Isola del Giglio Things to Do

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The castle up to the hill was surrounded by medieval houses.. I loved to wander around in the little paths up and down.. la Festa dell'uva was taking place here as well...

we climbed up to the top area.. there is a restaurant where you can find rustic meal.. if not, to grab a nice panorama view from the terrace is also a good choice...

Giglio Castello, 405m high, is the seat of the town hall, which is surrounded by medieval walls, comprising ten towers, three of which have a circular base and seven with a rectangular one. The walled village, built by the town of Pisa, was later expanded and repaired by the Grandukes of Tuscany and nowadays its centre still remains almost completely intact. Giglio Castello, thanks to its narrows streets, often running underneath arches, to its balzuoli, external stairs for reaching higher floors, and to its Piazza XVIII Novembre, is a unique place full of charm and history. The travellers should not forget to visit the Parish, which holds numerous holy relics and other interesting pieces, as well as trying the strong amber local vine, the Ansonaco, which is produced and stored in the numerous cellars of Castello.

---- "From the Catalogue of the Municipal Tourist Board, Isle of Giglio", Translation by Gianluca Fanciulli"

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There are several beaches on Giglio.. The one we went was a small one not too far away from the port area... a easy hike (about 15 mins) brought you to Cannelle.. a sandy beach tucks in the small bay which offers peaceful crystal clear water.. there is also a little inner shelter port on the right side.. We spent 2 afternoons on Cannelle... the sunshine was good but not so burning as in summer.. after couple hours relaxing on the beach, a good size gelato was the best treat when we got back to the port .. :))

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The dessert feast we had at the festa was brilliant.. with all sort of cakes, puddings and typical local sweets... So good that I have to make a separate tip for it.. :) We didn't miss the local limoncello as the closure for the entire meal.. It could not be better...

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We were very lucky to encounter the annual festa dell' uva to celebrate the harvest for local wine. An easy bus ride around 20 mins takes you up to the hill where the medieval castle located. The old town was well decorated with grapes and vines. A wonderful BBQ and desert feast (Fantastic homemade dolci they have) were prepared by locals in the castle with a very reasonable price.. We were absolutely spoiled.. :)))

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Giglio Porto, small but picturesque, with its multicolour houses, is the only harbour of the island. With its transparent waters (unheard for a harbour) manages to reconcile commercial necessities with touristic ones. The harbour, built by the Romans, remained untouched for eighteen centuries. It was extended in 1796, and in 1979, after an extremely heavy storm. On the left of it, the Tower of Saraceno can be seen, which was built by Ferdinand I in 1596.

"From the Catalogue of the Municipal Tourist Board, Isle of Giglio"
Translation by Gianluca Fanciulli"

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The walk is steep, by old people standards. We got near the top, but time limited and had to turn around. The castle at the peak is neat form a distance, and close up. Coming back downhill, be prepared to brake. The slope pitch is such that it could roll you downhill and you cannot stop.
A hotel is 2/3 of the way up, or down, as it may be.