Porto Venere tour around three islands

“Giro delle isole”, or “Around three islands” is the name of the tour, which will enthral you with breath-taking landscapes and the fresh sea breeze. During the 40-minute long boat ride, you can see the archipelago from all sides and get yourselves familiar with the islands of Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto and several caves.

The tour starting point is the pier in the ancient village of Porto Venere, surrounded by soaring mountains on one side and the sea on the other side.

Click to see the updated motor-ship schedule. Normally the tours take place twice a day: at 12.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m.

The chain of Islands, each of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an amazing history. For example, Tino is a military zone, so you can enter the territory only on two days i.e. on 13 September and on Sunday of the same week. And in the distant V century, the island was built up with houses high and wide and served as “the Hermitage” of San Venerio, the holy patron of La Spezia city. Tiny Tinetto is remarkable for its crawling "residents" - it is home to rare species of endemic reptiles. In addition, the island has preserved the reminiscences of the religious communities that flourished here in the VI century i.e. the ruins of the chapel and the church with the cells for the monks. And the ultimate - the Palmaria Island, the Pearl of the archipelago remains a tourist paradise for those who love nature. It has everything: white sand and crystal clear water, and the rare Mediterranean flora and fauna.

In addition to the three islands, during the tour, you will also visit two of the most famous caves: Azzurra and Byron (Arpaio). The detailed route is shown on the map.

Here are a few small useful tips for those who go on this tour:
Arrive at the port early and try to take a seat on the right side of the boat, as it will make your trip more comfortable at sea.
Why?
While sailing, all important things to see will be on the right side of the boat. Therefore, in order not to see the island on top of someone's head, occupy a more comfortable seat.

After you pass through the Tinetto Island, move to the bow section of boat.
Why?
Now begins the second part of your sea tour. You will discover the caves of Palmaria. The boat sails so close to some of the caves that the boat will seem to hit them with its bow! Impressions beyond description!

These daily tours start from the third Saturday of March till the first Sunday of November every year. Ticket for an adult costs 12 euros, and for a child (6 to 11 years) - 6 euros (updated in 2024). Or you can buy a ticket for visiting both the places “Porto Venere + Cinque Terre” and it will cost you twice as expensive, but you will also explore more geographical areas because, apart Portovenere and the archipelago, you will visit the Italian national park of Cinque Terre, situated on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.