Gallinara is the small uninhabited island that sits just offshore between Ceriale and Albenga, visible from the beach on clear days. It looks modest — low and wooded — but has a remarkable history. The island served as a place of exile in Roman times, sheltered early Christian hermits, hosted a medieval Benedictine abbey, and was a private hunting reserve for centuries.
Today Gallinara is a protected nature reserve and cannot be visited by tourists, which preserves its character as a genuine refuge. Boat trips from Albenga harbour occasionally circle the island without landing. From the Ceriale beach on a clear evening, the silhouette of the island against the setting sun makes for a fine view.