It is situated on the slope of a hill, at the foot of Monte Calamita. In passed
times the economical life of the centre dipended on agricoltural and mineral
activities. Once the Calamita mines were closed people of Capoliveri dedicated
successfully to Tourism. Capoliveri has ancient origins and its name seems to be
derived from Latin Caput Liberum. In Medieval times the village was fortified by
Pisans in order to difend themselfs from the attacks of Saracens, the pirates
that used to threaten the archipelago. The ruins of S.Michele Church, in
romanic-style, where in 1376 Pope Gregorio XI officiated at Mass, testify as
well the Pisans culture. Today there is nothing left except the apse of the
former Church , now part of the cemetery. At South there is a road leading to
the Morcone and Pareti Bays and towards the so-called Lover's Bay (Cala
dell'Innamorata). Still not many years ago they were small fishing and rural
centres. Thanks to the recent developpement of Tourism the bays have become well
organized seaside resort . Not to be missed the Sanctuary of Madonna delle
Grazie nearby. Other beautiful beaches near Capoliveri are Naregno (Bay near
Forte Focardo, at South-East), Lido's Beach, the Felciaio, Margidore. In
Margidore area wonderful walks can be made, in the headland of Capo Stella, in
that spectacular peninsula that move towards the sea. The most expanded
beach in the Area of Capoliveri is the Great Beach of Lacona. In the hinterland
of Lacona is the Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve, dating back to the 16th cent.
But if you want to enjoy a complete panorama of Lacona Gulf you have to get on
the mountain pass of Colle Reciso, along the road leading towards the land of
S.Giovanni and Portoferraio.
