Capraia Isola
Capraia Isola è un comune della provincia di Livorno, in Toscana, che coincide con l'omonima isola dell'Arcipelago Toscano
Actualizado el 19 julio 2026
Esta temporada · Julio · Verano
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La historia de Capraia Isola
Capraia Isola: Introduction and Location
Capraia Isola rises in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Corsica and the Tuscan coast, and is administratively a municipality in the province of Livorno. It is the third-largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, after Elba and Giglio, though its distance from the mainland makes it one of the region's most remote and quiet destinations. The only settlement clusters around the small harbour, its coloured houses climbing toward the old fortress. Reachable only by sea, the island retains an authentic atmosphere, far from the mass tourism found on other islands of the archipelago.
History and Origins
Capraia's history is tied to centuries of Genoese rule: the Republic of Genoa governed the island for a long period, leaving behind the fortress that still dominates the village and the harbour below. More recently, for over a century the island hosted an agricultural penal colony, finally closed in the 1980s, which for decades limited access and spared much of the territory from invasive building development. This enforced isolation helped preserve the natural environments intact, which today make Capraia a precious destination for those seeking authenticity and unspoiled landscapes.
Nature and Landscape
Capraia is the only volcanic island of the Tuscan Archipelago, and this origin shapes a rugged, dramatic landscape of dark cliffs, secluded coves and seabeds of great naturalistic value. The island lies entirely within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which protects its Mediterranean scrub, wildlife and surrounding crystal-clear waters. Numerous hiking trails cross the hilly interior, offering views over the open sea and, on clear days, of nearby Corsica. It is a favourite destination for hikers, birdwatchers and scuba divers.
What to Do and See
The heart of the village is the harbour, a starting point for exploring the island on foot or by boat. From here, a path climbs to the historic village and to the Fortress of San Giorgio, which overlooks the settlement with its Genoese walls. Along the coast, coves reachable only by sea or via scenic trails follow one another, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Hikers can follow trails crossing the island's volcanic interior to the southern tip, where an old watchtower stands. Boat excursions along the coast reveal sea caves and seabeds rich in marine life.
Flavours and Traditions
Capraia's small community lives largely on fishing and seasonal tourism, and local cuisine reflects this maritime vocation, with dishes based on fresh fish, shellfish and produce grown in the island's few fertile plots. Harbourside restaurants serve simple recipes rooted in coastal Tuscan tradition, often paired with a glass of local wine. Island life still follows the slow rhythm of fishing and the seasons, a trait visitors notice from the moment they land and one that contributes greatly to Capraia's authentic, uncommercial charm.
Not to be missed
- The Fortress of San Giorgio, the village's Genoese landmark
- The harbour and historic village with its coloured houses
- Cala Rossa and the other coves reachable by sea
- The Zenobito Tower, on the island's southern tip
- The hiking trails of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park
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