Montecristo, Protected island in Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy
Montecristo is an uninhabited island in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Corsica and the Tuscan coast, covered in thick vegetation and surrounded by steep rocky shores. The interior rises sharply from the water, with narrow valleys between rock formations and evergreen plants growing across the slopes.
Monks lived on the island until the mid-16th century, when they abandoned their monastery following raids by pirates. In the 19th century it became part of Italy and was later designated a nature reserve.
Alexandre Dumas selected this remote island as the central location for his 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo, establishing its literary importance.
Visits require a special permit from Italian authorities, issued only a few times each year for guided groups. Sturdy shoes and enough water are necessary, as there are no facilities on the island.
Two wardens live permanently on the island and monitor the protected animal and plant species. The number of annual visitors is strictly limited to around one thousand to preserve the environment.
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