Asinara is a beautiful island with an ugly past. Back in the 19th century, the island was a quarantine station, where crews of ships carrying contagious diseases were sent to ride out their sicknesses. During World War 2, it was home to a concentration camp for Austro-Hungarian soldiers. And, in the Seventies, it was the site of a maximum-security prison, which shackled mafia bosses. Asinara’s shady history has actually done it some favours. The natural landscape of the place is completely unspoilt. Wildlife and flowers have colonised here instead of people, and rare species like peregrine falcons and white donkeys are native to the island. On this 4x4 trip, you can judge the island for yourself. While you’re standing in the former cells of mob fathers you might think the island is worthy of its old nickname – Devil’s Island. But, when you’re picnicking on one of the rugged beaches, you might change your mind.