The Seven Islands of Tuscany

There are a total of seven Islands that lie just miles off the Tuscan coast. These seven islands have been given the nickname the “Seven Sisters”, and each of the seven islands has their own distinctive feel.

Elba is the largest Island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the island is the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. It is also the province of Livorno and is the most visited island out of them all. It is also home to the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago which engulfed with natural beauty. The island is good for its thriving nature, especially in spring this is when plant life booms with beautiful orchids, violets and wild lillies that bring life to the land it's bright colours. If you trail the mountains on the west side of the island you can see the whole island; you can do this by the numerous pathway/walkways that are all over the island. On the other side is another mountain which is a place where you can see mines and its distinctive red colour.

Giglio is another island that is great for holidays. This is because it is is has great diving with its crystal clear water, which is among the cleanest of Italy. There are also various caves and wreaks to explore at the many diving spots around this Island. You will find numerous different sea life on the sea bed, and on land there are Roman remains including a villa of Ahenobarbus near the Giglio Port.

Giannutri is considered a small paradise and is a short distance from Giglio. They are connected by a ship service that departs daily. It is the most southern island out all of the islands and is a marine park that is protected and controlled by the Tuscan authorities. The park is split between two zones which have each have different rules depending on what zone a part of the island is on.

Capraia is an island which use to be called Capraria. It lies on the north west coast and also belongs to the province of Livorno and is close to the French island of Corsica. The island is defined by its volcanic origins and its name relates to it - as 'Capra' means 'stone', deriving from the Greek 'kalpe'.

Gorgona is the most northern island out of all of the islands, and also it is an island where 90% of the island is made of Mediterranean bush - which is why the wildlife on the island is cherished. Here wild rabbits, gulls, birds of passage and sea swallows all roam free.

Pianosa's name is derived from the Italian word 'pianura', which means 'plain', a reflection of the island as it is mainly flat. There are no permanent residents as the site was a prison for over 100 years.

Montecristo is well known as the setting from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, but what many don't know is that it wasn't a good representation of the island. The last three islands can not be accessed by people, although there are plans to open them to limited tourist traffic. But for the ones that can be accessed you will find that their Tuscany villas are among the most glamorous in Italy.








Vacation rentals from around the world, direct from the owner at vacationrentalpeople.com.

Try some of the beautiful Tuscany villas available at VacationRentalPeople.com.