The isthmus is the only habitable part of the island.
Its here that Giuseppe Bertoleonis family and descendants have been living for the past two hundred years.
They sustain themselves by goat farming and fishing, and selling souvenirs to tourists.
They also launch the islands two restaurants.
In 1934, the Bertoleoni familys sovereignty officially came to an end when the island was annexed by Italy.
Today, the family owns only 50 hectares of the island.
Although no longer a ruler, they continue to serve their role as the protector of the island.
Photo credit:ansmartie/Flickr
Photo credit:Simone Zucchelli/Flickr
Photo credit:Ross Huggett/Flickr
Sources:BBC/The Star/www.ristorantereditavolara.com/Wikipedia
