Three small islands – Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda, and La Castelluccia – lie off the coast of Positano with views of Capri. The Li Galli archipelago is one of the most magical destinations on the Amalfi Coast. This private sanctuary, surrounded by pristine crystal-clear waters, offers a secluded place to listen to a legend that has endured for millennia.
The History
The islets of Li Galli are steeped in history, linked to Greek mythology: legend has it that they were the home of the sirens, whose enchanting songs lured sailors to shipwreck. The geographer Strabo identified them in the 1st century BCE, calling them Sirenai or Sirenussai. Shrouded in mystery through the ages, these islands became a symbol of beauty and peril tied to the sea. During the Roman era, they likely served as a strategic base for sailors. After centuries of history, myths, and transformations, Li Galli became a haven for artists and beauty lovers, still retaining the mystical allure that, according to legend, made it dangerous to venture too close.
Le Corbusier & Li Galli
In 1924, the Li Galli islands caught the eye of Russian choreographer Léonide Massine, who bought the archipelago. With the assistance of Swiss architect Le Corbusier, he constructed a villa and an open-air theater atop what was once a Roman tower, overlooking Capri’s Faraglioni. Later, in 1988, dancer Rudolf Nureyev acquired the islands, transforming the villa into an artistic refuge in a Moorish style, enhanced with Turkish and Andalusian mosaics.
Rudolf and His Island
The famous Russian dancer and choreographer purchased the Li Galli archipelago in 1988, converting the main villa into a space that reflected his eclectic taste, using it as a personal retreat and source of artistic inspiration. Although he initially planned to establish a dance school on the island, those plans never came to fruition. In September 1992, aware of his worsening health, Nureyev left Li Galli for the last time, bidding farewell with a kiss to the land he loved. After his passing in January 1993, the archipelago remained uninhabited until it was acquired by entrepreneur Giovanni Russo, who restored and preserved it, keeping the memory of its illustrious former owners alive.
Li Galli Today
Li Galli is currently owned by entrepreneur Giovanni Russo, who purchased the archipelago in 1994, following Nureyev’s death. A renowned hotelier on the Amalfi Coast with a long career in the tourism industry, Russo also owns properties such as the Hilton Sorrento Palace and Bellevue Syrene. Under his care, Li Galli has been transformed into an exclusive luxury resort, while preserving the natural and historical beauty of the islands. In 2020, he initiated steps to add “De Li Galli” to his surname, a testament to his deep connection with the archipelago.
How to Visit
A must-see stop on Capri 360 boat tours, the waters surrounding Li Galli are part of the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area, making the area ideal for snorkeling and diving. The water is so clear in some spots that the seabed can be admired with the naked eye! An unforgettable experience.
Credit: Alessandro Moggi
