With stunning beaches, delicious food and jaw-dropping historical and archaeological sites, it's not hard to see why Italy and its islands have become the best holiday option for many Britons. Sardinia, for example, boasts miles of untouched coastline with clear water and white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
However, some of the top destinations in countries such as Rome have become quite overcrowded in recent years. Meanwhile, Venice is now very busy, with day trip fees and no speakers and large tour groups. However, that doesn't mean that Italy needs to be wiped out of the bucket list. There are many hidden gems left to discover.
Isola del Giglio, or Giglio Island, is such a gem. Often it is the biggest choice for Italians looking for a stay, but little known to the British.
It was found in the Tyrrhenian Sea, 11 miles from the Tuscan coast, and is located in Arcipelago Toscano National Park. In Italian, giglio means “lily.”
The island's small harbor is a rather colorful village, and you can see that bars and restaurants are open all night long during the summer.
Like much of Italy, the island's main attraction is the beach, famous for its crystal clear waters and stunning scenery. The Giglio coast is 17 miles long and consists of several bays, including rocks, smooth cliffs and Arenara, Canel, Calden and Campase.
Many of the islands are wild and covered with Mediterranean vegetation, with animals and rare species of plants thriving. Before you watch the unforgettable sunsets and sample delicious dishes in one of the small villages of Gilio, explore its nature on one of the many hiking trails scattered across the landscape.
Enjoy delicious local products such as white ansonaco wine made with figs, tonnina fish, and sweet panfato.
The island is home to the ruins of a Roman villa of Domitius Acenobarbas (1st to 2nd centuries Greglio Port). The island is also the site of Etruscan shipwrecks dating back to the early Iron Age (600 BC). The ship's cargo included copper and lead ingots, amphoras and even Corinthian helmets. Even wooden writing tablets with stylus were preserved.
Isola del Giglio is connected to Tuscany by a ferry that departs daily from Porto Santo Stefano on the west coast of the mainland.
Giglio has strict car and motorcycle policies that help to maintain that tranquility. During August, if your license plate is Italian, you cannot bring it with you unless you stay on the island for more than five days and fill in your self-certification.
On August 10th, locals celebrate San Lorenzo with Palio Marinaro and its parade. There is also a religious procession leading to the seaside. At the end of the day, the main square features concerts and fireworks shows.
In 2012, the island attracted international media attention, but not because of its beauty. On January 13, 2012, cruise liner Costa Concordia stranded just off the island's coast. The islanders rushed to help, offering hot drinks and blankets. Many opened their homes to the victims.
Stay at the 3-star hotel Saraceno and stay in the Seaview Room for £211 per night.
