Giannutri, a crescent-moon-shaped island off the coast of Tuscany, in the Tuscan Archipelago, is a small but incredible gem that is well-preserved and protected and boasts a remarkable amount of things to see and do. If you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany, it is a great place for a day out. As we said in the last post, you can explore the ruins of a Roman Villa, discover Roman shipwrecks, go snorkelling or scuba diving, or go swimming but there are even more things to see and do so take note of the following, as well...
5. Sit back and take in the view
Giannutri is a natural gem and the unspoiled views, crystal-clear waters and rich flora and fauna are quite a sight to behold. Sit back, breathe in the sea air and really appreciate this little, crescent-shaped slice of heaven on earth.
6. Spot the Seagulls
Often called Isola dei Gabbiani, or Seagull Island, Giannutri is home to a large colony of Mediterranean gulls (Larus Michaellis), a variety that has yellow instead of pink legs. There are also plenty of other migratory birds that use the island as a nesting site so bird-watchers come and spot the many that flock here.
7. Go Hiking
The island is perfect for hiking but do bear in mind that this is only permitted if you are accompanied by an official hiking guide, as requested at the park authority. While this might be a bit of a pain, it is for the best as these restrictions have meant that the island has remained an untouched natural beauty that is a joy to explore.
8. Pay a visit to the old Lighthouse
At the southern end of Giannutri, overlooking the wild cliffs and sea, you will find the nineteenth century Giannutri Lighthouse. An octagonal tower, painted with white and red bands to enhance its visibility, it is still an active lighthouse and a rather evocative spot on the island where the views are especially astounding.
With so much to see and do, what are you waiting for? Head to this incredible island the next time you are exploring Tuscany's coastline.
Giannutri is a natural gem and the unspoiled views, crystal-clear waters and rich flora and fauna are quite a sight to behold. Sit back, breathe in the sea air and really appreciate this little, crescent-shaped slice of heaven on earth.
6. Spot the Seagulls
Often called Isola dei Gabbiani, or Seagull Island, Giannutri is home to a large colony of Mediterranean gulls (Larus Michaellis), a variety that has yellow instead of pink legs. There are also plenty of other migratory birds that use the island as a nesting site so bird-watchers come and spot the many that flock here.
7. Go Hiking
The island is perfect for hiking but do bear in mind that this is only permitted if you are accompanied by an official hiking guide, as requested at the park authority. While this might be a bit of a pain, it is for the best as these restrictions have meant that the island has remained an untouched natural beauty that is a joy to explore.
8. Pay a visit to the old Lighthouse
At the southern end of Giannutri, overlooking the wild cliffs and sea, you will find the nineteenth century Giannutri Lighthouse. An octagonal tower, painted with white and red bands to enhance its visibility, it is still an active lighthouse and a rather evocative spot on the island where the views are especially astounding.
With so much to see and do, what are you waiting for? Head to this incredible island the next time you are exploring Tuscany's coastline.
Photo credits
Picture 1: simonetta viterbi / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Simonefiderigo / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: simonetta viterbi / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2: Simonefiderigo / CC BY-SA 3.0
