There are many ways to experience the sea on Giglio, among public or equipped beaches and water sports worth trying. How about, for example, setting sail aboard a boat to discover the most beautiful coves or to circumnavigate the island? Why not rent a dinghy to anchor in the small coves scattered along the coast, such as Cala della Torricella or Cala del Corvo with its fascinating cave.
The sea around Giglio Island boasts unparalleled transparency which is why it is a real natural paradise for snorkelers, with its wonderful seabed and rich marine fauna. All you need is a simple pedal boat, bring a mask and fins with you to discover the magnificent coves near the beaches.
The island is obviously a popular destination for diving; there are numerous diving centers both in Giglio Porto and Giglio Campese that offer guided dives and diving courses for all levels. Immense posidonia meadows, corals and expanses of gorgonians, vertiginous walls that plunge into the deep blue sea, will be the backdrop of your scuba diving adventure.
The Beaches
Campese is the largest beach on the island and also the most comfortable. It is ideal for families but also for windsurfers or for those who would like to practice sailing. There are numerous beach resorts offering various services, including pedal boat rental. Here the grains of sand take on a reddish color and the seabed slopes down quickly until it reaches a depth of one and a half meters. A part of the beach is used as a public beach while a large space is occupied by an equipped beach with bathing resorts. There are numerous bars at your disposal that will keep you company throughout the day as well as during your summer evenings with live music and excellent cocktails. Campese is also the beach of endless sunsets where you will get to enjoy the last rays of the day as they suddenly reveal the dark silhouette of distant Corsica.
Le Cannelle Beach is the closest to the port. Here the sea is at its best: just imagine the blue color and its possible nuances, from turquoise to indigo to deep blue. This slightly grainy sand beach, bright white in color is highly popular in summer. At your service, there is a bar, a beach resort where you can rent comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas alongside a stretch of public beach.
Heading south from the port, you will find Caldane Beach, the smallest on the island but a real rare gem. It has been repeatedly flagged as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and can be reached by sea accompanied by the boatmen of the port, or on foot from Cannelle Beach, along a path that is not too challenging and with a lovely view. Also on this beach you will have at your disposal umbrellas and sunbeds, however there is no bar service and it is therefore advisable to bring your own water supply.
Arenella Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the port, heading north, located in a wonderful cove dominated by a rounded granite cliff that opens itself unto the sea. It is the favorite beach among many Gigliesi because it is intimate and natural as well as protected from the most frequent island winds. The sea here is full of contrasts, sharp tones that go from crystal clear to deep sea blue, diving here is a unique sensory experience. It is also the smallest beach and therefore, in the central period of the summer season, it can become crowded.
It is important to know that there is a rescue service that guarantees safe bathing on all the equipped beaches; the same surveillance of bathers and any interventions are also guaranteed on public beaches adjacent to the beach resorts.
