Capraia at a Glance
About Capraia
Capraia is a volcanic island in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea and part of Italy’s Tuscan Archipelago, administratively in the region of Tuscany. The island is known for its steep, rocky coastline, clear waters and a compact village clustered around a small harbour.
Historically a Genoese possession, the island retains fortification remnants and a maritime character with narrow lanes and stone buildings. It is included in the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, which protects its terrestrial and marine habitats and supports activities such as hiking, diving and boat excursions.
Capraia is reached by scheduled ferries from Livorno and other Tuscan ports; visitor services are concentrated in the harbour village, while much of the island’s interior and coastline is rural and accessible on foot or by limited local transport.
- Protected status: Part of the Tuscan Archipelago and included in the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, offering protected marine and terrestrial environments.
- Access: Regular ferries connect the island with Livorno and other Tuscan ports, so plan travel around published seasonal timetables.
What to See#
- Port and main village: The small port and village cluster that forms the island’s main settlement and entry point for visitors arriving by ferry.
- Coastal trails and cliffs: Rugged, largely volcanic coastline with steep cliffs, sea caves, and a limited number of pebble beaches; shoreline trails are the primary way to explore the island.
Best Time to Visit Capraia
Best from late spring through early autumn when ferries and accommodations operate reliably.
Weather & Climate near Capraia
Capraia's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (743 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 7° - 12° | 7° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 5.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Good | 7° - 12° | 7° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 5.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Good | 8° - 13° | 11° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 23° | 20° | 35 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 27° | 23° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.9h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 27° | 24° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 3.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 72 mm | some cloud | 72% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 15° - 20° | 17° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Good | 11° - 15° | 13° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 5.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 5.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Capraia
Regular ferries operate from Livorno and Piombino during the high season (June-September). The crossing from Livorno is about 3-4 hours depending on the vessel; check Moby Lines/ Toremar/Elba Ferries schedules and book ahead in summer.
Tips for Visiting Capraia
- Ferries from Livorno or Piombino are irregular-book in advance and confirm schedules the day before.
- Bring cash and small change-some island shops and taxis do not take cards.
- The island is very quiet in winter; if visiting then, check accommodations in advance.
