Giglio

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Revision as of 09:27, 17 February 2016

Giglio (Italy)

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	42°21.61′N, 10°55.21′E
	Photo gallery
	Chartlet

The harbour of Porto Giglio - Click for larger view

Giglio is a mountainous island lying 28 miles SE of Elba and just eight miles off the Argentario peninsula on the Italian mainland. Composed almost entirely of granite, it was an important source of this building material from Roman times right up to the twentieth century, and many of Rome’s most famous basilicas are constructed partly with Giglio granite. The island has one small harbour, Porto Giglio, on the eastern side of the island and a lovely old pirate-proof settlement, Castello, on its highest point.

Weather

Prevailing winds are from W or NW, in which conditions shelter is reasonably good in the island’s harbour. However, strong northerly winds send in a very uncomfortable swell and the harbour is only just tenable in these conditions.

Sources for weather forecasts:

• There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation
• The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16
• Navtex weather forecasts are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily)

Charts

British Admiralty

1999 - Livorno to Civitavecchia

Italian

913

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

The small harbour is difficult to identify when cruising along the east coast of the island. However, the settlement of Castello directly above is a good landmark. Closer in, the houses of the village and the east and west breakwaters will be seen. Beware of ferries leaving the harbour at speed.

Berthing options

The harbour is very small and often full to bursting in high season. Unless you have reserved a berth, you will have to take pot luck on entering. You can try calling on +39 0564 809480 to reserve a berth. Otherwise, the local ormeggiator (mooring attendant) will soon let you know if there is no space.

Ports

Porto Giglio is the only sheltered harbour on the island. It is very small, with only around 80 berths on three floating pontoons suitable for yachts (of which 20 are reserved for yachts in transit). Maximum length 13 metres. Maximum draught 2.5 metres. All the berths have laid moorings. Visiting yachts are directed by the ormeggiator, assuming there is a berth available. Often in summer most of the berths are reserved. Water and electricity are available at the berths.

Anchorages

• Cala delle Cannelle, about one mile to the south of the harbour, offers reasonable shelter if the harbour is full. Anchor in sand and weed in 5.0 - 7.0 metres off the beach.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Offshore Islands

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Limited engine and electrical repairs.

Marine Stores

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel available on the quay in summer (0800 - 1900). Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The port area is most attractive and very well kept. There is evidence of a lot of municipal pride here. The excellent trip by bus to the fortified village of Castello at the top of the island is a must. The village has intact town walls and the original mediaeval street plan survives inside – all winding alleyways and steep passages with overhead arches. At the north end is a wonderful restaurant with views over the north of the island. It is possible to walk back down to the harbour along an old mule track, with spectacular views over the port and the Italian mainland just eight miles away.

Gallery

The waterfront of Porto Giglio Click for larger view	The fortified village of Castello Click for larger view
Castello street scene Click for larger view	The mule track from Castello Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

Reasonable provisions around the harbour.

Eateries

Lots of restaurants and cafes around the harbour. A few also in Castello.

Internet/WiFi

???

Laundry

No.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

No.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the quay.

Transportation

Ferries to and from Porto San Stefano on the mainland.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Giglio at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

See Italy.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• We got to Porto Giglio by 1300 in early July and got the last berth in the harbour. It pays to either reserve in advance or get there as early as possible --Athene of Lymington 16:02, 5 August 2010 (UTC)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2003 --Athene of Lymington 16:02, 5 August 2010 (UTC)
• May, 2013. The salvage work on the Costa Concordia has turned the Giglio harbor into a bustling commercial port. Most of the berths available for yachts have been taken over by work boats which tie to the quay. Be aware that while this activity is going on, you will be lucky to find space on the quay, and that if you do, you will likely be mooring the old fashioned way - stern to with an anchor off the bow.

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington