Passengers traveling by ferry to Giglio, the isle of goats, are landing on a mountainous island, mostly made of granite but also including charming beaches!
When traveling to the destination Giglio, visitors are soon going to discover the island's beauty. Composed mostly of rocks, mountains made of granite and having its biggest part covered in green, Giglio is a favorite target for those who want to relax but also for hikers and divers. Inhabited since the stone age and taking its name from the Greek word "aegilion", isola del Giglio consists of three main colonies which are the Giglio Port or Giglio Porto, Giglio Castle or Giglio Castello and Giglio Campese.
Since you will be disembarked at the port, Giglio Porto is the first one you will see and probably you will spend most of your time there. It is a pretty little town with colorful houses and many shops, bars and restaurants where you can drink coffee, eat and taste the famous and delicious local white wine "Ansonaco". The ancient Roman villa of Domitius Ahenobarbus is situated in Giglio port and it is the main attraction there. In addition, uphill and at a very high point of the island where you can go by grabbing a taxi or a bus, Giglio Castello is located. It is notable to say that you can also reach it on foot but can be really hard if you are not in a good shape. From this medieval walled fortress you can see the whole island and the sea surrounding it so this makes it a perfect spot for taking pictures. The castle also contains a church in Baroque style where inside are religious icons, a big ivory crucifix and also interesting narrow lanes to wander. This church was made by the sculptor Giambologna and is dedicated to San Pietro Apostolo.
On the island's western side, 5 kilometers away from Giglio Porto and Giglio Castello, you can find Giglio Campese. Bars, restaurants and the biggest beach of the isle lays there including private beach areas but free sand too. Three more charming beaches are the Caldane beach with its red sand and is the smallest of them, the rocky Aranella beach which provides a superb view over Argentario and La Canelle beach with its crystal clear waters. At the northeast point of Giglio, Punta Fenaio, there is the old lighthouse now transformed into a romantic resort with beautiful views over the ocean, nice Italian food combined with wine, perfect for relaxation.
Isola del Giglio is a part of the Province of Grosseto in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is one of the seven islands which form the Tuscan Archipelago. It is also positioned within the Archipelago Tuscano National Park. It abstains 16 kilometers from the Monte Argentario promontory and its coast longiness is about 27 kilometers long. Ferry routes Giglio occur from and to P.S. Stefano and Giannutri, especially in high season periods.
Giglio's demand is very high in summer so consider booking your ferry tickets in advance in order to secure your holidays!
Giglio ferry routes
Giglio ferry route to Giglio Porto starts from Porto Santo Stefano, in Monte Argentario, and lasts only 1 hour. If you arrive in P. S. Stefano by car and you do not want to transfer it to the island, there are guarded parking places near the ferry dock.
In case you decide to embark with your motor vehicle, please check if there is a temporary law (during the summer months) regarding the limitation or the special conditions of the circulation of vehicles in the island of Giglio.
Check our updated online booking engine for schedules and prices in order to make your reservation in time!
Giglio port
Since you will disembark at the ferry port of Giglio Porto, the main settlement of the three on the island, is the first one you will see and probably you will spend most of your time there. It is a pretty little town with colorful houses, bars and restaurants where you can drink coffee, eat and taste the famous and delicious local white wine "Ansonaco".
Giglio port is located on the eastern coast of Giglio, It is a bustling port during summer and probably the most crowded zone in Giglio. The area around the harbor includes a tourist information center, restaurants, shopping places and roads which connect it with all the villages.
Transportation options in the island of Giglio
If you are not traveling by your own car, you can choose between buses and taxis in order to reach your accommodation upon arrival. Check below in further details:
Bus
A public bus service occurs and connects the three villages, Giglio Porto / Giglio Castello / Giglio Campese, frequently. During the summer period, the routes are more often and they mainly concur with the departure and arrival time of the ferries. The bus service is really good and visitors can visit the main villages and places of interest of the island throughout the year.
Taxi
Taxis in Giglio do not operate 24/7, so please call +39 340 8732865, +39 347 1941888, +39 338 9706950 or +39 330 731424 to book one in advance.
Taxi boat
If you rent a taxi boat, you will have the opportunity to explore the whole island and to reach the hidden beauties which are not accessible on foot or by car or bus. The guided tours by the experienced crew will inform you about the history of Giglio and at the same time will guide you to the secret caves and the picturesque landscapes of the island.
Places to visit in Giglio
- The town of Giglio Porto was built and dominated by the Romans as revealed by the ruins of the Domizi Enobarbi family villa. Undoubtedly, it is a tourist center and the main harbor of Giglio, divided into three districts Chiesa, Moletto and Saraceno. In the heart of the town is located Torre del Saraceno or Torre del Porto, named by the Saracen pirates who attacked the island
- The ancient Roman Villa Domizia, built by Domitius Ahenobarbus, is situated in the central part of Giannutri at a distance of about 8 nautical miles from Giglio. The small island has no cars and it can be visited by private boats which offer excursions for small groups
- Uphill and at a very high point of the island, where you can go by grabbing a taxi or a bus, Giglio Castello, the oldest town, is located . It is notable to say that you can also reach it on foot but it can be really hard if you are not in a good shape. From this medieval walled fortress you can see the whole island and the sea surrounding it so this makes it a perfect spot for taking pictures. The castle also contains a church in Baroque style where inside are religious icons, a big ivory crucifix and also interesting narrow lanes to wander. This church was made by the sculptor Giambologna and is dedicated to San Pietro Apostolo
- In Giglio Campese, on the west coast, except for the sandy beach, ideal for windsurfing and sailing, you can admire the Tower of Campese built during the 16th century by the second Duke of Florence Cosimo I de Medici to protect the residents from the pirate raids
- At the northeast point of Giglio, Punta Fenaio, there is the old lighthouse now transformed into a romantic resort with beautiful views over the ocean, nice Italian food combined with wine, perfect for relaxation
Giglio beaches
- Campese Beach is the longest in Giglio and the most famous tourist resort. Situated on the west side you can enjoy your stay from the morning until late in the evening and admire the wonderful sunset. The beach is organized with bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers and boat rental offices
- On the right, you can see the ancient tower and on the left the Faraglione Rock. Campese Beach is easily accessible by car or bus
- Cannelle Beach can be reached on foot in 20 minutes from Giglio port or by car. There is no bus service but you can rent a taxi boat. With white sand and swallow waters this organized beach is ideal for families and children. Bars and restaurants are available nearby
- Caldane Beach can be approached only by sea or on foot if you follow the path from Cannelle beach. With a walking distance of 30 minutes you will reach the smallest beach of Giglio. Lounges and umbrellas can be rented during the summer period
- Arenella Beach is the third in size of Giglio, organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. Located on the east coast is easily accessible by car or by bus
Hotels in Giglio
In the following list you can find some of the most visited apartments and hotels in Giglio:
- Hotel Campese
- Hotel La Guardia, Isola del Giglio
- Hotel Castello Monticello
- Gigliole
Useful tips for your trip to Giglio Island
- Plan your trip and make your reservation as soon as possible, as during the high period and especially on weekends the availability is limited
- At the end of September, the grape and cellar festival takes place in Giglio Castello. If you happen to be on the island, it is a good opportunity to taste the local wine and the typical dishes of the area. Ask your landlord for more information about the dates and time
- During the summer months, several festivals of music as well as trekking tours are organized
