Rocky Heaven

If I have learned anything while traveling through Europe, it would be to take any advice you get. I was told the Island of Giannutri was a piece of heaven, so I needed to go see it for myself. Having explored many of Italy’s cities I felt it was time to find a remote location for a summer adventure. I packed a bag, with the recommended large amount of water, and got to Santo Stefano bright and early where one can take ferry boats. A rocky hour long boat ride, sitting on the top deck drenched in sweat from the hot Mediterranean sun made me more than excited about what I was getting myself into. The island’s port is remarkable, tying the boat to broken columns made by ancient Roman’s. As soon as you step onto the island you feel your skin acquire a nice layer of salt, and then you walk. Walking is not the easiest, as it is a black rock island, not made for tourists, only for the handfuls of people who have made Giannutri their summer home over the last 40 years.

With a mask and plastic swim shoes I joined the couple people I found, on the far side of the island, for a swim. The water, always refreshing, was crystal clear, littered with beautiful sea urchins and shells. It isn’t for the luxurious, climbing out of the water among the porous rocks gives you a feeling of mastered success, but the feeling of jumping in has never felt so freeing.

It was recommended to me that as the sun went down, I continue on the path to reach an abandoned Roman villa. As the sun set and the final drops of water fell from my hair, I reached a fence with a small hole. After visiting ancient Roman sites through Italy, I never thought I would be able to get this close, to touch the columns, to inspect the walls and floors. It was like nothing I had seen before. Once a Roman Emperor’s island villa, now sitting abandoned, but you can see traces of the ingenious building, architecture, and art. There I sat, with my small bottle of wine, admiring the impeccable view of the sunset and sea, the piles of marble, stone work, and immense size of this once lavish summer home.

I have never been anywhere else like it. I dream constantly of the salt, the water, the history, and the inspirational feelings given off by this dream island.