Introduction
May is one of the best times to explore Elba. Spring transforms the island with bright yellow broom, fragrant Mediterranean scrub and a sea that starts to warm up . Days are long and sunny, but the summer crowds have not yet arrived. In this guide, prepared by the team of Hotel Giardino in Lacona, you’ll discover how to enjoy Elba in its most authentic season—through panoramic hikes, quiet beaches, picturesque villages and local flavours .
Why Visit Elba in May?
- Natural splendour without crowds: The island’s hills and trails are dotted with wildflowers, and even Portoferraio’s Medici bastions bloom with spontaneous gardens . Beaches are luminous and serene .
- Mild climate: Daytime temperatures hover around 20–22 °C with cool nights (13–15 °C). The sea averages ~18 °C, allowing the first swims of the season .
- Rich programme of events: May is nicknamed the “Napoleonic month”—around 5 May the island commemorates Napoleon’s death with masses and costumed re‑enactments . The Elba Walking Festival offers guided hikes from mid‑April to end‑May . Major sports events include:
- Giro Podistico dell’Elba and Elba Marathon – stage races and a coastal marathon with shorter family‑run options .
- Iron Tour Elba – a multi‑stage triathlon, unique in Italy .
- Capoliveri Legend Cup – international mountain‑bike race on Monte Calamita .
- Lower prices and calmer atmosphere: Hotels are in low season, making stays more affordable; attractions and villages can be visited at a relaxed pace .
Getting to and Around Elba
- Ferries from Piombino: Regular ferries and hydrofoils connect Piombino to Portoferraio (main port) and, less frequently, Rio Marina and Cavo. Crossings take about an hour; early‑morning and late‑afternoon services operate in May . Take your car or motorbike for freedom to explore; alternatively hire vehicles on the island . Booking ahead is recommended for spring bank holidays .
- Flights to Marina di Campo: Small seasonal flights connect Elba’s airport to Pisa, Florence, Milan and some European cities . From the airport, hire a car or take a taxi/bus.
- Transport on the island: Roads connect all major towns but can be narrow and winding—having a car or scooter is ideal . Public buses link Portoferraio with other centres but run less frequently in spring . Cycling and e‑biking are popular; many hotels, including Hotel Giardino, offer bike storage .
Where to Stay: Lacona and Hotel Giardino
Lacona lies on the south coast and makes an excellent base. Its advantages include:
- Central location: 10–15 minutes by car to Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Marina di Campo .
- Large beach on the doorstep: Lacona beach (1.2 km long) is <100 m from the hotel; it has golden sand, shallow water and dunes with sea lilies .
- Natural tranquillity: The area is immersed in greenery; Hotel Giardino sits in a 30 000 m² pine park offering cool shade and peace .
Hotel Giardino highlights
- Ideal location: Situated in Lacona’s bay, a 5‑minute walk to the beach via a private path . The bay is sheltered by Capo Fonza and Capo Stella, ensuring calm seas .
- Relaxing environment: Guests enjoy a 35 000 m² park with pines, lawns, flowers, benches and hammocks .
- Family‑run hospitality: The owners provide warm, personal service .
- Comfort and amenities: Simple but well‑equipped rooms with air‑conditioning, flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe and private bathrooms ; reserved parking; some rooms with balconies or gardens .
- Home‑style cooking: Half‑board/full‑board with buffet breakfast and daily menus of fresh local dishes . Special menus for children and dietary needs are available .
- Family & sports facilities: Playground, table football, ping‑pong, large garden for kids ; pet‑friendly with ample outdoor space ; covered bike storage .
- Extra perks: Discounted ferry tickets and special rates for participants in events like the Giro Podistico, Legend Cup and Elbaman triathlon .
What to See Near Hotel Giardino
Beaches and natural sights
- Lacona Beach: A 1.2‑km stretch of fine sand with dunes and pine woods. Ideal for sunbathing, snorkelling, canoe/pedal boat hire and sunsets. In May the beach is spacious and tranquil. In 2023 Lacona hosted a sea‑turtle hatch with 89 baby turtles .
- Laconella Beach: A hidden cove west of Lacona reached via a 15‑minute panoramic footpath. Its turquoise water and wild silence reward the effort, though there are no services—bring supplies .
- Capo di Stella & Capo Fonza: Two promontories flanking Lacona. Capo di Stella offers an easy loop trail with vistas over Golfo Stella and Lacona; Capo Fonza leads to Monte Fonza (366 m) with 360° views of five gulfs and surrounding islands .
Nearby towns
- Capoliveri: Hilltop village 10 km away; medieval lanes, panoramic Piazza Matteotti, craft shops and wine bars . Nearby, visitors can tour the old iron mines of Monte Calamita.
- Porto Azzurro: Picturesque fishing village with a Spanish fortress and waterfront piazza; ideal for strolling and enjoying gelato or crepes .
- Portoferraio: Elba’s capital, 15 min north; Medici fortresses (Forte Stella, Forte Falcone), Napoleonic residence Palazzina dei Mulini and ferry connections to Pianosa .
- Marina di Campo: Resort town 10 km west; the island’s longest beach, lively promenade, bars and markets. Families enjoy the Elba Aquarium and the Mineralogy Museum .
A summary table compares distances and attractions:
| Destination | Distance from Lacona | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Capoliveri | ~10 km (15 min by car) | Medieval hilltown with panoramic square, craft shops, wine bars and nearby mines |
| Portoferraio | ~13 km (15 min by car) | Historic centre, Medici fortresses, Napoleonic museums, harbour and markets |
| Porto Azzurro | ~15 km (20 min by car) | Harbour village with Spanish fortress, large piazza and boutiques |
| Marina di Campo | ~10 km (15 min by car) | Long beach, lively promenade, aquarium, mineral museum |
| Laconella Beach | ~2 km (5 min by car + 10 min walk) | Secluded cove with white sand and turquoise water |
| Monte Tambone | ~3 km (hiking) | Summit at 366 m with 360° views of five gulfs and islands |
Top Beaches to Enjoy in May
Elba boasts over 100 beaches. Here are some must‑see shores, particularly enjoyable in May when they remain quiet:
- Fetovaia (Campo nell’Elba): 200‑m bay enclosed by Punta di Fetovaia. Fine sand, turquoise water and a sheltered microclimate; pine woods behind and bars open from spring .
- Cavoli: Close to Fetovaia, this 300‑m beach is sunny and warm even in spring. Granite cliffs frame clear, calm water .
- Sansone: Near Portoferraio, a white‑pebble cove reached after a 15–20 min walk. The turquoise sea and rocky seabed are perfect for snorkelling .
- Le Ghiaie: Urban beach in Portoferraio with white pebbles and an underwater protected area rich in fish. Ideal for snorkelling and quick swims during a cultural visit .
- Marina di Campo: The island’s longest beach (1.5 km); shallow sand, full services and water sports .
- Sant’Andrea: A secluded beach in Marciana with smooth granite slabs (“Cote Piane”) and rich marine life; natural pools and the nearby Cotoncello cove .
- Other beaches: Biodola, Padulella, Lido di Capoliveri and Innamorata each offer unique landscapes—from long sandy bays to pebble coves and romantic legends .
A summary table highlights the top 5 beaches and their features:
| Beach | Type | Main features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetovaia | Golden sand, 200 m | Sheltered bay, warm clear water, pine shade | Families, swimmers, relaxation |
| Cavoli | Coarse white sand, 300 m | Sunny south‑facing, calm water | Young travellers, sunbathing, swimming |
| Sansone | White pebbles, 150 m | Access via path; turquoise water; rich fish life | Couples/adventurers, snorkelling, photography |
| Le Ghiaie | White pebbles, 500 m | Urban, marine reserve with posidonia and fish | Snorkelling, families, quick dips |
| Marina di Campo | Golden sand, 1 500 m | Urban beach with full services; shallow water | Families, water sports, beach life |
Swimming in May
Can you swim in May? Yes—with some precautions:
- Water temperature: Sea averages ~18 °C; choose south and west‑facing beaches (e.g., Fetovaia, Cavoli) where the sun warms the sand and water .
- Wind and time of day: Select beaches sheltered from prevailing winds and swim between 11 AM and 4 PM when the air is warmest .
- Equipment: A short wetsuit can help, but many locals swim comfortably without. The reward is crystal‑clear water and deserted beaches .
Conclusion
Visiting Elba in May offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, mild weather and a vibrant yet uncrowded atmosphere. From colourful blooms and panoramic hikes to quiet beaches and lively village squares, every day brings a new discovery . Hotel Giardino in Lacona provides a welcoming base to explore the island: you can enjoy a large beach at your doorstep, a tranquil park, home‑style cooking and discounts on ferry tickets. Plan your spring escape to experience Elba at its most authentic, before the rush of summer.