On Pantelleria, off the coast of Sicily, there are geysers, hot springs and the Elephant Arc -- a gigantic trunk-shaped rock that dips into the cobalt sea.
Courtesy of Enit Photo Archive
Santo Stefano (Latium) —
The prison fortress on Santo Stefano is a grim circle of hell. Its cells featured only inward-facing windows to prevent inmates from enjoying sea views.
Courtesy Enit Photo Archive
Capraia Island (Tuscany) —
The Zenobito Tower on Capraia overlooks Ceppo Bay, one of the island's best bathing spots.
Courtesy of Fabio Guidi
Capraia's San Giorgio fort —
Capraia islanders once took shelter in San Giorgio fort whenever pirates launched attacks.
Courtesy of Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano
Favignana (Sicily) —
Favignana once hosted the tonnara -- a gruesome traditional tuna-killing festival that was banned in 2008.
Courtesy of Enit Photo Archive
Gorgona (Tuscany) —
Gorgona is Italy's only island still functioning as a prison. Inmates work in vineyards and farms, making wine bottles, cheese, biscuits and pasta.
Courtesy of Rocco Rorandelli
Montecristo (Tuscany) —
Montecristo was the inspiration for Alexander Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo." There's now a long waiting list to get onto the island.
Courtesy of Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscanoo
Asinara (Sardinia) —
Asinara is home to 650 animal species, including wild albino donkeys which freely graze the land.
