 |
Home | Contact Us | About Us | Directory | Sitemap |  |
 |
 |
| History |
| Visitor Information |
| Getting There |
| The Villages |
| Giglio Porto |
| Castello |
| Campese |
| Hiking |
| Diving |
|
| Ultimate Italy / Islands / Giglio |
| The Villages |
|
Giglio Porto is the only harbour on the island of Giglio. It is
small by very pretty and colourful. With its surprisingly clear
waters it doubles as a water sport arena as well. It was built by
the Romans and was extended in 1796 and 1979, after an extremely
heavy storm. Built by Ferdinand I in the late 16th century, the
Tower of Saraceno is to the left of the harbour. Walk further to
reach an ancient reservoir. These ruins, used by the Romans to breed
morays, was once part of a 1st century AD Roman villa belonging
to the Domizi Enobarbi family. |
| The town hall is situated in Giglio Castello. Medieval walls, comprising
ten towers, three of which have a circular base and seven with a rectangular
one, surround it. The village was first built by the town of Pisa
and later extensively renovated by the Grandukes of Tuscany in its
current design. Giglio Castello is different from other little villages
and is charming and full of history. It is made up of narrows streets,
arches, balzuoli, stairs and the Piazza XVIII Novembre. You must visit
the Parish that own many sacred relics And what ever you do, don’t
forget to sample the local wine, Ansonaco.
|
When compare to the other two settlements on the island, Giglio Campese is new. But it is the most popular part of the island with it sandy beaches and pristine waters. It attracts numerous tourists every year who come here for sun, sand and relaxation. The bay is sandwiched by a cliff, Faraglione on the right and the Medici Tower on the left. This tower was built between the 17th and 18th centuries on a cliff. Linking it to the land is a bridge. The tower’s role is etched in history for braving the Tunisian pirates on 18th November 1799. The region is also popular for water sports like surfing and sailing. |
In you are looking to hike in Giglio, you are spoilt for choice. The trails varying in difficulty level take you through gorgeous paths where you can take in the atmosphere while learning about the island’s history. Some of the trails are:
|
The waters around the island are full of exotic marine life. Rocks of granite shoot out from the sea. These have formed reefs and is the hub for marine activity. Huge red corals are common site and so are fascinating types of fish. Marine biology enthusiasts can also see axinellae (the yellow sponges candelabra-shaped), spirograph, gerardia savaglia and the astrospartus mediterraneus. A little away is the island of Giannutri. Apart from corals you can see shipwrecks teeming with marine creatures. But make sure you bring a good underwater camera for the best marine pictures. You can also take various diving courses and rent out equipment on the island. |
|
||
|
