Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea just 11 nautical miles off the coast of Monte Argentario, Isola del Giglio is a jewel of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. With its granite peaks, pristine beaches, a medieval hilltop village and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, Giglio makes for an unforgettable day trip - or a reason to linger for several days. Ferries depart regularly from Porto Santo Stefano, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding excursions from our apartment in Montiano.
Getting There - Ferry from Porto Santo Stefano
Toremar and Maregiglio operate year-round ferry services from Porto Santo Stefano to Giglio Porto, with the crossing taking approximately one hour. In summer, departures run roughly every one to two hours starting early in the morning. It's advisable to book tickets in advance during July and August, especially if you're bringing a car (though most day-trippers leave their car on the mainland). The ferry ride itself is a treat - watch Argentario recede behind you as Giglio's dramatic silhouette grows on the horizon.
Giglio Porto
The ferry docks at Giglio Porto, the island's charming main harbour. Pastel-coloured houses line a small bay of remarkably clear water, and the waterfront is dotted with cafés, gelaterias and dive shops. Take a stroll along the quay, admire the Saracen tower, and enjoy an espresso with a view. From the port, local buses connect to the island's other settlements, or you can explore on foot along well-marked trails.
Giglio Castello
Perched at 400 metres on the island's central ridge, Giglio Castello is a perfectly preserved medieval fortified village. Thick defensive walls encircle a labyrinth of narrow stone alleys, archways and staircases that feel unchanged since the Middle Ages. The Rocca Aldobrandesca, an imposing fortress, crowns the summit and offers panoramic views across the sea to Argentario and, on clear days, to Corsica. Don't miss the Church of San Pietro Apostolo, which houses the ivory arm reliquary of Pope Mamilianus. Small restaurants within the walls serve local island dishes - rabbit stew, fresh pasta with island herbs, and Ansonaco, a rare amber wine produced exclusively on Giglio.
Campese Beach
On the island's western side, Campese is Giglio's largest and most popular beach - a wide arc of reddish-golden sand backed by a dramatic Medici watchtower. The beach faces west, delivering spectacular sunsets over open ocean. Swimming here is superb, with gently shelving sand and clear, warm water. A handful of beach clubs offer sunbeds and parasols, and a couple of beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood with your toes practically in the sand. Campese is reachable from Giglio Porto by bus in about 15 minutes.
Diving & Snorkeling
Giglio's waters are part of the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals and are renowned among divers for their exceptional visibility, colourful coral formations and abundant marine life. Several dive centres in Giglio Porto offer guided dives for all levels, including visits to underwater caves, granite walls and the ancient Roman wreck of Giglio. Snorkelers will find superb spots right off the rocks near the port and along the coves on the eastern coast.
Tips for Your Day Trip
Catch an early morning ferry to maximise your time on the island. Spend the morning at Campese beach, take the bus or hike up to Giglio Castello for lunch, then return to the port for a late-afternoon gelato before the ferry home. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk between settlements - the trails are hilly but reward you with magnificent coastal views. Bring cash, as not all small shops accept cards.
Isola del Giglio offers a taste of island life that feels wonderfully remote, yet it's just an hour from Argentario. From our apartment in Montiano, you can be on the morning ferry and back in time for a sunset dinner on the mainland - the perfect Maremma day trip.
