

The island of Elba is dominated by Mount Capanne, which reaches a height of one thousand meters: it boasts numerous paths and is rich in gulfs. Here you can visit the Butterfly Sanctuarylocated on Mount Perone, a unique path of about two kilometers – characterized by three different “environments” – in which the presence of about 50 species of butterflies has been recorded.

Lily and Capraia

The second largest island is the Gigliowith its 28 km of coastline. It is famous for its clear waters rich in marine fauna and for being a particularly popular destination for subThere are expanses of Posidonia and you can also glimpse the sea ​​horses.

Then there is the island of Capraiawhich is located in the Corsica Channel: the main attractions to visit within the 30 km perimeter that delimits it are Cala dello Zurletto, which can be reached via a suggestive path full of points from which to admire the cliffs and the crystalline sea, the beach of Cala San Francesco, the Grotta, the Torre dello Zenobito, one of the four coastal towers of the island which owes its name to an ancient monastery, and the Forte di San Giorgio.

Pianosa and Montecristo

Pianosaagain, has a rich prehistoric and Roman history behind it. It is characterized by its flat appearance. Until 1996 it hosted a security prison. This made it inaccessible and contributed to maintaining the biodiversity practically unchanged over time. It can only be visited from April to October. Then there is the island of Montecristoon which giant arboreal trees and thousand-year-old hollies stand. And where it is possible to come across, among others, the Montecristo viper or the Sardinian discoglossus, a toad that in Italy is present only in Sardinia and the neighboring islands.

Giannutri and Gorgona

I come in Giannutri are home to dolphins and fin whales. It is rich in natural beauty but also in history. Here, there is the Roman Villa of the Domizi Enobarbio. Gorgonfinally, is the smallest island of the Archipelago. Hosting an agricultural penal colony, the entries on its soil are managed entirely by the penitentiary administration.

Tuscan Archipelago National Park, what to do

Since it is an archipelago, the first activity to do is definitely to explore the crystalline waters that characterise it by doing scuba divingdiscovering its coral reefs and historical wrecks. It is possible to move between caves and coves thanks to the kayak. But the paths are no less fascinating. The trekking routes reveal breathtaking views. You can take long panoramic walks and dedicate yourself to bird watching. The islands that compose it are rich in history: you can get lost in their streets or indulge in pure relaxation on the beach. Finally, take advantage of the boat tours to admire the marine species that inhabit it up close.