Isola del GiglioTuscan Archipelago · Italy

All About Isola del Giglio

Isola del Giglio (Giglio Island) is a delight for anyone with even the slightest interest in stunning surroundings. Largely unspoiled, the native plant life provides a fine backdrop to a variety of hiking trails. Clear, beguiling waters attract snorkelers and scuba divers from right around the world, while its ribbons of sand are a favorite with both locals and visitors.

Though small, the island is able to boast some 27 kilometers of coast, combining stunning beaches with equally fine clifftop vistas. All this is matched by a warm climate that sees relatively mild temperatures in the winter months yet summer temperatures cooler than on the mainland of Italy.

This is despite the fact that Isola del Giglio lies only 16 kilometers from the promontory of Monte Argentario. Comprising part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, Isola del Giglio is one of the southernmost islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, which also includes the islands of Capraia and the destinations of Cavo, Rio Marina, and Portoferraio on Elba. The short crossing by sea remains the only way to reach it. With Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices and find the ideal ferry route.
 

Routes and Ferries to Isola del Giglio

The main link Isola del Giglio has with the Italian mainland is the connection it maintains with the town of Porto Santo Stefano on the Monte Argentario promontory. They are operated by Toremar, one of the region’s most active ferry companies. Toremar operates ferries to Isola del Giglio throughout the year, with up to three sailings per day, even during the low season period which lasts between October and May.

From June to September, there is generally a minimum of four sailings daily in either direction. The sailing is a direct one, meaning those with ferry tickets to Isola del Giglio can reach the island in approximately one hour. Both foot passengers and those with vehicles up to the size of a caravan are able to buy ferry tickets to Isola del Giglio with the company.

At present, there are no ferry companies offering direct routes between Isola del Giglio and other islands in the Tuscan Archipelago.
 

Ports of Isola del Giglio

The main port of Isola del Giglio lies on the eastern side of the island, closest to the Italian mainland. While known simply as Giglio Porto, this docking point isn’t an isolated ferry terminal. Instead, it is a thriving village can that be roughly divided into three areas, Chiesa, Saraceno, and Moletto. It is one of three main settlements on Isola del Giglio, each of which is connected by a road that crosses the island in a winding route from the east to the west coasts.
 

Best Beaches

Its epic Mediterranean location means there an excellent choice of beaches to opt between when visiting Isola del Giglio and looking to spend a few hours soaking up the sun. Here are our top recommendations.

Arenella Beach

A short distance north of the ports of Isola del Giglio lies Arenella Beach, or Spaggia dell’Arenelle. One of the largest beaches anywhere on the island, this is perhaps the best option when time is short and you want to guarantee an area of sand to yourself. The sea at this point faces no sharp drop-off from the shore, while Arenella Beach also has a great range of facilities, from places to eat and drink to boat hire services.

Cannelle Beach

A mile south of Giglio Porto is Cannelle Beach. Even larger than Arenella Beach, it has the fine white sand more usually associated with high-end Caribbean destinations. Like Arenella Beach, it’s shallow enough to be suitable for younger children, while remaining just a short walk of around 20 minutes, or a taxi ride, from the ferry terminal.

Campese Beach

The largest of all the beaches to be found on Isola del Giglio, Campese Beach lies on the opposite side of the island on the west coast. It has a fine natural position, with a small finger of land bringing it on an end on one side, and a historic watchtower to the other. Both long and wide, it has relatively coarse sand with a reddish color but isn’t ideal for swimmers because of its sharp drop-off about 1.5 meters out.

Caldane Beach

Although Caldane Beach is the smallest on the island, that’s not to say it doesn’t offer visitors an excellent overall experience. Part of its charm is the fact it can only be reached by sea or on foot. Even so, beach services such as refreshments exist during the high season summer months. If you fancy the walk, it takes around 30 minutes from Cannelle Beach.
 

Places to Visit

Its position in the Tyrrhenian arm of the Mediterranean close to the Italian mainland means Isola del Giglio has been visited by everyone from the Etruscans (forerunners of ancient Rome) to the Medici of Florence and Saracen Muslims of the Middle East. These are some of the best places to visit once you’ve got your ferry tickets to Isola del Giglio sorted.

Villa of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus

Anyone with an interest in the relics of ancient Rome will find the Villa of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus to be a show stopper. As a sworn enemy of none other than Julius Caesar, Ahenobarbus owned a significant portion of the island in the first century before Christ. His villa, sometimes called the Cala del Saraceno, is situated on the edge of Giglio Porto and includes columns, mosaics, and other artworks from the time.

San Peitro Apostolo

Situated in the village of Giglio Castello, the church of San Peitro Apostolo (Saint Peter the Apostle) is proof that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Although it has a rather plain exterior, inside there are a number of treasures you don’t have to be religious to admire. These include an ivory crucifix said to have been carved by the sculptor Giambologna that was once owned by Pope Innocent XIII.

Medici Towers

The island has no less than three towers that have stood guard on its coast since it was part of the Duchy of Florence in medieval times. Dating back several hundred years, only Torre del Saraceno in Giglio Porto is open to the public. Its round walls provide a unique space for a range of temporary exhibitions, as well as offering wonderful views from the upper floors.
 

Transportation Around Isola del Giglio

With only 22 kilometers of public road on the island, it’s unlikely you’ll need a private car for your time on Isola del Giglio. However, if you do, and you don’t bring it across on the ferry from Porto Santo Stefano, it’s possible to hire cars and scooters on the island.

Taxis are another option, while a bus service connects the three main settlements as well as Monticello for Arenella Beach. You should try to buy your tickets before boarding, which can be done at bars and shops displaying the ‘Tiemme’ sign. You can also buy them at the ticket office at the port, and on the bus itself, although the latter increases the price of the ticket slightly.

From Monday to Saturday buses run roughly hourly, with a reduced service on Sundays. The journey between Giglio Porto and Giglio Campese, on the other side of the island, takes around 30 minutes. During the high season, a water taxi connects Giglio Porto and Giglio Campese with the island’s main beaches on a daily basis too.