Asinara Island - Italian Smaller Islands

Asinara Island

(Italian: Isola dell'Asinara)
»» Sardinia

In front of the promontory of Capo Falcone is the Isle of Asinara.
Spread over an area approximately 51 square kilometers (100 miles of coast), is the second largest island of Sardinia after Sant'Antioco.
The area mostly hilly (the highest point is Punta della Scomunica to 408 meters) is covered by a thick Mediterranean vegetation, virtually treeless.
Aside from the occasional juniper, the only plants trees found in area Elige Mannu, where there is a forest of oaks.
Known as Herculis Insula (island of Hercules) even in the days of ancient Rome, when he posed as a reference point for sailors from the capital following the routes to Spain, Asinara went through his most difficult period in Since the last decades of the 1800s.
In 1861 there was established a health quarantine station in 1885 became state property (dating back to 1885, the exodus of population from which it was born Stintino) while during the First World War had to host a prison camp for Austro-Hungarian soldiers.
Later adapted as a penal colony, in the 70 's Asinara became a maximum security prison.
On 28 November 1997 marks the end of a nightmare: the Italian State establishing the National Park of 'Asinara.
Since 1999, the island is accessible for visitors, although only through guided tours.
Anyone who wants to try this exciting experience, will appreciate the rugged coastline full of inlets, the characteristic alternation of peaks overlooking the sea and the charming coves and pristine sandy beaches (there are only three, all on the east coast).
From the animal point of view, you can see many species of animals, including the last vestiges of white donkey and some herds of mouflon.