Overview
Lacona, on the southern coast of Elba Island, is one of the island’s longest sandy beaches. It stretches for about 1.2 km between two promontories, Capo Stella and Fonza, with a shallow sandy seabed and natural dunes covered with sea lilies and a fragrant pine forest . The beach offers both large free areas and several beach clubs with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, bars and restaurants. This guide summarizes where it is, how to get there, the atmosphere, prices and facilities, what to do nearby and why Hotel Giardino is an ideal base for visiting Lacona and the whole island.
Where is Lacona and how to reach it?
- Location: Lacona is a seaside resort in the municipality of Capoliveri on Elba’s south coast. The gulf is almost 3 km wide, facing the open sea towards Montecristo island and enclosed by the promontories of Fonza (west) and Capo Stella (east) .
- Distances: Lacona lies about 8 km from Capoliveri and 11 km from Portoferraio, the main port. By car it takes around 15 minutes from Portoferraio; buses run from the port to Lacona (line 118, ~30 minutes) . Its central position means you can reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio in 10–15 minutes by car .
- Getting to Elba: Ferries from Piombino Marittima to Portoferraio are the most common way to reach the island; the crossing takes roughly one hour . There’s also a small airport at Marina di Campo with seasonal flights from Pisa, Florence and Milan .
Characteristics of Lacona Beach
- Natural features: The beach is wide and gently sloping with fine golden sand and shallow water for tens of metres, making it safe for children and non‑swimmers . Behind the beach is a large coastal pine forest providing natural shade . The southern exposure ensures sun and a mild micro‑climate, while the promontories protect the gulf from winds so the sea is usually calm .
- Free areas: Large free sections allow visitors to spread out even in high season .
- Beach clubs: Several beach clubs offer umbrellas, sunbeds, changing rooms, showers, bars and restaurants. Many also rent pedalos, canoes and SUPs.
Who is Lacona suited for?
Families
- Safe environment: The gradual slope and sandy seabed make the beach ideal for children. The nearby pine forest offers shade and space to play .
- Family‑friendly services: Beach clubs provide changing rooms, warm showers and kids’ areas; the Lacona Beach Club even runs a mini‑club and has accessible facilities .
- Amenities nearby: Pharmacies, mini‑markets and a playground are within walking distance .
Young people and couples
- Free space and activities: Long stretches of free beach allow groups to play beach volleyball and other sports. Bars such as White Hole and Il Cantone host sunset aperitifs, live music and night events, creating a lively atmosphere .
- Romantic options: Couples can take sunset walks along the shoreline, dine at sea‑view restaurants (e.g., Bagni Orano) and enjoy kayak excursions to hidden coves .
Beach Clubs and Prices
Below is a simplified table summarizing the main lidos on Lacona. All provide umbrellas, sunbeds and bar/restaurant services; some specialise in family services or evening events.
| Beach club | Distinctive features | Extra services |
|---|---|---|
| Bagni Orano | Family‑run, seafood restaurant & pizzeria | Kayak/canoe rental; romantic dinners |
| Sun Beach | Central position near dunes; traditional lido | Standard services & bar |
| Tortuga Beach Club | West side; ethnic décor; young vibe | SUP/canoe rental, cocktails, music |
| Lacona Beach Club | Large complex with sports & mini‑club | Animation, yoga, accessible facilities |
| Il Cantone | Small hippie‑chic bar with beach area | Live music & DJ sets |
| Lacona Resort (Uappala) | Lido of Uappala Hotel open to outsiders | Full comforts, bar & restaurant |
Indicative prices (2025): A set of one umbrella and two loungers costs about €25–45 per day in high season; individual loungers €10–25; SUP/pedalo rentals €10–35 per hour . Prices are lower in low season, with discounts for half‑day or multi‑day packages .
Water Sports and Activities
Lacona offers numerous activities besides swimming and sunbathing:
- Snorkelling & diving: Clear water and posidonia meadows make it popular for snorkelling. Diving centres such as Sottolonda Diving and Blu Immersion organise dives to sites like Secca di Fonza and Capo Stella.
- Windsurf, sailing & catamarans: The gulf is sheltered but schools offer windsurf, sailing and small catamaran lessons .
- SUP & canoe: Many beach clubs rent stand‑up paddle boards and canoes; guided tours explore nearby coves.
- Pedalos & water games: Banana boats and pedalos are available.
- Boat excursions: You can rent dinghies or join excursions to Pianosa or along the south coast; tours at sunset often include dolphin spotting.
- Beach sports & fitness: Beach volleyball, jogging, yoga classes and open‑air massages are offered on the sand .
- Trekking & MTB: From Lacona you can hike the Capo Stella loop (approx. 3 km; 1.5 h; panoramic 360° views) , reach Laconella (quiet cove reached via a 10‑minute path) , or explore Margidore (pebble beach with small harbour) . Monte Orello and Colle Reciso offer MTB circuits and cross‑country trails; the area hosts events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup .
Nearby Places to Visit
Lacona’s central position makes it easy to explore various towns:
- Capoliveri (8 km / 10 min): Hilltop village with narrow streets, panoramic terraces and lively markets. In summer it hosts the Grape Festival and the reenactment of the Innamorata legend .
- Portoferraio (13 km / 18 min): The island’s capital with Medici fortresses, Napoleon’s residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino), the Mineral Museum and white pebble beaches like Ghiaie and Capo Bianco .
- Porto Azzurro (11 km / 15 min): Picturesque harbour with Spanish Fort San Giacomo, the Sanctuary of Monserrato, a romantic waterfront and evening markets .
- Marina di Campo (11 km / 15 min): Long sandy beach, Elba Aquarium and a lively pedestrian zone with bars; departures for excursions to Pianosa .
- Marciana/Monte Capanne (30 km / 45 min): Medieval village with a cable car to Monte Capanne (1,019 m), Pisan fortress and Madonna del Monte sanctuary .
- Rio nell’Elba / Rio Marina (18 km / 25 min): Iron‑mining villages with small museums and the Orto dei Semplici botanical garden .
- Nature spots: Capo Stella for panoramic trekking; Monte Perone and the Butterfly Sanctuary for nature walks .
Why choose Hotel Giardino as a base?
Location and setting
Hotel Giardino is a two‑star, family‑run hotel located on Viale dei Golfi 936 in Lacona, just 100 m from the beach. Guests can reach the sand via a short path through the coastal dunes . Its position is equidistant from major centres: Capoliveri, Portoferraio, Marina di Campo and Porto Azzurro are all 10–15 minutes away by car .
The hotel is set within a private 30,000 m² pine park, providing a tranquil atmosphere with fresh air and shade. The park is so large that it offers the feeling of a private retreat and creates a pleasant micro‑climate .
Facilities and comforts
- Rooms: Distributed across three low‑rise buildings. Each room includes a private bathroom with shower, flat‑screen TV, safe, telephone and, in many cases, air conditioning . Some rooms have balconies, patios or small private gardens .
- Hospitality: Guests praise the cleanliness and the warm, family atmosphere. The owners and staff are attentive and make visitors feel at home .
- Services: The hotel offers free Wi‑Fi in common areas, a bar and lounge, a spacious restaurant, outdoor seating in the garden and a secure bicycle storage room . There is a large shaded parking lot with an assigned space for each room . The hotel is pet‑friendly and allows dogs in the park .
- Restaurant: Rich breakfast buffet with homemade cakes, jams and savoury options. Lunch and dinner feature Tuscan/Elban dishes, fresh fish and home‑made pasta. The menu can be adapted for children and guests with allergies . Occasional barbecue nights are held in the garden .
- Additional services: Small playground, table tennis and table football; free or rental bikes; assistance with ferry bookings (discounts of around 20 % on ferry tickets); laundry service; transfers from the port or airport .
Tailored for families
The hotel offers triple and quadruple family rooms, some on the ground floor with private gardens. The enclosed park allows children to play safely; there is a playground, ping‑pong and foosball . At the restaurant there are child‑friendly menus, high chairs and flexibility in meal times . Families appreciate the secure environment and the proximity to the beach, which allows naps or returning to the room easily .
Ideal for couples
Although family‑oriented, the hotel also suits couples seeking tranquillity: the park offers quiet corners for privacy; the staff can arrange romantic touches (sparkling wine in the room, a secluded table for dinner). Couples can stroll to the beach at sunset and later relax in the garden . Reasonable rates mean couples can allocate more budget to experiences such as boat trips and dining out .
Central base for exploring Elba
Staying in Lacona allows easy day trips to every part of the island. From the hotel you can reach east and west coasts in under 30 minutes, choose the best beach depending on the wind, visit different towns each evening and return to a peaceful retreat . The staff can book tours and excursions, including boat trips and guided walks . After exploring, you can relax in the park or on the nearby beach .
Conclusion
Lacona Beach combines natural beauty—fine sand, clear shallow water, dunes and pine forest—with a wide range of services and activities. Whether you prefer free stretches or organised lidos, water sports or relaxation under a parasol, Lacona has something for everyone. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Elba. Hotel Giardino, immersed in a vast pine park just 100 m from the beach, offers comfortable rooms, genuine hospitality and numerous services tailored to families, couples and sports enthusiasts. Using Lacona as your base means you can enjoy the best beaches, historic towns, trekking trails and culinary delights of Elba while returning each evening to a peaceful retreat .