Small Gallinara island with an area of only 11 hectares is located off the coast of the Ligurian Riviera, between the towns of Alassio and Albenga and today is a nature reserve, famous for its unique Mediterranean flora and ecosystems. By the way, in the Museum of Albenga exhibited finds from Roman ships discovered just off the coast Gallinari.

The island's name comes from the Italian word "Gallina" which referred to the wild chickens, in Roman times they were found here in abundance. Once upon a time on Gallinari dwelt the powerful monks of the Benedictine monks, which have survived the ruins of the old monastery. In the 11th century the monastery was one of the largest and richest on the entire Riviera and stretched their influence up to the French territory. But in the 13th to 15th centuries it lost its importance, and in the middle of the 19th century after the island went past the monks, was sold into private hands. In addition to the monastery on the island you can see the round tower of the 16th century, built for protection against the raids of the Saracen pirates, and a small neo-Gothic Church.

Nature Gallinari amazing. On the territory of this beautiful island nesting herring gulls, which thanks to the protection status of the reserve can in peace and quiet to engage in breeding Chicks. On Gallinari is one of the largest colonies of these birds in the Northern part of the Tyrrhenian sea. In addition to the gulls, the reserve is famous for its flora, which are the rarest kinds of Mediterranean plants. And yet it is home to no less rare reptiles.

Special interest Gallinara is for divers in the coastal waters you can see a sea of daisies yellow sponges incredible size. The island has two dive site is "Christ the Tempter", also known as Punta Falconara, and Punta Susau, dip in which is possible only in the company of experienced guides because of the abundance of unexploded bombs during the Second World war and of wrecks.