Giglio — Cala delle Cannelle
Cannelle Beach Giglio · Cala Cannelle
42°21.7'N 10°54.8'E
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in the bay anchorage in 4–8m. The sandy central area is clearly distinguishable from the water — the pale sand contrasts with darker Posidonia patches. Snorkel to verify bottom type if uncertain.
About This Anchorage
Giglio island is Tuscany's finest sailing destination — a rugged granite island with exceptional marine life, spectacular diving (including the Costa Concordia wreck dive site area), and the medieval hilltop village of Giglio Castello. Cala delle Cannelle on the NE coast is the most popular beach anchorage — fine white sand, crystalline water, and a relatively protected position. The island's AMP (established 2002) has varying zones; Cala delle Cannelle falls in a regulated area where anchoring on sand is permitted but Posidonia anchoring is strictly prohibited. The Costa Concordia disaster occurred off the NW coast of Giglio (Punta del Gabbianara) in January 2012 — the wreck was fully salvaged by September 2014.
Protected From
W · NW · N
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor on sand.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No advance permit required. Giglio AMP rules apply — verify current zone status with Capitaneria di Porto Giglio (Ch 16) or at the AMP office in Porto di Giglio. The AMP boundaries have been modified since original establishment.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia — enforced by AMP/Guardia Costiera. 150m beach exclusion in season. No anchoring in Zone A areas (check current AMP zone map). Underwater nature reserve — no spearfishing.
Hazards
- !E/NE exposure: Tramontana from NE and Grecale from E send swell directly into the bay — in these conditions, Porto di Giglio provides far better shelter
- !Posidonia fringes: The meadow patches are widespread at the bay margins — careful visual survey and snorkeling recommended before setting anchor
- !Summer boat density: In July–August, the bay can have 30–50 boats — late afternoon arrivals may find the sandy spots occupied
- !Costa Concordia historical area (Punta del Gabbianara, NW coast): The salvage is complete but the area may have monitoring equipment; the site is now available for recreational diving (with operator)
Skipper's Tips
- →The dive sites around Giglio (not related to the Concordia) are excellent — granite walls, large grouper, and abundant marine life; local dive operators in Porto di Giglio run excursions
- →Giglio Castello (the hilltop medieval village) is reached by bus from Porto di Giglio — the 15th-century walls and the views across the island are magnificent
- →The Giglio wine (Ansonaco grape — unique to the island) is produced in tiny quantities by local families; ask at the village for where to buy it
- →From Cala delle Cannelle, a pleasant walk north along the coast path reaches Punta del Morto (lighthouse area) with views toward the Argentario peninsula on the mainland (8nm)
Facilities
Seasonal beach bar at Cala delle Cannelle. Full facilities at Porto di Giglio (2nm S) including water, fuel, restaurants, and a good market.
Nearest provisions: Porto di Giglio (2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: very crowded, anchorage fills quickly. The Giglio AMP's stricter rules in Zone A areas mean careful orientation to zone boundaries is essential.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
When the Libeccio arrives at 03:00 with no warning, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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