Giannutri island, Tuscan Archipelago
Giannutri is a fascinating and special island. It is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park; it is only 500 meters wide and 5 kilometers long. In winter is inhabited by about twenty people who enjoy the solitary life in this little paradise. There are no cars or paved roads; you move only on foot.
In Giannutri, the charm of nature takes over: the beauty of its seabed rich in biodiversity and the crystal clear sea make it a paradise for lovers of diving and snorkeling. Trekking enthusiasts instead can walk on paths that cross expanses of dense Mediterranean vegetation, Roman ruins, and beautiful natural scenery until you reach Monte Mario and Poggio di Capel Rosso, the latter is the highest point of the island (88 meters above sea level) from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
The coast is rocky with cliffs, sea caves, and two small pebble beaches: Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio, which are also the only two landing points. There are no sandy beaches, so sea shoes are recommended for those who are not practical. There are no bathing establishments; here, nature is the master.
The ancient Romans chose it as a remote landing place. Today is visible only an ancient villa of the II century belonged to a family of merchants, located in a very suggestive position, right on the seashore, the archaeological site of Villa dei Domizi Enobarbi.
On the island of Giannutri, there are no hotels, residences, or campsites. However, it is possible to spend the night in the houses of the inhabitants who rent small private residences. The greatest number of houses is concentrated in Cala Spalmatoio, where there is also the only square of the island called “Piazzetta.”
Many tourists come to visit in summer. After all, how can you not be fascinated by that crescent of white limestone in the middle of the Cetacean Sanctuary, where the charm of nature and traces of history dominate the scene. Giannutri boasts 11 kilometers of coastline of rocky cliffs, where there are caves and cracks originated by the action of the wind and fragrant paths overlooking the sea.
Many diving enthusiasts know that Giannutri is famous for its seabed and vertical walls rich in gorgonians, sponges, corals, and tunicates. Here it is forbidden to the navigation by motor, sail, and oars, fishing, diving, and bathing, and so, on the one hand, has favored the repopulation of fish, on the other hand, has made it difficult to find good diving spots. You can still find free to dive the extensive prairies of Posidonia and the two wrecks of Anna Bianca (40-50 meters deep) and Nasim (60 meters).
The island can be reached starting from Porto Santo Stefano or from the island of Giglio with the ferries that stop at Cala Spalmatoio or Cala Maestra.