Giglio Island and Giannutri Island – Tuscany: two wild gems among crystalline seabeds, Mediterranean scents and submerged history.
The island of Giglio and the smaller Giannutri are among the most fascinating destinations in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Located in front of Monte Argentario, these islands offer transparent waters, panoramic paths, authentic villages and archaeological remains that tell an ancient story, waiting to be explored. 🌊 Pristine sea and unforgettable dives:
Both islands are famous for their rich seabed and clear sea that attracts snorkelers and divers. Giglio boasts splendid beaches such as Cannelle, Caldane and Campese, while Giannutri is a paradise for those looking for rocky coves, turquoise water and deep silence.
👉 Tip: Bring your mask and fins and swim in the bay of Cala Maestra in Giannutri: a natural pool without borders. 🏘️ Villages and island life:
Giglio retains three inhabited centers: Giglio Porto, colorful and lively; Giglio Castello, a fortified medieval village; and Giglio Campese, overlooking a wide bay. Giannutri, on the other hand, is almost uninhabited and without roads: silence reigns, interrupted only by the wind and seagulls.
👉 Tip: Take a sunset walk within the walls of Giglio Castello: unique atmosphere and view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 🏛️ Archaeology on the sea:
In Giannutri you can visit the remains of the Roman Villa of the Domizi Enobarbi, overlooking the sea and immersed in the scrub. Even on Giglio, history and legend are intertwined: ancient granites, defensive towers, stories of pirates and fishermen tell centuries of island life.
👉 Tip: Take a guided tour of the Roman villa: archaeology and nature come together in an evocative experience. 🌿 Hiking and nature protection:
The panoramic paths of Giglio offer spectacular views of the archipelago and pass through Mediterranean scrub, terraced vineyards and views overlooking the sea. Giannutri is accessible only on foot and with regulated entrances: perfect for hikers and naturalists in search of silence and biodiversity.
👉 Tip: Follow the path from Giglio Castello to Poggio della Pagana, the highest point of the island: extraordinary panorama. 🍷 Sea, wine and island flavors:
The cuisine of Giglio is genuine and linked to the sea: fresh fish, rock soups, salted anchovies and homemade bread. Do not miss the Ansonaco, a local wine produced from vines grown in terraces overlooking the sea. There are no restaurants in Giannutri, but it is ideal for picnics in nature.
👉 Tip: Dinner in a trattoria in Giglio Porto with a plate of spaghetti with clams and a glass of iced Ansanoco. 🛏️ Where to stay:
Il Giglio offers small hotels, houses for rent, cozy B&Bs and campsites by the sea, ideal for those seeking relaxation and simplicity. Giannutri can be visited in a day, with guided excursions from Porto Santo Stefano, but some facilities allow overnight stays by reservation.
👉 Tip: Choose to sleep in Giglio Campese to combine beach, sunsets and absolute tranquility.
Giglio and Giannutri are two parallel worlds: one welcoming and authentic, the other remote and silent. Both offer the Tuscan sea in its purest form.