Capraia Island

Capraia is the wildest island in the Tuscan Archipelago: volcanic, steep, almost without roads, and only about 30 km from Corsica. You can reach it year-round by ferry from Livorno (approx. 2,5 hours). If you're looking for hiking, snorkeling, and peace and quiet, this is the place for you – if you're after sandy beaches and crowds, probably not.

Arrival: Ferry to Capraia

Ferry from Livorno

The only year-round ferry service to Capraia is operated by Toremar from the port of Livorno . The crossing takes approximately 2,5 hours (up to almost 3 hours, depending on the ship). In summer, there are usually several departures per day, while in the off-season there are fewer – check the current timetable in advance and book ahead of time in July and August. No special permit is required for Capraia.

Car, motorhome and parking

A car isn't really necessary on Capraia: the island practically only has the roughly 1 km long road between the port (Porto) and the town (Paese), and the municipality restricts traffic for non-residents by ordinance. A small bus shuttles between the port and the town, timed to coincide with the ferries. It's best to leave your car or campervan in a parking lot at the port of Livorno and travel to the island on foot.

Day trip from Elba or Livorno

During the summer, excursion boats depart from Elba to Capraia, usually on Fridays from Portoferraio (approx. 2 hours) and Marciana Marina (approx. 1,5 hours). A longer day trip is possible from Livorno if you take the early morning boat there and the evening boat back – however, this depends on the specific timetable. For hiking and exploring the bays, two to three days are recommended.

Where is the island of Capraia located?

Capraia lies in the Ligurian Sea between the Tuscan mainland and Corsica – the Corsican coast is only about 30 km away. The island is approximately 8 km long and 4 km wide and belongs to the province of Livorno. Only the port and the slightly higher village with the San Giorgio fortress are inhabited.

Hiking, swimming and snorkeling

Hiking on Capraia

The national park maintains a network of approximately 20 km of hiking trails on Capraia, some of which are old military, shepherd, and farm paths with significant elevation changes. Popular tours:

• Percorso dello Stagnone: Challenging tour into the island's interior to Stagnone, a small mountain lake (approx. 320 m) that often almost dries up in summer.
• Percorso dello Zenobito: A circular route starting from the town, approximately 15 km, around 6 hours and a good 700 meters of elevation gain – to Monte Arpagna, to the Torre dello Zenobito tower and to the viewpoint above Cala Rossa.
• Shorter routes: to the Torre della Regina in the north or down to the bays of Cala dello Zurletto and Cala del Ceppo.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes – there's hardly any shade. Orchids bloom in the maquis shrubland in spring, making the heat more bearable.

Swimming and bays

There isn't a traditional beach. The only small sandy cove is Cala della Mortola; otherwise, you swim from the rocks. Directly below the town, the "Miglio Blu" is a designated swimming area approximately 1,1 km long, marked off with buoys. Many coves, such as the spectacular Cala Rossa with its red and gray volcanic cliffs, are best reached by water taxi, an island tour, or a rental boat (small boats can be operated without a license).

Snorkeling, diving and dolphins

The clear waters, seagrass meadows, and rocky coastline make Capraia a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. The island lies within the Pelagos International Whale Sanctuary, and dolphin sightings are not uncommon. Please observe the national park regulations: parts of the sea around Capraia are strictly protected, and fishing and anchoring are restricted or prohibited. Information is available at the park office and boat rental companies.

Nature, history and sights

Volcanic island with maquis shrubland and seabirds

Capraia is of volcanic origin and thus differs from the rest of the archipelago. Inland, dense Mediterranean scrubland grows, including myrtle, strawberry tree, tree heath, and mastic shrub. The steep cliffs are an important breeding ground for seabirds – including the rare Audouin's gull – as well as for peregrine falcons.

History: from Genoa to Tuscany

Im Mittelalter war Capraia zeitweise Stützpunkt von Piraten und gehörte später zu Pisa, ab dem 16. Jahrhundert dann zur Republik Genua. Erst 1925 wechselte die Insel von der Provinz Genua zur Provinz Livorno. Von 1873 bis 1986 war ein großer Teil der Insel eine landwirtschaftliche Strafkolonie; erst danach öffnete sich Capraia dem Tourismus. Seit 1996 gehört der größte Teil der Insel zum Nationalpark Toskanischer Archipel.

Things to see in the town and on the island

• Forte San Giorgio: The Genoese fortress overlooking the town (private property, worth seeing from the outside)
• Port Tower at the port and Zenobito Tower at the southern tip
• Churches like San Nicola in the town and the former monastery of Sant'Antonio
• Former prison – the abandoned buildings of the penal colony can be reached via short hikes

Feasts

In autumn, the Sagra del Totano takes place, a festival celebrating the arrow squid and featuring a fishing competition. In mid-August (Ferragosto), the Assumption of Mary is celebrated in the parish church of Assunta.

Accommodation and practical tips

Capraia is not a place for hustle and bustle: In the harbor and in the town itself, there are a few restaurants, bars, small shops, a pharmacy, a post office, and an ATM. Accommodation is limited – you should book early for July and August.

Find accommodation

You can find available hotels, guesthouses, and holiday apartments on the island at Booking.com: Accommodation on Capraia . Those who prefer to stay on Elba can find boat trips from Elba at GetYourGuide ; the Capraia trips from Portoferraio and Marciana Marina are usually offered directly at the ports.

Other islands of the archipelago

Capraia is one of seven islands in the Tuscan Archipelago. The largest and most developed is Elba (see also Getting to Elba ). The prison island of Gorgona and the Montecristo nature reserve, on the other hand, can only be visited with guided tours or a permit and in limited numbers – Pianosa is similarly restricted . Further south lie Giglio and Giannutri.

Frequently asked questions about Capraia