PARCO NAZIONALE DELL'ARCIPELAGO TOSCANO
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is a protected natural area established in 1996 covering an area of 79,160 hectares between the provinces of Livorno, Grosseto and the coastal area. It is one of the Italian National Parks with the strongest integration between land (22%) and sea (78%). It is the largest marine park in the Mediterranean and consists of numerous distant and different islands, each with its own endemic species to protect. The Park ensures the preservation of biodiversity, protects the historical, artistic and cultural heritage of the islands, promotes environmental awareness and contrasts environmental offences. Finally, the Park supports tourism and the sustainable economic development of the archipelago, promoting local products and agricultural and culinary traditions.
In 2021, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world's top organisation for parks and nature reserves based in Switzerland, formally placed the Tuscan Archipelago National Park on its prestigious Green List. This list rewards world-class protected areas and represents a certification programme for those that are actually the most successful in terms of nature conservation and sustainable management.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park area is included in the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve 'Islands of Tuscany'.
The Biosphere Reserve entirely comprises the seven islands (Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri) and a large portion of the sea surrounding them. It includes 18 sites of the Natura 2000 network including Sites of Community Interest and Special Protection Areas (according to the EC Habitat and Birds Directives) and part of the International Marine Mammal Sanctuary of the Mediterranean. It is home to 22 different types of natural habitats and 37 rare and endemic species of animals of Community interest, such as the peregrine falcon, the Mediterranean horseshoe bat and the red-crowned swallow. Also very important is the incredible range of geological and geomorphological diversity, including an assortment of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks that tell the story of the evolution of the earth's crust on the European continent.
These islands and seas have been frequented by man since prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites, Etruscan and Roman villa remains. It is this millennial balanced relationship between community, land and sea that lies at the heart of the UNESCO recognition of the Tuscan Islands and that guides the actions of the Biosphere Reserve.
The Biosphere Reserve entirely comprises the seven islands (Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri) and a large portion of the sea surrounding them. It includes 18 sites of the Natura 2000 network including Sites of Community Interest and Special Protection Areas (according to the EC Habitat and Birds Directives) and part of the International Marine Mammal Sanctuary of the Mediterranean. It is home to 22 different types of natural habitats and 37 rare and endemic species of animals of Community interest, such as the peregrine falcon, the Mediterranean horseshoe bat and the red-crowned swallow. Also very important is the incredible range of geological and geomorphological diversity, including an assortment of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks that tell the story of the evolution of the earth's crust on the European continent.
These islands and seas have been frequented by man since prehistoric times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites, Etruscan and Roman villa remains. It is this millennial balanced relationship between community, land and sea that lies at the heart of the UNESCO recognition of the Tuscan Islands and that guides the actions of the Biosphere Reserve.
ECST Phase II certification
The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas (ESTC) is a methodological tool and certification aimed at improving tourism management in Protected Areas. The core element of the Charter is the collaboration between the National Park, tourism operators and businesses operating in its territory in order to develop a common strategy and action plan for tourism development, based on a thorough analysis of the local situation.
The main goal is the protection of the natural and cultural heritage and the continuous improvement of tourism management in the protected area for the benefit of the environment, the local population, businesses and visitors.
To date, 38 accommodation facilities operating in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park area have been certified and in July 2023 La Mandola Eco Hostel obtained ECST Phase II certification.
To date, 38 accommodation facilities operating in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park area have been certified and in July 2023 La Mandola Eco Hostel obtained ECST Phase II certification.
CEA Info Park La Salata
The facility in the marina provides information for exploring the island. There is a tourist infopoint managed by the National Park, the Municipality of Capraia Isola and the Pro Loco. The Environmental Education Centre offers multimedia displays and interactive applications to get to know the island. A specific display is dedicated to the "Pelagos" International Sanctuary of Marine Mammals.
Here, you can book excursions with a Park Guide to discover the trails, geological and archaeological treasures and the island's extraordinary marine protected area.
Admission is free.
Tel. 320 9606560 - 347 7714601.
Admission is free.
Tel. 320 9606560 - 347 7714601.
Botanical Trail
The trail is about 300 metres long and runs along the ancient Roman road that leads from the Port to the village, passing in front of the spring and crossing the bridge over Vado del Porto. It can be reached from the Port starting from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, following the road to the village 'Le Sughere', or from the village starting from the Church of San Nicola, walking along Via San Leonardo and continuing in the direction of the Port, skirting the Palmento di San Leonardo. The botanical trail is free and open to all, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Spring is the ideal time to visit it.
Click here to download the presentation leaflet
Click here to download the presentation leaflet
Hiking trails
Capraia's network of footpaths consists of 16 trails with associated secondary routes. By combining the different trails, you can visit the most spectacular places. The two main, challenging loop trails are the Zenobito Trail and the Stagnone Trail, in the southern and central part of the island respectively. Not as challenging is the Torre della Regina route, which allows you to visit the former prison area in the northern part. Finally, there are two short itineraries, among the few that make it possible to reach the coast: the Cala dello Zurletto route and the Cala del Ceppo route.
The official map of the hiking trails (scale 1:15,000) and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park's Guide to the Hiking Trails of Capraia Island can be purchased at the hostel reception.
In addition to paper maps, constantly updated digital maps can be used free of charge and downloaded to mobile devices by accessing the Avenza Maps platform.
The official map of the hiking trails (scale 1:15,000) and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park's Guide to the Hiking Trails of Capraia Island can be purchased at the hostel reception.
In addition to paper maps, constantly updated digital maps can be used free of charge and downloaded to mobile devices by accessing the Avenza Maps platform.
After installing the Avenza Maps application on your mobile device (tablet or smartphone), you can download free maps by selecting the official map of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park published by 4LAND on the Avenza Maps store.
After downloading the digital cartography, the Avenza Maps application can also be used in offline mode, wherever you are, including areas not covered by the 4G network. In this way, you can use your mobile phone as a real map GPS.
You can accurately display your position, orientate yourself with great ease, start plotting a route, insert placeholders and geotagged photos, and then share everything with friends.
For more information on the trails in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park click here.
After downloading the digital cartography, the Avenza Maps application can also be used in offline mode, wherever you are, including areas not covered by the 4G network. In this way, you can use your mobile phone as a real map GPS.
You can accurately display your position, orientate yourself with great ease, start plotting a route, insert placeholders and geotagged photos, and then share everything with friends.
For more information on the trails in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park click here.