Economy and brief history of the island of Capraia

Isola di Capraia - The economy of the island of Capraia was once based on three main cornerstones: agriculture, pastoralism and fishing. Agriculture was mostly subsistence: in fact, barley was cultivated to exchange it for wheat, which was used to make bread. Another widespread cultivation was the vineyards. In the sea, on the other hand, anchovies, sardines and zerri were fished, to be put in brine.

Later, however, the island also developed maritime trade. This happens in the seventeenth century, when Corsica revolted against the dominion of Genoa and thus new and interesting channels were opened for the people of Capri. A boat was developed, called a gondola, which had little coasts and therefore could easily navigate along the Corsican channel. Subsequently, in the nineteenth century, the island began to depopulate as many of its inhabitants emigrated, especially to South America. After the opening of the penal colony, the economy for a time revolved around inmates. Today it is mainly based on tourism, since in Capraia you can go diving, boat trips, trekking with naturalistic observation.