Visiting the Tino Island during the San Venerio Festival
On September 14 and 15, on the occasion of the anniversary of San Venerio (September 13), patron saint of the Gulf, it will be possible to reach the Island of Tino from La Spezia and Porto Venere.
San Venerio special runs of the Island of Tino: This is a unique opportunity to visit this naturalistic jewel, admire its beauty, and reach numerous panoramic points. It's crucial to respect the indications on times and shifts to reach the Island and, once there, walkways and notices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
What to see on the island
The ruins of the monastery on the island’s north coast: this is the monastery dedicated to St. Venereo and built on its grave. In the 7th century, Lucius, the bishop of Luni, built a sanctuary to the saint’s memory, and in the eleventh century, it was transformed into a Benedictine monastery.
The Benedictine monks were followed by the Olivetans, who maintained the monastery until 1446. Today, the convent is home to a miniature archaeological museum.
The lighthouse of Tino is a small neoclassical fortified building wanted by King Carlo Alberto and powered by vegetable oil. In 1884, another tower was built, higher than the original one, topped with incandescent lenses and powered by two steam engines.
However, this system gave too much power to the beam of light, so in 1912, it was replaced with an oil vapour one. Then, thanks to the arrival of electric power, the light was electrified, and complete automation took place in 1985.
Several ruins of turrets and other defensive elements, built over the centuries and scattered on the island, are also present.
Getting to the island from la Spezia
The Navigazione Golfo dei Poeti motorboats will be able to reach Tino. Two daily trips, with mandatory reservations, have been organised on September 14 and 15.
Those who decide to reach the island with the first trip will have to return to La Spezia with the return that, in the travel ticket, has been assigned to them.
A limited number of people are allowed to stay on the island of Tino on the occasion of San Venerio's special trips. The exact mechanism applies to the second trip.
The available places are limited: 210 people per shift.
Ferry rates from La Spezia:
€15 adults return plus pre-sale
€8 reduced return plus pre-sale (children 6-11)
How to participate from Porto Venere
The places available from Porto Venere are limited: 40 people per shift.
You can only purchase tickets in person at the Porto Venere embarkation point; online pre-sale is NOT foreseen.
Ferry rates from Porto Venere:
€10 adults return plus pre-sale
€6 reduced return plus pre-sale (children 6-11)
P.S. Next to the smallest Tinetto Island, you can see the statue of Our Lady, a Stella Maris that seems to float but marks a rock outcrop to sailors.
