THE Capel Rosso Lighthousea real reference forLily Islandwas built in 1883 by the Navy, to illuminate the southern part of the island. The structure – composed of a white tower that rises in front of the central section and a rectangular red and white striped building overlooking the sea – was for years the exclusive residence of the lighthouse. It was only available to the caretaker for proper operation and maintenance.
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But today, after having been closed for a long time and after a major recovery and redevelopment work it also became a accommodationmanaged since 2016 by three Florentine entrepreneurs and sisters: Speedwell, Guild And Purple walls.
An entrepreneur's dream (realized by his three daughters)
“In Florence, my sisters and I run aophthalmic instrument company for eye diagnosis, founded by our father. When the call for tenders for the renovation and management of the Capel Rosso lighthouse was launched eight years ago, the three of us decided to participate with great enthusiasm, perhaps also motivated by a phrase that our father often repeated: “When I retire, I will live on an island”. But he died suddenly, he worked until his last day and we made his dream come true for him,” explains Viola Mura.
Since 2016, the lighthouse has been under concession – for duration of 19 years – to the Mura sisters who implemented it meticulous work of recovery and redevelopmentcompleted in 2021, to make the lighthouse a exclusive vacation destination respecting the historical and natural heritage with the aim of “return the lighthouse to the island”.
“The project that is most important to us – continues Viola Mura – is to transform the lighthouse into a observation point. And to do this we would like to transport from the family home in Florence to the lighthouse two large telescopes – very heavy – from our father. These are instruments built by him and of which he was very proud and passionate. The key word is “observation” and telescopes represent the common thread and the meeting point between our two commercial activities of which our father was in a certain sense the promoter.
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Accommodation at the Capel Rosso lighthouse
Staying at the Capel Rosso lighthouse is a unique and exclusive experienceto try at least once in your life, and dedicated to “travelers on the run” who go to this island in the Tuscan archipelago, just opposite Argentario in search of silence, calm and relaxation.
The Capel Rosso lighthouse offers a half board service; has four suites with sea view, designed in the name of simplicity and authenticity. During the restoration phase, in which the original charm was preserved, they were used living materials impregnated with heat: the original stone of the floors, the wooden beams and the granite.
THE flagship restaurant accompanies the client on a journey through the flavors and aromas of the territory, on behalf of many aromatic plantstypical of Mediterranean bushoffering dishes that evoke old memories.
Odds from 300 euros per night per person (minimum 2 nights) with breakfast and dinner. Lunch on request.
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Why choose Capel Rosso Lighthouse
Staying at the Capel Rosso lighthouse is an opportunity to practice “digital detox”, stepping away from phone and computer screens for a few days. The lighthouse experience is thoughtful dedicate time in silenceread a book or contemplate the sea.
Among the different activities offered you can participate in a bioenergetics session on the terrace or facing the seayou can also choose a personalized massage.
There is also no shortage of endless opportunities nature excursions And hiking routes to discover the local fauna and flora, or even excursions visit the ancient village of Giglio Castellothe fishing village of GiglioPorto and the long beach of Giglio Campese.
To admire the beauty of the archipelago from above, you can go aboard a helicopter to discover the most secret and evocative places of these islands.
It is also a way of getting to know a territory explore its most precious flavors and fruitsfor example, with a visit with tasting in an organic vineyardfacing the sea or, even, discovering the honey and oil production from local producers.
So there is no shortage cooking lessons to explore local flavors by playing with ingredients.
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How to get to Capel Rosso Lighthouse
The Capel Rosso lighthouse is accessible:
– by car: from Giglio Porto, by car, towards Punta Capel Rosso (around 10km), leave the car at the end of the dirt road and continue on foot.
– of the sea: it is possible to reach the lighthouse directly from the sea by taking a boat to the old Navy pier. From there, simply follow the original staircase carved into the rock that leads to the lighthouse.
– in a helicopter: The Lighthouse has a heliport located near the building and, upon prior notification, it is possible to land and take off from this base.
To reserve: 0550134159 – +39 3703053208, Punta del Capel Rosso
Web: Capel Rosso Lighthouse
Luigi Baffigi, last keeper of the Capel Rosso lighthouse
“I am not a 'pray' but I believe that as beautiful as all this nature is, someone with a loving eye must have created it,” he said in a voice full of enthusiasm. Luigi Baffigi73 years old, born and raised in Giglio, for more than 30 years keeper of the Capel Rosso lighthousenow retired, and last guardian of the structure before the arrival of the three Mura sisters.
“I spent a lot of time and energy on the lighthouse, but the lighthouse gave me the same thing. During the long days and nights spent in total solitude in Capel Rosso, I learned to feel good about myself, to listen to myself, to ask myself questions and to seek answers. How many speeches have I made to myself. I was never afraid and I never felt lost» said Luigi, tanned complexion even in winter, robust hands, attentive gaze.
For years immersed in wild nature, his gaze sometimes turned towards the sea, today lost in the immensity of the sky, Luigi reveals today what it takes, more than anything, to be a good farista: “THE fantasy. Working at the lighthouse, far from everything, and living on an island lacking many tools and products readily available elsewhere, force you to invent, invent and find solutions with the little you have. So to survive, you need a lot of imagination. »
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