Visiting an island gives us a sensation of freedom. Probably it’s the wind that blows through our hair, or the sun light, or the mystery of what there’s hidden in the depth of the sea. That’s why when I think of a perfect summer vacation, I always think to an island of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Giannutri is a very special island: human beings lived already there during the Bronze age and later the Romans built the first harbor and a magnificent Villa, furthermore Giannutri is a scuba diving Mecca.
How to get there
The ferry arrives after a gentle journey at a small dock in Cala Maestra. There are only two beaches in Giannutri: Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio (20 minutes walking distance from Cala Maestra).
The ferry leaves from Porto Santo Stefano, companies are Maregiglio (tel. +39 0564.812920) or Vega Star (tel. +39 0564.818022) that will link you with other islands of the archipealgo. Here’s the Maregiglio timetable and the Vega timetable: it’s in Italian but it’s simple to understand! The trip lasts more less 1 hour.
PARK YOUR CAR AT PORTO SANTO STEFANO: the island is really small and it’a a Natural Reserve so YOU DON’T NEED ANY CAR 
What to see in Giannutri
You can always go to the isle of Giannutri but during the summer period, from May 26th to October 12th, only 300 people per day are allowed and if you haven’t a guide you can walk exclusively along the path from Cala Maestra to Cala Spalmatoio and back (this is to preserve the park and to avoid an human invasion of the island.
If you like to visit the rest of the island (but there still are some off limits zones) you have to book a private guide, an expert of the Tuscan Archipelago park. Ask the Maremma or Monte Argentario tourism office tel. +39 0564.814208 / 0564.462611, infoargentario@lamaremma.info / info@lamaremma.info, or the Giglio Island Pro Loco tel. +39 0564.809400, or an expert of the Tuscan Archipelago park, tel. +39 0565.919411, gillone@islapark.it.
Remember that it is strictly forbidden to enter the Roman Villa!!!
Where to sleep
There are no hotels in Giannutri but you can sleep at Pietro Galassi’s B&B, tel. +39 333.7847797.
Where to eat
- Bar Caffè Giannutri: in the main square, from Easter to September;
- Market: in the main square, from Easter to September;
- La Taverna del Gran Duca: fish cuisine, Cala Maestra.
