Palm Islands Nature Reserve, Nature reserve on three islands off El Mina, Lebanon

Palm Islands Nature Reserve comprises three limestone islands located off the Lebanese coast near Tripoli. The islands and their surrounding waters form a protected zone managed for conservation purposes.

The islands hold remains of a Crusader church and traces of late Roman settlements that once existed here. Over time, salt ponds were also developed, showing how people used the islands.

Local fishermen have long connections to the islands and still arrange boat transport for visitors using traditional methods. This ties the community directly to the protection of these waters.

Visits are possible only from July to September when sea conditions allow boats to reach the islands from El Mina. During this season, local boat operators provide regular services to get there.

Ramkine Island, the smallest of the three, holds the remains of a lighthouse plus cannon emplacements and underground galleries built in the early 20th century; a solar-powered navigation light now sits in the old tower. Idrisi, writing in the 12th century, listed four islands off Tripoli, including a Monk's Isle.