Make a booking request
round-black-check

certified house

round-black-check

best rate guaranteed

round-black-check

quick and personal response

We will be back to you as soon as possible with the availability and associated rate. And if this house is no longer available ? No problem, we'll prepare other (great !) suggestions for you.

*
*
*
*Required fields
Submit
small-arrow-left-black
An aerial view of a luxurious seaside pool features a light blue pool with stairs and a terrace, surrounded by stone walls. White lounge chairs with orange cushions, white umbrellas, and a comfortable seating area with sofas complete the setup. The ocean is visible in the background.
An aerial view of a luxurious seaside pool features a light blue pool with stairs and a terrace, surrounded by stone walls. White lounge chairs with orange cushions, white umbrellas, and a comfortable seating area with sofas complete the setup. The ocean is visible in the background.
1/19 PHOTOS

Capraia Isola

Forte San Giorgio

Perched on a Mediterranean island, a beautifully renovated fortress

Make a booking request

Overlooking the Mediterranean, the 16th-century fortress on the island of Capraia, near Corsica, has been meticulously restored and modernized, now welcoming 20 travelers for an unforgettable vacation.

Perched on a Mediterranean island, a beautifully renovated fortress

Make a booking request

"Capraia is the perfect island for those who prefer diving to nightclubs, nature to nightlife, and fresh catches to Michelin-starred restaurants."

On the wild island of Capraia, a five-century-old fortress overlooks the turquoise waters of the Tuscan archipelago. Long abandoned, it took a British-Italian couple over a decade of meticulous restoration to bring this National Monument of Architectural and Artistic Interest back to life. The result is a luxurious and inspiring residence, spread across five interconnected buildings with terraces and walkways, where up to 20 guests can stay while taking in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

The total indoor area spans 1,560 square meters, ensuring ample space for everyone. The highlight? The piscina della Torre, one of the most ambitious architectural features of Forte San Giorgio. Perched on the highest terrace, 100 meters above the sea, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Italian coast, as well as the islands of Elba and Montecristo. Welcome to Capraia, a true island of treasures!

The Mysterious Island

At the end of the path, the Mediterranean sea.

At the end of the path, the Mediterranean sea.

A volcanic island 8 km long, halfway between Italy and Corsica, Capraia occupies a strategic position and has long been a hub for agriculture and maritime activity. Its history is rich and complex, but let’s give it a shot! Pisa, Florence, Genoa—many powers have passed through this mysterious island. The locals likely lived in fortified villages to protect themselves from sea attacks. However, it was under Genoese rule, more than a century into their occupation, that the island suffered a pirate attack, prompting the construction of Castella San Giorgio—now Forte San Giorgio—to strengthen its defenses.

In the 19th century, Capraia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy and turned into a penal colony. It wasn’t until 1986, after the prison closed, that Capraia regained its status as a sought-after destination, reclaiming its title as the ‘pearl of the Tuscan archipelago.’ Today, the island exudes a different vibe: no more pirates, just villagers making a living from fishing and tourism, and celebrating each October with the lively squid festival.

The jewel of Forte San Giorgio is its pool, whose blue seamlessly blends with the Mediterranean.

The jewel of Forte San Giorgio is its pool, whose blue seamlessly blends with the Mediterranean.

"We like to believe that the Tuscan archipelago was formed by Aphrodite's necklace, dropped into the sea by the capricious goddess. Capraia is certainly the brightest jewel among them."

A renovation
as lengthy and meticulous

Renovating a centuries-old fortress that had long been abandoned is no small feat. It took the current owners ten years of meticulous restoration to bring their dream home to life—a vast property that is both luxurious and authentic, where unforgettable moments are made. The vaulted ceilings, arches, and stone floors and walls have all been carefully preserved. The weight of history is palpable in every room, and one truly feels fortunate to stay in such a remarkable place!

Not stopping there, the hosts envisioned four Mediterranean gardens around the fort, designed to be ecologically sustainable, drought-tolerant, and reflective of the island’s unique flora. “We selected plants that would support the local bee population and provide an abundance of aromatic herbs for cooking.” Visitors can stroll through the gardens at the end of the day, relaxing and reflecting while taking in the stunning island views. It’s the very definition of la bella vita!

 

An exceptional vacation "home."

An exceptional vacation "home."

Simple luxury

 

Dinner is served! © Sam Riva

Dinner is served! © Sam Riva

In the five buildings that make up Forte San Giorgio, the décor and furnishings blend Italian antiques with mid-century modern pieces, creating a harmonious tribute to the property’s long history.

The true luxury of wide-open spaces is especially appreciated here: from the central courtyard, framed by ancient arches and majestic walls, to the many terraces, the expansive kitchen—designed by a Michelin-starred chef—and the dining room that seats up to 30 guests. There’s also a cinema room, yoga studio, treatment room, and library. Forte San Giorgio is truly a destination in itself!

Every evening, the sunset spectacle.

Every evening, the sunset spectacle.

The island’s thousand and one
possibilities

Though the island may be small, it offers plenty of activities. Start by tasting local specialties like calamari or zerri in scabeccio (small fish in vinegar). And don’t forget to pack some local honey and wine in your suitcase before leaving.

To explore the island, you have several options: by boat, on foot, or with a mask and snorkel. For divers, Capraia lies in the heart of Pelagos, the Mediterranean sanctuary for cetaceans, making whale or dolphin sightings a common delight.

Every moment is an opportunity to enjoy this extraordinary place, classified as both a natural park and marine reserve. Capraia is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life!

Nothing better than a local boat to explore the island’s coves. © Sam Riva

Nothing better than a local boat to explore the island’s coves. © Sam Riva

The 3 things

we love the most

The panoramic view of the sea.
The meticulous renovation
The Mediterranean gardens

Gallery

arrow down

See all the pictures

arrow down

Destination Capraia Isola

Forte San Giorgio

Forte di San Giorgio, 57032, Capraia Isola, Province of Livorno, Italy

Weeks off

Follow us

Facebook
Facebook
Édition papier
Printed edition

Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our new properties!