Giglio on two wheels: tips and places to visit by bike

Giglio Island, the wildest and most intriguing of the Tuscan Archipelago, is the perfect natural setting for a bike tour. The Mediterranean nature and the marine scenarios stand out over just 21 square kilometers of extension, with reliefs and hills ideal for fortifying the quadriceps and calves muscles. The highest points stand out at over four hundred meters above sea level and offer breathtaking views and incredible panoramas that you will hardly forget.

Why visit Giglio Island by bike?

In addition to being a magical place for its magnificent beaches and clear waters, the island is considered a small paradise for bikers and bicycle lovers. Its short distances and scenic roads make it possible to organize excursions at any time of the year. Among the cliffs that branch off overlooking the sea, the mule tracks and the ridges, the island offers spectacular views and routes for all levels of experience.

One thing to consider is that there are very few asphalted roads on the island. Essentially, they are the ones that connect the three towns of Giglio. These are curvilinear winding almost completely uphill or downhill, surrounded by green areas which branch off along the dirt paths. Perfect trails for trekking and MTB, such as that of the Pineta del Castello or that of Cala dell’Allume, which will give you great satisfaction.

Giglio Island by bike: the itinerary

The itinerary we propose passes through the main asphalted roads that connect the three island towns and goes south. For this route, road bicycles or electric bikes are recommended but still equipped with gears.

The starting point is Giglio Porto, from which you will admire the seafront and cycle towards Via di Castello, continuing beyond the detour of the Cannelle beach. Continuing through granite glimpses and terraced reliefs, you will reach the second stage, Giglio Campese.

Continuing south, you will pass through Poggio della Chiusa and Via del Corvo, passing the Poggio della Pagana. Here the road will continue to the west side of the island’s mountains, with abundant Mediterranean vegetation. From this point on, the paved road will give way to dirt that, in some places, will ask you to bring your bike on foot.

Later you will arrive at Capel Rosso, where the homonymous lighthouse stands, guarding an endless and wild sea. Looking around you will see the crests of Montecristo and, in case of particularly clear skies, you will also be able to see Corsica.

Going back from the same dirt road and then descending to the deviation for Campese, you will have to take the SP57 and then go left at the crossroads and take the SP15 towards the port. By doing so, the route will take you straight back to the starting point, showing you all the best of Giglio, for a total of 31 kilometers to be sweated.