The group of three small islands - Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda and La Castelluccia - is located approximately 6 kilometres south-west of Positano (between Positano and the island of Capri).
Legend has it that in ancient times this place was called Sirenuse - supposedly it was here that the sirens dwelt, their song luring ships to their doom. Homer, in his Odyssey, describes how Odysseus ordered his crew to cover their ears with wax to avoid falling under the spell of these creatures.
Gallo Lungo
The largest of the islands, Gallo Lungo, has an elongated shape with a rounded "nose" and a raised "dorsal fin". All this resembles a dolphin jumping out of the water. This simile is popular with locals and tourists alike - and if you're lucky enough to have clear weather, you can see for yourself.
On Gallo Lungo stands a luxurious villa, renovated by the famous 20th century ballet master Léonide Massine. After his death, it was bought by Rudolf Nureyev, the famous Soviet dancer, who turned it into a breathtaking artistic retreat. The villa is surrounded by terraces with panoramic views and has its own private pier. The interior is adorned with luxurious mosaics, marbles and oriental elements, as Nureyev loved the rich oriental aesthetic. The villa's surroundings consist of beautiful Mediterranean gardens with cypress, olive and citrus trees. The island also has several private approaches to the sea.
The island is also home to the remains of an old Saracen watchtower, which dates back to the days when they protected the area from pirates. The Amalfi Coast was often subject to raids by the Saracens in the Middle Ages.
Today the islands are private, but you can rent them - unless you have a very fat bill. However, there are sightseeing cruises around the islands from Positano or Sorrento. Many boats offer a stop for swimming near Li Galli, where the sea is incredibly clear.
The best views of Li Galli
A spectacular view of Li Galli is from the viewpoint on the SS163 road between Positano and the village of Praiano. Here you can stop at one of the viewpoints (often marked as "Belvedere").
The Spiaggia Grande beach right in Positano also offers a great view, as does the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) trek. From the higher sections of this route, the whole bay, including Li Galli, is in the palm of your hand.
If you want to experience a truly magical sight, take a sunset cruise. At that moment, the silhouette of a "dolphin" turns into a golden outline on the horizon that looks like something out of the old siren myths.
