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Giglio Harbor |
You have probably heard of Capri, and even Elba, which are both Italian islands. However have you ever heard of Giglio, Giannutri, or Ischia? These are just a few of Italy’s secret gems, waiting to be discovered by private crewed charter.
You might be surprised at the actual number of Italian islands off of the west coast of Italy, stringing along the coast from the top of the boot to the toe about which we never hear.
Let’s take a look at the islands of Giglio, Giannutri and Ischia, all relatively unknown delightful inclusions in a crewed yacht charter itinerary.
Giglio
Off of the tip of the Argentario Peninsula and part of the Tuscan Islands, is the island of Giglio. Giglio has appeared in history for centuries, first mentioned by Julius Caesar in his “De Bella Gallico”. However the crowning glory of Giglio is the medieval walled village, Giglio Castello, which is perched at the very top of the island.
Giglio Castello, still an operating village, is surrounded by medieval stone walls complete with 10 towers. Take a trip up to the top of this island to wander the little winding streets of Giglio Castello, a village stopped in time. Have lunch in one of the restaurants offering simple local food, and sample the local amber colored wine called Asonaco. A town bus that toils up and down the switchback roads from the harbor to Giglio Castello throughout the day is available to all for a small fee. Any local can direct you to the bus stops at both the bottom and the top of the island.
Surrounding the main harbor, at sea level, is Giglio Porto, a charming fishing village with multicolored buildings. Giglio is known for crystal clear waters as is evident in the harbor, where the harbor bottom is easily seen. If there is room in the harbor for visiting yachts, your Captain can tie up stern to, otherwise, the Captain can anchor your yacht off of Giglio and you can take the ship’s tender into the main harbor. Giglio is an excellent overnight stop on a private crewed yacht charter itinerary.
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Sunset from Giannutri overlooking Giglio |
Piles of fishing nets filled with sleeping cats cover the docks along the massive 17th century seawall. Multicolor houses and remarkably deceptive trompe-l'oeil frescoes mark this appealing harbor community, perhaps as beautiful as Portofino but without the glamour.
When exploring on foot, don't miss the boat-filled second harbor, which is reached by ducking under a narrow archway at the northern end of the first beach front. At the end of the harbor, built into sheer rock is the Castello della Dragonara which houses the Acqario (Aquarium).
Giannutri
Near Giglio is the island of Giannutri, just south of the Argentario Peninsula, and the most southerly island of the Tuscan Island Archipelago. Giannutri and Giglio are joined together not only by proximity, but also by government for the two islands are part of the same Italian “frazione” or government territory.
This island, which is barely 5 kilometers in length, has now been declared a national park, and there are specific areas with mooring balls available for visiting yachts. The shoreline is full of caves and grottos worn into the cliff sides. Due to the remote unspoiled nature of the island, the surrounding waters are still home to whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Inside the caves and along the shoreline are urchins, sponges, starfish, and other underwater life. This is great spot for snorkeling, however fishing in this designated national park area, other than by island residents, is not allowed.
During the Roman Period, the island belonged to the powerful Enobardi family who built a magnificent villa sheathed in marble. This villa was rumored to have had a pool filled with Moray Eels, kept as a visual reminder of family power. The outlines of this villa and pool are still to be seen today on the island. Take a picnic ashore and wander through the ruins of this Roman villa. Stop in Giannutri for a morning or afternoon, and enjoy an island that few have visited, and about which even fewer are aware.
Ischia
Further south off of the coast of Naples, and part of the Naples Bay Islands, is the island of Ischia. This is a large island in comparison to the rest of the Italian islands along this coastline. Unlike neighboring islands, Ischia is volcanic in nature and still has active bubbling volcanic activity with many hot thermal mineral springs and the resulting volcanic mud. Long regarded as an island with healing waters, Ischia has been visited by many over the centuries hoping for the stated healing qualities of the thermal springs. Now the island survives on tourism oriented around the many health and beauty thermal spas and pools.
The Aragonese Castle is a landmark on the island built on a nearby islet, connected by a stone bridge, built in 1438. While a fortification has stood on this volcanic rock since 474 BC, the main castle seen today was largely built by Alfonso of Aragon in the 15th century. After the volcanic eruption on the island of Ischia in the early 1300’s, many of the inhabitants fled to live on this islet, which was home to over 1000 families for several centuries. While the Castle is now privately owned, certain parts of the fortifications, and the village built by the villagers over several centuries are open to visitors, including a small museum featuring instruments of torture.
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Argonese Castle |
During this period of inhabitation, an active convent was located inside the castle walls from the 1500’s through to the 1800’s. Still standing within, is the Nun’s cemetery, where bodies of deceased nuns were perched on chairs that surrounded the living nuns as they said their prayers while meditating on mortality, a clearly evident lesson.
Through the centuries, the inhabitants of Ischia from the early Greek to modern times have also been active in viticulture, as the mineral rich volcanic soil is excellent for wine grape growing. Now a number of boutique wineries are operating on Ischia.
Besides producing some award winning vines, several of these wineries welcome visitors. Winery Pietratorcia has a restaurant serving dinners with reservations only, where typical country style foods are served in compliment alongside their estate produced wines. These boutique wines are gaining recognition as Ischian wines have been long recognized over the centuries as a superior wine. Other island products include lemons, oregano and capers, all basics for southern Mediterranean cuisine.
A new marina has been built in Ischia, however there is also dockage in the main port, which is very busy, and anchorages around the island. Visit the Aragonese Castle, make a reservation for a healing spa or pool treatment, and enjoy fresh seafood in a local shoreside restaurant. Ischia also has the unique attraction of thermal parks. Within these parks, are a variety of pools with mineral waters from cold, warm, hot to very hot. Spend time inside a park rotating between the pools or relax in a natural sauna. If you have a strong interest in the suggested healing qualities of the various thermal mineral springs, all of island natural springs have all been examined and documented for the mineral contents of the waters. The minerals and proportions of minerals do vary from spring to spring, so check for the best spring for your particular interests. Spending at least a day and night in Ischia is a must and spending even two days during your crewed yacht charter is very easy to do.
For more information on Italy as a cruising destination and yachts that are available for charter in this location, go to information on Yacht Charters in Italy.
written by Missy Johnston
Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters
© February 2009 |
