Li Galli
Positano
KnownViews & panoramas
The story
Three islets offshore where Homer placed the sirens, and where later Léonide Massine and Rudolf Nureyev chose their own refuge on the sea.
Access
PRIVATE, by sea only
The story
Li Galli — the Archipelago of the Sirens, or Le Sirenuse — are three islets off Positano: antiquity identified them with the island of the Homeric sirens, those from whom Ulysses had himself tied to the mast to resist the song. The largest island, Gallo Lungo, has been inhabited since Roman times and in the twentieth century belonged to great names of dance, from Léonide Massine to Rudolf Nureyev.
What to see
The profile of the three islands — Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda and Dei Briganti — on the horizon of the gulf is one of the symbol-views of the Coast, admired from the Path of the Gods and from Positano. Up close, you can only skirt them by sea.
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
Li Galli are privately owned: you do not land and they are not visited on shore. They are admired from the sea, skirting them by boat, or from above from the Path of the Gods. The waters around are splendid for a swim, in respect of the navigation rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Li Galli?
No: they are private islands and landing is not allowed; they are admired from the sea, skirting them by boat, or from above from the Path of the Gods.
Why are Li Galli called the 'islands of the Sirens'?
Because ancient tradition identified them with the island of the Homeric sirens, those of the song that Ulysses escaped.
Who has owned Li Galli?
In the twentieth century the largest island, Gallo Lungo, belonged to famous men of dance, including Léonide Massine and Rudolf Nureyev.
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