Archive for 'Islands'

Tuscany may not be famous for her coast – rather the food, wine and culture – and, yet, the Tuscan Coast is incredibly and undeniably beautiful all the same. The waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are crystal clear and perfectly blue, the coastline is varied and protected, and the ocean floor is filled with a wide variety of different species of fish and other different underwater creatures as well as ancient shipwrecks and other oddities. It is a perfect place to indulge in a spot of diving so why not find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and come explore this beautiful part of the world for yourself?

There are about 50 dive centers in Tuscany, located along the 270 kilometers of coastline between Livorno and Argentario, with 15 on the Island of Elba and 10 in Argentario and on the Island of Giglio. This stunning coastline and the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are both beautiful and well-preserved and are perfect for diving. Discover the many different species of fish and other underwater creatures that inhabit the area, as well as the beauty, shape and oddities of the reefs, beaches and bays, all clearly visible through the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and largely protected Tuscan Coast. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and start exploring it for yourself.

When you arrive on the Tuscan island of exile and paradise, Elba, you will usually first find yourself in the town of Portoferraio. A cultural and natural gem, it looks a little frozen in time and is utterly charming and picturesque. The capital of the island under Napoleonic times, its name means “Iron Port” and comes from the iron mills that facilitated the city's growth into the main shipping port of iron ore towards the mainland in the 19^th century. This was further bolstered by the presence of Napoleon himself who briefly lived nearby when he was exiled to the island in 1814. During his stay, he set up infrastructure around the mills, economic reforms that modernised the island and architectural projects that heightened its beauty. His very presence drew curious types from all over and Elba suddenly became much more multi-cultural and a melting pot for ideas. This same legacy still draws many to visit this beautiful and fascinating island. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and you can join their number and see what all the fuss is about for yourself as well.

Napoleon was very famously temporarily exiled, after his forced abdication in 1814, to the island of Elba, the idyllic Tuscan island that is the third largest in Italy – hardly what most would call a “punishment”! In fact, he lived very well on the island and even had two different dwellings for the 300 days that he spent there. Villa dei Mulini was one and the other was Villa San Martin. Villa dei Mulini, also known as Palazzina dei Mulini (Palace of the Mills), is located in Portoferraio and was chosen by Napoleon as his state residence.

Gorgona Island is the smallest and most northerly of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, measuring just over 2km² and being occupied by just 300 people. Despite its tiny size, the island has a rich and varied history. Set in the rich blue sea off the Tuscan coast, it rises as a craggy formation from the water, covered in plants. In fact, over 90% of the island is covered in Mediterranean bush and is home to over 400 species of different plant-life. The water is also left untouched by mankind, as the sea around the island is protected, and is particularly clear and vibrant as a result. If you want to visit this little gem in the Ligurian sea, just find yourself a pretty vacation rental in Livorno nearby and take the trip out to Gorgona Island for a day.