A sailing trip in Tuscany: explore the Tuscan archipelago
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A sailing trip through the Tuscan Archipelago combines clear waters, tranquil anchorages, and small island harbors. A tried-and-tested starting point is Monte Argentario with Porto Ercole: From there, you can quickly reach Giglio and Giannutri, while Elba is a destination for several days. We present a route for about a week and tell you which islands you can only admire from the water.
Sailing trip in Tuscany at a glance
- Route: Porto Ercole – Giglio – (Giannutri) – Elba – back along the Maremma coast.
- Duration: about a week; stages can easily be completed in one day depending on the wind.
- Without a sailing license: Add a skipper.
- Taboo: Montecristo (bathing prohibited, approx. 1 km distance) and the protected areas around Pianosa.
- Season: April to October.
Preparation: Boat, skipper and port of departure
You can rent a sailboat on the Italian mainland and start your trip, for example, in Porto Ercole (Cala Galera) or Porto Santo Stefano. If you don't have a sailing license, hire a skipper. They will take care of steering, maneuvering, and docking, know anchorages and harbors – and leave you free, especially with small children. For families, renting a catamaran is a good option : it's more stable and offers more space. You can find basic information about boat types, harbors, and licensing requirements in the guide " Yacht Charter in Tuscany ."
Suggested route: From Porto Ercole to Elba and back
| Stage | Objective | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porto Ercole → Giglio | Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello, bathing bay of Campese |
| 2 (optional) | Giglio → Giannutri → Giglio | Mooring only at Cala Maestra or Cala Spalmatoio |
| 3 | Giglio → Elba (south coast) | Montecristo from afar, Marina di Campo, Fetovaia |
| 4–5 | Around Elba | Cotoncello near Sant'Andrea, Marciana, Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro |
| 6–7 | Elba → Porto Ercole | Return journey along the Maremma coast, e.g. via Punta Ala or Castiglione della Pescaia |
Giglio Island
The island of Giglio is easily reached from Porto Ercole. Restaurants line the waterfront in the port of Giglio Porto. The next day, a trip up to Giglio Castello with its church of Santi Lorenzo e Mamiliano is worthwhile, as is a short hike to Cala dello Smeraldo. The bays around the island are ideal for swimming and diving. A visit to the small village of Giannutri is also recommended , where mooring is only permitted at Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio.
Passing Montecristo and Pianosa
On the way to Elba, you'll pass Montecristo and Pianosa . Both islands are among the most strictly protected zones of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park: Swimming is prohibited at Montecristo, and boating is forbidden within a one-kilometer radius of the island; access is only permitted with authorized guided tours (maximum 2.000 visitors per year). Restricted zones also exist around Pianosa, and violations are monitored and punished. Therefore, it's best to make swimming stops on the south coast of Elba. You can visit Pianosa by guided boat from Marina di Campo.
Elba
On Elba, Marina di Campo, Portoferraio, and Porto Azzurro offer good anchorages. Besides beaches like Fetovaia and Cotoncello near Sant'Andrea, there are many snorkeling and diving spots. For a day trip ashore, we recommend the mountain village of Marciana with its narrow, winding streets. Hiking enthusiasts can climb Monte Capanne, the island's highest mountain, and enjoy the view over the entire archipelago. More tips: the most beautiful beaches of Elba and sights on Elba.
Return journey along the coast
After a few days on Elba, the journey continues along the Tuscan coast back to Porto Ercole – perhaps with a stop in Punta Ala or Castiglione della Pescaia . You can find quiet swimming spots along the way in our article about the tranquil beaches of Tuscany.
No private sailing trip? Sailing day trips
Those who only want to sail for a day can book a guided tour from Monte Argentario, for example via GetYourGuide: Sailing trips from Porto Santo Stefano . We present further starting points and island excursions under Boat tours in Tuscany.
Frequently asked questions about sailing trips in Tuscany
How long should a sailing trip in the Tuscan Archipelago last?
About a week is ideal for the Porto Ercole – Giglio – Elba and back route. This leaves buffer days for bad weather or strong winds.
Can I go on a sailing trip without a sailing license?
Yes, with a skipper. He takes responsibility for the boat, but you can still sail along. Many charter companies offer skippers for an extra charge.
Is it permitted to anchor at Montecristo or Pianosa?
No. Boating and swimming are prohibited for approximately one kilometer off the coast of Montecristo; restricted zones also apply around Pianosa. Both islands may only be visited with authorized guided tours.
Which port is suitable as a starting point?
For the south of the archipelago, Porto Ercole (Cala Galera) and Porto Santo Stefano on Monte Argentario are suitable; for Elba and Capraia, ports on the Etruscan coast are also an option.
When is the best time for a sailing trip in Tuscany?
From April to October. June and September are considered particularly pleasant: warm water, less crowding in the ports and lower prices than in July and August.
