Pianosa Island Excursion Program
Special departures by boat from Piombino. Departure at 8:30 a.m. – return at 7:00 p.m.
APRIL 26 – MAY 10, 17, 24 AND 31 – EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY IN JUNE – SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 12, 13 AND 20
Guided tour including round-trip sea travel from Piombino, entrance ticket to the protected area, and Park Guide service.
Sea transport can be combined with one of the following excursions:
Guided tour of the Roman Villa “Bagni di Agrippa” and the Museum
Arrival on Pianosa with a presentation of the island and start of visits to the Museum of Geological and Archaeological Sciences and the “Bagni di Agrippa” archaeological site. The recently renovated route allows you to explore the interior of the Roman villa, observing ancient floors and the remains of wall paintings up close, accompanied by historical and naturalistic commentary from the Park Guide. Duration: 3 hours (approximately 6 hours on the island) – Difficulty: easy. Cost: €65 full price, €50 reduced price (ages 5-12).
Mountain bike excursion and visit to the Agrippa branch
Arrival on Pianosa with a presentation of the island, delivery of bicycles, and a brief introduction to the route. The itinerary passes through the old prison facilities and leads to the entrance of the maximum security prison “Agrippa,” offering evocative views and a narrative of the island’s natural and human history. Duration: 2.5 hours (6 hours on the island) – Difficulty:
Easy. Cost: €65 – Minimum age: 12 years.
Trekking excursion
An easy circular route to discover the island’s historic prison facilities and its naturalistic, geological, and archaeological sites. Duration: 2 hours (6 hours on the island) – Difficulty: easy. Cost: €65 – €50 (ages 5-12) – Free for children under 4.
The Island of Pianosa
The island of Pianosa, located in the municipality of Campo nell’Elba, has a surface area of 10.2 km² and a maximum elevation of 29 meters above sea level. It is the fifth largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago. Frequented since prehistoric times and by the earliest navigators, it preserves evidence of the Neolithic, Eneolithic, and Bronze Ages. In Roman times, it housed maritime residential structures and, during the imperial period, was the place of exile for Agrippa Postumus, nephew and adopted son of Emperor Augustus.
www.parcoarcipelago.info/isola-di-pianosa/
Due to the numerous testimonies of the past, the entire island is subject to archaeological constraints under the control of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the provinces of Pisa and Livorno.
Information on tourist use and guided excursions is available at the Info Park points of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park on the islands of Elba and Pianosa (at the Casa dell’Agronomo).
The Association for the Defense of the Island of Pianosa promotes cultural initiatives and a free-entry exhibition (11:00–17:00) with photos, maps and films on the history of the island, as well as a bookshop with historical, naturalistic and photographic texts.
The prison was decommissioned in 1998; today, a Penitentiary Administration office is present, overseeing the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into the workplace in reception and catering services, agricultural activities, and land maintenance.
The island offers a bar and restaurant service, and accommodation is available at the Hotel Milena (tel. 345 9853862). Outside the restaurant, towards the Cala Giovanna beach, there are restrooms open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, coinciding with the arrival of day-trippers.
Catacombs of Pianosa
An early Christian catacomb complex, comprising approximately 700 tombs carved from local stone and used starting in the 4th century AD, located in the eastern part of the island, within the town of Pianosa. The cemetery displays all the morphological and monumental characteristics typical of other catacombs excavated during Late Antiquity in various centers of peninsular and insular Italy, making Tuscany the northernmost region where funerary monuments with similar characteristics have been identified to date.
The catacomb, whose construction must generally be referred to the second half of the 3rd century AD and its use continued at least until the 5th century, is divided into two distinct areas, one older and one more recent. The Catacombs can be visited with guided tours. Full price €5; reduced €3 for children 5-12 years; exempt children 0-4 years, disabled people and their companions.
The catacomb, whose construction can be generally dated to the second half of the 3rd century AD and continued in use at least until the 5th century, is divided into two distinct areas, one older and one more recent. The Catacombs can be visited with guided tours. Full price €5; reduced price €3 for children 5-12; children 0-4, disabled visitors, and their companions are exempt.
Museum of Geological and Archaeological Sciences
The Museum of Geological and Archaeological Sciences reveals the history of Pianosa, from the oldest rocks dating back approximately 19 million years to deposits from the last glacial period. It traces human history from the Upper Paleolithic to the Roman era and the Middle Ages. The abundance of fossils and the presence of the first inhabitants are closely linked to the geological and paleogeographical evolution from a “non-island” to the island we know today. The history of this precious and fascinating piece of land is told through explanatory panels, videos, and educational workshops. The Museum is open to visitors with guided tours.
Agronomist’s House
Built during the so-called Ponticelli period—when Ponticelli was director of the Pianosa prison between 1871 and 1881—and completed before 1875, the Agronomist’s House housed not only the agronomist but also other employees of the Agricultural Penal Colony.
It is one of the island’s most valuable buildings, built in an eclectic style with decorative elements also found in Forte Teglia and the Palazzo della Specola. Constructed with local stone and bricks from an ancient brickworks on the island, it features two floors above ground and a central tower with a connecting staircase. Restoration work has preserved the original façade facings and the columns crowning the roof.
The building, restored by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park with funds raised from entrance fees to the protected area, houses a multimedia exhibition dedicated to the island’s history and environment.
Visit route to the island of Pianosa
- Ground floor: history of Pianosa with historical photographs, cadastral maps and ancient maps.
- Upper floors: natural environments (cliffs, seabeds, beaches, scrubland, garrigue, pastures, forests).
- Top floor: fauna and digital station with birdlife and songs.
- Final video rooms: virtual dive into the sea of Pianosa.
- Accessibility: Tactile panels, Braille, and audio for the blind.
Tickets:Guided tour €10; reduced €5 (ages 5–12); free for children 0–4, disabled visitors, and their companions.
Admission only €5; reduced €3 (ages 5–12); free for children 0–4.
Agrippa’s Baths
The archaeological site of Agrippa’s Baths, identified as the seaside villa of Agrippa Postumus, can be visited with the accompaniment of Park Guides.
The restoration, safety, and enhancement work carried out by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the provinces of Pisa and Livorno was completed in June 2025. The work was funded by the “Major Cultural Heritage Projects” Strategic Plan with an investment of €1.3 million, as part of a five-year agreement with the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
The interventions included:
- removal of the degraded tensile structure from the 1980s;
- restoration of the walls and floors and of the theatre portico;
- new excavations in the southern area and in the portico;
- discovery of a cocciopesto floor with marble inlays;
- creation of a new visitor route.
The Superintendency has also worked in other archaeological sites on the island:
- Well of the Small Quarry, with an ancient quarry and a large well structure, probably ritual and water-bearing in Roman times;
- Belvedere area, with tombs and a monumental well structure;
- Roman farm near the Agrippa Branch, with kilns, doliarium and plant nursery.
Visits to Agrippa’s Bath and the Pozzo della Piccola Cava are possible only with authorized guides and reservations through Info Park.
Branch of the former Agrippa Prison
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park inaugurated a tour of part of the Agrippa Prison on May 30, 2024. Following the concession from the State Property Agency, restoration work was carried out to make the area accessible and safe through guided tours.
The building, long abandoned, has been restored while maintaining its original appearance; even the outdoor areas known as the “promenade” have been made accessible. The project, overseen by architect Alessandro Pastorelli, has preserved the spirit and memory of the place while ensuring the safety of visitors.
Historical notes
- Agricultural penal colony active since 1858.
- First building for 350 inmates built in 1864.
- In 1872 the island was divided into agricultural holdings.
- By 1880 it housed approximately 960 inmates.
- From 1884 it welcomed prisoners suffering from tuberculosis until 1965.
- In the 1970s it became a maximum security prison with inmates charged with terrorism and organized crime.
- After the Falcone and Borsellino massacres it was fortified and made inaccessible.
- In 1997 the last mafia prisoner was transferred to the mainland.
Today, it’s possible to visit a wing of the prison with Park guides and return bus transfers. Reservations are available through Info Park.
Rules for visiting Pianosa
Visits are permitted in the areas designated by the Park Authority; these areas may be subject to change based on environmental needs. Littering (including cigarette butts) is prohibited on the island. All waste must be removed. On Pianosa, it is prohibited to collect plant and animal organisms (marine and terrestrial), fossils, sand, and other geological and archaeological remains.
Access to the island (with the exception of the town area and Cala Giovanna, the only beach where swimming is permitted) is not permitted without the presence of an authorized guide. Pets and companion animals are not permitted on the island. Dogs are permitted only in the town area (only on a leash and under the strict control of their owner), while they are prohibited on the Cala Giovanna beach and beyond the Muro Dalla Chiesa, which borders the former Agricultural Penal Colony, as shown on the map and on the appropriate signs on site. Guide dogs for the blind are permitted throughout the island (as part of guided tours).
Clothing and tips for the visit
Insects and mites (especially ticks) are reported to be present on the island during spring and summer. This occurs regularly in nature; on Pianosa, they are particularly numerous every year in late spring and early summer. This presence could be a nuisance during excursions, so we encourage participants to follow the guides’ instructions and bring specific repellents.
Getting to the island of Pianosa
Daily ferry service – Aquavision scheduled vessel. It allows you to reach Pianosa from the island of Elba (Marina di Campo) and, in high season, also from Piombino.
Outbound: Piombino 8:30 – Marina di Campo 10:00 – arrival in Pianosa 10:45
Return: Pianosa 17:00 – Marina di Campo 17:45 – arrival in Piombino 19:30
Meet and collect tickets in Marina di Campo 30-45 minutes before departure (Info Point, Piazza dei Granatieri, Marina di Campo).
Aquavision ticket office tel. 0565 976022 – aquavision.it
Weekly connection (Tuesday) – Toremar ferry. Departing from Piombino and stopping at Rio Marina.
Outbound: Piombino 08:20 – Rio Marina 09:20 – arrival in Pianosa 11:10
Return: Pianosa 14:10 – Rio Marina 16:00 – arrival in Piombino 17:10
Biglietteria Toremar di Rio Marina tel. 0565 960131 – toremar.it
Dive into the protected waters of Pianosa
In the protected sea area, the National Park has made mooring buoys available to allow for diving and sustainable use of the underwater trails. Dives can be booked and undertaken exclusively through one of the authorized diving centers, a list of which can be found at islepark-pianosa-immersioni. For information, call Info Park at 0565 908231.
Excursions and guided tours
To appreciate the island’s natural, historical, and geo-archaeological riches, you can book excursions and guided tours. Reservations are made online and paid by credit card. Discover and book excursions.
For agencies and organized groups, contact InfoPark 0565 908231 – info@parcoarcipelago.info