Gallinara Island: can you visit? History, boat trips and diving

What is Gallinara Island?

Gallinara is a small rocky island, less than half a kilometre across, rising to 89 metres above sea level. A shallow channel, around 12 metres deep on average, separates it from the mainland. On top you can spot the round watchtower the Genoese built between 1542 and 1547 against pirate raids.

The name comes from the wild hens (galline) that lived here in Roman times, mentioned by Latin authors such as Varro and Columella. Today the most numerous residents are seabirds.

A protected nature reserve

In 1989 the Liguria Region added the island to its protected areas for its natural, historical and archaeological value. It is also a Site of Community Importance in the EU’s Natura 2000 network.

• Yellow-legged gulls: the southern cliffs host one of the largest breeding colonies in the Ligurian Sea.
• Mediterranean scrub: strawberry tree, myrtle, rockrose and other typical coastal plants.
• Seabed: Posidonia seagrass meadows on the north side; coralligenous reef and yellow sponges on the south side, where the bottom drops quickly to about 50 metres.

A marine protected area around the island has been under discussion for years; for now, the landing and diving rules below apply.

History: Saint Martin and the Benedictine abbey

Around the middle of the 4th century, Saint Martin of Tours, fleeing the Arian persecutions, lived on the island as a hermit for a few years. Local tradition links a cave on the west side to his stay.

Later, Benedictine monks founded an abbey here. It was rebuilt after Saracen raids and is documented in 1011 as the monastery of Saints Mary and Martin. In the 12th century it became independent, under the direct protection of the Holy See, and owned land along the coast: the church of Santa Croce in Alassio was built by the Gallinara monks in the 11th century. Decline set in from the 13th century, and in 1473 the abbey became a commendam. In the 19th century the island passed into private hands, and new buildings went up on the monastery ruins.

Can you visit Gallinara Island?

No. The island is private and not open to tourists: there are no ferries or guided visits ashore, and boat trips approach it without docking. Do not try to land by dinghy or paddleboard either: on top of being private property, it is a protected nature area.

You can still see it very close from the water, or explore the underwater side on a guided dive.

Boat trips around the island

Trips around Gallinara leave mainly from the harbour in Alassio. You sail along the cliffs, pass beneath the gull colony and get a close look at the tower and the buildings on the abbey ruins. Some trips include a stop for a swim or snorkelling off the island.

Trips are seasonal and depend on sea conditions. Prices and times change every year, so ask the Alassio tourist office or check visitalassio.com before you go.

Diving at Gallinara

For years diving was banned because of unexploded wartime ordnance and a wreck on the seabed. Today it is allowed only with guides from the approved dive centres: you cannot dive independently. The two best-known sites are:

• Punta Falconara: an easy dive, with the bronze statue of Christ the Redeemer placed in 1998 at about 18 metres.
• Punta Sciusciau: more exposed to currents, between 15 and 30 metres, with groupers, moray eels, octopus and scorpionfish.

The seabed between Albenga and the island also holds Roman shipwrecks from the 1st century BC, loaded with amphorae. Many finds are displayed in the Roman Naval Museum in Albenga; check it is open before you go.

Where to see it from the coast

Gallinara is in front of you all the way from the beaches of Albenga to the Alassio seafront. The best viewpoints:

• Via Iulia Augusta: the old Roman road between Albenga and Alassio, about 6 km and 2 hours on foot, with the island in view almost the whole way. Go back by train: it takes a few minutes.
• Santa Croce: the small Benedictine church above Alassio, with terraces over the Baia del Sole.
• Madonna della Guardia: the sanctuary on Monte Tirasso, at 586 metres, for the view from above.
• Alassio seafront: the pier and the promenade, best at sunset.

If you are here for the sea, see our guide to the beaches of Alassio; for food, the local produce of Albenga. Laigueglia and Loano are a short drive away.