Stunning Italian island hidden gem offering a peaceful escape from the crowds
- Our Hidden Earth
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
With beautiful beaches, delicious food and incredible historic and ancient sites, it is easy to see why Italy and its islands are so popular with British travellers.
Sardinia, for example, has long stretches of untouched coastline, clear blue water and soft white sand, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing in the sun.
That said, some of Italy’s most famous places have become extremely busy.
Rome often struggles with crowds, while Venice has even introduced day visitor fees and banned loudspeakers and large tour groups.
Even so, Italy still has many lesser known places waiting to be explored, so it does not need to be crossed off your travel list.
One of these quieter spots is Isola del Giglio, also known as Giglio Island. It is a favourite holiday choice for Italians but remains largely unknown to many visitors from the UK.
The island sits in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 11 miles from the Tuscan coast, and is part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park. The name Giglio means lily in Italian.
Giglio’s small harbour is a colourful and welcoming village. In the summer months, visitors will find that bars and restaurants stay open late into the evening, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
As with much of Italy, the island is best known for its beaches. The water is crystal clear and the views are stunning.
Giglio’s coastline stretches for about 17 miles and features rocky shores, smooth cliffs and pretty bays such as Arenella, Cannelle, Caldane and Campese.
Large parts of the island remain wild and are covered in Mediterranean plants, where animals and rare flowers grow freely.
Visitors can explore the island using its many walking trails, before enjoying a memorable sunset and a tasty meal in one of Giglio’s small villages.
Local food and drink are a big highlight, including the island’s Ansonaco white wine, preserved tonnina fish and the sweet dessert panficato, which is made using figs.
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