The ferry arrives at a harbor painted in pastel yellows and soft terracottas. Giglio is small enough that you can feel the scale of the surrounding sea pressing in from every side. Steep vineyards climb the hillsides above the port, and wild rosemary grows along the stone walls that divide the terraces. There are no airports here, no chain hotels, no neon signs. The roads are narrow ribbons of asphalt that wind between ancient watchtowers and hidden coves. The water around the island is so clear and pristine that you can see the sandy bottom ten meters down as if through a pane of glass.
Giglio is a small but beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, which together with the neighbouring isle of Giannutri belongs to the Italian region of Tuscany. You can find it about 50 km southeast of the island of Elba and 2 km from the Italian mainland.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael from Minnesota
Beaches and Bays of Giglio
Giglio offers beautiful beaches and numerous bays for a relaxing holiday, far away from the hustle and bustle. Its untouched nature is ideal for hiking and trail walking, while the crystal clear sea with its rich marine life is ideal for snorkeling and diving. The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for those seeking sunshine and tranquillity away from crowded tourist spots.
If you would like to spend your holidays on a beach with golden sands and wild nature around, then you should come here and look for Spiaggia delle Caldane, which will be the right place for you. Located south of the vibrant beach Cannelle, the beach of Caldane is a precious jewel accessible only by boat. If you want to visit the beach during a round trip by car to Italy, it is better to park your car at the Tuscan mainland. Access of tourists to the island with an area of 21 square kilometres is limited.
Crystal clear water that is full of fish is a paradise for divers. You can discover the remains of three towers that were used in the 1960s for transshipment of cargoes. Rocky reefs with colorful corals, an underwater cave with a statue of the Virgin Mary, and seahorses can be seen only by experienced divers. But do not give up! The diving school is located in close vicinity to the beach, with equipment rental and instruction for all skill levels.
The Island’s Rich History
Giglio has become very popular and world-known since the accident of the mega cruise ship Costa Concordia in January 2012. The ship hit a reef on Friday 13 January 2012 and partially sank. The number of tourists increased rapidly on this island as everyone wanted to see the largest passenger ship ever to sink. If you still have not seen it, the ship remained at the coast of Giglio for many months. During those days it was without doubt the best attraction in the area.
But the island’s history extends far deeper than this modern event. Giglio was inhabited since the Iron Age, and its name derives from the Latin word “Aegilium,” meaning “goat island.” The Romans built villas here, and medieval watchtowers dot the coastline as reminders of the period when Saracen pirates raided the Tyrrhenian coast. The hilltop village of Giglio Castello dates back to the 12th century, with narrow stone streets and a castle that offers panoramic views over the surrounding sea. Each of these layers of history adds character to this small island.
Giglio Island Guide
Giglio, the second largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, measures 24 square kilometres with a population of approximately 1,500 residents. The island rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea with rugged granite cliffs and Mediterranean scrub covering its slopes. Giglio Porto, the main harbour, features pastel-coloured houses and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Giglio Castello, a medieval hilltop village, offers narrow streets and views across the sea to Monte Argentario. The island beaches include Cannelle, with fine white sand, and Arenella, accessible by boat. Ferry services from Porto Santo Stefano run several times daily, taking one hour.
Would you trade a week of convenience for the clear waters and quiet lanes of Giglio? 🏝️
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