Isola del Giglio day trip from Porto Santo Stefano
A day trip to Isola del Giglio from Porto Santo Stefano: the harbour of Giglio Porto, the bus up to the walled village of Giglio Castello and its Rocca, then down to the Torre del Campese and an afternoon on the sandy beach of Campese bay. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 1 days
Isola del Giglio in 1 day
Day 1
Giglio Porto harbour
The island's colourful harbour village, where the ferries arrive, with cafes, fish restaurants and a Medici watchtower by the sea.
Historic centre of Giglio Castello (walled village)
Medieval village on the island's ridge, enclosed by walls and towers, with arched stairways, tiny squares and views to both coasts.
Rocca Aldobrandesca (Rocca Pisana) of Giglio Castello
Fortress at the top of Giglio Castello, built by the Pisans and the Aldobrandeschi, looking far out over the sea.
Torre del Campese
Old coastal watchtower on a rock at the end of Campese bay, the island's photo spot, especially at sunset.
Campese beach
The island's longest sandy beach, a wide bay on the west coast with clear water, beach bars and rentals.
Watch: Isola del Giglio
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
Getting there
Toremar and Maregiglio ferries cross from Porto Santo Stefano to Giglio Porto in about an hour, several times a day, with fewer sailings in winter. Porto Santo Stefano is about two hours by car from Rome; by train, go to Orbetello-Monte Argentario station and take the bus on to the port.
Staying in Porto Santo Stefano? This day fits into those city plans, and in the Trip Builder it is one click under each of them.
When to go to Isola del Giglio
June and September are ideal, with warm sea and fewer people than in July and August, when ferries and beaches are busy. May and October suit walking more than swimming. In winter the ferries are fewer and many restaurants and hotels close.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Isola del Giglio on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Isola del Giglio on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Isola del Giglio on GetYourGuide
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for Italy from Airalo
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Isola del Giglio
- Take an early ferry and check the last sailing back before you leave; in summer, book the crossing ahead.
- No car is needed: local buses link Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello and Campese; check the last bus from Campese back to the port before settling on the beach.
- Bring a swimsuit and snorkel: the water around this granite island is very clear, and the island lies in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
- Try the Ansonaco white wine from the island's terraced vineyards and the panficato, a dense fruit-and-nut cake.
- Giglio Castello is a steep, stepped village; wear good shoes for its lanes and the climb to the Rocca.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Campese beach: Poul Krogsgård, Public domain
- Giglio Porto harbour: Poul Krogsgård, Public domain
- Historic centre of Giglio Castello (walled village): Poul Krogsgård, Public domain
- Rocca Aldobrandesca (Rocca Pisana) of Giglio Castello: Poul Krogsgård, Public domain
- Torre del Campese: Poul Krogsgård, Public domain
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
