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islands of the Tuscan archipelago, beautiful jewels in the middle
of the sea, have a vast ecosystem. There are interesting animals
and very rare endemic plants. The environment is of an inestimable
scientific value, fragile and delicate, which must be considered
with respect. The presence of man on the islands of the archipelago
since ancient times has left important anthropologic, historical
and artistic traces and designing the so typical profile of
the islands of the archipelago, that is the mix of nature, culture
and memory which is hard to find elsewhere. But man's hand,
the new civilisations and the need to settle productive activities
for the development of the human race have also left wounds
on the beautiful but fragile territory of the Tuscan archipelago,
changing the original flora and fauna. Nevertheless, this is
the biggest marine park in Europe, founded in 1989 to protect
the existing ecosystem, and offers shelter for the flora and
the fauna and is a link between Corsica, Sardinia and the Italian
peninsula. |
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The
Tuscan islands are probably the most important corridor of the
whole Mediterranean basin for the shelter given to many bird
species on their way from Europe to Africa where they stop and
build nests in the park. The Tuscan archipelago, that covers
60.000 hectares of protected water and 18.000 hectares of protected
land, is the only park on islands, and the biggest protected
water area in Europe. The target activity is to protect the
existing species and enhance the reproduction, as it is not
possible to turn back time and make those species come back
that have already abandoned the territory. Montecristo has been
a little bit more lucky, as it became a national park in 1971.
Only researchers and small number of tourists in guided groups
can access the island. The water of Pianosa is protected since
1979 thanks to the foundation of a national marine park to protect
the habitat. This means that coats cannot get closer than 1000
m from the coastline. All coasts of Gorgona are protected, part
from a small strip around the port. The best seasons to visit
the islands of the Tuscan archipelago are spring and autumn,
and not in summer when the islands get crowdy, when with a bit
of  luck,
you can see dolphins that try to follow the boats. Spring and
autumn are the best seasons for trekking, with paths that pass
the places of the old mines and allows you to discover the most
suggestive landscapes of the islands. Or why not go horse-back
riding, or ride a mountain-bike, or do some free-climbing on
the cliffs next to the water from where you can see the birds
flying around in the pretty sky. Another alternative is sailing,
canoeing, windsurfing or diving to find the real treasures of
the archipelago, the soundings. Or challenge the sky with paragliding,
enjoy a relaxing day on the golf course where even beginners
can find well equipped centres and teachers. There is also the
possibility to do excursions with a kayak or to try to hit the
mark with the arches. Just go to the closest agency on site
for all necessary information in order to practice sports and
to enjoy the nature, choosing the activity that best fits you.
Photos from APT Tuscan Archipelago and Mediaweb srl.
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