Capraia Island Excursion Program
Guided tour including round-trip transportation from Elba to Capraia and a Park Guide. The Park Guide will accompany participants on a discovery of natural history at the La Salata Environmental Education Center, and the secrets of the small village, from the Torre del Porto to Forte San Giorgio and the Church of San Nicola.
After leaving the village, the route continues along the Reganico River until reaching Cala dello Zurletto, amid ancient agricultural terraces and Mediterranean scrub. A short stop and the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters will be a welcome stop before heading back to the port.
At the end of the visit, free time before boarding.
Duration: 3.5 hours (5 hours on the island) – Difficulty: medium. Cost: €55 full price – €30 reduced price (5-12 years), free for children under 4.
Departures from Elba Island – Portoferraio and Marciana Marina
Summer departures from Elba Island – boarding in Portoferraio at 9:30 am or in Marciana Marina at 10:00 am, return at 6:00 pm (Marciana Marina) and 6:30 pm (Portoferraio).
19 AND 26 JUNE – 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 JULY – 7, 21 AND 28 AUGUST
The excursions are book online on parcoarcipelago.info
Capraia
Capraia Island is the third largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, after Elba and Giglio. With just over 19 km², it represents one of the most authentic and isolated islands, located over 50 km from the mainland coast and an equal distance from the other large islands of the archipelago. A remote island in the heart of the Mediterranean
A location that favors natural isolation
Vaguely elliptical in shape, Capraia extends for about 8 km from north to south and is on average 4 km wide. Its location, between Corsica and Elba, makes it one of the most “marine” islands of the archipelago, ideal for those seeking an experience far from the heaviest tourist crowds.
A mountainous and wild island
The territory is predominantly mountainous, crossed by a ridge that runs the length of the island and culminates at Monte Castello. In the central part lies the Stagnone, the most important wetland in the Tuscan Archipelago, an environment of great ecological value and a prime spot for wildlife observation.
Volcanic origins and unique landscapes
Capraia is the remains of an ancient underwater volcanic edifice. The island is the result of two distinct eruptive events that shaped a spectacular landscape of domes, lava flows, and pyroclastic deposits. The chromatic contrast between the light-colored rocks and the dark red ones is particularly evident in the famous Cala Rossa, one of the island’s most iconic and evocative spots, as well as being of great geological interest.
Mediterranean vegetation and botanical biodiversity
The plant landscape is dominated by garrigue and Mediterranean scrub, with heather, strawberry trees, mastic trees, and myrtle, interspersed with small holm oak groves. Capraia is considered a true natural laboratory: of the more than 650 plant species recorded, a significant percentage are endemic, making the island of great interest for nature and botanical tourism.
Discreet but precious fauna
The land fauna is inconspicuous but of great value. Among reptiles and amphibians, the grass snake and the Sardinian tree frog stand out, while birdlife is one of the island’s most important features. Capraia is a stopover point for numerous migratory birds and is home to marine and terrestrial species of great interest, making the Stagnone a prime spot for birdwatching, especially in spring.
A sea rich in life
The waters surrounding the island are extraordinarily rich in biodiversity. The seagrass meadows and underwater rock walls are home to numerous marine species, attracting snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Capraia is also located within the Pelagos Sanctuary, where it’s possible to observe cetaceans such as fin whales, striped dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins.
Capraia has once again become home to species of extraordinary naturalistic value.
In recent years, Capraia’s sea and coasts have once again become home to species of extraordinary natural value. The appearance of the Mediterranean monk seal and the return of the osprey to nesting are important signs of the island’s environmental quality and the effectiveness of its conservation policies.
Capraia frequented since ancient times
Frequented since ancient times and home to a Roman settlement, Capraia endured centuries of pirate raids and later Genoese rule, which left behind important defensive structures. In modern times, the island hosted an agricultural penal colony, active until 1986, now partially converted.
Capraia autonomous municipality
Today, Capraia is an autonomous municipality in the province of Livorno with a population of approximately 400. The two settlements, the port and the historic village, are connected by a short road and represent the heart of island life. Sustainable tourism is a natural fit here: few visitors, a slow pace, and a strong respect for the environment and the local community.
Capraia, an island to be experienced with respect
Choosing Capraia means immersing yourself in a pristine environment, where volcanic nature, the protected sea, and a history of isolation and resilience invite an authentic, mindful, and profoundly sustainable travel experience.
One of the main activities that visitors to Capraia can enjoy most is undoubtedly trekking. The island is ideal for hikers who love to immerse themselves in wild nature. Most of the territory is in fact uninhabited. This makes walking on Capraia a unique experience. Capraia’s trail network consists of 16 paths with related branch routes. By combining several trails, you can visit the most spectacular places.
Environmental Education Center “La Salata”
The reference point for discovering Capraia and its natural and marine heritage.
Where is it located?
- Located in the tourist port of Capraia
- Information point of the Tuscan Observatory for Biodiversity
- Managed in collaboration between the National Park, the Municipality of Capraia and the Pro Loco
Multimedia and interactive experiences
- Virtual reality installations to relive the geological formation of the archipelago
- Interactive applications to discover Capraia’s volcanoes and the trail network
- Focus on the Pelagos International Sanctuary with images and information on marine mammals
Life-size models
- In the courtyard you can admire the models of a bottlenose dolphin, a common dolphin, a spinner dolphin and a monk seal
Guided excursions
- Possibility to book visits with a Park Guide
- Discover the trails, the geological and archaeological treasures and the marine protected area
Information
- Free entry
- Contacts: Tel. +39 320 9606560 – +39 347 7714601
The National Park offers a rich program of activities on Capraia.
Environmental Education Center “LA SALATA”
Information Point of the Tuscan Observatory for Biodiversity
The information center located in the tourist port provides all the information you need to visit Capraia thanks to the tourist information point, managed in collaboration with the National Park, the Municipality of Capraia Isola, and the Pro Loco.
Virtual reality multimedia installations and interactive applications allow visitors to relive the geological formation of the Tuscan Archipelago, particularly the volcanic system that formed the island of Capraia, and also discover the opportunities for exploring the network of trails.
A special exhibit is dedicated to the Pelagos International Marine Mammal Sanctuary, featuring images of its extraordinary inhabitants. The courtyard houses splendid life-size models of bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins, and monk seals. Here, you can book excursions with a Park Guide to explore the island’s trails, geological and archaeological treasures, and extraordinary marine protected area. Free admission. Tel. +39 320 9606560 – +39 347 7714601.
OPENING HOURS
From April 1st to May 31st and from October 1st to November 1st
Morning – Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 12:30
Afternoon – Friday from 17:30 to 19:00 Saturday and Sunday from 16:30 to 18:00
From June 1st to September 30th
Morning – Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 12:30
Afternoon – Monday to Sunday from 16:00 to 19:30
Evening – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 21:30 to 23:00
Ancient millstones
The Municipality of Capraia, under the scientific supervision of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the provinces of Pisa and Livorno and thanks to funding from the INTERREG ISOS – Sustainable Islands project implemented by the National Park, has launched a cultural trail that rediscovers the island’s ancient agricultural traditions.
The ancient palmenti are now open to visitors: vats dug into the rock used for winemaking, where grapes were pressed to extract the juice. These vats have been in use since at least the 16th century. Recent excavations have added new sites in Il Piano to the three already accessible sites—Forte San Giorgio, San Leonardo, and Segalaio. A dedicated trail with explanatory panels has been added to the site.
Archaeological exhibition “Capraia along the ancient routes – Wrecks and submerged finds”
The former Church of Sant’Antonio houses the archaeological exhibition “Capraia along the ancient routes – Wrecks and submerged finds,” which displays artifacts recovered both on the island and from the surrounding seabed. Among the most significant pieces are the precious amphorae dating back to late Republican Rome and the early Imperial period, used to transport wine, fish sauce (garum), and other goods along the main Mediterranean routes. The collection also includes everyday objects and archaeological materials that allow us to reconstruct the island’s commercial activities and contacts over the centuries, revealing Capraia’s strategic importance as a port of call and landing point for sailors from the Etruscan era to the Renaissance. The exhibition is part of a broader project to enhance the historical and archaeological heritage of Capraia, promoted by the Municipality of Capraia Isola and the Association of Friends of the Church of Sant’Antonio, with the scientific supervision of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the provinces of Pisa and Livorno.
The Monk Seal, International Sanctuary for Marine Mammals
Around Capraia, included in the Pelagos International Marine Mammal Sanctuary,
marine mammals such as dolphins, fin whales, and sperm whales are frequent sightings.
After decades of absence, the presence of the
monk seal, a species endemic to the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic waters, has also been confirmed along the island’s coasts.
It survives in breeding colonies of a few hundred individuals concentrated in the southernmost areas of the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of the Atlantic Sahara and the island of Madeira.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park organizes special boat excursions along the coasts of the island to discover Capraia’s marine fauna. If you travel by boat, please follow a few simple rules to avoid disturbing the monk seal or other animals, and consult the map at the link below or via the QR code to see which areas you can navigate freely.
Botanical Trail on Capraia Island
Institutions, businesses, and citizens are collaborating on this enhancement project: the Arura and San Rocco farms, fulfilling a commitment made under the CETS (European Charter for Sustainable Tourism) certification, created the Botanical Trail on an experimental basis and then completed it thanks to the support and funding of the National Park.
The central objective is to “learn to recognize” plants, flowers, and fruits of wild shrubland and other plants, creating a permanent training and experience center that will allow visitors to explore the island with greater awareness and recognition of the main botanical species. The trail, approximately 300 meters long, extends along the ancient Roman road that leads from the port to the village, passing the spring and crossing the bridge over the Vado del Porto.
It can be reached from the port by starting from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, following the road to the village of “Le Sughere,” or from the village by starting from the Church of San Nicola, taking Via San Leonardo and continuing towards the port, skirting the Palmento di San Leonardo. The botanical trail is free to use and open to all, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Spring is the ideal time to visit.
The Blue Mile
Swimming, snorkeling, and swim trekking in an extraordinary natural pool. Capraia’s Blue Mile is a freely accessible, safe swimming corridor within which you cannot sail, anchor, or moor. It extends along a stretch of coast in front of the town of Capraia, from the cave beneath the Torre del Porto to the Torretta al Bagno. The 1,100-meter-long corridor, marked by 22 buoys, allows you to swim for over a nautical mile if you walk it there and back.
PRO LOCO CAPRAIA ISLAND EVENTS 2026
Capraia Island • Sea Bream Festival – Food stands from the island’s restaurants with recipes based on sea bream raised by the Capraia Mariculture and Research Cooperative.
- Minigiraglia – Sailing from Capraia to the Giraglia Rock and back, organized by the Italian Naval League – Capraia Island Delegation, accompanied by local events open to the public.
- Festival of Flavors of the Seaside Lands – Preparation and tasting of typical local dishes and products.
- Capraia Sail Rally – Competitive sailing event organized by the Viareggio Historic Sails Association, with a floating historical museum set up in the port.
- Swan Boat Gathering – Sailing event reserved for yachts designed by Sparkman & Stephens, heading to Capraia.
- Goat Route – Sailing from San Vincenzo, Cecina, and Salivoli to Capraia, organized by the San Vincenzo Nautical Club.
- Capraia Musica Festival – 21st edition of the festival dedicated to excellent music in characteristic locations on the island.
- “Muovasi la Capraia” Festival – Evenings dedicated to theater, cinema, and literature, between the sea and dreams.
- Cinema Under the Stars – Twice-weekly summer evening screenings (Thursdays and Saturdays) at the Cloister of San Francesco.
- Palio Marinaro – Traditional rowing race in the waters of the harbor between the island’s districts.
- Feast of the Madonna dell’Assunta – Religious celebration with a sea procession, fireworks, and games.
- Water Polo Tournament – Competition in the waters of the port of Capraia with teams from all over Italy.
- Squid Festival – Event held over two weekends between October and early November, including a squid fishing competition and food stands at the port and in the town center.
- October, Squid Month – A series of events dedicated to squid, including meetings, screenings, readings, and the Totano’s Cup, a non-competitive sailing event now in its 20th edition, featuring a fishing competition and the Giorgio Sismondi Trophy.