The island of Giannutri, characterized by its unique shape of a crescent moon, is the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago located right in front of the Monte Argentario promontory. With its dimensions of only about half mile wide and approximately three miles in length, Giannutri is quite a special island, part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Its coastline, of approximately 7 miles, is mostly rocky and rugged with numerous caves and only two beaches: "Cala Maestra"(where a ferry docks) and "Cala dello Spalmatoio". Back into history, Giannutri had already charmed the Romans who built a port here and beautiful patrician villas. The sea is still conserving wrecks of their ships buried below as a testimony of ancient merchant trades.
The exceptionally clear water, the spectacular beauty of its depths, the extraordinary variety of rare species of fish and shellfish and the presence of ancient wrecks of roman merchant ships, provides the diver with quite a unique and diversified experience. It comes as no surprise why Giannutri attracts thousands of divers each year. Being a natural park, divers can swim only where permitted, and scuba diving tours can only be made through the island's organized tours.
Giannutri Island was already inhabited by the Etruscans and Romans in historic times (as evidenced by the numerous findings of weapons and tools). Another attraction of the island is the remains of a sumptuous Roman villa dating back from the second century A.D. which belonged to the family of Domizi Enobardi.
What to see in Giannutri
The highest point of Giannutri is "Poggio di Capel Rosso" (approximately 288 feet above sea level) worth visiting for its splendid views. Giannutri gained considerable importance due to its historical finds from the ancient Roman times. Villa Agrippina covered an area of about 12 acres of land and had a huge terrace with direct access from the sea via a staircase. The excavations have unearthed the remains of floors decorated with marble and mosaics of delicate workmanship in black and white.
Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio still retain the visible remains of the ancient docks, although there have been numerous changes and renovations made approximately in the 1800's.
Not too far from Cala Maestra you will be able to admire the first ancient building complex called "Le Stanze" partly occupied by the restaurant "La Taverna del Grand Duca". Heading north, you will find on the right several buildings. These structures are part of the entrance to the villa and are decorated with a mosaic representing the myth of the labyrinth, a monumental corridor and the spa district.
Facing the coast is a large terrace, extending for approximately 197 feet, which rest on a series of small rooms from one of which was recovered a beautiful and well preserved black and white mosaic with representations of dolphins. The residential area lies much higher and you can still visit all the rooms, but unfortunately, little remains of the ancient decorations. If you happen to visit this island never forget that human constructions, even if old, merely frame the incredible natural heritage represented by Giannutri pristine waters and its numerous plant and animal species that have found a home on the island.
In Giannutri island you also have the opportunity to organize two pleasant walks on two trails: one leads toward the lighthouse, a good 50 minutes walk (to do with comfortable walking shoes) offering the possibility to admire the sea, rocky coves, and the flight of seagulls; the other walk goes from Cala Spalmatoio to Punta San Francesco, crossing the Piana dei Fagiani, a shorter twenty minute walk boasting postcard-like views of the blue sea of Punta San Francesco.To visit Giannutri it is advisable to contact the touristic guide of the Park, Marina Aldi, phone number: 0564 806096, e-mail: aldimarina@virgilio.it
The island is easily accessed from the port of Santo Stefano with ferries departing every day from June to September. From October to May, the ferry is scheduled exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. The crossing takes just over an hour.
In order to preserve the beauty of Giannutri, during the peak season (from May 26 to October 12) only a maximum of 300 people per day are allowed on the island. During this period, if you want to access the island, you should contact the Park office phone number: 0565 919411, e-mail: Gillone@islapark.it, or the APT of Monte Argentario. Phone number: 0564 814 208, e-mail: Infoargentario@lamremma.info or the Pro Loco of the Giglio island phone number: 0564 809 400.
Where to eat
"La Taverna del Grand Duca," a restaurant boasting some ancient roman amphorae and known for its fish specialties is worthy of a visit.
La Taverna del Grand Duca
Cala Maestra - Isola di Giannutri
Isola Del Giglio
Grosseto, Italy
Phone number: 0564 898890
An average meal will start from about 30 Euros per person.
Where to sleep
In the Giannutri Island there are no hotels, but you can sleep in fascinating houses boasting splendid views from where you can smell the sea. "The Mansarda", the "Casa Grande di Bianca", or "Casa Lentisco", a great retreat of about 164 square feet, recently renovated, just 34 steps away from the water, are a few examples of places to stay. Another good place to spend the night, but much more secluded, is the "Villa di Cala del Lino", located on a small bay, just a ten minute walk from Spalmatoio.
"Le Dimore di Mimmina'' is another very good accommodation, consisting of a large villa built in the seventies with four apartments. In the villa's park, among cacti, rhododendrons and pines, there is a grove away from the sun, great for those who want to enjoy reading and relaxing. There is also a private path between the rocks overlooking the sea.
Cala Maestra, Isola di Giannutri
Isola Del Giglio
Grosseto, Italy
Phone number: 0575.41.09.82
Open from March to September with a price of 65 Euros per person.
The climate in Giannutri is fairly mild in the winter, (as evidenced by the many tropical plants (euphorbia, palms and wild orchids) and pleasantly breezy in the summer. Visitors will certainly enjoy the splendid amenities the island has to offer and will bring home fond memories of its sea, ancient relics and hospitable people.
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