Island of Gorgona

Gorgona, Italy's last prison island where nature is pristine

Protected Area and Access	The island of Gorgona is one of the most protected islands of the Park Authority. On land, the entire territory is protected and divided into zones with different levels of protection. Zone B is a general oriented reserve, Zone C is a protected area that includes the inhabited and cultivated zones. At sea, up to one kilometer from the coast, Zone 1 is established, where access, navigation, mooring, anchoring, fishing, and diving are prohibited. An exception is made for a docking corridor near Cala dello Scalo, which is located between two bands of Zone 2, where the regulations are managed by the Prison Administration.
How to Visit Gorgona	Being the location of a penal colony, there are restrictions on free access based on the needs of the prison regime. For environmental protection purposes, the Park Authority has also established a daily limit of 100 visitors. Visitors can participate in guided excursions along routes identified by the Park Authority in agreement with the prison management. Guided visits to Gorgona from Livorno »

The island of Gorgona is the smallest and northernmost oasis of the archipelago, the last penitentiary island in Italy. It is located in the Ligurian Sea, in front of the coast of Livorno, approximately 37 km away.

The rock composition is predominantly limestone, characterized by ophiolitic rocks, and the terrain is hilly, with a maximum elevation of 255 meters above sea level, reached at Punta Gorgona.

Being rich in water, the island's hills are covered with dense and lush Mediterranean vegetation, characterized by areas of holm oak and Aleppo pine, about 400 floral species, some chestnut and black alder trees, and even an autochthonous variety of olive, “Bianca di Gorgona.”

Like the other islands in the archipelago, Gorgona is a favorite destination for many birds that choose this area for nesting, as it is a stopover for many migratory flows. The nature is pristine, allowing the sea to remain clear and clean, leading to a large proliferation of particularly delicate marine species.

The coast of Gorgona is characterized by numerous coves, including the most picturesque ones, such as Cala Scirocco, where the Grotta del Bove (Sea Bull Cave) is located, once a refuge for monk seals, Cala Maestra, and Cala Martina.

On the island, there are two fortifications: the Torre Vecchia (Old Tower), built when the island was under Pisan control, intended for observation and defense purposes when necessary, and the Torre Nuova (New Tower), located along the eastern coast of the island.

Curiosity: Since 1869, Gorgona has been home to an agricultural penal colony, initially established as a branch of the one on Pianosa. Around 70 inmates work outside their cells, tending to the garden, vineyard, and animals, producing wine, cheese, and honey in this way.

In addition to being the site of a prison, Gorgona was historically inhabited by many fishermen, and today the ancient village is home to about 70 residents, although only a few live there permanently.

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