Off the coast of Tuscany, there are a sprinkling of beautiful little islands that each have something special to offer. The island of Giglio boasts exceptional beaches and the most spectacularly blue and crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian sea that might make you get confused for a moment and have you thinking that you’re somewhere much further away, much more exclusive, and decidedly more tropical. All of which goes to show that you really don’t need to go further away or head to the tropics to experience perfect beaches, just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and head to Giglio Island, where you will find quite a wealth of choice and an array of beaches to choose from.
While there are lots of beaches and hidden treasures to be discovered on Giglio Island, there are, however, four main beaches that are the biggest and considered among the best. These are the beaches of Campese, Cannelle, Arenella and Caldane. All of the aforementioned beaches are pretty readily accessible from Giglio Porto, the main harbour of the island and likely the point at which you will arrive when taking a ferry to Giglio Island. Campese, Cannelle, and Arenella can be reached by car or taxi and Caldane is only accessible on foot or by boat but is just a kilometre away.
While there are lots of beaches and hidden treasures to be discovered on Giglio Island, there are, however, four main beaches that are the biggest and considered among the best. These are the beaches of Campese, Cannelle, Arenella and Caldane. All of the aforementioned beaches are pretty readily accessible from Giglio Porto, the main harbour of the island and likely the point at which you will arrive when taking a ferry to Giglio Island. Campese, Cannelle, and Arenella can be reached by car or taxi and Caldane is only accessible on foot or by boat but is just a kilometre away.
Campese Beach
Campese Beach, or Spiaggia del Campese, is the largest beach on the island, with a wide and long shore with red coarse sand that is divided in the middle by a cliff. The water drops quickly to 1-2 meters in depth and, as a result, it is a popular diving site. As it is based around the biggest settlement on the island, it boasts some of the most numerous and best services and resources with bars, restaurants, bathing establishments, a few diving centres and both boat rentals and taxi boats for further exploration of the island. It is a great place to kick off a day of exploring the island and you can easily move on to other beaches from Campese. However, you might want to return come sunset for the majestic display that is often offered by the changing colours of the sky as viewed over the bay with and with Faraglione Rock on the left and the ancient tower on the right. It is also worth noting that the hiking trails to Faraglione Rock on the left side of the bay and to Sparavieri Rock, past the nearby campsite are very pleasant and also cash in on those incredible views offered by this location.
Cannelle Beach
Cannelle Beach (Spiaggia delle Cannelle), meanwhile, is the second-largest beach on the island. Located a short distance south of Giglio Porto, on the east coast, it can be easily reached on foot (about a 15 to 20 minute walk) from the harbour and it is a more child-friendly beach with fine white sand and a shoreline that slopes gently into shallow waters. It is also well-equipped with a bar, restaurant, beach services, and boat rentals and taxi boats. Do keep in mind that the family-friendly nature of the beach and its proximity to the harbour both mean that it can be very crowded during the high season but out of the busy summer months and earlier in the day, it should be more pleasant.
Campese Beach, or Spiaggia del Campese, is the largest beach on the island, with a wide and long shore with red coarse sand that is divided in the middle by a cliff. The water drops quickly to 1-2 meters in depth and, as a result, it is a popular diving site. As it is based around the biggest settlement on the island, it boasts some of the most numerous and best services and resources with bars, restaurants, bathing establishments, a few diving centres and both boat rentals and taxi boats for further exploration of the island. It is a great place to kick off a day of exploring the island and you can easily move on to other beaches from Campese. However, you might want to return come sunset for the majestic display that is often offered by the changing colours of the sky as viewed over the bay with and with Faraglione Rock on the left and the ancient tower on the right. It is also worth noting that the hiking trails to Faraglione Rock on the left side of the bay and to Sparavieri Rock, past the nearby campsite are very pleasant and also cash in on those incredible views offered by this location.
Cannelle Beach
Cannelle Beach (Spiaggia delle Cannelle), meanwhile, is the second-largest beach on the island. Located a short distance south of Giglio Porto, on the east coast, it can be easily reached on foot (about a 15 to 20 minute walk) from the harbour and it is a more child-friendly beach with fine white sand and a shoreline that slopes gently into shallow waters. It is also well-equipped with a bar, restaurant, beach services, and boat rentals and taxi boats. Do keep in mind that the family-friendly nature of the beach and its proximity to the harbour both mean that it can be very crowded during the high season but out of the busy summer months and earlier in the day, it should be more pleasant.
Arenella Beach
Arenella Beach (Spiaggia dell’Arenella), is located 5km north of Giglio Porto and is the third-largest beach. It is also one of the loveliest and most scenic beaches on the island with golden sand and azure crystalline waters and particularly tropical shades. As a result, it is the most popular among the discerning locals and will be packed with an after-work crowd in summer. Come earlier in the day, maybe during lunch, and enjoy the beauty, peace, bar, lido, boat rentals, snorkelling and more.
Caldane Beach
Caldane Beach (Spiaggia delle Caldane) is the smallest beach of Giglio Island and is located just south of Cannelle Beach. It is only accessible by boat or foot and is framed by granite rocks that close it off to easy access but ensure that it remains picturesquely wild and lovely. It will feel as though you’re on a private island but has also been tamed just enough that umbrella and lounger rentals are offered. Be careful if bringing kids along as the waters can be choppy and safely enjoy the evocative beauty of this secluded beach.
So, if you’re looking for a great beach in Tuscany, this gem off the Tuscan Coast offers plenty of great options!
Arenella Beach (Spiaggia dell’Arenella), is located 5km north of Giglio Porto and is the third-largest beach. It is also one of the loveliest and most scenic beaches on the island with golden sand and azure crystalline waters and particularly tropical shades. As a result, it is the most popular among the discerning locals and will be packed with an after-work crowd in summer. Come earlier in the day, maybe during lunch, and enjoy the beauty, peace, bar, lido, boat rentals, snorkelling and more.
Caldane Beach
Caldane Beach (Spiaggia delle Caldane) is the smallest beach of Giglio Island and is located just south of Cannelle Beach. It is only accessible by boat or foot and is framed by granite rocks that close it off to easy access but ensure that it remains picturesquely wild and lovely. It will feel as though you’re on a private island but has also been tamed just enough that umbrella and lounger rentals are offered. Be careful if bringing kids along as the waters can be choppy and safely enjoy the evocative beauty of this secluded beach.
So, if you’re looking for a great beach in Tuscany, this gem off the Tuscan Coast offers plenty of great options!
Photo credit:
Picture 1:Patpatpat / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2:Gianfranco Vitolo / CC BY-SA 2.0;
Picture 1:Patpatpat / CC BY 2.0;
Picture 2:Gianfranco Vitolo / CC BY-SA 2.0;
