Island history, Zone A, B and C rules, snorkelling, the Sentiero Blu, kayaking, the Grotta Marina and diving in the Marine Protected Area.
Bergeggi Island is a limestone rock just over 200 metres off the coast of Bergeggi, with Roman and medieval ruins on top and protected sea all around. You cannot land, but you can paddle round it by kayak, swim and snorkel in the permitted zones, enter the Grotta Marina by boat when the sea is calm and dive with authorised centres. This guide explains what you can do, where and how.
For the Romans the island was a landmark for ships heading to the port of Vada Sabatia, today’s Vado Ligure. On the summit stand the ruins of a round tower, interpreted as a lighthouse or watchtower: one of the oldest structures on the Ligurian coast.
In 992 the bishop of Savona founded a monastery on the island dedicated to Saint Eugene and entrusted it to the monks of Lérins Abbey, off Cannes. The monastery was abandoned in the Middle Ages and only stretches of wall remain, visible from the sea. The saint still gives the island its other name: you will sometimes see it called Isola di Sant’Eugenio.
The Bergeggi Island Marine Protected Area is divided into three zones with different rules, set by the 2007 ministerial regulation. Throughout the area jet skis, water-skiing, spearfishing, collecting marine life and open fires are banned.
This is the stretch of sea off the island’s south side. Swimming and boating are not allowed. Only dives authorised by the managing body, in limited numbers, and guided dives run by dive centres, with at least one guide for every four divers, are permitted.
It covers the sea around the island and off Punta Predani. You can swim and snorkel, sail, row, kayak or paddleboard. Motorboats may pass at no more than 5 knots and moor only at authorised buoy fields. Access to the Grotta Marina is also in Zone B, subject to authorisation and limited numbers.
The rest of the protected area. The speed limit for boats rises to 10 knots and anchoring is allowed only at points set by the managing body.
Detailed rules and harbour office ordinances can change from year to year: check them on the Marine Protected Area website before heading out.
The protected area treats snorkelling as swimming: you can do it in Zones B and C, with mask, snorkel and fins, and always with a surface marker buoy. Under the surface you will find seagrass meadows, boulders and rock walls; the cove at Punta Predani is the easiest starting point from land.
The Sentiero Blu is a 2.5 km sea trail marked by 27 buoys, set aside for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. It runs from May to the end of September and motorboats cannot enter, which makes it the safest way to swim away from the shore.
A kayak is the best way to see the island up close. Rent one from a beach club on the coast or join a guided tour from Bergeggi or Spotorno, usually with snorkelling stops and a pass along the caves in the cliffs.
On the coast, below the Via Aurelia, lies the largest sea-flooded cave in Liguria. Above water there is a large chamber where the sea flows in; below it continue tunnels and brackish pools. Neolithic finds have been recovered inside and, more recently, submerged traces from the Palaeolithic. You can only enter from the sea, by kayak or on a guided trip, when conditions allow and within the limits set by the protected area.
The seabed here has been monitored since 2010. You can only dive with the authorised dive centres listed on the MPA website, which also run the guided dives in Zone A. The innermost submerged parts of the Grotta Marina are closed to divers.
For beaches, trails, parking and getting there, read our full guide to Bergeggi. A few kilometres away, Noli and Finale Ligure round off a day on the coast.
FAQ
Not on foot: landing is not allowed. You can see it from the shore or up close by kayak or boat.
In Zones B and C, around the island, off Punta Predani and in the rest of the area. In Zone A, off the island’s south side, swimming is forbidden.
No. Snorkelling counts as swimming and is free in Zones B and C. A surface marker buoy is compulsory.
Yes, in calm seas and following the protected area’s rules, which regulate and limit access. Many visitors prefer a guided tour.
From May to the end of September. It is reserved for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and SUP, with no motorboats.
Where to stay
All places to stay in Bergeggi on Booking: compare prices and availability.
Nearby
Riviera di Ponente › Riviera delle Palme
Island and Marine Protected Area, sea cave, Blue Flag beaches, snorkelling, kayaking and clifftop trails between Savona and Spotorno.
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