Code of conduct in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park

The Park covers almost half the island

Elba Island is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Europe's largest marine park. About 50% of Elba is protected area, divided in zones with different protection levels. Knowing the rules saves heavy fines and protects a fragile ecosystem.

What you can never do

• Lighting fires of any kind, anywhere, including equipped areas (absolute ban 15 June - 30 September, year-round in wooded areas)
• Picking flowers, plants, minerals, fossils: that little mastic twig or pretty stone is a crime. Fines up to 6,000 euros.
• Leaving rubbish of any size (banana peels included)
• Disturbing wildlife: approaching nests, dens, mouflons, wild boars
• Wild camping: anywhere outside authorised campsites

Dogs and pets

Allowed in many park areas, but always on a leash and with poop bags. In some full-protection zones dogs cannot enter. Always check the signage at trailheads.

Trails and off-trail

You must stay on marked trails. Cutting switchbacks damages undergrowth and accelerates erosion. Few know this is also fineable.

In the water

In marine protected areas (e.g. Pianosa, Montecristo, some Elba coves) anchoring, spearfishing and collecting organisms are forbidden. Catching starfish, turtles, urchins is a crime.

Who checks

Forest Carabinieri and Coast Guard. Checks rise in August. Every year hundreds of tourists get fined for things that could be avoided just by reading the sign at the trailhead.