The Island of Tino La Spezia is owned by the Italian Navy and is usually closed to the public. However, each year, on the occasion of the Feast of San Venerio on September 13th, it is possible to visit this island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Portovenere, the Cinque Terre, and the islands of Palmaria and Tinetto. On September 14th and 15th, 2024, the Island of Tino can be visited, departing from Portovenere and La Spezia. This event offers a rare opportunity to explore this corner of untouched nature, discover its breathtaking views, and enjoy the beauty of the place.
The monk San Venerio was born on the Island of Palmaria around 560 and lived as a hermit on the Island of Tino, where he died in 630. On the darkest nights, he used to light a bonfire to help ships navigate the Gulf of Poets. On this small island, San Venerio devoted himself to prayer and was of great help to all, especially the poor. For humble fishermen, with his expert sailor advice, the hermit came up with ingenious solutions, such as when he built a sail to improve navigation. Today, he is the patron saint of the Gulf of La Spezia and lighthouse keepers.
Listed in medieval maps as Tyrus Maior, the Island of Tino covers an area of about 130,000 square meters and has a perimeter of almost two kilometers. At the top of the island, at 122 meters, stands the iconic 19th-century lighthouse, a fortified neoclassical structure that has undergone many changes over time. It is an example of the transition between French-style military constructions and more recent 19th-century fortifications.
In the northern part of the island are the ruins of the monastery of San Venerio, while on the northwestern tip is the Ronca Battery, built in the 1920s as part of the fortified system of the Gulf of La Spezia. On the site where San Venerio’s body was found, a chapel was built in the 7th century, which was later transformed into an abbey in the 11th century.
There is also a small museum on the island (accessible during the Feast of San Venerio) displaying archaeological finds from the area, including amphorae, fragments of lamps, and Roman-era coins. The island’s closure to the public has allowed the natural development of lush vegetation. Among the plant species, you can find holm oaks reaching up to 25 meters high, sea fennel, maritime cineraria, broom, red valerian, ice plants, thyme, myrtle, and rosemary.
Among the island’s dry stone walls, it’s possible to spot the *tarantolino*, the smallest Italian gecko, and the wall lizard. The skies are populated by the yellow-legged gull and the peregrine falcon.
By staying in La Spezia at the Downtown Blue Apartment, you will have the chance to visit the Island of Tino with its breathtaking views and its rare, unspoiled natural beauty.