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

The name of the island comes from the Italian word "Gallina", which is called the wild chickens - in the era of ancient Rome, they were carried out here in abundance. Once upon a time we lived on Gallinari powerful Benedictine monks, from which have survived the ruins of an ancient monastery. In the 11th century, the monastery was one of the largest and richest in the entire Riviera and extend its influence up to the French territory. But in the 13-15 th centuries it has lost its meaning, and in the mid-19th century after the island went past the monks, was sold into private hands. In addition to the monastery on the island today, you can see the round tower of the 16th century, built to defend against pirate raids, the Saracens and the small neo-Gothic church.

Nature Gallinari amazing. On the territory of this beautiful island nesting Herring Gulls, which, thanks to the conservation status of the reserve may in peace and quiet are engaged in breeding chicks. It is Gallinari is one of the largest colonies of these birds in the northern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In addition to the gulls, nature reserve is famous for its flora, which are found rare species of Mediterranean plants. And live here for at least a rare reptiles.

Gallinara is of particular interest for divers: the coastal waters you can meet marine daisies - yellow sponges epic proportions. The island has two dive site - "Christ Tempter", also known as Punta Falconara, and Punta Shusha dive which may be accompanied by an experienced guide because of the abundance of unexploded bombs from World War II wrecks and debris.