6 hidden gems of the Tuscan Archipelago

Bruno Montalbano Peila, captain of 27m sailing yacht My Lotty, reveals the wild havens of the Tuscan Archipelago.

1. Elba’s towns

Spend a night at anchor close to Porto Azzurro. Get up early and head to Capoliveri to browse the charming shops. La Taverna dei Poeti is an unassuming little restaurant but the food is something special. You need to taste the tuna burger starter and the Gragnano paccheri pasta with grouper.

This tiny island just to the south west of Elba was once a penal colony. Its inaccessibility has saved it from tourism. The diving here, with authorised guides, is unique. You can see things you won’t find in other places: molluscs, redfish and grouper. The water is sensational.

You can drink the best cocktails in the archipelago at Il Demino at Demo’s Hotel on the beach closest to Giglio Port. It’s right on the water and you can easily pass a night on the terrace waiting for sunrise. Their margaritas are the best.

The beautiful cove at Fetovaia is a fantastic place to spend the night at anchor and take a dip at sunrise. But for a much more “secret” and equally beautiful spot on Elba I would suggest Sansone Beach, an enchanting white pebble cove with steep white cliffs it is one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

This is the most beautiful and private of the beaches on Giglio as you can arrive only by boat or on foot. It’s also the wildest of the beaches and can be a little choppy. The water is the clearest in the area.

For unforgettable trekking or a bike tour, don’t miss the Percorso dello Stagnone (the Stagnone Path). The trail begins by the church in the village of Capraia and climbs up the mountain then descends towards the harbour. In spring you can see rare orchids, wild flowers and herbs.