Introduction
The Island of Elba is a family‑friendly destination: safe, welcoming and full of experiences designed for travellers with small children. Its sandy beaches with shallow water, easy nature walks and fun educational activities (from animals to the sea) make it an ideal place to create happy memories together . This guide from the Hotel Giardino team highlights what to do on Elba with young children, the best activities and the most suitable places for a carefree holiday.
Is Elba suitable for a holiday with young children?
Absolutely. The island offers fine sandy beaches with gentle slopes, villages with pedestrian squares and family services such as high chairs and child menus . Compact in size, Elba can easily be explored by car, and there are shaded pine areas for respite from the sun . Ideal beaches include Lacona, Marina di Campo, Fetovaia and Procchio, which have shallow, clear water .
Best times to visit
- June and early September – Warm but not too hot, less crowded and the sea is comfortably warm .
- July – A good compromise between weather and activities; the island is lively .
- Late August/September – Warm sea and longer days with fewer tourists .
- May and early June – Perfect for nature walks and flowers; the sea may still be cool .
Avoid the two middle weeks of August when the island is most crowded and accommodation prices peak .
Where to stay with young children
Choose a central, well‑serviced area with the beach and amenities within walking distance. Lacona is highly recommended: it is centrally located on the south coast and hosts one of the island’s largest, most child‑friendly beaches . Here stands Hotel Giardino, a two‑star, family‑run hotel nestled in a 30,000 m² pine park just 100 metres from Lacona’s sandy beach .
Why Hotel Giardino suits families
- Strategic location – Walk to the beach in minutes; return easily for naps or forgotten toys .
- Comfortable rooms – Air‑conditioned rooms with flat‑screen TV, safe and free parking; many have patios or balconies .
- Family services – Home‑style cooking adaptable for children and dietary needs ; generous buffet breakfasts with home‑made products ; children’s playground, table football and ping‑pong in the garden ; cots available and pets welcome .
- Friendly atmosphere – Guests praise the warm welcome and attentive staff .
- Central base – Drive 10–15 minutes to Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio or Capoliveri . Lacona itself offers beach clubs, pedal‑boat rental, mini‑markets, pharmacy, diving and kayak centres and nature trails like the path to Capo Stella .
Top family‑friendly beaches on Elba
| Beach | Child‑friendly features | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Marina di Campo | Longest beach on Elba with golden sand and gradually sloping seabed. Full services, shaded pine area with playground . | Marina di Campo (south) |
| Lacona | Over 1 km of fine golden sand with shallow water and plenty of space. Beach clubs, pedal‑boat hire and large free areas. Dunes and pine forest behind . | Lacona (Capoliveri) |
| Lido di Capoliveri | Sandy beach in a protected bay with shallow water and many services. Some lidos offer free parking with umbrella rental . | Capoliveri |
| Procchio | Almost 1 km of light sand with gradual slope; equipped and accessible. Has boardwalks for strollers and services for disabled visitors . | Procchio (Marciana) |
| Fetovaia | Scenic 200 m bay of golden sand nestled among granite cliffs and lush vegetation. Crystal clear water and shallow depths; partly free, partly equipped . | Campo nell’Elba |
| La Biodola | Crescent‑shaped beach with fine sand and turquoise water like a pool. Shallow and equipped with lidos; next to smaller beaches Scaglieri and Forno . | Portoferraio |
Other notable beaches: Cavoli, Sant’Andrea and Naregno; select beaches based on wind direction (south coast when northern winds blow, and vice versa) for calm waters . Some beaches like Marina di Campo and Cavo have play areas . For tiny coves, consider Felciaio near Lido di Capoliveri .
Activities beyond the beach
Elba offers numerous family‑friendly adventures:
- Mines and minerals – Visit the Piccola Miniera in Porto Azzurro to ride a small train through reconstructed tunnels and learn about mining . At Rio Marina’s Mining Park take a helmet and ride into an actual iron mine, break rocks to take home glittering pyrites .
- LEGO museum – The Elba Aquarium in Marina di Campo is temporarily closed (as of 2025), but its building houses ElbaBrick, a LEGO® museum with vintage sets, dioramas and play areas for all ages .
- Boat trips – The “Baby Princess” from Marina di Campo offers short cruises to the Grotta Azzurra, the Pomonte shipwreck and secluded coves, often with dolphin sightings . Stops allow swimming and snorkelling; other mini‑cruises leave from Porto Azzurro and Marciana Marina .
- Horse riding and pony rides – At Centro Ippico La Bosana near Capoliveri, children can interact with Shetland ponies or take riding lessons and guided coastal rides .
- Snorkelling, sailing and kayak courses – Kids from age six can join beginners’ courses at clubs in Procchio, Marciana Marina and Rio Marina, or join fishing trips like those offered by “La Barca dei Matti” .
- Cable‑car to Monte Capanne – Ride open yellow baskets from Marciana to Elba’s highest point (1,019 m). Children as young as three enjoy the 18‑minute “flight”; the summit offers panoramic views and picnic areas .
- Adventure parks and go‑kart – Marina di Campo has a 550 m go‑kart track with mini‑karts for children . The San Giovanni park in Portoferraio offers a pond with ducks and a bar with sea view .
- Easy walks – Short scenic paths suitable for families include the Passeggiata Carmignani in Porto Azzurro (1 km coastal trail) , the Salute Trail from Biodola to Procchio (3 km level path) and the flat track to Laghetto di Terranera with its emerald lake . For more adventurous families, the Enfola promontory loop offers a two‑hour walk through nature and WWII sites .
Towns to visit with children
Elba’s villages each have their own charm and are accessible for families:
- Capoliveri – Hill town with steps; kids enjoy running around Piazza Matteotti and watching street artists. Check out events like the Festa dell’Uva and evening craft markets .
- Porto Azzurro – Pedestrian port area with gelato stands; a little tourist train delights children and a boat taxi ferries families to Barbarossa beach . Nearby agriturismo Sapereta offers farm visits and outdoor dining .
- Portoferraio – The island’s capital with Medici fortresses where kids can feel like little explorers . Also visit the Villa dei Mulini (Napoleon’s residence) and beaches like Le Ghiaie . A gelato by the harbour and watching ferries is always a hit .
- Marciana Marina and Marciana Alta – On the west coast; Marciana Marina features a scenic seafront and an old fishermen’s quarter, while Marciana Alta (reachable by car or cable‑car) offers medieval lanes and summer medieval markets .
- Marina di Campo – Lively town with pedestrian Via Roma filled with gelaterias and street artists. The “Elba Kids” inflatable park entertains children after dinner . There is also a small reptile/insect aquarium for curious kids .
- Rio Marina – Eastern port with a red‑hued promenade due to iron dust; hosts geological workshops and family activities .
Family‑friendly restaurants
Many restaurants on the island welcome families with high chairs and are happy to heat up baby food. Examples include:
| Restaurant | Location | Family‑friendly qualities |
|---|---|---|
| La Rada | Portoferraio | Seafront pizzeria/restaurant with fresh fish, wood‑fired pizza and nearby fenced playground . |
| Agriturismo Sapereta | Between Capoliveri & Porto Azzurro | Farm restaurant serving homemade Tuscan dishes; large garden with playground, pool and tennis; beautiful view of Capoliveri . |
| Il Retrogusto | Enfola (Portoferraio) | Gourmet restaurant with sea‑view terrace. Staff are patient with children, prepare simple dishes on request and even help cut meat . |
| Il Giardino | Porto Azzurro | Long‑established pizzeria/restaurant in an orange‑tree garden; children can move around safely and enjoy the fountain . |
Most pizzerias and trattorias are suitable for families; consider agriturismi where children can see animals and run on the lawn . Ice‑cream lovers will enjoy La Torre – Casa del Gelato in Marina di Campo with its garden and mini play area .
Healthcare & practical info
- Pharmacies – Available in every main town; Lacona has a seasonal pharmacy . Summer hours extend into the evening; a 24‑hour on‑call system operates year‑round .
- Medical services – The island’s hospital in Portoferraio has a 24‑hour paediatric unit and hyperbaric chamber . For non‑urgent care there is a tourist medical service reachable via the number 116117; visits cost around €15–25 .
- Emergency – Dial 118 for emergencies. Air ambulance service is available if transfer to the mainland is needed .
- First‑aid kit – Bring a thermometer, fever reducer, disinfectant, plasters, mosquito repellent and after‑bite cream . Pharmacies also stock baby essentials like milk powder and nappies . Carry your child’s European Health Insurance Card .
Evening events & entertainment
Throughout summer Elba hosts events for families: puppet shows, outdoor cinema, clown performances, baby dance and magic evenings . Specific events include:
- Planetarium Week in San Piero: immersive astronomy shows for children and adults .
- Sunset tours at Castello del Volterraio – Storytelling visits at dusk .
- Village festivals (sagre) – Food and music events in towns like Capoliveri, Marciana and Porto Azzurro .
- Cinema under the stars – Outdoor film screenings; e.g., Capoliveri hosts cartoons in Piazza del Cavatore .
- Kids’ races during sports events – Many events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elba Marathon include symbolic races for children .
The ElbaEventi app lists daily family events .
Nearby excursions from Hotel Giardino (Lacona)
- Laconella Beach – 5 minutes by car (20 min walk); secluded sandy cove ideal for exploring rock pools .
- Lacona Dunes – Protected coastal dunes opposite the hotel with wooden walkway; look for sea lilies and watch rabbits at dusk .
- Capo Stella Trail – 2 km return path through Mediterranean scrub with 360° views; suitable with baby carrier .
- Local nature exhibits – Occasional exhibitions on butterflies, reptiles or nocturnal animals at campsites in Lacona .
- Calamita Mines & Ginevro – Guided tours into old mines, including train rides; recommended for children aged 4–5 and up .
- Tenuta delle Ripalte (Costa dei Gabbiani) – 20 minutes from Lacona; vineyards with pony rides and wine tasting for adults .
Top 10 tips for a smooth family holiday
- Flexible schedule – Go to the beach early when it’s quiet; take breaks at midday and return at 4 p.m. for sunset play .
- Car & car seat – Bring your car; drive slowly on winding roads and allow extra time. Use an approved child seat and arrive early to find parking .
- Stroller or carrier? – A lightweight, foldable stroller is useful for evenings; use a baby carrier for hilly towns. A rugged stroller helps on boardwalks .
- Beach kit – Pack hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes, toys and a pop‑up sun tent .
- Snacks & water – Always carry water, juice and snacks. A cooler bag keeps yoghurt and baby food fresh .
- Mosquito prevention – Bring repellent and after‑bite cream; use nets or keep windows closed .
- Entertainment – Bring small toys, books or a travel diary for waiting times .
- Engage their imagination – Share stories like the Legend of the Innamorata or Napoleon’s treasure and turn visits into games .
- Water safety – Use armbands or rings and supervise children at all times; some beaches lack lifeguards .
- Enjoy the pace – Slow down and savour simple moments: building sandcastles, watching crabs at sunset and enjoying pizza in a garden .
Conclusion
Elba offers golden beaches, family‑sized adventures and a welcoming atmosphere for travellers with young children . From safe beaches and mining parks to boat trips, pony rides and starry nights, every day brings new discoveries. Staying at the family‑run Hotel Giardino in Lacona combines tranquillity, nature and child‑friendly services . Pack your bags, slow down and explore Elba through your children’s curious eyes – their first swims, the legend stories and the gelato moments will become cherished memories .