Island of Pianosa – Tuscany: deep silences, transparent sea and ancient memories between protected nature and isolated history. The island of Pianosa, part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, is located south of Elba and stands out for its flat morphology, unique among the Tuscan islands. For decades inaccessible to the public due to the presence of a maximum security prison, today it can be visited in a controlled mode and presents itself as a place out of time, full of charm and biodiversity. 🌊 Protected sea and intact seabed: The waters surrounding Pianosa are among the most transparent and uncontaminated in the Mediterranean, thanks to the long environmental protection. The activities at sea are regulated and guided, to preserve an extraordinary marine ecosystem, rich in posidonia, fish, crustaceans and corals. 👉 Tip: Book a guided snorkeling excursion to Cala Giovanna: you will swim in turquoise waters on a still virgin seabed. 🏛️ Prison history and Roman traces: Pianosa housed an agricultural and penitentiary prison for over a century, which closed in 1998. The buildings, now abandoned, tell an intense page of recent history. But the island also holds Roman relics, including an imperial villa with baths, mosaics and Christian catacombs. 👉 Tip: Visit the Villa of Agrippa Postumus, Augustus' grandson: an exciting archaeological site overlooking the sea. 🌿 Wilderness and immersive trails: The island is entirely a protected area, with limited access. Hiking trails allow you to explore holm oak groves, uncultivated fields, low cliffs and quiet coves. All activities are carried out accompanied by environmental guides, in full respect of the habitat. 👉 Tip: Take part in the guided ring trek: a path between nature and memory that tells the unique identity of Pianosa. 🍽️ Local products and authentic simplicity: In Pianosa there are no restaurants in the classic sense, but a small restaurant managed by local cooperatives that offer simple dishes based on garden products and fish. The atmosphere is spartan but authentic, in harmony with the spirit of the island. 👉 Tip: After the hike, enjoy a lunch under the pine trees near the port: salads, bread, wine and absolute tranquility. 🛏️ Where to stay: A stay in Pianosa is only possible in limited mode, in simple guesthouses or with authorized camping within special programs. Most visitors arrive on a day trip from Marina di Campo (Elba), by ferry or organized excursions. 👉 Tip: If you want to stay overnight, find out well in advance: living a night on the island is a unique and silent experience. The Island of Pianosa is a space suspended between sea and memory, where the silence of nature blends with history to offer an intimate and intense experience.