The 7 islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and how to reach them

Elba is the largest and busiest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. It can be reached from the port of Piombino in an hour by ferry.
Ships all leave from here for connections to Portoferraio (about a 60-minute crossing) and, with less frequency, to Rio Marina and Cavo (about 45 and 35 minutes).
There is also the possibility of a fast hydrofoil connection - reserved for passenger transport only - to Cavo (about 20 minutes) and, continuing on, to Portoferraio (another 15 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes).
There are numerous possibilities to get to the Island of Elba directly by plane: some operators, depending on the time of year, allow you to reach La Pila airport, near Marina di Campo.

Giglio Island can be reached year-round, thanks to scheduled ferry services that connect it to the mainland.
The embarkation port is Porto Santo Stefano, the main center of Argentario.

Giannutri Island is the southernmost of the Tuscan islands: it can be reached from Porto Santo Stefano every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year.
During the summer season there is a weekly connection (on Thursdays) from Giglio Island, from which it is 15 km away.
The only landing points on the island are Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio, where the remains of the Roman harbor can be admired.
The two coves are also the only free swimming spots, with crystal clear waters in which it is possible to snorkel.

Capraia Island can be reached by boat or ferry departing from the port of Livorno - from which it is about 64 km away - and, in the summer, also by a fast shuttle service.

The island of Gorgona is the smallest and northernmost island in the Tuscan Archipelago and is home to a penitentiary, so visits are limited.
Departures are scheduled from the port of Livorno and the ferry trip is about 1.5 hours.
Reservations are required and should be made well in advance as the number of visitors is limited.

Pianosa can be visited year-round with daily service starting from the island of Elba - Marina di Campo - and in high season also from Piombino.
With the exception of the village area and Cala Giovanna - the only beach where bathing is allowed - no access to the island is allowed without the presence of an authorized guide.

Montecristo is one of the most important islands for the protection of the biodiversity of the Tuscan Archipelago and the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is why access is strictly regulated.
Guided tours are authorized up to the maximum number allowed and the periods of tours are between March 1 and April 15 and between May 15 and October 31, with the exclusion of the period April 16 - May 14 for reasons of protection of migratory birdlife.
Departures are planned almost all from the port of Piombino with a stopover in Porto Azzurro and only a few from Porto Santo Stefano with a stopover in the port of Giglio.