Hike to Cala Monella (ex Molella)

Panoramic trail with swimming spot in a wild bay nestled among imposing granite rocks

This route takes you through the northernmost part of Giglio, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago. In less than half an hour and with an elevation gain of 180 metres, you will reach the secluded bay of Cala del Monella. The bay opens up in a semicircle between imposing granite rocks, forming a small natural pool in which you can swim. The cove also offers many comfortable spots where you can relax on the granite rocks.

You can combine this route with a circular walk to Punta del Fenaio, the northernmost point of the island, where you will find a distinctive lighthouse.

Cala Molella

The bay is also known by its original name, Cala Molella. Due to a spelling error on an old map, it became known as Cala Monella, and this spelling has since become established and is now used on official signage.

hiking trail description

Hiking trail Località Scopeto - Cala Monella

For those arriving by bus, the trail starts at the ‘Vaccarecce’ (formerly Fenaio) bus stop (point 1). From there, take trail 315 to the left of the old lighthouse, the Faro delle Vaccarecce, and continue for about 1.2 km until you reach Località Scopeto.

Our trip starts in the “Località Scopeto” (point 2). It’s easy to get there by car via a paved road (the yellow road on the aerial photo map). The turn-off is located on a tight bend in the provincial road from the harbour to Castello, near the old lighthouse. You can park your vehicle at the end of this road, just before a pine forest and some vineyards.

From ‘Scopeto’ (point 2), the route starts at the picnic tables on the right-hand side. Follow the unpaved road to the Fenaio lighthouse. Unfortunately, the lighthouse operator has cut a dusty and sometimes slippery path through the landscape where a beautiful, wide path used to wind its way along.

After 10 minutes (720 metres, 62 metres of elevation gain), you will reach point 3 on the map. Here, you will find trail 315A, which leads down to Cala Monella. This is a typical Giglio trail, narrow with some granite rocks. However, the descent is not particularly difficult. After another ten minutes (420 metres, 114 metres of elevation gain), you will reach the picturesque bay (point 4), which has easy access to the sea and plenty of places to lie comfortably on the granit rocks. Those who prefer shade can retreat to the small pine forest behind the bay.

The trip to Cala Monella is one of the ‘easiest hiking trails with swimming opportunities’ on the island of Giglio. Other easy routes lead to Capo Marino (before Caldane Beach), Cala dei Sparavieri, Pozzarelli Beach (near Faraglione) and Capel Rosso (IT).

Route Info "Cala Monella"

Directions from the car park in Località Scopeto.

Nearest bus stop:
“Giglio Vaccarecce ” 1,2 km away (Bus services on Giglio >>); If you start from the bus stop, you must add 2.3 km, 40 minutes and 80 m of elevation gain to the route described.

Trail connections:
Hiking trail 316 circular route Fenaio
Hiking Trail 317 Olivello to Campese or 318 to Sparavieri bay

Important: There is no mobile phone reception in some areas of the island, particularly in the western part, but also in some bays on the east coast