Tino Island in Porto Venere Travel Guide

Nestled in the azure waters off Portovenere’s coast, Tino Island stands as one of Italy’s most mysterious treasures. This small triangular island, covered with maritime pine, holm oak, and fragrant myrtle, holds a rich history as a former naval base. Tino Island is normally closed to the public as it serves as a military base for the Italian Marines, making the annual San Venerio Festival in September the rare opportunity for visitors to explore this UNESCO-listed gem.

The island sits just south of Palmaria Island and forms part of a protected archipelago that includes the tiny Tinetto. During your visit, you’ll discover ancient ruins and the lighthouse of San Venerio, named after a hermit who once lived on the island. The surrounding crystal-clear waters contain protected marine life that adds to the island’s natural significance.

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If you’re planning a trip to the Italian Riviera, timing your visit during the San Venerio Festival (September 14-15 in 2024) allows you to experience this otherwise inaccessible island. Boats depart from both Portovenere and La Spezia during the festival, giving you a chance to step foot on this mysterious island that most travelers can only admire from a distance.

History of Tino Island

Tino Island has a rich past dating back to ancient Roman times. The small island sits at the westernmost end of the Gulf of La Spezia in the Ligurian Sea, forming part of an important historical archipelago.

In Roman times, while Porto Venere was developing as a fishing community, Tino Island likely served as a strategic lookout point. Archaeological remains from this period have been discovered in the vicinity, showing the area’s long-standing importance.

The island gained greater significance during medieval times when a monastery was established there. This religious settlement became an important spiritual center in the region and attracted pilgrims from across the Mediterranean.

During later centuries, the Italian military took control of Tino Island, recognizing its strategic position for defending the Gulf of La Spezia. Military installations were built, some of which you can still see today.

By the 20th century, Tino had become a restricted military zone, limiting public access. This military presence actually helped preserve the island’s natural beauty and historical structures from excessive development.

In 1997, UNESCO recognized Tino’s unique cultural and natural value by including it in the World Heritage Site designation that encompasses Porto Venere, the nearby Cinque Terre, and the islands of Palmaria and Tinetto.

Today, you can visit Tino Island on special occasions when the military allows public access, typically a few days each year.

What to See in Tino Island

Tino Island is one of the hidden gems near Porto Venere, typically closed to visitors as it’s a military area. This makes it all the more special when you get a chance to explore it.

The ancient lighthouse stands as the island’s most prominent landmark, guiding ships through the Ligurian Sea for centuries. Its towering presence offers a perfect photo opportunity against the azure waters.

Military ruins dot the island, telling stories of its strategic importance throughout history. You’ll find old barracks, fortifications, and defense structures that date back to different periods.

The remains of an abbey dedicated to San Venerio create a spiritual atmosphere on the island. This historical religious site honors the hermit who became the patron saint of the Gulf of La Spezia.

Every September, the island opens to the public during the San Venerio Festival. This rare opportunity allows you to visit areas normally restricted and participate in local celebrations.

The natural landscape is equally impressive with Mediterranean vegetation covering much of the terrain. Rocky cliffs drop dramatically into crystal-clear waters, creating stunning viewpoints.

As part of the Porto Venere archipelago (which includes Palmaria and Tinetto), Tino is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Cinque Terre. Its environmental significance matches its historical value.

How to Get to Tino Island

Tino Island is a hidden gem in the Gulf of Poets, but getting there requires some planning as public access is limited. The island only opens to visitors on special occasions, primarily during the San Venerio Festival held annually on September 14-15.

When the island is open to visitors, boats depart from both Porto Venere and La Spezia. The Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti operates boat services with two daily trips during festival days.

If you’re staying in Porto Venere, you can simply walk to the harbor and purchase tickets for the boat tour. For those coming from La Spezia, you have several options:

Take a public bus to Porto Venere
Use a taxi service to Porto Venere harbor
Board the boat directly from La Spezia port

The boat ride takes approximately 20 minutes from Porto Venere and offers stunning views of the coastline. Remember to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly during the festival.

Outside of the San Venerio Festival, you can still see Tino Island by taking a boat tour that circles the three islands in the Gulf of Poets: Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. These tours don’t allow disembarking on Tino but provide excellent photo opportunities.

Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip, as boat services may be canceled during rough sea conditions.

Tino Island Visitor Information

Tino Island sits just beyond Palmaria Island in the Gulf of La Spezia. This small Italian island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre.

Important: Tino Island is a military zone and closed to the public most of the year. You can only visit once annually during the San Venerio Festival, typically held in September.

The festival honors San Venerio, the patron saint of the Gulf of La Spezia. During this special event, boats transport visitors from Porto Venere to explore this normally restricted island.

Location Information:

Located in the Ligurian Sea at the western end of the Gulf of La Spezia
Accessible only by boat from Porto Venere
Part of an archipelago including Palmaria and Tinetto islands

Length of Visit:

Plan for a half-day excursion
Boat trips typically allow 2-3 hours on the island

General Tips:

Check local tourism offices for exact festival dates
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera
Book your boat passage early as spots fill quickly
Consider bringing binoculars to view the island from Porto Venere during the rest of the year

Where to Stay Near Tino Island

Finding the perfect accommodation near Tino Island is essential for your Italian getaway. Porto Venere offers several options within easy reach of boat tours to the island.

For travelers seeking convenience, hotels in Porto Venere’s center provide the best access to boats heading to Tino Island. Prices start from around $94, with most properties offering fully refundable options for flexible planning.

Affittacamere L’Oblo Portovenere stands out as a popular guest house located less than 5 minutes on foot from the Church of St. Peter. It’s situated about 3 km from Tino Island, making it a convenient base for your explorations.

If you prefer a home-away-from-home experience, consider renting holiday accommodations in the area. Villa Marinasco offers luxurious amenities including a whirlpool, sea views, WiFi, and BBQ facilities, sleeping up to 10 guests with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Keep in mind that Porto Venere has no train station, so plan your transportation accordingly if you’re traveling without a car.

For budget-conscious travelers, Hotwire offers deals on hotels near Tino Island starting at $75. Their Hot Rate deals can be particularly valuable for last-minute bookings.

The nearby Palmaria and Tinetto islands are also worth visiting while you’re in the area. Staying in Porto Venere puts you in the perfect position to explore this beautiful trio of islands.

Things to Do Near Tino Island

While Tino Island itself is a military zone with limited access, the surrounding area offers plenty of exciting activities. You can explore the beautiful Gulf of Poets region from multiple perspectives.

Boat Tours are a must-do activity. Take a scenic tour around the three islands – Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Many tours include stops at local oyster farms, where you can sample fresh seafood while enjoying breathtaking views.

Visit Portovenere’s Historic Center, a charming neighborhood with colorful houses lining the waterfront. The narrow medieval streets invite you to wander and discover local shops and restaurants.

San Pietro Church sits majestically on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. This stunning 13th-century church offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and islands.

Spend time on Palmaria Island, the largest of the three islands. You can reach it by a short boat ride from Porto Venere. The island features hiking trails, swimming spots, and small beaches.

Take a day trip to Cinque Terre, the famous five coastal villages just north of Porto Venere. Hiking trails connect these UNESCO-protected villages, offering stunning sea views.

Minitrekking tours through local vineyards provide insight into the region’s wine production. These 4-hour tours are perfect for learning about Liguria’s winemaking traditions.

In the evening, consider a sunset boat tour for a magical experience of the Gulf of Poets bathed in golden light.

La Spezia, the nearby provincial capital, is worth visiting for its naval museum and lively market.