Giglio is a magical island in Tuscany, known for its stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails. It is one of seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago and, according to legend, one of the seven precious stones that fell from Venus's tiara as she emerged from the sea. While Elba is the most popular island in the archipelago, Giglio boasts a wealth of attractions, including a hilltop castle that offers breathtaking views and terraced vineyards cultivating Ansonica and Sangiovese grapes to produce handcrafted wines. It also boasts beautiful beaches with white sands and vibrant umbrellas; all set against the turquoise waters of teh Tyrrhenian Sea.
The Ansonica produced by Fontuccia on Isola del Giglio in Tuscany is a unique white wine that encapsulates the landscape, stories, and clear flavours of this extraordinary island. Giglio Island's vineyards, once overshadowed by tourism, have revived and now thrive on picturesque hilltop terraces overlooking the coast. The Altura winery, established in 1999, played a key role in reviving the nearly forgotten Ansonica grape. Today, visitors can enjoy a selection of vineyards that produce small-batch, pesticide-free wines, primarily from Ansonica and other grape varieties.
Giglio Porto is undoubtedly the oldest and most characteristic hamlet, surrounded by crystal clear waters and full of fish restaurants, colorful shops and even some small hidden bays. Giglio Castello is home to the medieval fortress and retains the appearance of an ancient village, with narrow streets, small arches, stairways and small squares. The largest beach is located in Giglio Campese, and another tourist attraction not to be missed is the Capel Rosso lighthouse: to get there, you need to take a long walk, but the fantastic panoramic view rewards the effort. Furthermore, by going down the stone steps, like on the set of the Oscar-winning film "The Great Beauty", you reach the sea. The charming hilltop town of Giglio Castello, with its 12th-century fortress, holds more than enough allure to tempt you away from the beaches. The town's attractive, red-roofed buildings look stunning from above, and its narrow-cobbled streets invite spontaneous exploration. Here, you can discover quaint trattorias, historic churches, and viewpoints that offer magnificent vistas of Elba and Corsica.
Giglio offers simple, traditional seafood dishes, including scaveccio (fried and marinated eel), salt-preserved tuna with salads, and a unique dessert called panificato, made with figs, pine nuts, and dark chocolate. Giglio Porto is the best dining destination, featuring stilted terraces with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A standout restaurant is La Grotta del Pescatore, known for its seafood served in a whitewashed cave. While Giglio Castello's medieval streets may lack scenic views, Bar Balocchi di Bibi Graetz provides a charming atmosphere with local wines and small bites.
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