Isola del Giglio between granite coast, island trails and culture

Island character between granite and sea

Isola del Giglio combines a predominantly mountainous landscape with beaches in sheltered coves. A mountain range runs across the island from northwest to southeast; its highest point is Poggio della Pagana, at 496 metres above sea level. Almost the entire island consists of granite. A small geological exception is the Promontorio del Franco, with its sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

In the southwest, part of Isola del Giglio lies within the Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano. More than 700 species of plants and flowers shape the island. Mediterranean maquis is increasingly covering the terraces that were once cultivated as vineyards. The wildlife is also part of the landscape: migratory birds use Isola del Giglio as a resting and feeding place on their long journeys, while the rare Audouin's gull is one of the resident bird species and the symbol of the park.

Beaches, coves and arrival

Campese is the largest beach on Isola del Giglio and stands out for its reddish sand. A distinctive rock tower borders it to the south, while a Medici tower marks its northern end. The beach can be reached by bus and water taxis. The Faro di Capel Rosso is currently closed to the public; the surrounding area is also cordoned off.

The daily ferry service between Porto Santo Stefano on the Argentario and Giglio Porto makes the harbour the island's documented arrival point. The crossing to Giglio Porto takes just over an hour. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus your trip on the harbour atmosphere, the coves, the island trails or the higher-altitude villages.

Trails and clear waters

For active days, Isola del Giglio offers a dense network of old trails extending for more than 60 kilometres. The trails are used for running, trekking and cycling, and offer views of the sea. The island crossing follows Sentiero 1; it formerly served as a connection between the two villages.

The clear waters and species-rich seabeds are ideal for snorkelling and offer opportunities for diving. Beneath the surface, you can find Posidonia seagrass meadows, red and yellow gorgonians, blue sponges and rare seahorses, among other marine life.

Villages, towers and art

Giglio Castello is a medieval village on the island, surrounded by walls. The Rocca Pisana forms the highest point of Giglio Castello; from inside, the view extends across the sea and the Tyrrhenian coast in a 360-degree panorama. In the Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, reliquaries of Popes Urban I and Urban VIII, sacred furnishings belonging to Pope Innocent XIII, and other historic works of art preserve the religious and artistic heritage of the village. There is also an ivory crucifix from the 16th century attributed to Giambologna.

At Caletta del Saraceno, the walls of the Cetaria, used for moray eel farming, and parts of the Roman villa of the Domitii Enobarbi from the 1st to 2nd century AD can be seen. The Torre del Saraceno was built in 1596 at the instigation of Ferdinand I of Tuscany to encourage fishing families to return to the island. The MusicalGiglio Festival has been documented for more than ten years and includes classical chamber music; performances take place, among other venues, at the Rocca Pisana in Giglio Castello.

Island traditions and regional specialities

The patron-saint festivals include San Lorenzo in Giglio Castello on 10 August, San Rocco in Giglio Porto on 16 August and San Mamiliano in Campese on 15 September. The celebrations include processions, festivities and fireworks. The Festa dell’Uva dell’Isola del Giglio also usually takes place in September to mark the grape harvest. In small, old cellars, wine and regional dishes are tasted during the event.

Ansonaco is the native grape variety of Isola del Giglio. According to the traditional wine-making heritage, its origins date back to Greek and Roman times. The grapes are suitable for drying in the sun on granite rocks and are made into a sweet passito wine. Another island dish is Panficato, a traditional dessert made with figs, pine nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, grape jam, orange zest, cinnamon and chocolate.

Other places for orientation

Giglio Porto and Cala Spalmatoio.

Other destinations: Casone, Manciano, Diaccialone, Frassine, Valpiana, Follonica

To the main travel overview: Grosseto.