When we talk about Italy's islands, your mind likely jumps to Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia, Ponza, the Aeolian Islands, Elba, or Giglio… But there's more. Let us give you a clue...

Many of you have read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and if you haven’t, you really should. The island described in the novel isn’t a fictional place—it’s real, and it’s in Italy!

The Island of Montecristo lies just off the Tuscan coast, near Monte Argentario, and not far from the popular tourist destinations of Giglio and Elba. Located about 40 miles from the mainland, this mysterious, diamond-shaped island has been cloaked in secrecy for centuries.

Why, you ask, have you never heard of Montecristo? Well, the answer is simple: visits were forbidden!

Access rules have loosened since 2019 (with a "forced" break during Covid19). From now, if you follow the right procedure, you might just be one of the lucky few allowed to set foot on its shores.

There are about 25 days a year when visits are allowed, with just 75 lucky visitors per day. That means fewer than 2,000 people a year get to step foot on this elusive island—making it rarer than a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory!

Covering just four square miles, Montecristo is steeped in tales of monks, adventurers, pirates, and saints, and is home to rare flora, fauna, and marine life.

Be warned, though - visiting is no easy feat. The waiting list can stretch for some time. Applications must be submitted at the beginning of each year, with the first excursions starting in March of the same year. Visits are allowed from March 1st to April 15th, and again from May 15th to October 31st, with a strict "no entry" period from April 16th to May 14th—because even migratory birds need their privacy!

Tours are strictly regulated by the Tuscan Archipelago Authority, and boats depart from Piombino, Elba, Porto Santo Stefano, or Giglio. Guided tours follow one of three paths, and there’s no roaming freely—you’ll need specific gear, or your permission could be revoked.

You can also reach the mysterious Island of Montecristo by private boat - but only after getting special permission, of course. The boat can hold up to 15 people and must be under 16 meters in length. Once you've docked at Cala Maestra beach, you’ll get to explore the island and visit the Museum, all under the watchful eye of guides from the Biodiversity Department of the Carabinieri.

Need help planning your Montecristo adventure or have any burning questions? Feel free to reach out to us at info@citylightstours.com.

We're always in the know about this hidden gem. If you're thinking of organizing a private visit, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

As for the waiting times - well, those are beyond our control. But as Alexandre Dumas wisely said, “All human wisdom is contained in these two words – Wait and Hope.”