GIGLIO ISLAND
Isola del Giglio is part of the Tuscan Archipelago in Italy, it is located directly in front of Monte Argentario in the province of Grosseto. This part of the country is very hilly and has been inhabited since the Iron Age, later becoming an Etruscan military base and playing an important role because of its geographic location under Roman rule.
Places to visit
Over the centuries Giglio has been governed by the Pisans and then by the Medici, during the Middle Ages it was under the Aldobrandeschi, then under the municipality of Perugia and Florence. The island suffered many attacks from the Saracens, who ransacked and deported many islanders. A great place to visit on Giglio is the remains of an ancient Roman Villa Domizia, which was built by the Enobarbi, the imperial family that owned Giannutri. They spared no expense when building this residence which has a breath-taking view of the coast along with frescoes, mosaics next to the sea on a hanging terrace.
There are also several coastal towers on Giglio, including Torre del Saraceno, Campese and Lazzaretto and Fortified defensive structures such as Mura di Giglio Castle, which is of medieval origins along with Rocca Aldobrandesca, overlooking the perimeter walls. A local festival that is very popular with the inhabitants of the island is the feast of San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Giglio, which happens on the 10th of August each year. The festivities include a traditional maritime Palio, or regatta takes place, there is also a procession and fireworks. In the last week of September, there are events organised as part of the Open Cellar and Grape Festival in which the shops in the medieval village of Giglio Castello offer food and wine to taste.
Beaches
Giglio is a great destination for scuba divers as it is possible to do some high-level dives here to descend to over 35 meters. The sea life includes beautiful red gorgonians and other rare marine fauna such as a special species of marine starfish. The most popular beach on the Island of Giglio is the Spiaggia del Campese, which is also the largest and most touristy. Arenella beach, north of the island, is more private and has a more scenic landscape. The water is very blue and there are alternating backdrops of sand and rock. Spiaggia delle Cannelle is characterized by fine white sand and water that looks like looks tropical! The waters are shallow and are therefore ideal for families with children. Finally, Caldane Beach is the smallest of the island and can be reached only by sea or on foot, is located between granite rocks and golden sand.