Tiny Italian island set to be ‘turned into oasis' to escape hoards of tourists
A group of local activists have raised around €460,000 (£401,000) in funds to win the lease for Poveglia - a tiny uninhabited island just off of Venice.
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The activist group Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia for Everyone) will take over the island next month and intend to turn the island into a small haven.
This includes regenerating the northern part of the island "transforming it into a lagoon urban park open to citizens and respectful of the ecosystem and the landscape elements that characterise the lagoon", the University of Verona said, according to The Times.
However, there will be some challenges in transforming the island, as it currently has no electrical or water supply.
And there is also no pier with access for boats either.
One of the main parts of the island is the kitchen garden, which used to grow a variety of peaches, but has now been left to run wild.
One of the founders of Poveglia for Everyone, Patrizia Veclani, told The Times: "Nature has reclaimed it. But with the advice of botanists we are considering what appropriate plants can be reinstated."
She added that it is important that the island is returning to the city, "rather than becoming the umpteenth luxury hotel".
The group will pay just over €1,000 (£871) a year for the island on a six-year lease.
The island itself is split by two canals and according to National Geographic, over 1,000 people died on the island over the centuries and were buried in plague pits.
Later, it was turned into a mental hospital that eventually closed in 1968 - with the island being vacant since.
7 TOURIST DESTINATIONS - EVERGREEN LISTICLE
Few buildings remain on the island, and even fewer fully intact.
A church still stands, as does the hospital, asylum, a bell-tower, housing and some administrative buildings.
The bell-tower is the most visible and dates back to the 12th century.
It used to belong to the church of San Vitale - which was demolished under Napoleon's orders in 1806.
The tower was then re-used as a lighthouse.
As a result of this extensive history, the island is often featured on paranormal shows as well.
The island was then first put up for lease over a decade ago when the Italian state auctioned a 99-year lease of Poveglia.
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The island was to remain as state property, to raise revenue and the hope was that the buyer would transform the hospital into a luxury hotel.
At the time, the highest bid came from Italian businessman Luigi Brugnaro for €513,000 (£447,000).
Initially, the businessman planned to invest €20million (£17.4million) in a restoration plan but the lease did not go ahead as his project did not meet all the conditions for the island.
Whilst Brugnaro decided to fight the cancellation of the lease, he eventually dropped this and all intentions for developing the island when he became Mayor of Venice.
Then in 2015, Poveglia for Everyone emerged and hoped to raise €25-30million (£21.8-£26.1million) to develop the island to include a public park, a marina, a restaurant, a hostel and a study centre.
Around 30million people visit Venice each year and a €5 (£4.36) charge was introduced last year to deter visitors.
Cruise ships were also banned in 2021, and now dock on the mainland at Marghera or at Ravenna.
Expedia's top 10 holiday islands across the globe
HERE are 10 top islands to consider for your next getaway, according to Expedia's 'Hot List'.
Paros, Greece: A Greek paradise praised for its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and buzzing nightlife, also offering delicious seafood and party boats.
Sardinia, Italy: This large Italian island boasts a rugged coastline, charming hilltop villages, and over 1,000 miles of beaches, including Spiaggia di Piscinas, nicknamed 'Little Sahara of Italy'.
Aruba, Caribbean: Known as 'One Happy Island', Aruba is celebrated for its white sand beaches, including Flamingo Beach where you can see pink flamingos, and is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
Koh Samui, Thailand: Thailand's second-largest island offers incredible beaches, impressive temples, and vibrant nightlife, gaining further popularity from the TV series White Lotus.
Jersey, UK: This Channel Island is experiencing a rising interest, particularly among British travelers.
Crete, Greece: A popular Greek island with a growing appeal to visitors.
Malta: This Mediterranean island nation is seeing increased interest from travelers.
Madeira, Portugal: This Portuguese island is a rising star on the travel scene, particularly for Brits.
Naxos, Greece: Part of the Cyclades Islands, close to Paros, and a destination worth exploring.
Milos, Greece: Another beautiful island in the Cyclades chain, known for its unique landscapes.
There is also an Italian town set to be the new Amalfi thanks to new British Airways flights.
Plus, the little-known Italian town dubbed the 'city of ice cream' has sandy beach and £15 UK flights.
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