Pianosa

Pianosa, the Alcatraz of the Mediterranean

It’s the fifth largest island of the Tuscan archipelago and it covers an area of 10 km2. According to archaeological findings, the island was a trade centre since the Roman Times. In the early days it had the name Planasia, which comes from the word plain, as it is a flat surface with its highest point being at 29 metres! It’s part of the protected Arcipelago Toscano National Park, and therefore only up to 250 visitors a day can be on the island.
For routes, info and ferry tickets to Pianosa, click here, at Let’s Ferry.

Attractions in Pianosa
• The island has been known as a penal colony. Prisoners worked in the Pianosa’s farms and helped on whatever the needs of the island were. Pianosa Prison (Colonia Penale di Pianosa) was permanently closed in 1998.
• The Villa Agrippa is a small settlement that consists of the Thermal Bath (Bagni di Agrippa), a Roman villa with an impressive mosaics and a theatre.
• The Catacombs of Pianosa (Catacombe di Pianosa) have more than 200 tunnels and more than 700 tombs.
• The Fortress Forte Teglia is at the port and was built by the order of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1814.
• The Palazzo della Specola is an impressive palace at the Old Port.
• Pianosa Lighthouse (Faro di Isola Pianosa) first opened in 1864 and was home to its guards.

The Pianosa island

Activities in Pianosa
• Scuba diving and snorkeling in authorized areas as it is a protected area. There is a diving center at the port. At the Cala Giovana you can dive and see some of the remainings from the Villa di Agrippa.
• Swimming at the Cala Giovanna, the only accessible beach.
• Kayak at the Cala Giovanna beach with an instructor.
• Book a bus tour to visit all the landmarks of the island.

Beach in Pianosa

Access to Pianosa: You can reach the port by ferry. There isn’t a road network on the island. You can move around on foot or by bike. Private buses or shuttle hotel buses can take you on an island tour.

Only in Pianosa: There is an annual exhibition that takes place on the island from June to November. Visitors have the chance to learn about Pianosa’s history, that since 1998 has been uninhabited, through photos, documents, videos and lectures.