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Island of Pianosa
The island of Pianosa is the flattest of the seven islands in the Tuscan archipelago.
With a past as a maximum security prison, this island is well worth a visit. Until 1998, it was inhabited by inmates, prison guards and their families and this has safeguarded the artistic and natural heritage of this strip of land that lies on the sea.
The Pianosa prison was active from 1858 to 1998 and was one of the most feared. Initially it was used as an agricultural penal colony and only in 1977 was it transformed into a maximum security prison. Sandro Pertini, the future President of the Republic, also spent the years from 1931 to 1935 here.
Opened to the public little by little, today the island can be reached all year round thanks to the ferries to Pianosa from Piombino.
Pianosa Island how to get there
As mentioned earlier, to reach Pianosa, ferries leave from Piombino, but also from the island of Elba. Elba Pianosa ferries leave from Rio Marina or Marina di Campo.
Embarking on a ferry from Piombino to Pianosa is already a unique experience. A sea voyage to an island that is difficult to see because it is almost at water level, in fact the highest peak measures 29 metres.
Along the journey you will enjoy a clear sea and if you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of the dolphins that often follow the ferries giving joyful moments to all the passengers.
What to do on the island of Pianosa?
When you reach the mainland and get off the ferry, you will be as if catapulted into another dimension. Here, nature reigns supreme, but it is fascinating to see what remains of the old days when people used to live here, such as the post office or the now disused grocery shop.
Obviously, the main reason for coming to the island is the sea. So hire a guide and set off on an adventure.
There are mainly two beaches on the island of Pianosa. Cala Giovanna on Pianosa is the most famous beach and can be reached in a few minutes from the harbour. Here the Caribbean sea and the clear beach will be your silent companions for an unforgettable day.
Cala dei Turchi on Pianosa is the ideal destination to enjoy unparalleled snorkelling, at least here in the archipelago.
Those with a passion for history will find a true heritage here.
Already the prison on the island of Pianosa is a special architectural construction, but the old dwellings, especially the agronomist’s house, are also fascinating structures.
Surely you have heard of the catacombs of Pianosa, as they are known to be the largest going north from Rome.
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