Trekking and Excursions to the Giglio Island
treks and excursions
The Isola del Giglio, with its territory 90% still uncontaminated and wild, offers a unique experience for lovers of trekking and excursions. The Isola del Giglio, with its territory 90% still uncontaminated and wild, offers a unique experience for lovers of trekking and excursions. These paths lead to stretches of coast, beaches and cliffs of rare beauty, ideal for spending a day in absolute tranquillity.
Many of these paths were ancient mule tracks, used by the Gigliesi both on foot and on the back of a mule as the only means of communication for moving around the island and reaching the fields. In recent years, thanks to European funds, the local administration, in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, has worked on the recovery of these paths, improving the signage and adding new educational panels.
The territory of the island is mainly mountainous, with its ridge reaching 498 meters above sea level. at Poggio della Pagana. This makes the paths variously challenging, with some that can be walked without great gradients and others that are more suitable for going downhill, using public transport to reach Giglio Castello as a starting point. Excursions to Giglio are particularly recommended in spring and autumn, periods in which the mild climate makes the experience even more pleasant.
Some Trekking Routes on Giglio Island:
(Port -) Cannelle – Caldane: An easy path that leads to the Caldane beach without major gradients.
Porto – Arenella: This path, called 1A, connects Giglio Porto to the Arenella beach in about 50 minutes.
Porto – Castello mule track: Ancient connection road between the two main centers of the island, with a difference in height of 373 metres.
Porto – San Giorgio – Castello: Path 1b crosses the San Giorgio Valley, offering a more demanding route.
Castle – Le Porte – Castle: A circular itinerary around Poggio della Chiusa, easy and with wonderful panoramic points.
Vecchio Faro – Scopeto: A non-demanding route that starts from the pine forest near the old Le Vaccarecce lighthouse, ideal for a picnic.
Punta del Capel Rosso: Starting from the Castle, you first take the panoramic road towards the southern tip of the island.
Castello – Sasso Ritto: A beautiful walk on the back of the mountain that leads to Poggio del Sasso Ritto.
Castello – Campese mule track: One of the recovered ancient paths that connects the main towns of the island.
Campese – Faraglione: A path that leads to the symbol of the Campese bay, the faraglione, following the coast without great gradients.
It is important to note that many trails are rough and not suitable for mountain biking. It is essential to wear suitable footwear and bring enough water with you. The trail map is available at the Info Park and the Pro Loco in Giglio Porto. Also, many parts of the island, especially on the western side, don’t have cell phone coverage, so it’s advisable to plan ahead if you plan to use a taxi back.
The Isola del Giglio offers a unique trekking experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoy breathtaking views. Whether you are an expert hiker or a beginner, you will surely find the right route for you.