Tuscan Archipelago
The Tuscan Archipelago is a chain of islands between the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea, west of Tuscany, Italy. The islands' proximity to several major cities has made them a favourite tourist location. History and literature have ensured that most people are familiar with the islands of Elba and Montecristo. Legends says the archipelago originates from a necklace that Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and sensuality, lost while emerging from the Tyrrhenian sea. In this myth, the seven islands are the seven pearls the goddess was unable to retrieve. Geography The Tuscan Archipelago lies between Corsica and the Tuscan coast and contains seven major islands (Capraia, Elba, Giannutri, Giglio, Gorgona, Montecristo and Pianosa); all are protected as part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park. The Archipelago extends from the northernmost island (Gorgona) to the southernmost (Giannutri) and from the westernmost (Capraia) to the Tuscan coast. Main Islands (from north to south): There are several islets in the archipelago including: Cerboli (Piombino Channel) Formiche di Grosseto (Grosseto) Isola della Cappa (Giglio) Isola Corbella (Elba) Isola di Ortano (Elba) Isola della Peraiola (Capraia) Isola dei Topi (Piombino Channel) Isole Gemini (Elba) Isolotto della Scarpa (Pianosa) Isolotto della Scola (Pianosa) Palmaiola (Piombino