September 4, 2025, 3:34 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Giglio, the southernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago, is a wonderful place for a vacation. Crystal-clear water for swimming, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the easy, quick ferry ride from Porto Santo Stefano are just a few reasons to visit this small island in Italy.
When people hear the name Giglio, they might recall the tragic accident of the cruise ship Costa Concordia in 2012, which claimed 32 lives. For months, the wreck lay off the small island, attracting crowds of onlookers. That was a long time ago, and peace has returned to Giglio—at least outside the peak season. It’s most beautiful in spring or now in fall, when the intense summer heat has passed.
Three Main Towns on Giglio
Porto
On the island off the coast of Tuscany, there are just three vacation spots: Porto, with its ferry port, is the largest, with about 600 residents. In Porto, there are a few small restaurants and grocery stores, a post office, a charming church, two medieval watchtowers, and the ruins of a Roman villa. Many vacationers arriving by ferry stay in Castello and Campese.
Castello
About 400 meters above Porto, the main town of Giglio—Giglio Castello—has stood since the Middle Ages. With its city wall and picturesque town center, it is the true attraction of the Tuscan island. There are also some vacation apartments in Giglio Castello.
Campese
Outside the vacation season, only about 150 people live in the charming Campese on the west side of Giglio Island. With its watchtower built in the 16th century by order of Cosimo de Medici, now housing vacation apartments, it is by far the most popular vacation spot on Giglio. There are several restaurants, small guesthouses, hotels, vacation homes, and a campground. Beyond the main beach, there are lovely small coves. Jumping from gentle cliffs into crystal-clear sea water—what could be better? Hobby divers also find paradise here.
Traveling to Giglio
The ferry ride from Porto Santo Stefano to Giglio Porto takes about 50 minutes. The company Torremar offers hourly trips daily during the high season. The fare is about 15 euros per person per trip, including a reservation fee, and cars cost between 50 and 60 euros, depending on size.
