GIGLIO ISLAND
Visit Giglio Island
The main island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Isola del Giglio, is only 20 km from the Argentario coast, but it seems to be a world apart.
Deeply connected to their island, the people of Giglie rarely leave it, so their culture and lifestyle differ almost completely from that of the Maremma mainland.
The island of Giglio is a small pearl set in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the Tuscan coast. This natural jewel offers a variety of visitor attractions including crystal clear beaches, breathtaking cliffs and quaint fishing villages.
Its entirely Mediterranean soul can be breathed in every corner of the island: from the architectures with sinuous and confusing shapes to the narrow streets that will lead to the magnificent Church of San Pietro. The island is perfect for all those looking for a relaxing and authentic holiday, in an uncontaminated natural environment where you can admire the colors of the sea in all their shades.
The island of Giglio is also a paradise for enthusiasts of water sports such as snorkelling, underwater fishing and kayaking. It also offers a variety of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy dishes based on fresh fish coming directly from local fishermen.
In summary, Giglio Island is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy a relaxing holiday and admire the beauty of an authentic Italian treasure.
Here, the days pass in the name of laissez-faire, thanks to the mild and peaceful climate and the idyllic landscape.
In summer, the island of Giglio is the destination of many tourists who visit it even just for one day. The beauty of the sea and its seabed in fact makes it a popular destination and, in high season, many tourists flock to the island to snorkel, dive or simply relax on the island’s beaches. The coast is very varied and alternates rocks with smooth cliffs and sandy beaches. In winter, the Island of
Giglio is much quieter and most of its shops and restaurants are closed. But if you are interested in admiring the over 700 species of rare plants that grow there, or just exploring the untouched territory while enjoying the deepest peace, there is no better time to visit it.
What to see on Giglio Island
Giglio Porto
The crossing from Porto Santo Stefano is fast and usually very pleasant. In fact, it often happens during the journey to meet seagulls following the ferry.
Upon arrival on Giglio Island, Giglio Porto welcomes us: a charming and colorful port where time seems to have stopped. Small boats, fishermen, small shops and colorful houses: this is the scenario that welcomes visitors to the island. You will immediately be catapulted into a light and colorful world. Along the seafront you will find numerous fish restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors, along with souvenir shops, both artisanal and otherwise. Buses leave from here to explore the island. Don’t miss Cala del Saraceno, a stone’s throw from the ferry landing, and Arenella, the locals’ beach, about forty minutes’ walk away. Despite the proximity to the port, the sea here is clear and very rich in flora and fauna and you can enjoy exploring the coast between rocks and stacks.
Lily Castle
On the top of the island, at a height of 405 meters above sea level, stands Giglio Castello. Giglio Castello is the heart of the island. Already arriving at the Castle, going up the winding road that climbs from the port, crossing the somewhat arid and at times lunar landscape of the island, is an interesting experience. Of medieval origin, the Castle winds through a labyrinth of narrow and characteristic streets, protected within its ancient walls, which contain it entirely. Crowning the Rocca Aldobrandesca, from which it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view. Not to be missed is the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, which houses the treasure of Pope Innocent XIII and the ivory Crucifix by Giambologna.
Giglio Campese
Giglio Campese is located on the western side of the island. The beach is long and sandy and is bordered by the Fenaio Tower to the north and by a sea stack to the south. The sand is pleasantly golden and the beach has services, and some bars and cafes where you can enjoy an aperitif facing the sea, or a good pizza. Thanks to its western exposure, in Giglio Campese the days never end and the sunsets are spectacular. Behind the beach the town develops, purely tourist and made up of small B&Bs and houses.
How to get
The Toremar and Maregiglio ferry companies travel every day between Porto Santo Stefano and the island of Giglio. The journey takes about an hour. For both companies the timetables are available on the websites; it is also possible to buy tickets online, or buy them at the port boxes.
How to move
On ferries to Giglio Island, you can take your car or scooter on board.
There are buses on the island, but they don’t have many trips in the high season, while they naturally increase from June to September.
It is also possible to rent a scooter, or take advantage of the numerous collective taxis to move from one beach to another.
A strong point of the island are the numerous trekking paths that allow you to cross it while enjoying spectacular views and landscapes.
Mini-Cruises on Giglio Island
Giglio Island is a very popular tourist destination in Italy, especially during the summer. Among the activities most appreciated by visitors are mini-cruises, which allow you to admire the beauty of the coast and the surrounding crystal clear waters. During these excursions you can visit hidden bays and sea caves, dive into the sea to snorkel or swim in clear, refreshing waters, eat delicious fish dishes and relax in the sun or in the shade of a palm tree. Furthermore, many mini-cruises include a visit to the small historic center of the island, with its picturesque streets and artisan shops where you can buy souvenirs and local products. For those looking for an unforgettable experience during their stay on Giglio Island, a mini-cruise is certainly an excellent option. The mini-cruises leave every day in the summer from Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.
NOT TO BE MISSED
ROCK
ST PETER'S PARISH CHURCH
ACTIVITY'
TREKKING & MTB TRAILS
THE BEACHES OF GIGLIO ISLAND
But what are the beaches absolutely not to be missed on Giglio Island?
The Arenella
Arenella beach is located not far from the port, on the east coast of the island. Here there are both sand and rocks and the sea is very clear, full of fish, molluscs, octopuses and starfish. The beach is a strip of sand set between the ancient Etruscan-Roman granite quarry and the rock known as “the turtle”, due to its shape. Here the sea slopes gently and the seabed alternates with rocks and sand. There is a small bathing establishment, but also a stretch of free beach. The Arenella can be reached on foot from the port (about forty minutes) or by bus (Monticello stop).
The Cinnamons
Located in the southeast of the island, the Cannelle beach is a thin strip of white sand that overlooks a more than crystalline sea. The beach offers a view of the Argentario, and is surrounded by splendid Mediterranean vegetation. There is an establishment with a bar and restaurant. The sea at Cannelle slopes down quite gently, and the sandy seabed also makes it suitable for children.
Campese
Campese beach is the tourist beach par excellence, in the positive sense of the term. The beach is in fact the largest on the island and here there are numerous services offered, bars, places to eat or have an aperitif, the marina. Located along the western side of the island and is bordered by the faraglione to the south and to the north by the Torre del Campese. The tower was built by the Medici. The sand of Campese is reddish and grainy, and the seabed is rich in posidonia meadows. From Campese you can reach the small and hidden Cala del Pretuso and Cala del Gesso on foot.
The Caldane
Caldane beach is the smallest and wildest on the whole island. Located south of Spiaggia delle Cannelle, it can only be reached by sea or on foot, via a trekking path. Obviously the path to reach the beach is already an experience in itself: it crosses a thick and fragrant Mediterranean maquis, which descends to the sea. The beach is made of golden granite sand. Numerous boats leave from Giglio Porto and will take you to Caldane.
EVENTS
Feast of San Rocco
The Feast of San Rocco takes place in Campese, of which San Rocco is the patron, on August 16th.
September on the Isola del Giglio is the month par excellence, the month in which, before winter hibernation, you have fun and celebrate. The two most important festivals for the island are the Feast of San Mamiliano, the feast of the Patron Saint, and the Feast of the Cellars, and both take place in September.
