Boat trips: explore the Tuscan Archipelago! ⛴️

The Island of Elba is the main (and largest) island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Discover and visit the other 6 islands that are part of it!
This article is your definitive guide to exploring the hidden wonders of nearby islands like Pianosa, Giglio, Capraia, starting right from Elba. Get ready to discover breathtaking beauty, exclusive tips, and everything you need to know to make yours unforgettable trip.

Why Explore the Tuscan Archipelago from Elba?

The Island of Elba is not only a jewel of the Tuscan Archipelago but also a ideal starting point to explore the nearby islands. Each island offers a unique experience, from the wild natural beauty of Capraia, to the romantic coves of Giglio. Embarking on these trips means discovering a mosaic of stories, landscapes and traditions.

• PIANO It is the island closest to Elba and is part of the municipality of Campo nell'Elba. It owes its name to the fact that it has an almost totally flat territory: in fact it reaches only 29 meters above sea level at its highest point. The existence of the maximum security prison on the island made the island practically inaccessible. This has allowed much of the island's natural heritage to be kept unchanged, also affected by agricultural cultivations carried out by the inmates of the prison facility. Since 2011, with the definitive closure of the prison, some of the restrictions that had been in force up to that point ceased. Some limitations remain for visitors, but the absolute ban on disembarking ends. Pianosa today can in fact be visited on foot, by carriage and by mountain bike. Kayaking and diving trips are also available. All visits have a limited number of places, therefore they must be booked in advance.
  
⚓ Departures take place all year round from the Island of Elba and are managed by various shipping companies. In particular, from April to November Departures take place every day at 10am from the port of Marina di Campo. For info and reservations click here

• LILY, located in front of Monte Argentario, is the second largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and enjoys a territory that is still wild for the 90%. In addition to exploring beaches and coves of rare beauty, there are many pedestrian paths from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the archipelago. The two villages are worth visiting: Giglio Castello, a charming medieval village that stands on the heights of the island; Giglio Porto, the only port on the island, small and picturesque, with multicolored houses and a sea of unthinkable clarity for a port.
  
⚓The island of Giglio can be reached all year round from Porto Santo Stefano (GR). In summer, also from the Island of Elba: departures from the large pier of Porto Azzurro every Wednesday at 9.30 am. For times and reservations click here.

• GOAT, the wildest of the Islands, is considered a small geological paradise, as it is the only volcanic island in the Archipelago. The steep coasts overlooking the sea and the absence of beaches make it the perfect destination for those arriving by sea to enjoy the wonderful coves (including Cala Rossa, the most famous).
  
⚓ Access to the island does not require special permits: Capraia can in fact be reached all year round from the port of Livorno, while in the summer period (June-September) the ship also leaves from the Island of Elba, every Friday, at 9.30 from Portoferraio and at 10 from Marciana Marina. For info and reservations click here

• MONTECRISTO, among the wildest and most inaccessible islands of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, has been an integral state nature reserve since 1971. Today it is practically uninhabited, but a monastic community lived there until the 18th century. The remains of the ancient abbey and the monastery of San Mamiliano remain visible in the locality called the Convent. The only building currently present on the island, where the forest ranger resides, is the Villa Reale of Cala Maestra.
The visits allowed on the island are heavily limited, for a maximum of 2000 people per year and depart from Porto Azzurro (Elba Island).
The excursions are carried out exclusively along the indicated itineraries and in the presence of an authorized guide. The paths are challenging, considering the difference in altitude and the absence of shade.
  ⚓ The visits are carried out on 25 days a year (between March and October) scheduled according to the booking, which must be made months in advance. For info and reservations click here

• GORGONA, the smallest island of the Archipelago (2.23 km2), has been the site of an agricultural penal colony since 1869. Therefore, guided tours are authorized by the Penitentiary Administration in agreement with the Park Authority according to an agreed calendar for a maximum number of 100 visitors per day.
It is possible to make a reservation up to one week before the date of the excursion, in order to proceed with sending the names to the Penitentiary Directorate.
It is mandatory to follow all the instructions of the Guide and it is not possible to move individually.
  ⚓ The island can only be reached from Livorno. For info and reservations click here

• GIANNUTRI it is a small pedestrian paradise without large accommodation facilities. The island is largely privately owned and a territory in which the low Mediterranean scrub still reigns intact with its colors and scents.
  ⚓ There are connections only from Porto Santo Stefano (GR). For info and reservations click here

• Advance booking: the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are sought-after jewels, especially in high season. Be sure to book ferries and accommodation in advance. On the site Acquavision you can book the ticket directly for the desired day, find out the times, availability and departure ports;
• Sustainability: remember to respect the environment. Take away waste and prefer water in reusable bottles to avoid waste accumulation on the islands;
• Responsible exploration: many corners of these islands are protected. Follow the paths and signs for a visit that respects nature and local communities. Rely on local guides for various types of excursions.