Isola del Giglio is completely cut off from Tuscany and not just because it’s an island.

Geographically, Giglio is close to Monte Argentario, only 11 miles away, and its port is rarely free of the sound of the mainland ferries arriving and departing.

Instead, Isola del Giglio’s isolation is deeper than distance. It’s more of a feeling, brought on by the attitude of the people and the spectacular environment they live in.

The island is effectively a self-sufficient city. The locals rarely leave Giglio if they can help it and have instead laboured to create a little world of their own, with a culture and lifestyle that differs entirely from that in mainland Maremma.

This lassier faire lifestyle, it’s the best way to describe it, is the type you see on any island paradise where the days are always mild and calm, even in winter, and its inhabitants enjoy extremely close contact with nature.

In Giglio’s case, 90 per cent of the landscape is still untouched.

Almost 700 flora species discovered on the island are rare and unique to the island, and the 28km of coastline, which alternates between polished granite cliffs and sandy beaches, is home to several rare fauna species including the Discoglosso Sardinian frog, peregrine falcon and herring gull… and that’s without mentioning the wonders that live in the waters around the island.

Simply put, the locals here are living in what can only be described as a nature park of enviable beauty.

It’s hard to imagine a place where you can go from port city, with its bustling shops, restaurants and hotels, to completely deserted beach or forest.

But in Giglio it’s not only possible, it’s achievable in a matter of minutes thanks to the local’s dedication to preserving the splendour of their surroundings despite their constantly growing city.

HOW TO GET TO GIGLIO ISLAND:

There are two main ferry companies that travel between Porto Santo Stefano and Giglio Island every day. It’s up to you to decide which one you like better. The two pretty much charge the same amount for a daily ticket. They’re called Toremar and Maregiglio.

Both have timetables on their websites so you can plan your journey. Unfortunately, they’re also both in Italian, but you should be able to navigate them without too much trouble.

If your Italian is stellar, you can buy the tickets online. Otherwise just pick them up from the booths on Porto Santo Stefano on the day you want to travel. Both companies have big booths on the port’s boardwalk.

SIGHTS:

Giglio is divided into three districts. Each with their own story and their own sights:

Giglio Porto:

The district Giglio Porto is the commercial and tourist heart of the island. It’s where the boats and ferries from Porto Santo Stefano arrive.

Torre del Saraceno Commissioned in 1596 and rebuilt many times after that, this medieval stone tower is a striking contrast to the brightly coloured houses the sit on either side of it.

Giglio Castello:

	The district Giglio Castello is where the island’s history comes alive. Here the locals live entirely embraced by the walls of the Rocca.
	Rocca Built in the early Middle Ages, this castle was enlarged and incorporated into the thriving village by the Aldobrandeschi in the 12th century.

Parrocchiale di San Pietro This 15th century church is little to look at on the outside, but inside its beauty is quite startling and even reflects a bit of the island lifestyle.

Giglio Campese:

	The district The island paradise of the Isola del Giglio. Few people live in Giglio Campese. It’s where the best beaches are.
	Torre Campese Built in the 18th century at the behest of Cosimo I de Medici, this tower was originally separated from the bay and used to guard it from frequent pirate attacks.
	Beaches Cannelle, Caldane and Arenella are Isola del Giglio’s most popular beaches. Each different, they capture the best of Giglio’s island beauty.
	Sentieri There is an endless list of walking and biking tracks that wind all over the island and take in the best of the landscape, beaches and Giglio’s history.

Diving and Snorkeling The beauty of Giglio Island is only paralleled by the beauty that surrounds it underwater. Most of the waters around the island can be explored.