Palmaria (island) Island

Address: Isola Palmaria (Palmaria Island), Porto Venere (La Spezia), Liguria, Italy

Palmaria is a Mediterranean island at the mouth of the Gulf of La Spezia on the Ligurian coast of northern Italy, notable for its natural scenery and coastal trails. It forms part of a small archipelago together with the nearby islets of Tino and Tinetto.

Palmaria has seen intermittent military use because of its strategic position at the gulf entrance and contains fortifications and batteries dating from various periods. The island has also long been used by fishermen and as a local leisure destination.

Situated off the Ligurian coast near the town of Portovenere in the province of La Spezia, Palmaria is reached by short ferry services and lies within sight of the Cinque Terre coastline.

• Location and access: Part of the archipelago at the entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia and lies opposite the town of Portovenere, with ferry connections to the mainland and neighbouring islets.

Palmaria Island sits off Portovenere in the Gulf of La Spezia. Regular ferries and seasonal hydrofoils run from Portovenere and from La Spezia harbour (and from nearby Lerici) - crossings from Portovenere are only a few minutes and from La Spezia typically under an hour depending on service. La Spezia is reached by car via the A12/A15 autostrada; once in Portovenere or La Spezia follow local signs to the ferry terminals and then disembark on Palmaria and explore on foot.

• Take the earliest ferry from Porto Venere or La Spezia to beat the day‑trip crowds and give yourself time to walk several trails before midday boats return.
• Land at the main Porto Venere-side dock and follow marked paths inland-many visitors stay near the landing but miss the island's western cliffs and secluded coves accessed by short hikes.
• If you want quieter swimming spots, head to the island's east side trails away from the main picnic/beach area; those bays are less visited by the big groups.