Asinara
Asinara National Park (Italian for "Donkey-inhabited" but its name comes from Latin "Sinuaria" and means sinus-shaped island[citation needed]; Sardinian: S'Asinàra) is an Italian island of 51 km² in area, with approximately 700 inhabitants. It has island has been unmanned for 115 years. The island is located off the northwestern tip of Sardinia, and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Because fresh water is scarce trees are sparse and low scrub is the predominant vegetation. Part of the national parks system of Italy, the island was recently converted to a wildlife and marine preserve. It is home to a population of wild Albino Donkeys from which the island takes its name.This island has been unmanned for 115 years.
In 1997 Asinara was established as a National Park, and is now nature reserve. Its natural beauty, unspoiled by the sparse human settlement, made it an ideal candidate.
Since 1999, tourists have been able to visit Asinara Island, but only through organized and guided tours. Swimming is permitted only on three beaches and docking of private boats is forbidden.
In 2002, the waters offshore of the national park were zoned and designated as Italy’s newest marine protected area, encompassing 49 miles (79 km) of coastline around the island and 41 square miles (110 km2) of its coastal waters. There are two no access, no fishing zones[clarification needed] on Asinara Island.
There are many species of native and introduced mammals on the island, including horses, asses, goats, sheep, and pigs. The island’s vegetation is a mix of plants native to Sardinia, plants common throughout the Mediterranean, or introduced plants found in other bioregions, including North America. The island also harbors several rarely-seen species. For example, the "Albino Donkey" of Asinara is among the last examples of the famous Albino Donkey, by now a peculiarity only of Asinara. These donkeys roam freely across the island, gulping down significant amounts of vegetation and earthworms and serving as an active pest solvent[citation needed]. They are occasionally employed by the authorities to cull the thriving badger population on the island
The area is accessible by Fornelli concrete road or by sea, landing at the pier of the same name.
After we pass the Visitor Center near the pier itself, We reach a white, austere and square shaped maximum security prison construction.
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