Giannutri — Cala Maestra
Giannutri island main anchorage · Isola di Giannutri — Cala Maestra
42°15.3'N 11°06.2'E
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m at Cala Maestra in 4–10m with fair holding. Stay only if weather is stable — there is no harbour or all-weather refuge on Giannutri. If N or NW wind builds above F3, the anchorage becomes uncomfortable and Golfo Spalmatoi (S side) is the alternative. In any sustained above-F4 wind, depart the island entirely — no anchorage provides adequate shelter.
About This Anchorage
Giannutri is the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago — a small flat island of approximately 2.3 km² with dramatic cliff scenery, exceptional water clarity, and one of the most strictly protected marine environments in Italy. The island has NO permanent residents (a few summer houses) and no facilities whatsoever. The Zone 1 restriction (no navigation within 1nm of coast) means the island can only be approached at its two designated landing points: Cala Maestra (N side) and Golfo Spalmatoi (S side). The underwater environment is spectacular — Roman amphora fields, large grouper, sea fans — but unauthorized diving is prohibited in Zone 1. The 1st-century Roman villa above Cala Maestra (Domitian era) is partly excavated. ONLY visit in perfect settled weather — there is no escape from wind here.
Protected From
S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No advance permit required for Zone 2 (>1nm from coast). Landing at Cala Maestra and Golfo Spalmatoi permitted (Zone 1 exemption for the two landing points only). STRICTLY NO navigation, anchoring, fishing, or diving in Zone 1 (within 1nm of coast) except at the two designated landing points.
Restrictions: Zone 1 (within 1nm of coast): NO navigation, anchoring, fishing, diving — STRICTLY enforced. Only Cala Maestra and Golfo Spalmatoi are Zone 1 exemptions (landing only). No campfires. No overnight camping ashore. No fishing in Zone 1 or Zone 2 (Zone 2 = fishing ban). Diving only authorized with park permit.
Hazards
- !Zone 1 exclusion: The 1nm exclusion is strictly enforced — approaching within 1nm of any coast except the two landing points results in a substantial fine from the Guardia Costiera; always keep outside the 1nm boundary
- !No all-weather refuge: Giannutri has no harbour; if weather deteriorates, the only option is to depart immediately — NEVER wait for weather to improve in an anchorage here as both anchorages become untenable in F4+ winds
- !Remote location: No facilities, no medical, no rescue resources closer than Giglio (12nm) or the mainland (16nm) — be self-sufficient
- !Mistral effect on Cala Maestra: Despite facing N, Mistral (NW) and Tramontana (N) reach directly into Cala Maestra — this anchorage is conditional on completely settled weather
Skipper's Tips
- →Giannutri is worth visiting only in perfect settled weather (forecast stable for 48h minimum) — the extraordinary water clarity and the Roman ruins make it unique
- →The Roman villa foundations above Cala Maestra are accessible by a short path from the landing — some mosaics and opus reticulatum masonry are visible; a remarkable survivor
- →Underwater photography at Giannutri is world-class — the Zone 2 boundary (>1nm) allows snorkeling and diving with appropriate authorization; the water clarity (30m+ visibility) is exceptional
- →Monitor NOAA/MeteoMar Tyrrhenian forecasts carefully before arriving — the 30nm round trip from Giglio means a forecast error can leave you trapped in an untenable anchorage
Facilities
No facilities. No fresh water on the island. Carry all provisions, water, and emergency supplies. Nearest port: Porto di Giglio (12nm) or Porto Santo Stefano on the mainland (16nm).
Nearest provisions: Porto di Giglio (12nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September ONLY — the remoteness and exposure make this a summer-only destination. Even in summer, 2–3 day Libeccio or Maestrale episodes are common in the NW Tyrrhenian.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
When the Libeccio arrives at 03:00 with no warning, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
Download Free for iOS