Just across from Portovenere, Palmaria Island is the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Poets — a true natural sanctuary where lush Mediterranean vegetation thrives and the landscape retains its wild, authentic charm.

Crisscrossed by scenic trails, the island is the perfect destination for nature walks that blend breathtaking views with fascinating botanical discoveries. You’ll encounter ancient holm oaks, maritime pines, and dense maquis of mastic, strawberry trees, and broom, which in spring paint the paths in shades of golden yellow. Hidden among the dry-stone walls and shrubs, you might spot rare wild orchids and the Portovenere cornflower, an endemic species that grows only on the dramatic cliffs of this coastal area.

Your guide will lead you along paths scented with Mediterranean herbs, revealing stunning vistas over Torre Scola, Tino Island, and the sheer cliffs that plunge into the open sea. Along the way, you’ll also uncover traces of the island’s rich history — from the ancient Portoro marble quarries and military fortifications to prehistoric caves where human remains dating back over 5,000 years were found.