Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the mining area by electric train; tours last 1½ hours and include a decent stop for pas-
sengers to clamber out and dig for minerals (hammers and plastic bags provided!). Before
hitting Rio, call ahead to check the day's activities and reserve.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa & Giglio
Pinprick
Gorgona
is the greenest, northernmost of the Tuscan islands and can only be vis-
ited with a guide. Two towers built by the Pisans and Medicis of Florence keep watch
over its plunging coastline and beautiful interior, part of which has been off-limits as a
low-security prison since 1869. Ask for details at the tourist office in Portoferraio.
By contrast the elliptical volcanic island of
Capraia
(population 390), 31km from the
French island of Corsica, is 8km long, 4km wide, peaks with Monte Castello (447m) and
has a few hotels and restaurants. The island has some great walks (don't miss the trail to
Lake Stagnone) and its
tourist office
( 05 8690 5138;
www.prolococapraiaisola.it
; Via Assunzione
42; 9am-12.30pm & 4.30-7pm Fri-Wed summer)
has maps of hiking and biking routes around
the island. A chequered history has seen Genoa, Sardinia, the Saracens from North Africa
senger ferries from Livorno to Capraia (2½ hours; one or two daily year-round); most
days boat schedules allow a return trip in a day but triple-check before setting out.
South of Elba,
Giglio
(population 1500), the second-largest Tuscan island, is 21 km sq
and was in the spotlight most as the place where cruise ship
Costa Concordia
met its tra-
gic end in 2012. The wreckage was still being dismantled and removed in summer 2013.
Then there is pinprick
Pianosa
, a haven of peace 14km southwest of Elba. It served as a
penal colony until 1997.
To get to both these islands, sign up for a day trip with
Aquavision
( 328 7095470, 0565
97 60 22;
www.aquavision.it
;
Piazza dei Granatieri 203, Marino di Campo)
, based in Marina di Campo
on Elba. Boats depart from Porto Azzuro, Marina di Campo and Portoferraio, on Elba.
