Hiking to the island of Gorgona
Visit the most exclusive and protected island in the Tuscan Archipelago
An island out of time, the ancient Egilora as it was called by the Greeks, the smallest of the "major" islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, still retains a very special atmosphere both at the naturalistic level with its high cliffs, and at the level of historical evidence such as Roman remains and old Watch Towers, but also because of its more recent history related to the establishment of an agricultural penal colony that is still active today.
The island of Gorgona hosts a farm and, of course, the famous prison. It is the last island penitentiary in Italy, located about 36 km from the coast of Livorno. The entire territory is protected and divided into zones of different levels. Except for the docking corridor — managed by the Detention Home — access, navigation, stopping, anchoring, fishing, and diving are prohibited.
Gorgona's coastline is characterized by numerous inlets, including the beautiful Cala Scirocco, where the Grotta del Bove Marino, once a refuge for monk seals, Cala Maestra and Cala Martina, opens. On the island are the fortifications of Torre Vecchia and of Torre Nuova, located along the island's eastern coast.
Fun fact: about 70 inmates work in the gardens and vineyard, tending animals and producing wine, cheese, and honey. Even today about sixty residents still live in the ancient village, which crowns the small port, however, only a few permanently. Visits are regulated and restricted to a limited number, hence the need for a reservation well in advance.
Our trek will begin with a brief visit to the remains of a Roman Villa and the island's commissary, which is run by officers and inmates. We will then walk to the Frescobaldi vineyards, where inmates work to produce the famous "Gorgona" wine. We will climb to the vantage point of Cala Maestra, visit Torre Vecchia, a spectacular Pisan fortress overlooking the sea, and then visit the old "Semaforo," which is now decommissioned.
Prices include
- Organization
- Assistance of legally licensed environmental hiking guide under L.R. 86/2016 with RCT policy
- A/R ferry ticket, island entrance ticket
Supplemental charges
Anything not mentioned under the "Prices Include" section
Meeting point
Plan
- The tour will be conducted upon reaching a minimum of eight individual participants or private group
- What to bring: packed lunch, water 1.5 liter each, waterproof hiking or trail shoes mandatory, layered clothing (micro fleece, windproof, shell or k-way), optional trekking poles, backpack and battery charger.
- At the time of registration, biographical data, ID doc. are required. The prison authority reserves the right to deny disembarkation in case of any pending. The organization is not responsible for any denials.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- Children over the age of eight admitted.
Prior to disembarkation, the guide will have cell phones handed over, which must remain in their custody until the end of the excursion, and identification documents in order to proceed with disembarkation registration by the prison authority. Independent movement within the island is not allowed. Captures and photographs will be taken by the guide on behalf of individual participants.
Cancellation
and no-show policies
- Up to 30 days before departure full refund
- From 30 days to 12 days before departure: full refund in case of name change (subject to prison decision) or 50% refund of total fee
- Beyond 12 days no refund (replacement is still possible within 6 days of departure)
- Unless other due to force majeure, the excursion will be cancelled only in case of adverse marine weather conditions
The participation fee must be paid at the time of booking by bank transfer (details will be sent by email) Registration will be closed 30 days before departure.
Saturday fees adults euro 60.00 children euro 30.00, Sundays and holidays fees adults euro 70.00 children euro 35.00
