The Tuscan Archipelago is a series of islands stretching from the Italian mainland into the Mediterranean between the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. There are seven major islands, many of which are either uninhabited or are only home to a couple of hundred residents. The largest and most populated of the Tuscan islands, Elba, is a popular tourist destination and is served by daily ferries from port of Piombino. Smaller boats run trips either to or around the smaller islands, especially during the summer months.
Elba is not just famous for its tourist resorts; it was also the island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his ten-month exile after being removed from power. Many of the palaces and other buildings constructed for his use while on the island are still standing today, along with two Napoleonic museums in the Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino in Portoferraio.
Elba is also home to several Roman sites, the impressive 16th century Medicean fortress overlooking the harbour of Portoferraio and dozens of beaches, ranging from rocky coves to huge sweeping, sandy bays. This small island has more than 70 beaches for visitors and locals to choose from and whether you want to find a remote and quiet spot for some naturist bathing or prefer developed resorts with all their amenities, Elba will have the perfect beach for you.
The six other islands which make up the Tuscan Archipelago are all much smaller than Elba and some are completely uninhabited. Gorgona is home to a medieval abbey and is now famous for its unspoilt natural scenery and wildlife, while the volcanic island of Capraia is the last in the archipelago and is actually closer to Corsica than any of the other Tuscan islands. Giglio is the next largest island after Elba and is also a popular place to spend the day on the beach thanks to the regular ferry services from the mainland.
The smallest islands in the archipelago include Giannutri, home to the remains of an impressive Roman villa, and the uninhabited islands of Pianosa and Montecristo. These latter islands are famous for their prisons; Pianosa once held maximum security Mafia criminals, while Montecristo was made famous by the Dumas novel of the same name. Both are now protected marine environments with limited access for the general public, though there are plans to start running boat trips to both islands in the future to allow restricted numbers of visitors to enjoy their stunning natural beauty.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in the Tuscan Islands? Then below is a selection of Apartments in the Tuscan Islands and villas in the Tuscan Islands that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
