Montecristo: Only 2,000 lucky people are allowed to visit the hidden island!

Montecristo: Only 2,000 lucky people are allowed to visit the hidden island!

The small but fascinating rocky island of Montecristo in the Tyrrhenian Sea has not only gained fame through Alexandre Dumas' famous novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", but also attracts adventure seekers who are looking for a very special experience. Located between Corsica and the Tuscan mainland, the uninhabited island impresses with more than just dramatic cliffs and beautiful flora. But visitors should hurry because only 2,000 people are allowed on the island each year and tickets are in high demand.

Visit permits are issued by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and are available online every January. Visits are only possible in two time windows: between March 2nd and April 15th and between May 15th and October 31st. The only access for visitors is via the picturesque bay of Cala Maestra on the west coast of the island.

Nature conservation and unique flora

Montecristo has been under strict nature conservation since 1970. The island has an area of ​​approximately 10 square kilometers and offers no infrastructure such as roads or accommodation. Truly adventurous visitors will need to bring everything themselves: water, food and sunscreen are essential as there are no supplies on site. In addition, guests are only allowed to move on designated paths in order not to endanger the sensitive flora and fauna. Among the special residents are the Montecristo goats, a unique species of interest for genetic research. The island is also an important refuge for rare migratory birds, which is why it is completely closed during breeding seasons.

The island's history is as exciting as its natural beauty. Montecristo was uninhabited for centuries until, in the 5th century, some hermits and monks who lived in the monastery of San Mamiliano found a home there. Historical findings indicate that the isolated location also attracted pirates and smugglers. A popular myth states that monks hid treasure in the 16th century, which inspired Dumas to write his novel.

An international symbol for cigar lovers

Interestingly, the name Montecristo is also a household name in the world of cigars. Montecristo cigars are considered one of the most well-known brands worldwide, with a particularly high reputation among Cuban cigar lovers. One of the favorites is the Cuban Montecristo No. 2, which is very popular in many rankings. In addition to Cuban variants, there are also Dominican and Nicaraguan cigars, which are produced by Altadis U.S.A. and, in contrast to Cuban cigars, are more easily available. Montecristo cigars have their origins in the aforementioned novel by Dumas, which further strengthens the brand identity.

A table of the best Montecristo cigars provides an overview of the most popular varieties among cigar lovers:

Montecristo not only becomes an adventure destination for nature lovers, but also a symbol of enjoyment and tradition in the world of cigars. The combination of breathtaking nature and a rich cultural heritage makes this small island a unique place that is anchored not only in the heart of Dumas' novel, but also in the hearts of many cigar lovers.

So if you have the opportunity, you should not only secure your tickets to Montecristo, but also consider the opportunity to enjoy a Montecristo cigar - a combination of nature and pleasure that is rare these days.

Further information and exciting details about Montecristo can be found at Giessener Anzeiger, Wikipedia and Holts.