Facing Monte Argentario in Italy, the island of Giglio rests in the clear blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This pearl of the Tuscan archipelago reveals turquoise coves, medieval alleyways and a typically Italian way of life, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Just two hours from Rome in Italy, the island of Giglio shines like a well-guarded secret treasure. Found in the heart of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, this land of granite and wind has managed to retain its authenticity. Just three villages, paths lined with broom flower bushes, a crystal-clear sea where a few fishing boats still set sail every day... the charm of Giglio lies in its simplicity.
Here, everyone takes to time to slow down, breathe and relax. Time stretches out between a dip in the waters of Arenella, a glass of Ansonaco wine watching the setting sun and a stroll along the cobbled streets of Giglio Castello.
Giglio Porto, the gateway to a discreet paradise
There's something cinematic about arriving by sea. The small, colourful port of Giglio Porto, the only way onto the island, welcomes travellers in its postcard-perfect decor: pastel houses clinging to the hillside, fishing boats moored in front of the trattorias and the scents of the sea air and fresh basil.
This lively hamlet has all the essentials: seaside cafes, a few craft shops and the boats that set sail for the nearby coves. Diving enthusiasts will discover seabeds of striking purity, where gorgonians, moray eels and starfish dance in the water.
Giglio Castello, a village where time stands still
At an altitude of 400 metres, Giglio Castello dominates the sea from atop its medieval ramparts. One of Italy's most beautiful villages, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and secret stairways, it breathes history into every stone. Built by the Pisans in the Middle Ages, it still boasts watchtowers, a fortress and breathtaking views over the horizon.
Between two arcades, hanging gardens and tiny vineyards tell of the tenacity of the islanders. In the cool cellars, you can taste the Ansonaco wine, an amber nectar cultivated on the steep terraces, the emblem of the island’s ancestral know-how. In the evening, the golden light warms the tiled roofs and the scent of rosemary wafts through the warm air.
Giglio Campese, an easy-going seaside resort with a horizon
To the west of the island, Giglio Campese unfurls its large bay lined with copper-colored sand. The pink granite rises out of turquoise waters, and the steep cliffs take on golden hues at sunset. The Medicea tower keeps watch over the main beach, beloved for its spectacular sunsets. Further south, the coves of Arenella and Caldane, accessible on foot or by boat, reveal a setting of luminous solitude.
Recreation, swimming, kayaking or coastal walks: everything is an invitation to savour the slow pace of life on the island, by the crashing waves and the warm wind.
An au naturel island in Italy
Protected from mass tourism, Giglio is the embodiment of Tuscany untamed. Its paths, lined with rock-roses and lavender, wind through scrubland and pine forests, offering breathtaking views of the neighbouring islands of Montecristo and Giannutri.
The inhabitants, who number just 1,500 year-round, cultivate a sincere sense of hospitality. In the trattorias, freshly caught fish is served grilled with garden tomatoes.
Accessible by ferry from Porto Santo Stefano, this tiny island has everything you could dream of in an Italian getaway: raw beauty, silence and that rare feeling of having discovered a place before th rest of the crowd.
Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health: exercise moderation.
