Isola di Giannutri
One has to go just south of the Tuscan Archipelago, south of the interior region to find Giannutri on the map: a small island located 11 km from Argentario and 15 km fromGiglio Island; the southernmost of the archipelago, only 100 km away from Rome as the crow flies. Since ancient Roman times, it was considered sacred to the goddess Diana/Artemis because of its crescent shape reminiscent of the scythe used by the goddess.
Its 2.8 km length encloses a wild and unexpected environment of soft coves washed by a crystal-clear sea, steep cliffs plunging into the deepest blue, sea caves, small beaches, and varied Mediterranean scrub.
In order to preserve its peculiar natural environment and extraordinary seabed, rich in gorgonian life, lobsters, mollusks and shoals of small fish; concealing ancient and modern wrecks, the island was included in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and constrained by strict regulations that limit but do not hinder tourist enjoyment, creating a perfect balance between welcome and the need for protection.
What there is to see in Giannutri
In Giannutri it is possible to visit, together with the Park’s Official Guides, the ancient Roman villa built by the usual Domizi/Enobarbi family or, always accompanied by the guide, to follow two paths branching off to Montemario or to the lighthouse at Punta del Capel Rosso, at the north end of the island. Here one is confronted with the breathtaking view overlooking the sea and the other islands of the archipelago, and among the sheer cliffs one can see the Grottoni: large caves, a refuge for herring gulls. From here you can try to spot the mysterious sunken island of Zanara.
You arrive by boat at Cala Maestra, which gets its name from the master or mistral, a wind blowing from the northwest; or to Cove Spread, located on the opposite side, where you can admire the remains of the Roman harbor, a temporary port of call for ships transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea, and find yourself inside a small tourist village.
In Giannutri you can swim in the two main coves of Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio, and in other specific areas marked by the Park, which you get to under the guidance of a licensed Tour Guide. Park guides are available daily during high season and on Saturdays during low season. Excursions to the Roman Villa or nature tours take about 45 minutes.
In Giannutri, on certain nights, still wanders the ghost of Marietta, the inconsolable lover, who, among the coves and cliffs, still searches for the places where she lived her sweet love with Gualtiero.
How to get to Giannutri Island
To reach the island of Giannutri, one must embark at Porto Santo Stefano (Monte Argentario), from where year-round scheduled connections operated by Maregiglio depart.
You may wonder: how do you get to Porto Santo Stefano? →
All info here
The days on which the scheduled connection operates change throughout the year depending on the season: scheduled departures to the Island are guaranteed every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year.
10:00 a.m. from Porto Santo Stefano – Giannutri Island
4 p.m. from Giannutri Island – Porto Santo Stefano
During the summer season, rides are also activated on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, to which is added an afternoon departure on Fridays. You can see the departure schedule for Giannutri on the page:
Giannutri Fares and Schedules
on this website.
You can also reach the island from Isola del Giglio-from June 20 until about September 15, the Maregiglio Thursday line is active, departing from
Isola del Giglio- Giglio Porto – 10:30 a.m.
return from
Giannutri Island – 4:00 p.m.
No cars or other vehicles can be ferried on the island for tourist purposes.
You can also visit the island in one day by choosing one of our excursions. To visit the island it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes, to bring water, food and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and of course mask, fins and snorkel. It is recommended for all explorers to have respect for the ecosystem, not to introduce non-native animal species to the island, to take care of the existing flora and fauna and, therefore, Do not leave any trash traces or residue. Or if you prefer to spend several days on Diana Island in close contact with nature here are some tips:
Giannutri: where to sleep
On the island of Giannutri there are no large hotel facilities, no campgrounds, no large hotels, and although the Romans chose it illo tempore as a vacation spot by building a luxurious villa here, it remains to this day impossible to enjoy the ancient comforts. But don’t despair folks! Because some modern, contemporary Romans have followed in the footsteps of their direct ancestors here by building their vacation homes, far but not too far from the crowded urbe. Some of these have now become lovely B&Bs, which with their few rooms are willing to accommodate all those who would like to spend more than one day on the island. Following is a list:
Visiting Giannutri, Useful info, Regulations for access to the Park area, Guided tours.
Mini Crouise
Discover our mini cruises Argentario, Giglio Island and Giannutri Island
