Isola di Giannutri is quite simply the biggest jewel in the jewellery box that is Monte Argentario… and one of the oldest.

Inhabited in the Bronze Age, the island went on become a bustling port during the Roman Empire, when it was known as Artemisia.

When the Romans left, the island was abandoned, used mostly by pirates as shelter on their way to attack Tuscany and seen by the Spanish in the 16th century as a weak point in their military port.

The Spanish wanted to turn the island into a series of housing estates, but the plan never left the drawing board, luckily.

Instead they and everyone else left the island untouched, allowing it to blossom into the incredible natural paradise and nature reserve it is today.

Giannutri, without contest, is the Tuscan Archipelago’s most beautiful island. It is part of the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano, which means visitors have to be careful not to disturb any of the flora or fauna.

There’s also hardly a trace of human habitation to be seen here.

The only things that break the endless stretches of incredible beaches and tall, thick forests, are things built by Roman hands. Carefully preserved, these ruins are some of the most complete treasures that exist in the Maremma.

HOW TO GET HERE:

The main ferry company that connects Porto Santo Stefano with Giannutri Island is called Maregiglio. You can plan your journey on their website, which is in Italian, but easy enough to navigate even if you don’t speak a word of the language!

The Maregiglio ferry also stops at Giglio Island, so you can island hop if you have the time and feel so inclined. You can buy your tickets either online or at the booths on the boardwalk at Porto Santo Stefano. There are so many ferries that you don’t have to worry about missing out.

If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, try Revenge Navigazione. They make regular day trips to Giannutri Island, but it’s a much more civilized affair with a fish lunch on board and additional stops at some of the other beautiful islands in Tuscan Archipelago.

SIGHTS:

	Roman ruins Follow the gorgeous stone pillars that guard the ancient Roman port to the stunning villa. A senatorial home, it still maintains all its grand glory.
	Dive sights and beaches With so many incredible dive sights for beginners and professionals alike, you’ll find it hard to come up for air. If you can resist the urge to lose yourself on one of the beaches, that is.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Ferries to the Isola di Giannutri depart from Porto Santo Stefano every day and take just over an hour. Tickets and schedules can be bought from Porto Santo Stefano or online.

For more information about the island, diving areas and environmental park, or to inquire about tours and other activities contact Giannutri’s official tourist guide on tel. +39 0564 806096, mob. +39 328 0244996, or email: aldimarina@virgilio.it

During peak tourist season (from 26 May to 12 October), only 300 people are allowed on the island per day. This is to protect the beauty and natural splendour of the island.

To visit the island during this period you must contact the park ranger at gillone@islapark.it or tel. +39 0565 919411, or the APT di Monte Argentario: tel. +39 0564 814208 or email: infoargentario@lamremma.info.