In the first week of May 2026, Elba awakens from its winter slumber: Mediterranean scrub bursts into greens and wildflowers, the air becomes pleasantly mild, and the island anticipates the traditional Festa di Maggio in Campo nell’Elba with night‑time serenades, thanksgiving choirs and the sweet corollo cake . Many travellers extend the 1 May holiday into a short break on Elba. If you are planning to do the same, the staff of Hotel Giardino explain why their inn in Lacona is the perfect base for exploring the island and enjoying the May Day offers .
Why Choose Hotel Giardino for the May Day Weekend
A family‑run hotel in a large park
Hotel Giardino is a small family‑run property nestled in a 30 000 m² park of pines and Mediterranean plants, less than 100 m from the golden‑sand beach of Lacona . Travellers highlight several aspects that make the hotel special:
- Exceptional location – at the centre of Lacona Bay, connected to the beach by a path crossing the protected dunes; each room has a dedicated parking space and major towns such as Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Marina di Campo are reachable in minutes .
- Family atmosphere – for over thirty years the owners welcome guests with the typical warmth of a family‑run hotel; guests are known by name and the informal atmosphere encourages special requests .
- Quality home cooking – buffet breakfasts and dinners in the spacious dining room feature menus changing daily: fresh fish or meat, vegetables from the garden, and vegetarian or gluten‑free options; for the May holiday they organise themed evenings with barbecues and traditional desserts .
- Comfortable rooms – each room has a private bathroom with shower, satellite TV, telephone, safe and air conditioning . Many rooms have an independent entrance with a patio or balcony .
- Additional services – free Wi‑Fi in common areas, covered bike storage, partnerships with diving and water‑sports centres, discounted ferry tickets and pet‑friendly options .
Staying at Hotel Giardino in late April or early May means experiencing the island in its most authentic guise: very few crowds, affordable prices and ideal weather for walks and visits . Moreover, you will be close to the Festa di Maggio events in Campo nell’Elba, where you can hear night‑time serenades and taste the corollo, a cake made with flour, butter, eggs, milk and anise .
Q & A: Frequent Questions About the May Day Weekend
Can I join the Festa di Maggio while staying in Lacona?
Yes. The Festa di Maggio (Festa del Ringraziamento) is held on 30 April and 1 May in San Piero in Campo and neighbouring villages of Campo nell’Elba . On 30 April musicians and singers serenade unmarried women at their homes; the following day features the main celebration with sweets (corolli) and dancing . From Lacona it takes 15–20 minutes by car to reach San Piero; the hotel provides the programme and can accompany guests .
What will the weather be like in early May?
Elban spring is gentle: the average temperature in April is around 18–20 °C and it rises to 22–25 °C in May . Sea water can reach 19–20 °C by late May; days are long and sunny, ideal for walks or excursions without heat . At this time the island is still quiet: most services reopen after Easter but there is no crowding .
Will Hotel Giardino be open for the May Day weekend?
Yes. The hotel usually reopens shortly before Easter, so it is operational in May . Take advantage of the holiday to enjoy the hotel almost to yourselves: few rooms are occupied and tranquillity is maximum .
Do I need to book the ferry to reach Elba?
Yes, especially during spring holidays it is advisable to book in advance. Ferries depart from Piombino Marittima to Portoferraio, Rio Marina or Cavo . As Hotel Giardino guests you are entitled to discounts .
Can I bring my pet?
Yes. Pets are welcome; the hotel is pet‑friendly . Upon request they can assign ground‑floor rooms with a small garden where your four‑legged friend can rest .
Is the hotel suitable for children even in the low season?
Absolutely. Lacona beach is safe and gently sloping . The hotel has a playground with swings and slides and will prepare specific menus for children .
The Hotel: Our Home in the Lacona Park
Environment and rooms
The hotel is made up of several buildings distributed within a large park of pines and oleanders . The rooms are simple yet functional, equipped with air conditioning, flat‑screen TV, bathroom with shower and safe . Many have direct access to the garden or a private balcony ; ground‑floor rooms are ideal for guests with pets or children . For those needing more space there are quadruple and connecting rooms, perfect for large families . Each room has its own parking spot inside the park so you can forget your car and explore on foot .
Cuisine and restaurant
The restaurant is one of the hotel’s strengths. Breakfast features home‑made cakes, jams, yoghurt, cereals, cold cuts and cheeses . At lunch and dinner they serve Elban and Tuscan dishes with fish or meat options, seasonal vegetables and artisanal desserts . On request they prepare vegetarian, vegan or gluten‑free menus; for children there are simple and tasty dishes . During the May weekend they often organise a dinner with cacciucco elbano (fish stew) and corollo . The bar is open all day for coffee, aperitifs or a glass of Aleatico wine .
Services and amenities
- Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas .
- Covered bike storage with washing area and workshop .
- Agreements with diving centres and water sports in Lacona .
- Playground with ping‑pong and table football .
- Bar and lounge with books and board games .
- Laundry service on request .
- Pet‑friendly: animals allowed in rooms and dedicated green areas .
- Free parking: each room has a reserved space inside the park .
What to Do and See Around Lacona
Lacona is centrally located on the south coast of Elba, so in 10–15 minutes you can reach the island’s main towns . The beach is one of the longest on Elba (about 1.2 km), with golden sand, protected dunes covered with junipers and pine groves offering shade and coolness . Below is an overview of nearby beaches and recommended experiences.
Beaches and bays near Lacona
| Beach | Characteristics | Distance / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laconella | Small sandy bay with gently sloping seabed, surrounded by rocks; ideal for tranquillity | ~1 km west; 20 min walk; not equipped – bring water and umbrella |
| Margidore | Long gravel beach with clear waters at the foot of Capo Stella; hosts a small marina and diving centre | ~2 km east; boat hire available |
| Barabarca & Zuccale | Small golden‑sand coves surrounded by Mediterranean scrub; perfect for snorkelling | ~10 km towards Capoliveri; limited parking |
| Lido di Capoliveri | Wide beach with bathhouses, playground and pedal‑boat rental | ~7 km east; ideal for families; uncrowded over the May weekend |
| Cavoli & Fetovaia | Famous white‑sand beaches | 20–25 km west towards Seccheto/Marina di Campo; busy in summer, beautiful in spring |
| Pomonte | Village with the Elviscot shipwreck a few metres offshore; perfect for snorkelling | ~30 km west; reachable by car |
Villages and towns not to miss
- Portoferraio – Medici and Napoleonic history: capital of Elba, home to Medici fortresses built by Cosimo I in the 16th century and to Napoleon’s two residences: Palazzina dei Mulini on the harbour and Villa di San Martino inland . Wander through alleys and stairways, visit the Teatro dei Vigilanti (once a church, later a theatre desired by Napoleon) and enjoy an aperitif on the waterfront .
- Capoliveri – medieval charm: a hillside village at 167 m above sea level with narrow alleys, artisan shops and lively squares . At the end of April or early May the atmosphere is calm; visit the Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary or walk the trails of Monte Calamita, rich in legends about magnetite and iron mines . Capoliveri hosts the Legend Cup mountain bike race (9 May 2026, UCI World Cup stage) .
- Porto Azzurro – elegance on the sea: a town overlooking a natural bay at the foot of the 17th‑century Forte San Giacomo . Stroll along Via Garibaldi with its craft shops and enjoy ice‑cream while looking at the sea .
- Marina di Campo – lively and festive: boasting a 2 km beach, this town on the south coast hosts concerts and shows in early May . It is also home to the Elba Aquarium with over 150 Mediterranean species .
- Marciana and Monte Capanne: a medieval village at almost 400 m altitude; from here a cable car climbs Monte Capanne (1 019 m) . You can ascend by cable car in 20 minutes or hike trail 101 (5–6 hours round trip, +800 m elevation) . The summit offers views over all the Tyrrhenian islands .
- Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba – mines and nature: on the eastern side, these towns preserve the island’s mining heritage. Visit the Mineral and Mining Art Museum and take guided train tours through the open‑pit mines in the Mining Park . Hike the path to scenic Cala del Pisano .
Trekking and nature walks
The area around Lacona offers routes for all levels :
- Capo Stella loop (6.6 km, +200 m, easy): begins a few hundred metres from the hotel and follows the ridge of Capo Stella, offering panoramic views of the bays of Lacona and Stella; shaded and suitable for families .
- Monte Tambone (377 m): medium difficulty path starting from Laconella and climbing to a hill overlooking both coasts .
- Via dei Rosmarini (GTE): part of the Grande Traversata Elbana linking Marina di Campo to Lacona (approx. 10 km) through scrub and hills; suited to trained hikers .
- Via dei Lecci: another GTE variant from Lacona to Procchio; longer than 10 km with more elevation .
- Monte Calamita: reachable from Capoliveri; hosts old iron mines. Guided tours lead to tunnels and open‑pit workings .
- Butterfly Sanctuary and Monte Perone: in the Marciana area, this educational trail is dedicated to butterflies with dozens of species and orchid blooms .
Water sports and boat trips
Lacona is a small paradise for water enthusiasts :
- Snorkelling in the Posidonia meadows between Capo Stella and Margidore .
- Scuba diving: local diving centres organise courses and trips to wrecks and reefs such as Capo Stella’s bank; the hotel offers partnerships .
- Kayak and SUP: rent at Bagni Orano to explore hidden coves; they also run sunset excursions .
- Windsurfing and sailing: take lessons from schools on the beach; afternoon thermal winds make Lacona ideal for beginners .
- Boat trips: book tours to Pianosa island or to watch dolphins and whales in the Cetacean Sanctuary .
- Rent a motorboat at Margidore to sail towards Cala Cavoli or Fetovaia, beautiful at sunset .
Suggested 7‑day itinerary from Lacona (May Day 2026)
The May Day holiday falls on a Friday in 2026, giving many guests at least 3–4 days to spend on the island. We recommend extending your stay to a week to explore everything at leisure .
| Day | Morning activity | Afternoon/evening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – Arrival and relax | Arrive in the morning, check in, walk along Lacona beach | Dinner at the hotel; brief sunset stroll along the waterfront | Recover energy after your trip . |
| 2 – May Festival | Visit the weekly market in Marina di Campo | Afternoon in San Piero to attend the May Festival (serenades and corollo celebration); evening with folk music | Bring a camera . |
| 3 – Portoferraio & Napoleon | Visit Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino in Portoferraio | Stroll through the historic centre, shopping and seafood dinner on the harbour | Buy schiaccia briaca, an Elban sweet bread . |
| 4 – Trekking Capo Stella | Guided hike to Capo Stella (6.6 km) with views over the bays | Relax at the hotel, wine tasting of Aleatico and Ansonica | Suitable for families . |
| 5 – Boat tour | Boat trip from Marina di Campo to Pianosa with snorkelling | Return and dinner in Porto Azzurro (recommended restaurant: Osteria La Botte Gaia) | Pianosa is a national park – wear comfortable shoes . |
| 6 – Capoliveri & Monte Calamita | Visit Capoliveri, shopping in alleys, lunch in the square | Afternoon on Monte Calamita with tours of the mines; try a trail in the Capoliveri Bike Park if you love cycling | |
| 7 – Monte Capanne | Drive to Marciana and ride the cable car to Monte Capanne | Walk the village of Marciana and enjoy gelato in Marciana Marina; dinner at the hotel with local specialities | 360° view of the Tuscan Archipelago . |
Lacona for Families
One of the main reasons families choose Hotel Giardino is safety and convenience. Lacona’s beach has fine sand and a gently shelving seabed . Additional factors make the location ideal for families :
- Spacious and quadruple rooms – the hotel can accommodate 3–4 people in the same room; cots and baby beds are available .
- Fenced garden with playground – swings, slides and ping‑pong tables .
- Child‑friendly dining – simple dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce, chicken and chips or soup; high chairs and flexible meal times .
- Family assistance – staff entertain the little ones and support parents’ needs .
- Proximity to services – small supermarket, mobile pharmacy in summer and medical assistance in Capoliveri/Marina di Campo .
- Family activities – glass‑bottom boat trips, visits to Capoliveri’s Sea Museum, the Elba Aquarium and easy walk to Capo Stella .
Table: Why Lacona and Hotel Giardino are perfect for families
| Aspect | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Beach & safety | Long sandy beach with shallow waters | Infoelba, Visit Tuscany |
| Family rooms | Quadruple rooms, extra bed and small gardens | Hotel Giardino |
| Playground | Fenced park with swing, slide, ping‑pong and table football | Hotel Giardino |
| Dining | Dedicated kids’ menus, rich breakfast, flexible hours | Hotel Giardino |
| Care & atmosphere | Affectionate staff and family environment making children feel at home | Hotel Giardino |
| Activities | Easy walks (Capo Stella), museums and aquarium, educational farms | Blog Giardino |
Lacona for Couples and Romantic Getaways
Those seeking tranquillity, intimacy and romantic settings will find in Lacona and Hotel Giardino a perfect refuge . The park’s greenery, rooms with patios and proximity to the beach make it ideal for a weekend à deux. Recommended romantic experiences :
- Sunset walks on the beach or the Capo Stella promontory – watching the sun set behind Monte Capanne creates unforgettable memories .
- Dinners by the sea: Bagni Orano offers tables on the sand and fresh fish dishes; for a more elegant evening try Lo Zenzero with panoramic views .
- Monte Capanne cable car: ride at sunset and view the island from 1 019 m .
- Pedal or motorboat rental: reach secluded coves such as Cala Ischia or Cala del Lupo .
- Wine tastings in Capoliveri cellars; Aleatico is known for its sweet notes, perfect for a sunset toast .
- Evening strolls in villages: Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro at dusk are perfect for a romantic dinner and artisan shopping .
Table: Lacona for couples
| Reason | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy & tranquillity | Hotel in pinewood with rooms in separate buildings | Blog Giardino |
| Romantic atmosphere | Soft garden lighting and the possibility of dining outdoors | Blog Giardino |
| Shared activities | Capo Stella trek, sunset cruises, wine tastings | Blog Giardino |
| Great value | Affordable 2‑star hotel with services comparable to a 3‑star | Blog Giardino |
| Close to romantic spots | Sunset on Monte Capanne and dinners in Porto Azzurro | Blog Giardino |
Lacona for Athletes and Outdoor Enthusiasts
The terrain and services offered by Hotel Giardino make Lacona a paradise for sports lovers – whether trekking, cycling or water activities :
- Trails & GTE: the area is crossed by the Grande Traversata Elbana and features trails of varying difficulty – from the easy Capo Stella loop to the more demanding Via dei Rosmarini and Via dei Lecci .
- Bike depot: covered storage for mountain bikes and road bikes with washing and workshop facilities . The hotel partners with the Capoliveri Bike Park and the Capoliveri Legend Cup (9 May 2026) offering discounts and information .
- Excursions to Monte Capanne and Monte Tambone .
- Water sports: snorkelling, diving, sailing, windsurfing and SUP .
- Sports events: Capoliveri Legend Cup (international mountain‑bike race on 9 May 2026), Giro Podistico dell’Elba in May and Elbaman Triathlon in September .
Table: Lacona for sports enthusiasts
| Sport/activity | Venue/service | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Trekking | Capo Stella loop (easy), Monte Tambone (medium), Via dei Rosmarini/Lecci (hard) | Blog Giardino |
| Mountain biking | Capoliveri Bike Park; routes from easy to advanced; MTB rental in Lacona | Blog Giardino |
| Running | Giro Podistico dell’Elba in May | Hotel Giardino |
| Diving & snorkelling | Posidonia meadows, Capo Stella reef and wrecks; partnerships with diving centres | Blog Giardino |
| Windsurfing & sailing | Schools and rentals on the beach | Blog Giardino |
| Kayak & SUP | Rental at Bagni Orano; guided sunset excursions | Blog Giardino |
| Legend Cup | Mountain‑bike race on Monte Calamita, 9 May 2026 | UCI |
| Elbaman Triathlon | International triathlon in September | Hotel Giardino |
Best Time to Visit Lacona and Elba
The best time depends on the experience you want. Summer (June–August) offers warm sea, long days, beach life and festivals, but prices are higher and crowds larger . Early autumn (September–October) brings mild climate, fewer visitors and events such as the Festa dell’Uva (grape festival) in Capoliveri . Spring (April–May) is ideal for trekking, mountain biking and relaxing holidays: the island is green and in bloom, the climate is gentle (18–25 °C) and there are events like the Legend Cup and the Giro Podistico . In winter the hotel is closed and the island is very quiet .
Pros and cons of each season
| Season | Pros | Cons | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Blooming nature, cool weather (18–25 °C), few tourists, perfect for trekking and cycling; sports events like Legend Cup and Festa di Maggio | Some services may remain closed until mid‑May | Blog Giardino |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm sea, beach life, evening festivals; Lacona’s beach is spacious even in August | Higher prices, more people, traffic and ferry queues | Blog Giardino |
| Early autumn (Sep–Oct) | Warm climate (20–27 °C), less crowding, festivals like the Festa dell’Uva, great for trekking | Some services close after mid‑October; the hotel shuts after the All Saints’ holiday | Blog Giardino |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Mild temperatures (10–15 °C), deserted island – perfect for solitude | Hotel Giardino closed, few services open, more humid weather | Blog Giardino |
Flavours of Elba: Where to Eat and What to Taste
During your May Day stay, besides dining at the hotel’s restaurant, discover Elban flavours at local establishments :
- Lo Zenzero (Colle Reciso) – creative seafood cuisine with a view of the bay .
- Bagni Orano – beach club serving fish dishes for lunch and dinner; try the spaghetti with clams and fried seafood .
- Fame Chimica – gourmet street food on the main street: sandwiches, artisan burgers, salads .
- Cavallino Rosso – pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Laconella .
- Regali Rurali farm – tastings of goat cheeses and jams with guided tours .
- Tortuga Beach Club – trendy beach kiosk for sunset cocktails .
- Mom Food & Drink – bistro with live music between Lacona and Capoliveri .
Typical dishes not to miss :
- Cacciucco alla livornese – fish stew with tomato and bread .
- Stoccafisso all’elbana – dried cod cooked with tomato, potatoes and capers .
- Schiaccia briaca – cake with flour, raisins, walnuts, pine nuts and Aleatico .
- Aleatico and Ansonica – DOC wines of Elba: Aleatico is sweet, Ansonica is dry and aromatic .
- Gurguglione – vegetable stew with oil and garlic .
- Sportella & Ceremito – Easter pastries made with leavened dough, anise and orange peel .
Cultural Insights: History and Curiosities about Elba
Elba is Italy’s third largest island (224 km²) and has about 35 000 residents distributed across seven municipalities . Its history is ancient: inhabited by Etruscans, colonised by Romans who built seaside villas and mines, the island was contested by Pisa, Genoa and Florence for its iron deposits . In 1548 Cosimo I de’ Medici fortified Portoferraio, turning it into “Cosmopoli”, an impregnable city . During his exile (1814–1815) Napoleon Bonaparte lived on Elba and governed it for ten months, leaving two residences that can still be visited . Today Elba is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a protected marine and terrestrial area .
Curiosities
- Monte Capanne cable car: the island’s highest peak has a unique open‑air cable car from the 1960s where two people stand in a cabin during the ascent .
- Magnetite of Monte Calamita: according to legend, the magnetite mineral at Monte Calamita is so powerful it interferes with compasses and navigation equipment .
- Festivals and traditions: besides the May Festival and the Grape Festival, the island celebrates the Festa dell’Innamorata on 14 July in Capoliveri, reenacting a love legend .
- Corollo: the symbolic cake of the May Festival. Men sing serenades to girls and families offer them wine and corollo as thanks .
Practical FAQs for Your Holiday
- How do I reach Elba by car and ferry? From Livorno drive to Piombino Marittima in about an hour. Ferries (Blu Navy, Moby, Toremar) sail to Portoferraio, Rio Marina or Cavo and take 45–60 minutes . Booking through the hotel grants discounted tickets .
- Is a car necessary on the island? We recommend bringing one to explore beaches and towns freely. In spring you can rent scooters or e‑bikes; the hotel offers bike storage and rental agreements .
- Where can I park in Lacona? Every hotel room has an assigned parking space inside the park ; for the beach you can leave your car in the hotel’s car park and reach the sea on foot in two minutes .
- Does the hotel have a pool? No – the proximity to the sea makes a pool unnecessary; the pinewood provides shade and coolness even on warm days .
- Can I practise sport fishing? Yes, operators organise trolling or bottom‑fishing excursions around Capo Stella; ask the hotel for contacts .
- Which excursions are suitable for elderly people? The Monte Capanne cable car, boat tours, visits to Napoleon’s residences and the Minerals Museum of Capoliveri. The Capo Stella loop can be walked in short segments . The hotel has ground‑floor rooms easily accessible .
- How can I arrange a wine tasting? Wineries in Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro produce Aleatico, Ansonica and other wines. The hotel organises tastings by reservation, often paired with cheese and cold cuts . In spring events such as Calici sotto le stelle combine wine and stargazing .
Practical Tips for a Sustainable Holiday
Elba is a natural jewel. With small gestures we can help preserve it :
- Prefer walking or cycling for short distances; make use of the hotel’s bike depot .
- Respect the dunes: Lacona’s beach is protected by delicate dune flora – use marked paths to reach the sea .
- Do not leave rubbish on the beach or along trails .
- Avoid taking sand or shells – it is forbidden and harms the ecosystem .
- Choose local products: buying in markets and wineries supports the community and reduces environmental impact .
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided all the information you need to organise your May Day 2026 holiday on the Island of Elba at Hotel Giardino . Lacona offers a perfect balance of crystal‑clear sea, unspoilt nature and a strategic position for exploring the island . With our family hospitality, services tailored to families, home‑style cooking and sports partnerships, we guarantee an unforgettable stay . For more information and to book, contact Hotel Giardino, Viale dei Golfi 936, Loc. Lacona, Capoliveri (Elba), Tel. +39 0565 964059 – Mobile +39 335 7925420, email info@elbahotelgiardino.it .