Island of Giannutri

In front of the Monte Argentario promontory, rises the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago. Known as “Artemisia” by the Greeks and “Dianium” by the Romans for its unmistakable arch-shaped form, Giannutri is a limestone island characterized by cavernous limestone, ancient sedimentary rocks, and a rugged, rocky coastline rich in numerous caves.

The numerous tropical plants that grow on the island, now rare in the Mediterranean area, are a testament to the particularly mild climate, even in winter. Endemic Tyrrhenian species of great interest are also present, including the Timelea tricocca, a variety found only on Monte Argentario and Montecristo.

Giannutri is a favorite destination for small birds such as the lesser shearwater, the black-headed gull, and the Sardinian magnanina, as well as numerous pairs of seagulls that choose Giannutri's shores every year to nest, earning the island the nickname of “the island of seagulls.”

The marine environment is very rich, with the exceptional water transparency and the presence of some wrecks making Giannutri's depths unique. The wreck of the Anna Bianca lies within the northern part of Cala Ischiaiola, offering a deep dive, but the visibility is so good that the silhouette of the wreck can be seen even while freediving. Visiting the spectacular wreck of the Nasim is more challenging due to its depth, but the white seabed makes the dive very scenic.

The coves of Giannutri can be reached by boat or by walking along the island's trails, and the seabed, with its vertical walls where gorgonians, corals, and sponges grow, attracts many scuba divers and diving enthusiasts every year.

Near the island's main gulfs are the main landing points: Cala Spalmatoio, where the only square on the island, the Piazzetta, is located, and Cala Maestra. Here, remnants of a Roman Villa, built in the 1st century AD by the Domizi Enobarbi, an ancient Roman family, are preserved. The Giannutri archaeological site offers a valuable gem to visit: the Labyrinth Mosaic. Its black-and-white tiles have regained their ancient splendor after a complex restoration. Now, the Greek myth of Theseus slaying the Minotaur dominates the center of the labyrinth, while to the side, Ariadne waits for her hero, holding the famous ball of thread.

In winter, Giannutri is uninhabited, as there are no permanent settlements on the island, only tourist residences or homes used during the summer season.

On the island of Giannutri, there is a modern Visitor and Service Centre of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, designed to support environmental protection activities and visitor reception. Perfectly integrated into the landscape and built with sustainable materials following bio-architecture principles, the structure houses operational spaces for the Park Authority, dedicated to the natural and tourism management of the island, units for the Carabinieri Forestali, and accommodation for researchers, guides and law enforcement. It is an important point of reference for the conservation and promotion of the island’s natural heritage.