| |
|
|
Mar 25 2008
|
|
Untouched Tuscan island to open to visitors |
People staying in Tuscany villas could soon have the opportunity to take part in a new and exciting trip when the island of Montecristo is opened to visitors.
Montecristo lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Tuscany, south of the island of Elba, and until now has been entirely closed to tourists.
The island, which was made famous by the Alexandre Dumas novel The Count of Monte Cristo, will now be opened to the public, with up to 1,000 visitors a year to be given guided tours of the destination.
Currently uninhabited, Montecristo is home to a number of unique animal and plant species, as well as mountains rising to 650 metres, an 18th century villa and the ruins of a 13th century monastery.
The ecosystem of the island is so delicate, however, that visitors will have to take part in an environmental course before setting foot on its land.
"Those who visit it must be educated enough to understand what treasures they are being allowed to see," Mario Tozzi, head of the Tuscan Archipelago Parks Commission, told the Times.
Until now, only scientists and researchers have been allowed to visit Montecristo.
Holidaymakers interested in seeing the unique island can apply to join one of the tours, which will be run by the Forestry Corps, online.
To book Tuscany villas browse the VillaCentre range, click here
|
|