What is there to see at theGiglio Island

Introduction

What is there to see and do on Giglio Island? This is a question we all ask ourselves, even we Giglians who were born and raised here. 

It is one of those Existential questions that sooner or later come, and when they do, they hit you in the neck like a slap on the wrist, leaving you at first glance a little dazed and without a definite answer. 

But an existential question needs time to be answered, and so if you stop and think for a moment you realize, actually, of things to do there are, calmly and without stress.

In this in-depth study we are going to briefly present What are the main attractions of Giglio Island, so as to give you a starting guideline for organizing your vacation once you disembark aboard the ferries of our company, Maregiglio.

What are the villages to see on Giglio Island: Giglio Porto

If you are wondering. what to see in Giglio Island, let Maregiglio lead you on the wonderful journey discovering its fascinating villages: Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello and Giglio Campese. Each preserves a corner of Giglio Island's history and culture, with a unique charm to offer visitors. 

Here we will focus on Giglio Porto, a bustling village that stands out as the commercial heart of the island. It is not only a docking point for boats (all Maregiglio ferries arrive here, following the Porto Santo Stefano - Giglio Island route) but an effervescent place full of clothing stores, restaurants and bars along the waterfront that offer a unique dining experience, ideal for those wishing to visit Giglio Island.

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.

Historic ruins in Giannutri.

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.

Giglio Island aerial view

The historic fortifications of Giglio Porto

Don't miss the opportunity to admire the historic harbor fortifications.  The Medici tower, built in 1596 to defend the coast from pirate raids, it has had various functions over the centuries, including customs office and, after the latest restoration in 2006, exhibition space for exhibitions. 

The Lazaretto Tower, on the right promontory of the harbor, was initially a watchtower and later converted into a lazaret, a facility for quarantine of travelers from risky areas.

It was right under the Lazaretto Tower and on the promontory of the same name that the Costa Concordia laid down in 2012 and stayed there for the next two years. 

Also from Giglio Porto, it is possible to rent motor boats, set off on a cab boat tour of the island, book dives, and take your first scuba diving certification in a week.

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.

Coastal panorama

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.

Giglio Island
Lighthouse on cliff.

Visiting Giglio Island and its incredible coastline

If you are wondering what to see at Giglio Island and you are a lover of the sea, there is no better place than an island to enjoy it to the fullest. 

Giglio Island, with its lively seabed, populated by various species of fish and corals, offers a plethora of diving spots.

Here, shallows, cliffs and sea caves form a fascinating underwater stage. 

The sea around Giglio is teeming with amberjack, barracuda and massive tuna which can reach up to three meters in length. 

Between the cracks in the rocks, you can make out the following moray eels, conger eels, lobsters and groupers, making your immersion experience truly unique.

It is important to remember that Giglio Island, along with the entire Tuscan Archipelago, is part of the "Cetacean Sanctuary", a marine protected area in the Tyrrhenian Sea established in 1999 through an agreement between Italy, France and the Principality of Monaco.

This makes it possible to frequently encounter pods of dolphins in these waters. 

In addition to immersion, One of the main activities to do on Giglio Island is fishing, both from boat and from shore. Remember though, protected species such as dolphins and other cetaceans are to be admired and not fished.

From the green pier with my grandfather and a small lenzette, I always caught a lot of saracen and mullet "to be dug," as my grandfather used to say, but which we habitually fed to some cat or threw back into the sea.

An oasis away from the hustle and bustle of modern life

If you're thinking about what to see at Giglio Island, remember. its magic lies in the little things. True, you will not find a movie theater here, but you will have the opportunity to experience evenings of theater under the stars. 

There is no shopping mall, but you can discover small clothing stores where you can find unique pieces. You will not have an Ipercoop, but grocery stores selling fresh, local produce.

Of course, visiting Giglio Island does not mean finding a train station or running into heavy traffic: the island is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of modern life

You won't find big discos, but In summer, the squares come alive with music and dancing. There are no big international concerts, but a continuous succession of small events That make each day unique.

So if you are thinking about what to do on Giglio Island, we assure you that there is no shortage of options. But if by chance you can't find anything specific to do, the real pleasure of the Lily is that you can just lie in the sun for days, doing absolutely nothing.

 
Green harbor lighthouse
Lighthouse on cliff.

Visit the island of Giglio with Maregiglio!

If you want to explore the wonderful beaches and coves that Giglio Island has to offer, all you have to do is pack your luggage and board a ferry. Choosing a ferry is easy: Maregiglio is the right company for your needs. 

A leader in maritime transport for the island of Giglio and Giannutri for more than fifty years, Maregiglio has been offering superior shipboard service from the modern vessels in its fleet. 

If you are planning to visit Giglio Island, book Maregiglio ferries could not be simpler. You can arrange everything online, right from the comfort of your couch at home, guaranteeing you a place even during the busiest tourist periods. 

Alternatively, you can always book your trip at our physical ticket office, located in Porto Santo Stefano, at Facchinetti Square 6/7. 

All our ferries depart from Porto Santo Stefano and sail the routes to Giglio Island or for Giannutri

You can safely leave your car in the village parking lot, from where it will be easy to reach the boarding area, located at Piazzale Candi 8, at the Port of the Valley.

Think you don't have enough time for a long stay but are wondering what to do in Giglio Island even for a few hours? No problem!

With the mini-cruises organized by Maregiglio, you can spend an unforgettable day exploring the beautiful coastline of our territory.

You have several options to choose from, including. the Giglio-Giannutri mini-cruise, the visit to the hidden treasures of Giannutri, the tour of the Roman Villa of Giannutri and snorkeling experiences, both at the island of Giannutri which to the island of Giglio.

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