Canoeing lily

The Isola del Giglio is located off the Argentario promontory, in the south of Tuscany, to a ferry hour from Porto Santo Stefano. As a holiday destination is rather renowned among the Italians, but perhaps not enough given the incredible beauty of its coasts that, when exploring canoeing (or in stand up paddle), give joys to Gogò. We must not forget the three picturesque villages: Porto Giglio, where ferries arrive, Campese, with its splendid marina, and the medieval village of Castello, perched on the mountain in the center of the island (and therefore difficult to reach KAYAK :)).
Under the map of the island (with distances, to program your canoe itinerary along the coast), we present a guide to the lily starting from our last experience of circumnavigation of the island in Kayak.

How to get to Giglio
Ferries to the Isola del Giglio leave from Porto Santo Stefano, a beautiful town on the Tuscan coast, in the province of Grosseto. There are two companies, Toremar and Maregiglio, at similar prices: a person can travel for about 10-12 euros each way; There is also the possibility of boarding the car (40-45 euros each way), although in high season access to the island could only be granted to vehicles of residents.

To get to the lily with canoes it is certainly more convenient to have the car in the way with the roof kayaks (or with a canoe or an inflatable sup in the trunk), although Maregiglio offers the possibility of embarking on the ferry directly a canoe.
Once you arrive at Porto Giglio, you are in a characteristic village, with the view that can immediately range over the cliffs to the north (where the Costa Concordia had tragically stranded).

Whoever arrived at the lily by car can park for free following the directions for Campese: along the uphill road, perhaps after a kilometer or two, it is in fact parking in some slarg. It is advisable to download the canoes in Porto Giglio, before launching in such a slide !!
From Porto Giglio to Campese
Once put the canoes in the water in Porto Giglio, you can leave for the circumnavigation of the island clockwise or counterclockwise. For those who, as he happened to us, descends from the ferry to the two and a half of the afternoon, better proceeding counterclockwise, because so Campo is just 8 km away and can be quietly reached before dinner (in Camphes there is the only campsite del Lily, as well as hotels, restaurants and shops). If instead you have more time on the first day compared to the second, better to proceed clockwise.
In brackets, if you don't want to sleep in a tent, Click here to compare hotels and find the most convenient accommodation.
The coast north of Porto Giglio is immediately amazing: clear water and nature. The only defect, the first section could still be closed for the post-concord construction site: in the case, it is necessary to go off the yellow buoys. The beach of Arenella sooner meet, where it is worth stopping: the clear water and the rocks and the houses on the sea are a show.
Resuming kayaks (or stand up paddle) follow low cliffs and unspoiled nature for several kilometers. With the sup, in particular, seems to fly, so much water is transparent. There are no other beaches, but some flat rock on which to stop. After so much nature, the first buildings will be found: the Baia del Sole camp is just before Campese and notice the bungalows and curtains. For those staying here, I rock schools immediately below the campsite I am a convenient arrival for canoes.

If you want to get to the village instead, there are few hundred meters. First of all, the characteristic tower on the sea is concentrated; On his left there is a stone bridge under which you can pass with the kayak, or with the stand up paddle being careful not to take a headboard, thus entering the splendid marina.
Giglio Campese is located on a wide arch of beach, with umbrellas, bars and everything you need to get around. The restaurant from Tony has delicious fish dishes at honest prices.
Campese - Porto Giglio
Paying south of Campese, an impressive Faraglione immediately met. The coast becomes increasingly steep, with cliffs overlooking surmounted by the greenery of lush vegetation. Many beaches do not meet, but the crystal clear sea is a good consolation.
Among the increasingly spectacular landscapes we then arrive at the southern tip of the island, surmounted by a lighthouse. From here, they see Giannutri and the Argentario in the distance. Porto Giglio is no longer far away, so it is likely to meet more boats.
Going north, some beaches reappear, really beautiful even if you are frequented. Sliding green and transparent water, you then arrive at Porto Giglio.
The interior of the island of the lily
at this point, as far as satisfied with the canoe trip, before embarking on a ferry to Getting away from the lily it is advisable to visit the green greenery. There are numerous trails suitable for trekking that cross the park (by the way, the free campsite is prohibited). The village of Castello, perched on the highest point of the island, is made of medieval houses, cramped alleys and views opened on the lily and the sea.
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