In the waters of the Amalfi coast, not far from Positano, lie Li Galli, a small archipelago rich in charm, natural beauty, history and myth.
It is made up of three islets: Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda, Briganti Island or Castelluccia. Gallo Lungo is the largest and the only one to have been inhabited since Roman times, as the remains of a Roman Domus show. Today it is part of the Punta Campanella Protected Marine Area.
History and myth
Li Galli, which the ancients called Sirenuse, have very ancient origins.
Their history is linked to the Greek myth of the Sirens, evil creatures with the body of a bird and the face of a woman, capable of bewitching sailors with music and song, causing them to shipwreck.
Ulysses, the protagonist of Homer’s Odyssey, managed to resist their song by having himself tied to the mast of his ship following the advice of the enchantress Circe. Humiliated by their defeat, the Sirens threw themselves into the sea, turning into rocks, Li Galli to be precise.
According to other sources, once the Sirens plunged into the sea, their bodies were carried by the waves to distant places. Parthenope, one of the Sirens, was carried into the Gulf of Naples. Her body was welcomed by the population, who erected a monumental tomb around which the city named Partenope developed in her honour. Later, after the destruction of the city by the Cumans, Parthenope was refounded with the name Neapolis, from the Greek words for new city.
The name Li Galli refers just to the appearance of the mythological Sirens (half bird and half woman).
Over the centuries, this representation was abandoned. The Sirens, being linked to the sea, became half-woman and half-fish creatures in popular belief. In 1225, Frederick II of Swabia donated the three islands to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria of Positano, naming them “tres Sirenas quae dicitur Gallus”.
On Gallo Lungo is an Aragonese tower from the 15th century, built to defend against Saracen attacks. The tower, which has been renovated, can still be seen from the sea. Uninhabited for years and years and frequented by hunters from the coast for their quail hunting, in 1924 the Gallo Lungo (the largest islet) was bought by the Russian choreographer and dancer Massine who had a magnificent villa built there, enriched by the architect Le Corbusier. It was later sold to the Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. It later changed hands. Today it is a luxury resort.
Excursions
An excursion on one of our yachts is an opportunity for an unforgettable experience in one of the most picturesque places in the Mediterranean, suspended between sea and sky.
During the excursion, you will be able to admire Li Galli, discover the beauty of the Amalfi coast, swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel, observe the seabed, visit Positano, Amalfi, Nerano, have lunch in a restaurant by the sea. Excursions can be organised according to your preferences.
Our yachts are fully equipped and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. We have fully licensed and insured charter units with professional crew (STCW).
We can organize a yacht excursion tailored for you, click here for more details.
Ask for a free quote.