Arcipelago Toscano National Park

The Arcipelago Toscano National Park protects the Tuscan Archipelago off the coast of Tuscany and includes the seven main islands and numerous smaller islets. The park was established to conserve combined terrestrial and marine ecosystems and to manage sustainable tourism across the archipelago.

Elba, the largest island, offers varied beaches, hiking routes, and historical sites including locations associated with Napoleon’s 1814-1815 exile. Smaller islands such as Giglio, Capraia, Giannutri, Pianosa, Montecristo, and Gorgona provide a mix of rugged coastlines, underwater reserves for diving, and areas of high ecological sensitivity; some islands restrict visitor numbers or require permits.

The area was designated a national park to consolidate protections for the islands’ biodiversity, marine habitats, and cultural landscapes. Management actions since establishment have focused on marine conservation, habitat restoration, and regulating visitor access to sensitive sites.

The park lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the western coast of Tuscany, between the mainland and the island of Corsica, with Elba the archipelago’s largest and most accessible island.

• Access restrictions: The park protects both land and marine environments across the Tuscan Archipelago and includes several islands with strict access rules, notably Montecristo where landing is controlled by permit.

What to See#

• Elba: Elba is the largest island in the archipelago and the park; it is known for its varied coastline, mineral-rich geology, and the historical association with Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled there in 1814-1815.
• Montecristo: Montecristo is a small, rugged island designated as a strict nature reserve with highly restricted public access to protect its endemic flora and fauna.
• Other principal islands: Giglio, Capraia, Giannutri, Pianosa, and Gorgona are other principal islands within the park, each combining terrestrial habitats with protected surrounding marine areas.

Arcipelago Toscano National Park covers islands off the Tuscan coast (Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa, etc.). Access is by ferry or hydrofoil from mainland ports: Piombino is the main gateway for Elba (ferries to Portoferraio), Porto Santo Stefano/Orbetello serve Isola del Giglio, and Livorno/Portoferraio/Marina di Campo provide links to other isles. Ferries and fast boats run seasonally with higher frequency in summer.

By car, reach the departure ports from Pisa or Livorno (Piombino is ~40-70 minutes drive from Livorno depending on route); check timetables for specific island connections and whether you need to book vehicle transport on the ferries.

• Book inter-island ferries and any island-specific tours well in advance for summer travel-connections between islands and to the mainland are limited and sell out.
• Plan shoulder-season visits (late spring or early autumn) for calmer seas, fewer tourists and better availability of local services across the park's islands.
• If you want to visit restricted sites such as Pianosa, arrange visits through the park's official operators: some islands have controlled access and guided-visit requirements.