Palmaria—A Green Island Overlooking Portovenere
Palmaria is the largest of the islands and the only one open to the public. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and nature watching. Small boats and water taxis run regularly from Portovenere to the island. The trip takes just a few minutes.
The island offers several marked trails of varying difficulty. The most famous loop trail circles the entire island and offers breathtaking views of the sea and Portovenere. On the southern side, you’ll find beautiful pebble beaches and natural coves with crystal-clear water. If you love nature, you’ll be glad to know that Palmaria is a protected area home to endemic species.
Tino—An Island of Military Secrets and Monastic History
Tino is a smaller, partially military island that is not freely accessible to the public. However, it opens twice a year during the Feast of St. Veneria. Here you’ll find the ruins of an early Christian monastery and a lighthouse that lends the island a mysterious atmosphere.
Here you can see the ruins of the Monastery of St. Veneria, the patron saint of La Spezia, and the Faro di Tino lighthouse, which still serves as a navigational aid for ships.
Even though Tino isn’t normally accessible, the view of it from Palmaria or Portovenere is well worth it!
Tinetto—the smallest, yet historically significant
Tinetto is just a rocky outcrop, but even it has its own history. The remains of an early Christian chapel and hermit dwellings from the early Middle Ages have been found here.
Today, this uninhabited island serves primarily as a nesting ground for seabirds and as a symbol of Liguria’s spiritual life in ancient times.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The entire trio of islands—along with Portovenere and the Cinque Terre —was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1997. The reason is their exceptional combination of cultural and natural riches, well-preserved historic buildings, and unspoiled nature.
The best time to visit this region is from April through October—boats run regularly during the summer months, and the weather is ideal for hiking and swimming. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, choose May or September.
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