Montecristo Island, the Forbidden Wonder of the Tuscan Archipelago

The island of Montecristo is one of the wildest and most inaccessible natural wonders of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Located in the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, just between Corsica and Tuscany, this island covers an area of ??4 square miles with a coastal perimeter of 10 miles. This island is considered a jewel of volcanic origin and is completely uninhabited, with the exception of the "State Forestry Corps" guard and his family.



Once known as Oglasa, this island found its fame in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by the French writer Alexandre Dumas, which tells the tale of revenge and the discovery of a hidden treasure on this very island. The historic occupation of the island by Greeks, Romans, Etruscans and later Turks, Catholic monks and finally the French have brought to life numerous legends of hermits, pirates, looting and even dragons contributing to its beauty



Protected by a protection act under the Natural Heritage of Tuscan Islands in 1971, the island of Montecristo is one of the most important points of passage and refuge for migratory birds. The true inhabitants of this island are goats, introduced in the early periods of colonization, together with wild rabbits and the island's endemic viper. This nature reserve is protected by strict rules with a limit on the number of visitors allowed in order to maintain biodiversity.



It is forbidden to stay overnight on the island in order to protect its natural heritage. It is also strictly forbidden to fish, swim and sail within 1000 meters of the coast. Up to 2000 people per year are granted access to visit but must authorized exclusively by the "Territorial Office of the Carabinieri for Biodiversity in Follonica" and each visitor must scrupulously adhere to the provisions of the "Forest Police". Rules and restrictions may seem severe, but this is the only way to preserve this small and equally fragile corner of paradise. All Montecristo Island visitor information can be found on the website.

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