History and Attractions of Capraia Island

History

The island's first name, Aegylon, was given to it by the Greeks around 1000 B.C. Literally, it means "place for goats". The modern name, Capraia, comes from Latin, and Latin in turn borrowed the word capra, meaning "rock", from Etruscan. This name is not accidental: the island is really volcanic origin and has a rugged and rocky landscape.

The island has had many owners during the centuries, many of whom have keeped traces of their activities. The Genoese Republic has probably preserved the most buildings: it was the Genoese who built the fort of San Giorgio and the four watchtowers.

During the Kingdom of Italy, island was the site of a penal colony for criminals, like many other islands in the Tuscan archipelago. The colony existed until 1986, and it was good for the island, both economically and demographically. Today, some of the colony's buildings have been full destroyed by nature, while others have partially collapsed.

Attractions

From the town there is a narrow road that crosses the whole island (it is 8 kilometers) from north to south. As you get farther away from the settlement, the road gets narrower and narrower. After the only valley on the island, called La Piana, the road becomes a narrow mountain trail. From here you have a view of the vineyards where excellent wine is produced. Up higher the area becomes completely wild and there are no economic activities.

The lost path to Zenobito Tower

One of the oldest roads on the island leads to the Zenobito Tower. Probably, this road was built specifically for the building of the tower in 1545. It is about a 3-hour hike from La Piana Valley. The route's is difficult and it is recommended to start early in the morning. The trail begins about 10 meters after the end of the fence of the farm in La Piana and runs along the shore of Capraia Island.

When you reach the first cape, you will see in the distance the tower of Zenobito and followed the towers of Cabricina, Capo, Scoglione, Porcchili and Turco. A series of climbs and descents await you, offering incredible views of the east coast of Capraia. Then you will come to an old path descending from Mount Arpagna, which will lead you to the Zenobito Tower. You can walk around most of the island on the trail that leads to Arpagna.

Agiale - Cape Dattero

A serpentine road with panoramic views of the bay, port and town leads to the north of the island. There are secondary roads leading to the Agiale area, where the prison cells, canteen and guard barracks are located; the stables and henhouse in Portovecchio; the sheepfold and the so-called Orti-Grandi - the valley entirely covered with terraced vegetable gardens, reinforced by stone retaining walls that have been built over 100 years.

The views open to visitors are not only beautiful in terms of landscapes and nature, but also shrouded in an atmosphere of mystery and solitude, thanks to the abandoned buildings found here and there. The last offshoot from the main road leads to a punishment cell called Mortola, and from there a trail leads to Cape Dattero.

Standing on the edge of the cliff above the sea, you can admire Corsica, seagulls, thickets of wild rosemary. Sometimes you can see moufflons. The best view is at sunset, especially on the day of the summer solstice, June 21.

Monte Arganha Mountain - Cape Trattoyo

An old packstone path leads to the "Caretaker's House", now reduced to ruins, and the "Sailors' House". Both buildings are former barracks. At the top of Monte Arganha Mountain is an iron structure called "Traffic Light". It used to be an observation post of the Navy.

Arganha offers a magnificent panorama: the massive tower of Zenobito (1545), built entirely of lava stone, the silhouette of Monte Capanne on Elba Island. A strip of shrubbery leads to the Trattoyo lighthouse, which offers views to the wild western shore, the islet of Peraiola and the caves of Cala del Vetriolo bay. You can descend to the sea through the cove of Cala dell'Cote.

Cala della Mortola Bay - north-eastern coastline

The cove of Cala della Mortola, whose name can be translated as "myrtle grove", has clear turquoise water with the reflection of green plants, a completely sandy seabed and a stone and sandy beach. The volume of sand on the shore changes all the time: it is brought by the north-east wind, and with the south-west wind it is washed away by the waves.

Cala Rossa Cove - the southern tip of the island

It is probably one of the most beautiful bays in the whole Mediterranean: clear water, in which the light-colored stones of Cape Zenobito with the tower of the same name, built by the Genoese in 1545, and the blood-red wall of the opposite cliff are contrastingly reflected.

The coastline is gentle and the wide stone staircase descending to the sea has become a haven for a colony of Mediterranean gulls, clearly visible from the sea. In the May, the flowers of numerous sea lilies (Pancratium maritimum) bloom on the rocks. Up on the right, at the very edge of the rocky spur, the tower of Barbici or Tellia was built during the Genoese rule. Unlike other towers on the island that were built in the 16th century, it was built in 1699 and is square rather and not round. In the depths you can see ant hills where crested cormorants like to sit.

Cala dello Zurletto Bay - east shore

You can get here on foot, it is only a 20 minute walk from the town. A tower-shaped rock overhangs it. "Zurletto" is the local name for asphodelus, which grows quite a lot here. The bay is excellent for swimming.

Cala del Ceppo Bay - east shore

If you walk behind Cape Civitata, you will find yourself on partially submerged rocks surrounded by deep water with sea urchins at the seabed. This is good place for snorkling. The seabed in Cheppo Bay is sandy and the water is a light azure color. You can approach the bay by a trail leading from the town through the valley of La Piana. The way is quite simple, the road will take no more than an hour. From the high shore you can see birds of prey soaring in the sky, and boats are always surrounded by mirror stingrays waiting for bread crumbs.

Cala del Vetriolo Cove - west shore

Spectacular streams of solidified lava, undercut by sea water; a mysterious cave with two entrances. The rocks are covered with cracks and caves, with yellow lichen growing on the walls. At the top you can see the steep mountain Monte Rosso (224 m), covered with red volcanic rocks with immortelle.

Cala del Moreto Bay is the southern tip of the island.

The large bay faces southwest. Its seabed and shore are extremely varied. It is certainly one of the places on the island that should not be missed. You can get to Moreto Bay by foot following a trail that runs through the whole island.

"Lo Scoglione" - the eastern shore

Red lava reef is located a few meters from the shore. A great place for snorkeling. This spot is located opposite Cape Ortondomo.

Cuisine

Marine cuisine is predominant on the island. Squid dishes are especially popular here. Since 2000 the island has been holding Sagra, dedicated to the catch of squid (Sagra is traditional Italian folk festivals dedicated to the harvest, fish catch, traditional product, etc., typical for all regions of Italy), which begins with a fishing competition, and then continues with a tasting of the catch. In the harbor you can taste seven possible calamari dishes: fried calamari, calamari with rice and couscous, calamari with spices, with potatoes, lasagna, croutons or arancini with calamari and much more.