What to see
The ancient Roman Villa of Giglio Porto
The ancient Roman Villa of Giglio Porto, built by the Domizi Enobarbi family. in the first century AD, lurks among the wonders of this village. Although today only a few remnants remain, the Villa continues to tell secrets of a distant past.
Inside the Saracen Hotel, the following can be seen. Fragments of ancient mosaics and parts of the walls of the Villa, while one of its Corinthian capitals is kept in the Church of Giglio Castello. In the Saracen cove just behind the Medici tower, one can then admire the "Cetaree" ancient fish-farming tanks built by the Romans themselves in the clear waters in front of the cove.

A local guided tour, called "Nero's hike.", offers a one-hour journey through the places that were the residence of the Romans, making it an excellent option if we are looking for what to do on Giglio Island.
Also from the Domizi-Enobarbi family, let's also not forget the famous Roman Villa on Giannutri, which can be visited thanks to the tour specially designed by Maregiglio. The Villa of Giannutri can only be visited with official Park Guides and not with other guides or independently, which is why this is truly an opportunity not to be missed.

Visiting Giglio Island: the ancient village of Giglio Castello
Looking for what to see in Giglio Island? We suggest you. visit the village of Giglio Castello, one of the most precious pearls of this beautiful corner of paradise.
Giglio Castello is not only the most populated center of Giglio Island, but also the keeper of the historical memory of the whole place.
This medieval village, included within the list of "the most beautiful villages in Italy", is a place worth visiting.
It is easy to get lost in its charming narrow streets, an intricate maze of history and beauty that offers a surprise at every turn.
Visiting the ancient fortress Aldobrandesca
In the heart of Giglio Castello is located the Rocca Pisana, also known as Rocca Aldobrandesca. Built at the highest point of the village, it dominates the surrounding area, once communicating through fires and smoke signals with the coast.
Designed to withstand siege, the fortress is an inaccessible fortress, erected on a steep rock outcrop and surrounded by defensive walls.
But the Fortress is not only a fortress: it is also a place of life. Inside, in fact, are a deep water cistern, a vegetable garden, storehouses, a chicken coop and a pigeon house, evidence of a past when life within the walls must have been self-sufficient.
Today, the Rocca hosts conferences, exhibitions, theater performances and even weddings, proving to be one of the places to visit on Giglio Island.
Giglio Castello is also famous for its winemaking tradition. The village's wineries open their doors in late September during the Grape Festival and Open Cellars, a must-attend event for wine lovers.
Finally, don't forget to visit the ancient Church of St. Peter the Apostle.
Built in the 15th century, this church holds a treasure trove of relics and sacred objects from the personal chapel of Pope Innocent XIII, bequeathed to the Gigliese chaplain Monsignor Olimpio Miliani.
What to see in the area of Giglio Campese
If you find yourself In the area of Giglio Campese, located on the west coast of the island, you will be able to continue the historical tour among the island's fortifications, with a visit to the Vaccarecce Lighthouse and the Campese Tower, similar to the Port Tower and dating from the same period, which is located to protect the large Campese Bay.
Campese Bay is the largest sandy beach on the island and offers breathtaking views of the open sea and crystal clear waters.
Recognizable by the distinctive stacks emerging from the sea, the bay is surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation and hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves and maritime pines.
The bay is an ideal place for lovers of the sea and water sports. The clear water and rich marine life make this place perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, the presence of constant winds makes it a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Near the beach is located in the village of Giglio Campese, with a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores for all tastes.
In addition, the bay is equipped with facilities such as bathing establishments, water sports equipment rental, and parking lots, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant visit.
Also located in Giglio Campese are, the Franco mine, a promontory from which iron was already mined in Etruscan and Roman times.
This mine, from which pyrite was extracted, was opened in the early 20th century and remained active until 1976 employing nearly 300 miners.

Giglio Island, a perfect place for trekking lovers
If you are looking for what to do on Giglio Island and you love direct contact with nature, then get your hiking shoes ready.
In fact, the island of Giglio Is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts.
With its well-marked trails stretching over 60 km, divided into 29 routes of varying difficulty, you can traverse the island in all its dimensions and discover truly unique panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
Among the things to see at Giglio Island, for archaeology lovers, you cannot losing the megalithic sites of the Cote Ciombella, located near the Location Le Porte, not far from Giglio Castello, and the Dolmen located along the path leading from the Cannelle to the Castle.
Giglio's trails, in addition to offering breathtaking views, sometimes overhanging the sea, carry with them a fascinating history.
In the past, they were used by local farmers to reach fields and vineyards, and along the way it is still possible to spot ancient sheds, used as warehouses, places of refreshment and places for the first pressing of wine.
Traversed mainly on foot or riding a donkey, these historic trails are not very suitable for mountain biking.
In any case, for those who like to travel by bicycle to both the Castle and the Port, it is possible to renting Ecobikes With pedal-assisted very comfortable to move without worries.
As you walk along the paths of Giglio Island, you will also be able to do some good bird-watching: in fact, the island's special location on the migratory routes of birds makes it an ideal place during spring and autumn to view numerous species.
Giglio Island is the perfect natural habitat for many avian species such as the Peregrine Falcon, just to name one.



