The Romantic Night in the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy
A night of love within the medieval walls of Giglio Castello
About Romantic Night in Giglio
The Romantic Night in Giglio Castello
The Romantic Night in the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy is one of the most evocative events of the Italian summer: a single night, held simultaneously, where over 230 villages across the peninsula transform into settings dedicated to love. Among these is Giglio Castello, the ancient medieval village that crowns the Isola del Giglio, in the Tuscan archipelago, in the province of Grosseto.
Promoted by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, the Romantic Night was born in 2016 and has established itself as an unmissable appointment for those seeking an authentic, timeless experience. At sunset, the cobbled streets, small squares, and walls of the village light up with torches, candles, and soft lights, while music, performances, and tastings accompany residents and visitors until late at night.
Why Giglio Castello
Perched 405 meters above sea level, Giglio Castello is a fortified village of Pisan origin, enclosed by imposing walls and towers. Its maze of alleys, the four historic districts (Rocca, Centro, Cisterna, and Casamatta), and the famous Rocca Pisana make it one of the most romantic settings in the entire Tuscan archipelago. From the heights of the village, on the clearest nights, the view embraces the entire Tuscan Archipelago, from Montecristo to Elba and even Corsica.
A night dedicated to love
The heart of the event is its choral dimension: in every participating village, local businesses, restaurants, and associations offer a personalized program consisting of themed dinners, concerts, readings, performances, and tours through the historic center. In Giglio Castello, it is the village bars and restaurants that bring the evening to life, welcoming couples with special menus and intimate atmospheres. The common thread of every edition is the "midnight kiss", the moment when, symbolically, all the squares of the Italian villages join together in a single gesture of love.
The theme and the symbolic dessert
Each edition features a theme that serves as a common thread for the initiatives and a symbolic dessert, the "Pensiero d'Amore" (Thought of Love), reinterpreted year after year by the participating chefs. The event, which promotes experiential tourism and Italian regional cuisine, confirms Giglio Castello and the Isola del Giglio as some of the most evocative destinations to experience an unforgettable night in Maremma and the Tuscan Archipelago.
Romantic Night in Giglio โ edition 2026
Romantic Night 2026 in Giglio Castello
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Romantic Night in the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy returns for its 11th edition, with over 230 villages involved across the peninsula. Giglio Castello, on the Isola del Giglio (Grosseto province), also participates in the event: the village's bars and restaurants join the initiative by offering a special evening filled with torches, music, and entertainment.
The theme chosen for 2026 is "Love for memories", an invitation to rediscover emotions and stories linked to places. The symbolic dessert of the event remains the "Pensiero d'Amore", reinterpreted for this edition by chef Francesca Benedettelli. The evening concludes, as per tradition, with the midnight kiss that ideally unites all the squares of the participating villages.
Programme Romantic Night in Giglio 2026
The detailed program of participating venues in Giglio Castello (themed menus, music, and shows) is published by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy in the weeks leading up to the event. The structure of the evening follows the established pattern of past editions:
- From sunset: lighting of torches, candles, and soft lights in the streets and squares of the village.
- In the evening: themed dinners in the bars and restaurants of Giglio Castello, live music, and entertainment in the historic center.
- At midnight: the traditional midnight kiss, simultaneously with all other Italian villages.
For updated details on participating venues and times, please refer to the official website of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy.
Highlights Romantic Night in Giglio 2026
- Medieval atmosphere of the village of Giglio Castello illuminated by torches and candles
- 2026 Theme: "Love for memories"
- The symbolic dessert "Pensiero d'Amore"
- The midnight kiss simultaneously with over 230 Italian villages
Prices Romantic Night in Giglio 2026
Practical information — Romantic Night in Giglio
How to get there
The Isola del Giglio can be reached by ferry from Porto Santo Stefano (Monte Argentario), with more frequent connections in the summer months. From the port of Giglio Porto, you can reach Giglio Castello by car, public bus, or local shuttle services (about 6 km of scenic road).
When
The event takes place over a single evening, from sunset until late at night, with the midnight kiss as the highlight.
Tips
Evenings at the village bars and restaurants are very popular: booking is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled alleys of the historic center and plan to stay overnight on the island, given the limited frequency of evening ferries.
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Where does it take place โ Romantic Night in Giglio
Giglio Castello