Palmaria - a green island overlooking Portovenere
Palmaria is the largest of the islands and the only one that is open to the public. It is an ideal place for hiking, swimming and nature watching. Small boats and water taxis come here regularly from Portovenere. The cruise takes only a few minutes.
The island offers several marked trails of varying difficulty. The most famous circuit goes around the entire island and offers breathtaking views of the sea and Portovenere.on the south side you will find beautiful pebble beaches and natural coves with crystal clear water. If you love nature, know that Palmaria is a protected area with endemic species.
Tino - an island of military mystery and monastic history
Tino is a smaller, semi-military island that is not open to the public - but it opens twice a year for the Feast of St. Venerio. Here you will find the remains of an ancient Christian monastery and a lighthouse that gives the island a mysterious atmosphere.
You can see the ruins of the monastery of St. Venerius, the patron saint of La Spezia, or the Faro di Tino Lighthouse, which is still used to navigate boats.
Even if you don't normally get to Tino, the view from Palmaria or Portovenere is worth it!
Tinetto - the smallest but historically significant
Tinetto is just a rock outcropping, but even it has a history. Remains of an ancient Christian chapel and hermit dwellings from the early Middle Ages have been found here.
Today, this uninhabited island serves mainly as a nesting place for seabirds and a symbol of the spiritual life of Liguria in ancient times.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The entire trio of islands - along with Portovenere and Cinque Terre - was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. This is due to their exceptional combination of cultural and natural wealth, well-preserved historic buildings and unspoilt nature.
The best time to visit this coast is April to October - boats run regularly during the summer months, and the weather is good for hiking and swimming. If you want peace and quiet, choose May or September.
