Asinara Island: From penal colony to protected National Park

Asinara Island, located off the northwestern coast of Sardinia, has transitioned from a restricted zone to a protected National Park. For 112 years, the island was closed to the public due to its use as a lazaretto, a penal colony, and a maximum-security prison. Since 1997, it has been open to visitors as a National Park.

Today, the island is a car-free destination where visitors move via walking, bicycles, electric vehicles, or authorized tour operators. The landscape features a mix of Mediterranean scrub, grey cliffs, and white sand beaches. Notable wildlife includes the white Asinara donkey.

Travelers can reach the island from Stintino or Porto Torres via catamarans and authorized boats. Key historical sites include the former prison, the lazzaretto, and Castellaccio. Visitors are encouraged to use light equipment and respect environmental protections, such as not touching dunes or collecting shells.