Known as the “Mermaid Archipelago,” the Li Galli Islands are one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Amalfi Coast with a boat excursion.
The three small islands are a true natural wonder and have been a place of inspiration for international artists, from ballet dancers Massine and Nureyev who chose them as their home to Pablo Picasso and composer Igor Stravinsky. Let’s find out together.
What the Li Galli Islands are and where they are located
The Li Galli Islands are easily reached by a private boat excursion on the Amalfi Coast. Located less than 4 nautical miles from Positano in the direction of Capri, the Li Galli Islands are also known as the Island of the Mermaids. The route connecting Li Galli, Capri, and Ischia is called the ‘famous route of Ulysses,’ referring to the legendary journey described in the Odyssey. The three islands form a small archipelago consisting of:
- Gallo Lungo: It is the largest island although it is only 400 meters long and varies in width between 100 and 200 meters. It is also famous for being the dolphin-shaped island, as can be seen from aerial photos.
- La Rotonda: with a round shape, its top is covered with lush vegetation and is renowned for its crystal clear waters.
- The “Castelluccia”: the real name is “Dei Briganti” as it was used by privateers to ambush boats approaching the islands.
Even though they are one of the most beautiful stops on yacht tours of the Amalfi Coast, the interior of the islands can only be visited by invitation of its lucky owner.
The fascinating story of Li Galli
Docking place in Roman times, brigand’s den, and then a lookout point against privateers in the 16th century. Also, the site of a monastery, a prison, hunting area and finally private islands. The history of Li Galli is indeed peculiar.
In the early twentieth century, Léonide Massine, the star of the Ballets Russes, fell in love with these small islands on the Amalfi Coast and bought them with the desire to turn them into an artistic center for young people from all over the world. The project faded but a villa was built on the island of Gallo Lungo, which the famous architect Le Corbusier further embellished. The islands were later purchased in 1989 by Rudolf Nureyev. The famous Russian ballet dancer had his ballroom set up in the ancient tower and spent his last years in this oasis by the sea.
Today the archipelago is privately owned and available for the organization of exclusive events.
The Legend of the Mermaids of Li Galli
It was a Greek geographer, about two thousand years ago, who pointed to the archipelago as the cove of the Mermaids. Since then the myth has grown, amidst the fear of sailors and the curiosity of those who peer across the waters hoping to spot them.
Between legend and reality, for coastal fishermen the islands have always been considered among the most mysterious places on the Amalfi Coast and also among the most dangerous. In the past, in fact, this stretch of sea was much feared because the strong winds made the passage of sailing or rowing boats quite risky.
This of course fueled the myth, and many shipwrecks thus ended up being attributed to mermaids.
Snorkeling on the Amalfi Coast and aperitifs at sunset
A dip in the crystal clear waters near the Li Galli Islands is definitely among the best experiences of boat tours on the Amalfi Coast. The archipelago is part of a protected marine area and has excellent water quality.
On Amalfi Sails’ private yacht excursions on the Amalfi Coast, each boat is equipped with snorkeling equipment to allow those who wish to do so to explore the islands’ underwater spectacle. Those who stay on board can have a drink or a snack and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast.
How to plan a visit to Li Galli by yacht
If you want to charter a private yacht to visit the Amalfi Coast, you can choose to reach Li Galli on a sea tour that touches on all the most beautiful places along the coast: from Amalfi to Positano to Capri or Sorrento.
The best time to book a private boat tour to Li Galli and enjoy the absolute tranquility of these islands is during the months of June and September. The days are beautiful and attendance is reduced compared to the central summer months.
To make the experience even more memorable, it is also possible to organize a sunset boat tour of the Amalfi Coast, choosing precisely the Li Galli Islands as the destination. In this beautiful setting, all that will be left to do is to toast to the sun setting in the sea and giving way to a romantic moon.