Giglio
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 January 2024
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The second largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago (Arcipelago Toscano), is the incomparable, Giglio, which means Lilly in English.
Its total size of just under twenty four square kilometres and population of around one and a half thousand make it one of the smaller Italian islands but this is one of those occasions when size doesn't matter. Giglio manages to pack in two of the best beaches in Italy, one of its prettiest ports and a gorgeous hill town which is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). |
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Giglio's best beaches
The two standout beaches are Cala delle Cannelle and Cala delle Caldane, easily confused with their similar names. At a distance of just one and a half kilometres from Giglio Porto, it takes around twenty minutes to reach Cala delle Cannelle Beach. The main road leads up the hill, away from the port and on the way you pass another gorgeous bay called Cala dello Smeraldo (Emerald Bay).
If you're planning to explore the whole island in a day then it's best to rent a scooter (if you do, make sure you check it thoroughly before you take it out as they're often faulty), but if you just want to hit the beach you can just get around on foot.
If you're planning to explore the whole island in a day then it's best to rent a scooter (if you do, make sure you check it thoroughly before you take it out as they're often faulty), but if you just want to hit the beach you can just get around on foot.
The path to Cala delle Caldane
The second of the two most spectacular beaches is Cala delle Caldane which can only be reached by walking. The path leads from Cala delle Cannelle, around the rocky coastline where you will encounter some exceptional scenery, including Punta di Capo Marino. If you just want to park yourself on a beach for the day then Cala della Caldane is just about the prettier, but there are more facilities at Cala delle Cannelle which has a few restaurants to choose from.
The arrival port in Giglio is, unsurprisingly perhaps, known as Giglio Porto. As alluded to earlier, this in my opinion is one of the prettiest ports in Italy; you pass a lighthouse on the way in where you're then confronted by a row of multi-coloured buildings and sparkling blue seas below, a prominent feature all around Giglio.
The arrival port in Giglio is, unsurprisingly perhaps, known as Giglio Porto. As alluded to earlier, this in my opinion is one of the prettiest ports in Italy; you pass a lighthouse on the way in where you're then confronted by a row of multi-coloured buildings and sparkling blue seas below, a prominent feature all around Giglio.
Giglio Castello
Heading in the opposite direction to the beaches mentioned above, you can find another beach called Arenella and if you continue to climb the road you eventually reach the village of Giglio Castello which is one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's most beautiful villages). This is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to admire the views down to the western coast of the island.
The main area of the western coast is occupied by Campese Beach which is more of a resort than an actual town. Here is where you'll find the majority of the island's hotels and restaurants although Giglio Porto is a good alternative for food, drink and shopping.
Giglio hit the news in 2012 when it was the location of the Costa Concordia disaster; the huge cruise ship sinking after hitting a rock slightly to the north of Giglio Porto.
The main area of the western coast is occupied by Campese Beach which is more of a resort than an actual town. Here is where you'll find the majority of the island's hotels and restaurants although Giglio Porto is a good alternative for food, drink and shopping.
Giglio hit the news in 2012 when it was the location of the Costa Concordia disaster; the huge cruise ship sinking after hitting a rock slightly to the north of Giglio Porto.
Comune di Isola del Giglio
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Province: Grosseto
Region: Tuscany Population: 1,345 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 24 km² Highlights: Cala delle Caldane, Cala delle Cannelle, Giglio Porto Recommended accommodation: La Guardia Hotel |
Giglio Travel
To reach Giglio you need to first make your way to Porto Santo Stefano on the Tuscan mainland. I say mainland but it's actually situated on a kind of island itself called Monte Argentario which is connected to the main mainland via a causeway and a bridge. From Porto Santo Stefano you take a ferry with either Toremar or Maregiglio with a journey time of one hour.
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Arrival port: Giglio Porto
Journey time from mainland: 1 hour Distance from nearest mainland port: 18 km |
Arrive by: ferry
Arrive from: Porto Santo Stefano Best airports: Rome Fiumicino (159 km), Pisa Airport (218 km) |
Giglio Gallery
Giglio Island Beaches
Cala delle Caldane Beach, Giglio, Tuscany
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Giglio Castello
Giglio Castello, Tuscany
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