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Open May 1st to October 9th, 2025

Use code ITALYSEGRETA20 for 20% off your weekday stay from Sept. 15th - Oct. 10th.

La Guardia, a boutique hotel overlooking the harbor of Isola del Giglio, is a minimalist dream. It’s also the actual dream of co-owners and couple Flaminia Pérez del Castillo and Flavio Caprabianca, who gave up their lives working in advertising in Rome and Milan to open the spot in 2019. With years spent exploring Giglio and other Italian islands with their gommone, the duo developed a deep understanding of and connection with the 23.8 square km island. This is largely why La Guardia is so exceptional: the chic, sophisticated hotel is designed to entirely match the essence of the island–rugged, Mediterranean, simple, revealed only to the adventurous travelers that make their way to this Tuscan secret. 

Perched atop an ancient granite cave, La Guardia boasts views of the sparkling sea and the Giglio port, which, unlike other islands, is the place you want to be. La Guardia is just a three-minute walk from the action, a real boon once you’ve departed the hour-long ferry from Porto Santo Stefano. Just a few steps away are wonderful family-run restaurants and sandy beaches. No cars are necessary on the island–it’s best to go around on foot or by bike, electric ones of which you can rent in the port. Though we also wouldn’t blame you if you never left the hotel’s panoramic terrace and sunroom with jaw-dropping views–and access to–the Mediterranean. 

The contemporary hotel stands out against the old Tuscan architecture of the port, though inside the decor is anchored in the Mediterranean island’s aesthetic. The color palette, seagrass accents, and natural plants all call attention to the beach, and the wood is sourced from the Monte Amiata forests just off Giglio’s coast. The hotel’s mission also reflects the land on which it stands: they have eliminated single-use plastics, stocked the bar with metal straws, use paper products made out of recycled materials, source ingredients from eco-sustainable agriculture, and heat their water with solar panels. 

Experts on the island, La Guardia’s staff is gracious–to dogs too! Your furry friends are more than welcome here–and ready to plan scuba diving escapades and wine tastings in the vineyards or guide you to local festivals like the Palio marinaro in August or the Festa delle cantine aperte in September. The boutique hotel’s two onsite dining options offer contemporary Mediterranean–not just Italian–flavors, featuring local fish; try the ravioli stuffed with potatoes, squid, and lemon and tossed in garlic, oil, and peperoncino or the crunchy sea-bass “cannoli” filled with zucchini, mint, spicy salad, lemon mayo, and teriyaki sauce. Their 70-label wine list features bottles sourced exclusively from small Italian islands and–of course–Giglio.

The seasonal hotel’s serene position on the island also fosters wellness and disconnection; Flaminia and Flavio lean into this, cultivating spaces for stillness and introspection, from evening sunset yoga to massages in the olive grove. Just living island life here is restorative: hike up to the lighthouse, bike to one of the medieval castles, or take a sunset dip in the bay. You can be sure that no matter how you arrive at La Guardia, you’ll leave recentered, restored, and sunkissed, thanks to what Flaminia and Flavio have fondly deemed the “Giglio Effect”. 

A few segreti (secrets) from Flaminia and Flavio:

La Vecchia Pergola – The family-run La Vecchia Pergola sits right on the port of Giglio, a perfect spot for watching the ships come in carrying the same fresh fish and seafood that you eat at the restaurant. 

La Grotta del Pescatore – Tucked into an ancient fisherman’s cave in the port of Giglio, the historic La Grotta del Pescatore is led by Fishermanchef Giovanni, who cooks what he catches that day, paired with local wines from the island. 

L’Aroma – In Arenella, this chic seaside restaurant offers incredible seafood, stunning dishes, and a beautiful outdoor terrace.  

Da Maria – This restaurant in Castello is worth going to for the incredible views and sunset (on clear days, look for the island of Montecristo), and food just as good. Try the calamari alla gigliese, octopus caponata, and tuna tacos.

In the port, stop into the nice boutiques and decor shops of il Riccio, Nanni, and Sportmare. Pop into any of the small alimentari to grab some locally made wine and honey to take home.