How to visit Montecristo

Organised excursions to Montecristo from the Island of Elba

How to get there	It is possible to be authorized to access Montecristo with private boats. In this case, the visit will be conducted by the Carabinieri Forestali and will allow landing and visiting only the areas of Cala Maestra and the museum (swimming is prohibited in Montecristo). Access is subject to a fee, and authorization can be granted for a single nautical vessel (up to 16 meters) per day with a maximum of 15 people on board and up to 3 accesses per week, avoiding overlaps with the Park’s guided tour schedule. Authorization cannot be issued to the same person or vessel before 2 years. The request must be made directly to the Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità of Follonica.
Guided tours	Excursions are conducted in the presence of an authorized guide departing from Porto Azzurro. In some cases, departures are from Porto S. Stefano with a stop at Giglio Island. The visit consists of a trekking excursion exclusively along the designated routes listed below. The distribution of visitors along the trails and the organization of the excursion will be determined by the Guides after disembarking on the island.
Prices	Access with private boats: €100 for recreational boats with a hull length of up to 10 m, €500 for recreational boats with a hull length over 10 m and up to 16 m, €25 per passenger. The access ticket payment must be made through the online payment section (PagoPA) on the Park’s website. Guided tour (including round-trip maritime transport, protected area access ticket, and Park Guide service): full price €140, reduced €60. The minimum age for participants is 12 years. Pets are not allowed. In case of adverse weather conditions, alternative dates will be offered to those who have already booked. Residents of the Tuscan Archipelago islands can book the visit online for €60 per person, departing from Elba. An educational/environmental experience is available for up to 300 students per year residing on the Tuscan islands.
Contacts	+39 0565 908231 - info@parcoarcipelago.info Info Park Montecristo Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità of Follonica 0566 40611 - 043591.001@carabinieri.it
Guided tour reservations	Book online

Visiting Montecristo is a unique opportunity, as it is a Strict Nature Reserve and Biogenetic Nature Reserve, meaning that visits are highly restricted. Each year, the number of visitors requesting authorization must not exceed the maximum limit of 2,000 people, primarily prioritizing researchers, naturalist associations, and school groups.

Due to the uniqueness and value of Montecristo Island, the limited visits allowed are intended to appreciate its exceptional environmental characteristics rather than for recreational purposes such as swimming. The visit consists of a trekking excursion exclusively along the designated trails:

Cala Maestra – Belvedere – Villa Reale
Length: 2,031 m - Elevation gain: 230 m - Difficulty: medium - Duration: 2 hours

Cala Maestra – Monastery – Santo's Cave – Villa Reale
Length: 3,610 m - Elevation gain: 460 m - Difficulty: high - Duration: 3.5 hours

Cala Maestra – Villa Reale – Natural History Museum and Flora Collection
Length: 1,000 m - Elevation gain: 42 m - Difficulty: easy - Duration: 2 hours

Hiking excursion tips

Considering the elevation gain, the intense sun, and the lack of tall vegetation providing shade along most of the trails, the routes are demanding.

It is recommended to bring water and a packed lunch. It is mandatory to wear appropriate footwear: trekking boots with a sculpted sole and high ankle support, as well as comfortable and suitable clothing for hiking activities. In spring and autumn, it is advisable to bring a windproof and waterproof jacket.

Montecristo Island: A Sanctuary of Nature

Montecristo Island, part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, is one of the most important sites for biodiversity conservation in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This extraordinary and fragile environment has been recognized as a State Nature Reserve since 1971 and a Biogenetic Nature Reserve by the Council of Europe since 1988. Additionally, it is included in the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve "Tuscan Islands" and the Pelagos International Sanctuary for Marine Mammal Protection.

Access to the island is strictly regulated to preserve its uniqueness. Visits, which are limited in number and managed by the Park Authority in collaboration with the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit of Follonica, require compliance with specific behavioral rules:

Access: Allowed only between March 1st and April 15th, and between May 15th and October 31st. Visits are suspended from April 16th to May 14th to protect migratory bird species.
Restrictions: Swimming, collecting plant or animal species, and geological materials are prohibited.
Human presence: Pets are not allowed, and children under 12 years old are not permitted.
Guidance and safety: Every visitor must follow the instructions of the Park Guides and Carabinieri Forestali. There are no medical facilities on the island.

Montecristo is a place of rare natural beauty that invites visitors to discover and respect its biodiversity, offering a unique experience in harmony with the environment.