Although the Island of Pianosa is part of the Archipelago Toscana, its completely flat and largely un-forested land sets it apart from the other six. It was the first island to be inhabited by man with a great number of traces found from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic ages of pre-history. It is the smallest of the islands 13 kilometres south west of Elba, has very important archaeological remains and was once home to a maximum security prison for only the most dangerous mafia criminals. The prison its self has been out of use for more than 160 years and the island water is now protected for its incredible array of natural sea life. This beautiful island remains largely uncontaminated and is only inhabited by a in tiny group of people- a few police, the family o fan ex-officer, and two or three others. The island is definitely a beauty to behold but it is completely forbidden to fish, anchor, or stop in the waters surrounding the island unless it is with a specifically authorized vessel and only possible to visit this small gem of an island with permission of the ‘Direzione del Parco’ and on guided tours between the months of April and September.