Just a few minutes by boat from Portovenere lies a hidden gem where nature, history and breathtaking views meet: Palmaria Island. It’s the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Poets and part of the Portovenere Regional Natural Park. Since 1997, the whole area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under “Porto Venere, Cinque Terre and the Islands.”
An Open-Air Garden
Palmaria is covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation. You’ll walk among centuries-old holm oaks, maritime pines, and fragrant shrubs of mastic and strawberry trees.
In spring, the island bursts into color: golden broom along the paths, delicate wild orchids, and the rare Portovenere cornflower—found only on the dramatic sea cliffs of this coast.
One of the most fascinating plants is Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, a tall grass that arrived from Africa millions of years ago and still tells the island’s ancient botanical story.
Left: Centaurea veneris (Portovenere cornflower) – photo by Centro guide Arte & Natura
Right: Ampelodesmos mauritanicus – photo by Xemenendura
A Living Island
Palmaria is not only green but also full of life. Wild goats roam freely, and seabirds find here a safe haven. In spring, you can spot gull chicks and hear flocks of migratory birds crossing the Mediterranean skies.
Caves, Quarries and Forts
The island is shaped by limestone rocks, carved over time into many caves. You’ll also find the historic quarries of Portoro, the black marble with golden veins that once made Portovenere famous worldwide. Walking around, you’ll stumble upon towers and fortifications that whisper tales of the village’s long military past, from the Middle Ages to modern times.
How to Experience It
Grand Hotel Portovenere is proud to offer guided botanical excursions on Palmaria—an opportunity to explore the island’s nature and history with an expert guide who knows its secrets.
Boats leave Portovenere at 9:30 a.m., reaching Palmaria in just a few minutes. From there, you can choose your botanical hiking path:
- Easy & Scenic: about 1h30, perfect for a relaxed pace.
- Intermediate: up to 2h15, with a few more climbs.
- Full Experience: 3h30 for a deep dive into the island.
Each route is tailored to the group, so everyone can enjoy the walk at their own pace.
Lunch can be a picnic in nature or, depending on the route, a meal in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you return to Portovenere by boat—with the option, if booked in advance, of a mini-cruise around the islands to admire them from the sea.
A Stay Inspired by Botany
To make your experience even more special, you can stay in the Studio Botanicus at Grand Hotel Portovenere. Recently renovated, it includes a bedroom with private bathroom, a cozy living area, and a balcony overlooking the peaceful courtyard filled with pepper trees, mandarins, and lemons.
The contemporary design is enriched with details recalling the hotel’s past as the 17th-century Convent of San Francesco. From the wallpaper to the custom furniture and balcony mosaics, every detail pays tribute to the monks’ botanical heritage—creating a warm, elegant atmosphere that celebrates Portovenere’s rich natural history.
Cover image from parconaturaleportovenere.it
Discover more from Discover Portovenere Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
