Italy opens up island of Montecristo to tourists. The tiny Tuscan island of Montecristo, whose mysterious history is filled with saints, monks and pirates, is to be opened up to the public for the first time. The diamond-shaped island, which is around four square miles in size, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the site of an enormous hidden treasure. For almost 40 years, since it became a nature reserve, only scientists and researchers have been allowed within three miles of the island's granite cliffs. The waters were regularly patrolled to make sure the island's population of monk seals, dolphins, tuna and rare birds was not disturbed. Anyone entering the waters illegally was liable to an instant 150 pounds fine.