Why not make a trip out to the glorious island of Capraia off the coast of Tuscany on your next vacation here? This wild paradise was once home to an abundance of wild goats which earned it the name ‘Aegylon’ by the Greeks meaning ‘Land of the Goats’! This is the third biggest island in the Tuscan archipelago; Elba and Giglio are the biggest.
At only twenty km2 in size, visitors won’t have any accommodation to choose from here but they could stay in a beautiful vacation rental along the coast on the mainland in Livorno, around sixty kilometres away by boat so a visit to Capraia would make for an excellent day trip! Capraia Island is only 32 kilometres North West of Elba Island if you also wanted to include a visit to it in your touring plans.
Capraia Island was created by a volcano thousands of years ago and tourists can see a ridge that stretches across the entire island that is the scar of its birth. This rugged ridge is nearly 450metres high at some points. There’s a spectacular lake here filling an ancient crater that supports a colourful array of wildlife, including a dainty rare species of flowering water lily that floats along the edge of the lake.
At only twenty km2 in size, visitors won’t have any accommodation to choose from here but they could stay in a beautiful vacation rental along the coast on the mainland in Livorno, around sixty kilometres away by boat so a visit to Capraia would make for an excellent day trip! Capraia Island is only 32 kilometres North West of Elba Island if you also wanted to include a visit to it in your touring plans.
Capraia Island was created by a volcano thousands of years ago and tourists can see a ridge that stretches across the entire island that is the scar of its birth. This rugged ridge is nearly 450metres high at some points. There’s a spectacular lake here filling an ancient crater that supports a colourful array of wildlife, including a dainty rare species of flowering water lily that floats along the edge of the lake.
For those who enjoy engaging in water sports, why not enjoy a fascinating snorkelling exploration of the coral and marine life along the western side of Capraia where there are also plenty of sea caves and gorges to explore.
The marine life here is abundant thanks to the mineral rich waters and snorkelers might even be treated to a glimpse of some seals as they like to swim around the shallow waters of the island regularly!
Capraia Island has only four hundred inhabitants but despite such a small population, the island boasts quite a large port which holds up to 220 boats.
There are some fantastic walking trails and mountain treks for visitors to embark on here, including; the ‘lost’ path of Zenobito, Monte Arpagna and ‘Punta del Dattero’.
The marine life here is abundant thanks to the mineral rich waters and snorkelers might even be treated to a glimpse of some seals as they like to swim around the shallow waters of the island regularly!
Capraia Island has only four hundred inhabitants but despite such a small population, the island boasts quite a large port which holds up to 220 boats.
There are some fantastic walking trails and mountain treks for visitors to embark on here, including; the ‘lost’ path of Zenobito, Monte Arpagna and ‘Punta del Dattero’.
While you’re here, a visit to the well preserved fortress of St. George should not be missed and would make for an excellent backdrop for some photographs! The small town of Capraia has some charming shops and eateries to enjoy a delicious lunch or evening meal along with a superb bottle of wine.
A visit to Capraia Island would truly enrich your holiday experience; read through our related articles the other islands to visit in the Tuscan archipelago to inspire a marine themed vacation to enjoy the next time you’re here!
A visit to Capraia Island would truly enrich your holiday experience; read through our related articles the other islands to visit in the Tuscan archipelago to inspire a marine themed vacation to enjoy the next time you’re here!
Photo credits
picture 1: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Luca Aless / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Lucarelli / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0
