Sentiero Caldane3

Trekking on Giglio Island: Our Recommendations

Want to experience trekking on Giglio Island? Set sail with Maregiglio! 

If you’re passionate about trekking and are eager to uncover trails immersed in untouched nature, book a ferry to Giglio Island and plan a vacation that’s not just about crystal-clear waters and summer sun, but also about exploring the terrain. Although it’s possible to explore the trails of Giglio Island in the summer (taking precautions during the hottest hours), the best times to embark on this adventure are mainly in the spring and autumn.

During these seasons, the island’s natural surroundings take on unique hues, and the breathtaking views of the Tuscan Archipelago and the mainland become even more enchanting.

Ancient mule tracks, now accessible to everyone for trekking

The network of trails on Giglio Island, comprising 29 trekking routes, unveils a territory rich in beauty, with dirt paths and ancient mule tracks that connect the island’s three villages.

Once, these paths were traveled on the back of donkeys. Today, they are favored routes to discover the island’s hidden gems and to reach lesser-known beaches and coves, journeying through the Mediterranean scrubland. Walking these trails is truly a sensory journey: vibrant colors, fragrances, panoramic views, and the silence only broken by the sounds of nature.

Giglio Island has reclaimed this treasure with the help of European funds. The local municipality and the island’s tourist board have indeed collaborated to clear and restore forgotten paths, which had been neglected as the agricultural community dwindled and tourism-based economy took center stage, pushing them into oblivion.

Now, this very tourism economy has brought these paths back into the limelight, breathing new life into this stunning island. Despite the predominantly mountainous nature of the terrain, the trails cater to various needs and skill levels. Some can be traversed without significant difficulty or elevation changes, while others are more challenging in terms of length and altitude variation.

For those who prefer, some destinations like Giglio Castello can be reached using public or private transportation, followed by a descent along the trails.

Unveiling Giglio Island’s Hidden Beaches

For those wishing to experience the land on foot, a complex network of trails allows complete freedom to roam the island.

Trekking on Giglio Island isn’t limited to just observing its flora and fauna or its magnificent panoramic views. It’s intrinsically tied to exploring its beaches. 

Thanks to the island’s extensive trail network, hikers can discover hidden nooks and beaches unknown to most — places that retain a raw beauty and remain untouched by mass tourism. These remote spots, accessible only on foot, are ideal for those longing for a solitary beach day, enveloped in the sounds and scents of the coastal surroundings.

Giglio Island offers trekking routes for everyone: from casual walkers who can enjoy trails without steep elevations, to more seasoned explorers looking for challenging and scenic paths.

Giglio Island Hiking: Our Worry-free Recommendations

To fully enjoy your trekking experience on Giglio Island, it’s vital to come prepared. Here are some of our top tips:

Before setting off, make sure to wear suitable footwear. A sturdy pair of trekking shoes is essential for the island’s uneven trails and to prevent potential injuries. A hat is equally crucial to shield against the sun. While exploring Giglio Island’s trails, you won’t find any refreshment areas or bars, so it’s vital to carry ample water. We recommend at least one and a half liters per person, especially if you’re hiking during the summer months.

Speaking of timing, it’s wise to avoid the day’s hottest hours, especially in the summer. Early mornings or late afternoons are the most opportune times for hikes. In spring and autumn, temperatures should pose no concerns.

Another factor to consider is mobile phone coverage. Some parts of the island, especially along the west coast, may have weak or no signal. Hence, it’s advisable to make any necessary plans or arrangements before embarking on your hike. Lastly, always pack a small energy snack like fruit to recharge during strenuous moments.

Remember, each trail has its unique characteristics.  Some paths on Giglio Island are straightforward and suitable for all, while others may be challenging due to steep inclines or the terrain’s nature. Therefore, research ahead and choose a route that fits your experience level and physical condition.

Eager to experience trekking on Giglio Island? Embark with Maregiglio now!

Are you a trekking enthusiast? For a wholesome experience combining both terrains and serene beaches, we recommend vacationing on Giglio Island.

Getting to the island couldn’t be simpler: Head to Porto Santo Stefano and go to the ferry boarding area at Piazzale Candi 8 – Terminal Traghetti, in Porto del Valle, where our Maregiglio vessels await. Planning to bring your car or motorcycle? We advise booking your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointments, especially during the high tourist influx in summer months.

If you don’t plan on taking your vehicle, you can conveniently leave it at Porto Santo Stefano using the parking suggestions found in this link. Maregiglio ferries, operating between Porto Santo Stefano and Giglio Island, are known for their excellent daily service. Within an hour, you’ll comfortably arrive at your destination.

Please remember these crucial points:

  • Always arrive at the boarding area at least 30 minutes prior to departure, especially if you’re taking a vehicle;
  • From August 5th to 25th, if you wish to bring your car or motorbike (with an Italian license plate) to Giglio, you must stay for at least 5 days (or 4 days for campers) and fill in a self-certification form, which can be downloaded here;
  • Always check the updated ferry schedules and prices on our dedicated pages.

To further enhance your holiday, consider our daily mini-cruise offerings, departing from Giglio Porto:

Conveniently book your preferred mini-cruise by simply clicking on this link.

Trekking Giglio Island: Explore all the trails!

Trail no. 1
Mulattiera Giglio Porto- Giglio Castello

Time: 1 hour (uphill)
Length: 1480 mt
Difference in altitude: 373 mt
Difficulty: Medium

→ Find out more

Trail no. 1a
Porto – Monticello – Spiaggia dell’Arenella

Time: 25 min
Length: 720 mt
Difference in altitude: 95 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 1b
Strada delle Pietraie, Porto – San Giorgio – Castello

Time: 1.15 hours
Length: 2200 mt
Difference in altitude: 310 mt
Difficulty: Difficult

→ Find out more

Trail no. 2
Provincial road – Santo – Arenella
Time: 25 minutes
Length: 650 mt
Difference in altitude: 130 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 3
Castello-Arenella Via Pentovaldo

Time: 2 hours
Difference in altitude: 230 mt
Length: 2000 mt
Difficulty: Difficult

Find out more

Trail no. 4
Le Vaccarecce (Old lighthouse) – Scopeto

Time: 30 min
Length: 830 mt
Difference in altitude: 60 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 5a
Scopeto-Incrocio Cala Monella

Time: 20 minutes
Difference in altitude: 40 mt
Length: 780 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 5b
Cala Monella – Fenaio

Time: 10 minutes
Difference in altitude: 15 mt
Length: 420 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 5c
Cala Monella

Time: 20 minutes
Difference in altitude: 110 mt
Length: 500 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. m5/6
Sea

Time: 15 minutes
Difference in altitude: 110 mt
Length: 500 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 6
Scopeto – Fenaio

Time: 40 minutes
Difference in altitude: 40 mt
Length: 1400 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 7
Scopeto – Olivello – Prov. Road to Campese

Time: 20 minutes
Difference in altitude: 40 mt
Length: 630 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 8
Provincial Road (below Clary village) – Sparavieri – Punta Caramba

Time: 30 minutes
Difference in altitude: 150 mt
Length: 1030 mt
Difficulty: Medium-difficult

Trail no. 9
Campese Provincial Road – Sparavieri – Punta Caramba

Time: 15 minutes
Difference in altitude: 55 mt
Length: 600 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 10
G. Castello-Le Grotte

Time: 45 minutes
Difference in altitude: 365 mt
Length: 2250 mt
Difficulty: Difficult

Trail no. 11
G. Castello – Il Gronco – G.Campese

Time: 50 minutes
Difference in altitude: 328 mt
Length: 1600 mt
Difficulty: Difficult

Trail no. 12
Mulattiera, Giglio Castello – Giglio Campese

Time: 50 minutes
Difference in altitude: 350 mt
Length: 2000 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 13
Coast donkey trail – Mulattiera del Dolce

Time: 40 minutes
Difference in altitude: 140 mt
Length: 1600 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 14a
Dirt road to Allume Valle Ortana – upper Mezzo Franco

Time: 25 minutes
Difference in altitude: 100 mt
Length: 1230 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 14b
Mezzo Franco, upper – Franco Mare, middle

Time: 30 minutes
Difference in altitude: 150 mt
Length: 1100 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 14c
Pertuso – Mezzo Franco Sopra

Time: 20 minutes
Difference in altitude: 1300 mt
Length: 800 mt
Difficulty: Medium

Trail no. 15
Cala Pozzarelli– Faraglione Donzella

Time: 25 minutes
Difference in altitude: 40 mt
Length: 960 mt
Difficulty: Medium

→ Find out more

Trail no. 16
Giglio Campese – Cala dell’Allume

Time: 20 minutes
Difference in altitude: 80 mt
Length: 650 mt
Difficulty: Easy

Trail no. 17
Giglio Castello – Dolce- Airella- Giglio Campese

Time: 2 hours
Length: 2900 mt
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in altitude: 340 mt

Trail no. 18
Finocchio (Capel Rosso road, intersection 17)

Time: 1 hours
Length: 1000 mt
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in altitude: 150 mt

Trail no. 19c / 19b / 19a
Castello – Le Porte – Castello

Time: 1.1 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 130 mt

Trail no. 20
Le Porte – Poggio della Pagana

Time: 20 min
Length: 440 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 80 mt

Trail no. 21
Le Porte – Cannelle

Time: 1 hours
Length: 2300 mt
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Difference in altitude: 380 mt

Trail no. 22
Cala dello Smeraldo

Time: 5 min
Length: 120 mt
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in altitude: 30 mt

 

Trail no. 23
Capo Marino – Caldane

Time: 20 min
Length: 1050 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 0 mt

Trail no. 23
(Porto-) Cannelle – Caldane

Time: 30 min
Length: 2000 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 30 mt

Trail no. 24
Le Porte – La Buzzena – Cala degli Alberi

Time: 2 hours
Length: 3000 mt
Difficulty: Difficult
Difference in altitude: 300 mt

Trail no. 25
Le Porte – Castellucci – Terneti

Time: 45 min
Length: 1000 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 83 mt

Trail no. 25a
Le Porte – Terneti

Time: 20 min
Length: 780 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 10 mt

Trail no. 26
Le Porte – La Bredici

Time: 40 min
Length: 1080 mt
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in altitude: 170 mt

Trail no. 27
Terneti – Sasso Ritto

Time: 30 min
Length: 1350 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 30 mt

Trail no. 28
Castellucci – Capel Rosso

Time: 90 min
Length: 3500 mt
Difficulty: Difficult
Difference in altitude: 380 mt

→ Find out more

Trail no. 28a
End of vehicle roadway – P.Capel Rosso

Time: 35 min
Length: 1350 mt
Difficulty: Medium
Difference in altitude: 170 mt

 

Trail no. 29
Punta del Serrone

Time: 30 min
Length: 1150 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 180 mt

Trail A

Time: 10 min
Length: 350 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 40 mt

Trail A

Time: 5 min
Length: 180 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 0 mt

 

Trail C

Time: 10 min
Length: 300 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 30 mt

Trail D

Time: 10 min
Length: 380 mt
Difficulty: Easy
Difference in altitude: 30 mt

 

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