Located just off the coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Isola del Giglio is an idyllic Italian island that has been inhabited since the Stone Age. It is the second-largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, which is said to have been created by the scattered pearls of Venus’ necklace.
Things to do in Isola del Giglio
Spend a day exploring Giglio Port, a colourful town with a breezy seaside promenade lined with stores selling local ceramics and souvenirs. You can feast on freshly caught seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or head to the small stretch of sand for a refreshing swim before sunbathing on the surrounding rocks. An abundance of marine life can be spotted while snorkelling offshore.
Not far from Giglio Port is the Roman Villa of Giannutri, which dates back to the 2nd century AD when it was built by the Domitius/Ahenobarbus family. Now managed by Tuscan Archipelago National Park, it can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Don’t miss the Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo in Giglio Castello, which houses an ivory crucifix that has been attributed to the Italian Renaissance sculptor Giambologna.
Several hiking trails traverse the island’s ancient Roman roads and offer magnificent views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. To discover some of the hidden coves that ring the island, rent a boat for a day of swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. Several shipwrecks dot the coastline, with the most famous of these being an Etruscan vessel dating back to the early Iron Age.
Getting around Isola del Giglio
Regular ferries travel from Porto Santo Stefano on the Italian mainland to Giglio Port. Buses connect the main settlements of Isola del Giglio while scooters and cars can be rented for getting around. Port Giglio is small enough to explore on foot.