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The Tuscan Archipelago National Park embraces a stretch of the sea extended over 148.000 acres between Livorno and the Argentario promontory and includes seven islands: Capraia, Elba, Giannutri, Giglio, Gorgona, Montecristo, and Pianosa, in addition to Formiche di Grosseto and some other smaller rocks. The largest island is Elba (86.3 square miles), the smallest Gorgona (0.86 square miles). The farthest from the coast is Montecristo, 42 miles away, while Capraia is only 21 miles from Elba. Landscapes and morphology come from different geological origins of the various islands: Gorgona and Montecristo are entirely made of granite, Giglio and Elba feature granite and sedimentary rocks (limestone and marl), Giannutri and Pianosa consist of limestone, while Capraia is basically a magmatic rock (intrusive and effusive).

FLORA

The Mediterranean and island climate are the main factors that influence the vegetation of the Tuscan Archipelago. In this area, there are massive evergreen plants and species with very small leaves such as Spanish broom. There are also large holm oak forests and chestnut woods. The most widespread plant formation is the Mediterranean scrub featuring strawberry trees, mastic trees, Phoenician junipers, myrtles, heathers, rosemary, lavender, brooms, and rock roses.
The surrounding sea is home to all the typical species of the Tyrrhenian Sea, such as vast seagrass meadows, gorgonias, sea anemones, corals, and starfish.

FAUNA

Birds are the most important animal presence in this park and are mainly represented yellow-legged gulls, Audouin’s gulls, shags, Scopoli’s and Manx shearwaters, common ravens, peregrine falcons, blue rock thrushes, and rock doves. There are also many migratory species.
Dolphins are just as abundant, as well as dusky groupers and the rare ocean sunfish.
Occasionally, sperm and fin whales have been sighted. reported. Mediterranean monk seals are even more difficult to encounter.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)