 The Tuscan Islands are a popular cruising ground for yachtsmen. They are situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea between the mainland of Italy and Corsica in a broad arch of islands. Most are mountainous, rising sheer from the sea and offering good depths close to the coast. The vegetation is typically palms, eucalyptus, cedar and magnolias and of course olives and grape vines. They have enormous natural and historical richness. All have charming beautiful little villages surrounded by sheltered bays and hidden beaches. History, culture, traditions, unforgettable food, wine and the warm hospitality are the main characteristics of these islands.
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Explore the old village of Porto Ercole with many cafes and shops. This is a fine place to start your charter. The village is on the Monte Argentario, now a peninsula but once an island until the shallow water silted up around 200 BC. Forgotten and inaccessible for centuries, the island has undergone a complete change since 1980. It was transformed into an up market holiday resort with expensive yachts in the harbor of Porto Ercole and Santo Stefano. The south of the island remains relatively inaccessible and offers good walking country.
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The Argentario is an authentic natural paradise that has been saved from rampant speculative building. In spite of a lack of fresh water, the dominant color is green and the vegetation covers the rocks that plunge into an uncontaminated sea. These coasts were the object of major conflicts between France and Spain in the 16th century. Spain was the victor and created the Stato dei Presidi. There is still plenty of evidence of the occupation: fortifications dot the area and ruined watch towers can be found in the lush vegetation covering the rocks.
It is just a 3 hour sail to the tiny Giglio Island with its sandy beaches and amazing intact fortified hill town of Giglio Castello . The pleasing pink and yellow harbor town is lovely for an afternoon stroll. As you sail round the island you will see numerous towers along the coast which were built as lookouts to protect the inhabitants from pirates in the 18th century.
The island of Giglio owes its exceptionally mild climate to the density of the vegetation: ever since ancient times vineyards have been cultivated here, producing a distinctive wine, the Ansonaco. The local fauna also enjoys a particularly favorable environment. There are abundant wild rabbits, hares, partridges and woodcocks. The seabed provides memorable excursions for divers and snorkelers .
The crew will get an early start for the 5 hour sail to Elba but you can sleep in and have breakfast underway. After a relaxing lunch on board in a sheltered cove, visit the old citadel above Porto Azzurro village, built by the Spanish.
That night take a short trip to the picture perfect village of Capoliveri and have dinner at a trattoria where you can sample typical Italian dishes.
Today you will sail around Elba to Portoferraio on the North side.
Napoleon was exiled here in 1814. Climb to Piazza Napoleon for sweeping views of the wide bay and visit Napoleon¹s official residence. You can trace the story of his arrival through the Sea Gate of Portoferraio¹s old walled city to the Piazza della Repubblica where he had to lodge temporarily in the Town Hall.
While Portoferraio keeps family hours and is mostly closed up by 9:30 at night the hill town of Capliveri has a lively evening buzz.
For a new treat try breakfast in a typical coffee shop in the harbor. During the morning take a drive to one of the highest points facing the town and visit the ancient Roman ruins, the old thermal baths. After lunch on board sail to some lovely beaches and spend the evening at the Marciana marina.
The next day it is a 6 hour sail to Corsica and the town of Bastia situated in the southeast coast of Cape Corse. You will probably see dolphins during the passage. Visit St. Nicholas square, the social hub of the town and you will still have time for a bit of shopping and sightseeing before dinner.
Corsica is part of France, famous for its wonderful baked goods such as croissants. After a fine breakfast set sail for Macinaggio along the coast of rocky cliffs and rolling hills. Macinaggio offers outstanding pizzaerias, cafes and outdoor markets.
From Macinaggio set sail for the Bay of Tamarone just to the north and an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. The natural reserve called Site Naturelle de la Capandula encompasses the islet of Finocchiarola and that of Giraglia. Along the way you will spot many old Genoese watchtowers.
It is a long sail to St. Florent which is popular with the rich and famous. Have dinner on board and explore the town that evening.
Then sail North and then East to the island of Capraia, a volcanic and solitary islands. Many gulls nest on Capraia.
The island is the furthest from the coast and from a geological point of view it is of great interest as it is composed of slate, basalt, tufa and breccia. These are volcanic materials, evidence of the archipelago¹s past. The coastline of Capria is full of deep sea caves. Here you can explore the island on foot visiting the Castle of St. Giorgio and the remains of the Roman villa.
From Capria sail to Punta Ala on the mainland of Italy and enjoy the afternoon shopping and exploring.
Punto Ala is ain important yachting port and elite tourist resort. On the extreme tip of Punta Ala lies Hidalgo Point, a handful of rocks scattered across the sea. The largest is known as the Scogio dello Sparviero, or the Sparrow Hawk Rock, a ruined watchtower is perched on the summit. You might want to end your charter here in Tuscany and do a bit of exploring by car, or alternatively, sail down the coast to Porto Ercole where you embarked on this wonderful adventure.
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