GIGLIO ISLAND- WILD NATURE, unexpected attractions.

GIGLIO ISLAND- WILD NATURE, unexpected attractions. Thanks to unspoilt nature and clear blue sea, during the summer the three villages of the island are buzzing with tourists who are in love with its lonely creeks and with the local fish specialties. When you can tear yourself away from the beautiful beaches and the azure waters, inland offers lots to see, picturesque medieval scenery filled with ancient traditions. The island is separated by a 16 km stretch of sea from the Argentario promontory: mainly mountainous, it consists almost entirely of granite hills and its surface is covered by Mediterranean vegetation alternated with large pine forests and numerous vineyards which allow the production of the famous "Ansonaco", the local wine that cannot be drunk anywhere else except on the island. The coast is 27 km long, made up of a rocky coastline, smooth cliffs and dotted with several bays. The biggest one, Campese, is close to a village of the same name and located in the Northern area, and is the main tourist destination on the island. Giglio Porto is the only harbour of the island and is a picturesque fishing village with pastel-colored houses overlooking the sea, with many small shops, cafes, and local restaurants. Giglio Castello is the cultural and architectonical heart of the island. It was built by the Pisan’s, who dominated the island since 1264, and built the fortified castle to protect themselves from Saracen attacks. Consequently the Medici family took control of the town. During the summer, this hill-top fortified village (405m a.s.l.), with its narrow medieval streets offering spectacular views of the sea, turns into a lively open air theatre with jazz bands playing in the streets, lots of pavement cafes from which to watch the world go by and folk concerts held in nooks and crannies between ancient houses. The locals and visitors mingle happily in the street old fishermen and local farmers sit in the bars next to foreign tourists, creating a cosmopolitan, but still typical atmosphere.