Capraia, the third-biggest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the farthest from the coast at 54 km from Livorno. Almost all of the island is a protected National Park and there are only two settlements so, while there are places to eat and shop, the reason most come to this beautiful place is to enjoy its incredible natural bounty and outdoor pursuits. If you are a nature-lover looking to well and truly get away from it all, then find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, or a vacation rental in Livorno, get up early and take the three hour ferry to the island, and spend time exploring this remote slice of paradise on earth.
Formed by a volcanic eruption that happened 9 million years ago, which produced the island’s impressive red rock, Capraia is made up of rolling hills, lush flora, diverse fauna and charming rocky coves. Hiking is the primary activity and there is a map of walking routes that can be found readily around the port. These routes have been created or restored from the island's old network of mule paths and most are gentle enough though a few involve considerable climbs and vary in distance and duration. In the town of Capraia Isola, one can simply take the short walk along the cliff to the Bellavista viewpoint, which boasts panoramic views all the way over the sea to Elba and will allow you to take some of the island's characteristic wildlife, flowers and birds. For more serious hikers there are plenty of routes to choose from including the Reganico circuit near the village that takes only around an hour to expeditions that can last five hours or more and bring you to the most extraordinary summits and viewpoints. Spring is the best time of year for this as the weather is most suitable and there are plenty of flowers and birds to take in along the way.
In summer, sailing, swimming and sunbathing are the primary activities, though hiking can be enjoyed during the cooler morning hours. There is a little pebble beach right by the port but there aren't really long sandy beaches anywhere on the island. Instead, you will find a great number of fascinating rocky coves and bathers will lay out on the rocks and access the sea from there or via ladders the more accessible coastline is on the eastern side of the island. Cala Rossa cove is one of the most beautiful and a must-see and do keep your eyes peeled as dolphins and whales are occasional visitors to the island's waters.
Come explore the natural beauty of this Tuscan island, enjoy her outdoor pursuits, relax and get far away from your daily life.
In summer, sailing, swimming and sunbathing are the primary activities, though hiking can be enjoyed during the cooler morning hours. There is a little pebble beach right by the port but there aren't really long sandy beaches anywhere on the island. Instead, you will find a great number of fascinating rocky coves and bathers will lay out on the rocks and access the sea from there or via ladders the more accessible coastline is on the eastern side of the island. Cala Rossa cove is one of the most beautiful and a must-see and do keep your eyes peeled as dolphins and whales are occasional visitors to the island's waters.
Come explore the natural beauty of this Tuscan island, enjoy her outdoor pursuits, relax and get far away from your daily life.
Photo credit: Visit Tuscany / CC BY 2.0
