Giannutri Island: What to do and Top Beaches
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago, known for its limestone cliffs, small coves, and Mediterranean vegetation. The island has no roads, shops, or noise: just remnants of Roman history, quiet landscapes, and clear waters.
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago, known for its limestone cliffs, small coves, and Mediterranean vegetation. The island has no roads, shops, or noise: just remnants of Roman history, quiet landscapes, and clear waters. For those seeking raw beauty shaped by time and tide, Giannutri offers a restorative experience.
Why Should You Visit Giannutri?
Just an hour from the mainland ports of Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole, Giannutri feels worlds apart. Part of the protected Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, the island limits daily visitor numbers to preserve its fragile ecosystem. With no cars and few permanent residents, Giannutri invites slow exploration - on foot, by boat, or through the crystal clarity of its marine reserve. Its proximity to the Maremma coast makes it an ideal day trip, offering contrast and calm to the cultural vibrancy of Tuscany’s towns and vineyards.
For a seamless and elevated journey, LA ROQQA offers curated experiences that explore Argentario and its surrounding islands by sea. Aboard a Fjord 40 or a classic vessel with a private skipper, guests can sail to Giannutri and Giglio, pause for a chef-prepared lunch on deck, or toast the day with a sunset aperitif - each detail tailored with refinement and care.
Experiences on Giannutri Island
Walk through Roman history at Villa Domizia
Perched just above Cala Maestra lie the remains of a Roman villa built in the 1st century AD. Once a lavish seaside retreat, the site still hints at opulence - mosaic fragments underfoot, sea views framed by crumbling walls. This is one of the few traces of human history on the island and a compelling stop for those drawn to the stories that stones can tell.
Hike Giannutri’s coastal spine
The primary trail - also called “corridor” - crosses the island from Cala Spalmatoio to Cala Maestra, traversing maquis-covered slopes and offering sweeping vistas over the Tyrrhenian. The route, easy for most walkers, invites quiet contemplation, and it is the only trail accessible without a park guide.
Snorkel or dive in protected waters
Giannutri is prized for its vibrant marine life and exceptional underwater visibility. The island’s waters are part of a regulated marine park, making them ideal for snorkeling and licensed diving. Expect meadows of posidonia seagrass, darting silver fish, and coral-covered walls. For certified divers, underwater caves and shipwrecks offer added intrigue.
Explore hidden coves by private boat
Some of Giannutri’s most spectacular inlets are accessible only by sea. Renting a small boat or arranging a guided charter allows for full immersion in the island’s coastline. Drop anchor near Punta Secca or Cala dell’Acqua to swim in solitude, surrounded only by cliffs and sky.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Best season to visit Giannutri: late spring to early autumn (May–September) for calm seas and ferry access;
- Access to Giannutri: daily ferries operate from Porto Santo Stefano (book early in summer); private charters offer flexibility;
- Permits: some areas of the island require a day permit from the park authorities;
- What to bring: sturdy walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, water, and all necessary provisions - there are no services on the island;
- Park rules: strict conservation guidelines apply - no littering, no collecting flora or fauna, and swimming only in designated areas.
Top Beaches and Swimming Spots on Giannutri
Though rugged and undeveloped, Giannutri offers several extraordinary places to swim, snorkel, or simply bask in sunlit stillness:
- Cala Maestra: the island’s primary landing point and easiest beach to access. A pebble cove backed by pine trees and Roman ruins;
- Cala Spalmatoio: sheltered and sandy, located near the old port. Ideal for calm swims and gentle snorkelling.
- Cala dell’Acqua: a rocky cove with deep, clear waters; dramatic and best reached by boat.
- Punta dei Corvi: for experienced swimmers, this wild stretch offers solitude and exceptional underwater scenery.
Private Boat Tour from LA ROQQA
LA ROQQA’s tailored sea experiences allow guests to access Giannutri with comfort and ease, sailing to the island aboard a private yacht, indulging in a freshly prepared lunch on deck, or savoring the golden hour with an aperitif at sea. It’s more than a visit - it’s an immersion into the heart of the Tuscan coast.