What is the best time to visit Giglio?

To enjoy the Giglio with good weather without facing peak crowds, aim for June or September ; for swimming, early September often offers the best compromise, with a sea still pleasant and fewer people than in August.

July and August are suitable if you mainly want the beach and a lively atmosphere, but the coves and ferry connections are busier: book your accommodation and your ferry in advance. The crossing from Porto Santo Stefano takes about an hour. The ferries run all year round, but departures are generally more frequent in summer. If you plan to bring a car, also check the rules and conditions that apply in August.

In May and in early June, the island is well suited for walks and visiting Giglio Castello, but the sea can still be cool and some services less regular than in mid-summer. In September, the first weeks are safer for combining swimming and walks; later on, the schedules are reduced and some establishments close. Autumn and winter are quieter, but also more disrupted by rain: choose them rather for the villages and hikes than for a stay centered on the beach.