Giglio Island

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L'Giglio Island, located about 11 miles from the coast of Argentario, with its 21 square kilometers it is the second largest island in theTuscan Archipelago and has a population of about 1,200. The territory is mostly granitic, except for the Franco headland, located in Loc. Lily Campese ,and characterized by Triassic cavernous limestones and Paleozzoic quartzites. Pyrite mining was active in this area from the early 1900s until the 1960s.

Later dismantled, its remains can be seen, located in the middle of the bay of the Campese, Of the platforms and a pylon. The terrain is hilly in nature and reaches its maximum height of 498 mt reached by the Pagan Knoll. Entirely covered with Mediterranean scrub, this one, guards around the old Vaccarecce Lighthouse, on the way to Lily Castle the pine forest of Scopeto, on the same road and in other locations, you may encounter holm oak and cork trees. Spring and autumn are, without a doubt, the best seasons to explore, the island on foot along the numerous trails that run the length and breadth of it. Paths and mule tracks were once used to reach the vineyards, where they are still cultivated, theAnsonica, from which the typical wine is made: theAnsonaco; vegetable gardens and fields of grain and fruit trees, and to reach the three hamlets: those already mentioned of the Campese, and its wonderful bay framed by the cliff of the stacks and the medicean tower, located on the west coast of the island where unique sunsets can be admired; that of the Castle, listed among the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, where the relic of the arm of San Mamiliano; e Giglio Porto, the small harbor that, with its characteristic colorful cottages welcomes, first, travelers.

In Giglio Porto you can find the remains of aancient Roman villa located in the Saracen Cove and another medicean tower part of the complex of fortifications built over the centuries to protect against pirate raids. For fans of underwater worlds, the seabed is rich in paretti, hidden caves and ancient shipwrecks; sprinkled with posidonia, colorful argonias and sponges, inhabited by shoals of amberjack, snapper, bream, octopus and lobster. Coastal development alternates between coves and sandy beaches. The most important beaches are that of the Campese, whose sand is reddish, theArenella, the Cannelle and the Caldane, all three located on the east coast of the island.

All are within walking or driving distance, except for the Caldane, reachable only on foot through a beautiful path from the Cannelle or by boat, with boats at rental or the service cab boat starting with Giglio Porto. To really enjoy the island, a tour of the island by boat is recommended, which lasts without stopping, about an hour.

To fully get to know,however, the island, one must experience its oldest traditions, the most important annual events include:

  • St. Lawrence which is celebrated on August 10 in Giglio Porto, the day on which the Palio Marinaro, ancient rowing race.
  • San Rocco which is celebrated on August 16 in Giglio Campese
  • San Mamiliano patron saint of Giglio Castello and the whole island is celebrated on the Sept. 15, day on which the Donkey Palio ancient peasant tradition.
  • Grape festival and open wineries, which is celebrated in Giglio Castello on thelast weekend of September, On the occasion of the end of the grape harvest.
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