Getaway to the neighboring islands in Tuscan Maremma — 2026 Selection

From Porto Santo Stefano, the islands are more than just a horizon: Isola del Giglio is reached by ferry in about an hour, with departures all year round and more frequent crossings in summer. On the scale of a coastal outing, Cala del Gesso is much closer: allow 18 to 20 minutes by boat from the port. The pebble and rock cove faces the Argentarola, an islet marked by an underwater cave.

The Giglio offers another setting: granite cliffs, the Campese beach with its reddish sand and, in the glasses, Ansonica, the island's DOC white. Further south, Giannutri is a small rocky island of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park; Cala Maestra preserves remains of the Roman port. You land at two points, Cala Maestra or Cala Spalmatoio: it is best to check the Park's access rules before setting foot ashore.

For an outing departing from Porto Santo Stefano, the Ballini gozzo with skipper in Porto Santo Stefano is one of the boats in the selection; the Hanse 388 in Talamone offers another departure point on the coast. In summer, crossings to the Giglio are more frequent, but the ferries fill up on weekends: book if you take them, and adapt your boat itinerary to the sea conditions.