small corner of paradise in Tuscany
Discover Ggilio Island
Giglio Island, the small pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago, is located south of the National Park in front of Monte Argentario. With an area of 24.01 km² and a coastal perimeter of 27 km, it is second in size only to the Island of Elba. In just an hour it can be reached by ferries that offer numerous trips from Porto Santo Stefano.
Crystal clear sea, unspoiled nature, picturesque villages, breathtaking panoramic views, enchanting beaches and romantic sunsets, this is Giglio
Discover the Archipelago and the Giglio and Giannutri Islands with 'Maregiglio'
Yacht Excursions
Minicruises with Maregiglio
Villages and Beaches of Giglio
By ferry you reach Giglio Porto, a small picturesque port with shops, craft shops, bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea. It is the commercial center of the island and a starting point for discovering the beaty of Giglio. Here you will find car, scooter, bike rentals, but also taxis, boats and buses that connect Giglio Porto to the other two towns on the island.
Going up the panoramic road you arrive at Giglio Castello which reigns over the heights at about 400 meters above sea level. The village, which is part of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is surrounded by mighty medieval walls and towers that give an atmosphere rich in history that will accompany you through the alleys and suggestive views of the town.
The third town, Giglio Campese, is of more recent construction and is purely for tourism, being situated on the largest sandy beach of the island. Long and wide, it is located within an enchanting bay and is guarded on the left side by the faraglione – a monolithic rock – and by the medieval fortified Campese tower on the other. It is particularly known for its breathtaking sunsets overlooking the sea.
Here you will find everything you need to spend a holiday by the sea: equipped beaches, rental of canoes, kayaks, boats and rafts, water games and a football field for the little ones.
The other beaches of the island are small glimpses of paradise found on the eastern side of the island around Giglio Porto. The Cannelle beach is the easiest to reach and is famous for its fine white sand and shallow waters, which are also ideal for small children. A little further south is the small and “wild” Caldane beach that can only be reached by sea or on foot. To the north, on the other hand, is the Arenella beach with rocky bottoms, perfect for exploring the underwater world.
Between Nature and History
Giglio is known above all for its crystalline sea with wonderful and full of life backdrops that make snorkeling and diving a unique experience. On all waters and coasts it is possible to freely practice fishing or any other water sport.
But nature also reigns on land: 90% of the island is unspoiled. Mediterranean scrub, vineyards overlooking the sea, paths, numerous inlets, promontories and a great diversity of fauna and flora, which explodes in a thousand colors and scents, especially in spring: this is Giglio.
History, finally, is king on the island. It is possible to visit numerous monuments and places of interest: from the fortification towers against pirate attacks to the fortified village of medieval origin, from the church of San Pietro built in the fifteenth century to the Roman ruins located in Giglio Porto up to the characteristic lighthouses that watch over the sea.
During the summer it is impossible to get bored with dozens of traditional events such as the patronal feasts of the three villages and a rich program of musical and food and wine events.
In short, an island to discover where you can immerse yourself in nature, relax, play sports, enjoy the rich Tuscan cuisine and dive into the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
texts by giglioinfo.it ©
