CAPRAIA ISLAND
The island of Capraia is part of the Tuscan Archipelago, in the province of Livorno. It is a volcanic island and it is possible to see the volcano of Cala Rossa. The island is closer to Corsica than to Tuscany and is one of the most wild and natural islands to visit. The name Capraia was given to the island by the Romans and the Greeks had previously called it Aigylion. The name Capraia derives from the presence of wild goats on the island, but another hypothesis suggests that it was named after the 'karpa' rock present on the island.
Places to visit
Tourists flock to the island from spring to autumn, and the tourist season opens with the Walking Festival where people meet up to hike through the island. The island has two populated areas, the port and the village close to the fort of San Giorgio. The coasts of Capraia are characterised by steep cliffs overlooking the sea and offer the opportunity to see the layers of lava in the rock that formed during the eruptions that have occurred over time. The waters are really interesting for snorkelers and divers to explore and in this area of the Mediterranean. There are also numerous sites of historical and cultural interest to visit on the island, reachable by paths and mule tracks, including the former prison, Church of Santo Stefano, Fort San Giorgio, and the convent of St. Anthony.
Beaches
Caves, coves and beaches can be reached by boat and on foot from the village, where you can stroll along narrow paths to explore beautiful places such as Cala di San Francesco and Il Bagno, which was once the castle's fortified port, Cala of Zurletto and the Spiaggia del Frate.