24 hours in Capraia by ferry from Livorno: what to do

Capraia, the third largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, is a volcanic island with a rich history. It is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and its unspoiled nature, hillside trails and beautiful views make Capraia an ideal getaway for hikers and nature lovers.

If you are on vacation in Livorno, you can easily take a day trip to the peaceful Capraia, which is only 3 hours away! Check out our Map of Ferries for all available crossings from Livorno to Capraia and discover what to do there in 1 day.

The picturesque port of Capraia

1 day in Capraia: what to do

There are up to 5 weekly crossings departing from the port of Livorno to Capraia throughout the year. The earliest ferry usually departs from Livorno at 08:30 and arrives in Capraia at 11:15.

The Livorno - Capraia ferry route lasts approximately 3 hours and the ticket cost is around €23. If you want to spend a full day in Capraia and make the most of your day trip, we recommend that you catch the morning ferry.

Unravel the history of Capraia

Despite its tiny size, Capraia has a rich history, as it was a crossroad of civilizations. The Fortress of San Giorgio, also known as Castello, is a 16th-century castle perched on a hill in Capraia that serves as a landmark. There are more 4 well-preserved coastal towers that are worth a visit: the Torre del Porto, the Torretta del Bagno, the Torre dei Barbici, and the Torre dello Zenobito.

Aside from the ancient watchtowers, the island is dotted with Roman roads and Romanesque churches, such as the church of San Nicola in Piazza Milano. According to popular belief, the wooden statue of St. Nicholas was fished from the sea.

The well-preserved Torre del Porto tower in Capraia

Diving in Capraia

Capraia is located in the heart of Europe's largest marine protected area, making it an excellent location for diving and snorkeling. Under the water's surface, a hidden world with various types of fish and an impressive seabed can be discovered

We recommend that you visit the island's diving school and rent all of the necessary equipment for your diving adventure. Even if you are not a pro, the diving school offers diving lessons and organizes snorkeling expeditions for all levels.

Hiking in Capraia

The island of Capraia has only 1 asphalt road, making driving difficult. The majority of visitors discover Capraia by walking or hiking. Upon arrival, you can pick up a map of the island's walking routes and hiking trails at the tourist information office near the port.

Based on your level of experience, you can choose the best hiking trail for you. Hikes range from the 1-hour Reganico circuit near the village, which passes through a lovely valley filled with Mediterranean plants and flowers, to 5-hour or longer expeditions to the island's summits and viewpoints. One of the most interesting walks leads to the Dattero viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.

Hiking through stunning landscapes

Enjoy the catch of the day

Capraia's cuisine is well-known for its seafood, as many of the locals are fishermen. The majority of the dishes served here are simple, tasty, and, most importantly, as fresh as they come. Simply order the catch of the day at a restaurant near the port you will have an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Tip: if you visit Capraia in November, don't miss out on the Squid Festival (la Sagra del Totano), a traditional culinary festival that draws a lot of foodies.

Explore the coastline by boat

Capraia has no sandy beaches, so the best way to explore the island's coves and coastline is by boat. You can choose from a variety of island excursions that allow you to discover the impressive coves, or you can book a water taxi service that will take you for a swim and pick you up at a time that is convenient for you.

Sea bathers flock to the island's coves to photograph the impressive rocky formations formed by volcanic eruptions. Cala Rossa (the Red Cove) at the island's southernmost tip, is one of the most spectacular locations, with dramatic red and white cliffs meeting the sea.

Impressive rocky formations in Capraia

So, what are you waiting for? Catch the next ferry to Capraia and book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!

Tip: check out our blog to discover more Italian islands to relax.