Giglio Castello: fortress of the lilly

Giglio Castello

Latest page update: 18 September 2024

By Dion Protani

Hilltop Giglio Castello is a charming medieval village situated on Giglio Island, part of the province of Grosseto. With a population of around 200 residents, it is known for its well-preserved ancient walls and narrow cobblestone streets.

Giglio Castello offers stunning panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is famous for its picturesque setting.

Giglio Castello

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Giglio Castello: fortress of the lilly

Perched atop a rugged hill on Giglio Island, Giglio Castello enchants visitors with its medieval charm and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the ancient village, where historic stone buildings and ancient churches reveal centuries of history.

Admire the imposing fortress that dominates the skyline, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastline and countryside. Wander through the picturesque Piazza della Chiesa, lined with cafes and artisan shops. Nearby, the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of Giglio Island beckon sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Giglio Castello promises an unforgettable escape into the tranquil beauty of Tuscany's coastal landscape.

Giglio Castello - frazione di Isola del Giglio

Comune: Isola del Giglio

Province: Grosseto

Region: Tuscany

Elevation: 405 metres

Close by: Cala delle Caldane Beach, Cala delle Cannelle Beach

Recommended accommodation: La Guardia Hotel

One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Fiore del Tirreno (Flower of the Tyrrhenian Sea)

What are the best things to do in Giglio Castello and the local area?

Giglio Castello Fortress: Explore the Giglio Castello Fortress, a well-preserved medieval fortress located at the highest point of Giglio Castello. Visitors can climb the fortress walls, explore the interior chambers, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Church of San Pietro: Visit the Church of San Pietro, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. Visitors can admire the church's beautiful architecture, including its stone façade and bell tower, and explore the interior with its ancient frescoes and religious artifacts.
Giglio Island Beaches: Relax on the pristine beaches of Giglio Island, including Campese Beach and Arenella Beach. Visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on sandy shores, and enjoy water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic beauty of Giglio Island with hiking and nature trails that wind through forests, rocky cliffs, and coastal paths. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or more challenging hikes, with opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds of prey and Mediterranean flora.
Boat Tours: Take a boat tour around Giglio Island to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and secluded beaches along the coastline. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises, snorkeling excursions, and sunset sails, with options for private charters and guided tours.
Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Tuscan cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias in Giglio Castello. Visitors can savor dishes made with fresh seafood, including local specialties such as seafood risotto, grilled fish, and spaghetti alle vongole, paired with regional wines from nearby vineyards.

Where should I eat in Giglio Castello?

Il Castello: As the name suggests, Il Castello is located within the historic walls of Giglio Castello and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The restaurant specializes in traditional Tuscan cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Diners can enjoy dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), grilled fish, and seafood risotto, all served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
La Locanda del Castello: La Locanda del Castello is a family-run restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious homemade dishes. The menu features a variety of Tuscan specialties, including homemade pastas, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. Diners can choose to sit inside the charming dining room or outside on the terrace, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Il Grottino: Situated in the heart of Giglio Castello, Il Grottino is a cozy trattoria known for its hearty Tuscan fare and friendly service. The menu features a selection of traditional dishes, including ribollita (Tuscan bean soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (pappardelle pasta with wild boar sauce), and bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak). Diners can enjoy their meal in the rustic dining room, which is adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia.
La Cantina del Convento: Housed in a historic building that was once a convent, La Cantina del Convento offers a unique dining experience in Giglio Castello. The restaurant's menu highlights local ingredients and traditional recipes, with dishes such as stuffed zucchini flowers, grilled octopus, and homemade desserts. Guests can dine in the atmospheric cellar, which features vaulted ceilings and stone walls, creating a cozy and intimate ambiance.
Il Gambero Rosso: Il Gambero Rosso is a popular seafood restaurant located just a short walk from Giglio Castello. The restaurant specializes in fresh fish and shellfish, sourced locally and prepared with care. Diners can choose from a variety of dishes, including seafood risotto, grilled fish platters, and spaghetti with lobster sauce. The restaurant's casual atmosphere and waterfront location make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike.

Giglio Castello Gallery

What are the best places to stay in Giglio Castello?

Hotel Castello Monticello: Located just outside Giglio Castello, Hotel Castello Monticello offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the village. Guests can stay in modern rooms with amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside, and relax in the hotel's garden.
Agriturismo Poggio al Tufo: Situated in the countryside near Giglio Castello, Agriturismo Poggio al Tufo offers peaceful accommodations in a renovated farmhouse. Guests can stay in cozy rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
Villa delle Capanne: Located on the island of Giglio, Villa delle Capanne offers charming accommodations in a historic villa surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can stay in spacious rooms and suites, relax by the outdoor swimming pool, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and nearby islands.
Hotel Saraceno: Situated in Giglio Porto, just a short drive from Giglio Castello, Hotel Saraceno offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to the island's beaches and attractions. Guests can stay in modern rooms with amenities such as air conditioning and satellite TV, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, and relax on the hotel's terrace overlooking the sea.
Agriturismo Bellavista: Located in the countryside near Giglio Castello, Agriturismo Bellavista offers tranquil accommodations in a restored farmhouse. Guests can stay in cozy rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade breakfasts made with local ingredients, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.

What's the closest airport to Giglio Castello?

Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci Airport):

Located approximately 150 kilometers away from Giglio Castello.
From Rome Fiumicino Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Roma Termini Train Station.
From Roma Termini, you can take a train to Porto Santo Stefano, the nearest ferry port to Giglio Island.

Florence Airport (Peretola Airport):

Located approximately 200 kilometers away from Giglio Castello.
From Florence Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
From Florence Santa Maria Novella, you can take a train to Grosseto, the nearest train station to Giglio Island.

Book a flight to Tuscany from your nearest airport here

What's the closest train station to Giglio Castello?

Grosseto Train Station:

Located approximately 50 kilometers away from Porto Santo Stefano, the nearest ferry port to Giglio Island.
From Grosseto Train Station, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach Porto Santo Stefano.

What ferry connections are there for Giglio Castello?

Porto Santo Stefano:

This is the nearest ferry port to Giglio Island.
From Porto Santo Stefano, you can take a ferry operated by Maregiglio or Toremar to Giglio Porto, the main port on Giglio Island.
Once you arrive at Giglio Porto, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Giglio Castello, which is the historic center of the island.

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