Why visit Elba in May
In May the island of Elba bursts into colour and fragrance. The days are longer, average air temperatures hover around 13.9 °C and the sea already reaches around 20 °C, making it comfortable for the first swims . Spring brings broom, rockroses, orchids and oleanders into bloom and the beaches are still quiet. May is also full of sporting and cultural events – from running races like the Giro Podistico, to the Capoliveri Legend Cup mountain bike race and the Elbaman triathlon – as well as historical festivals such as the Leggenda dell’Innamorata . Visiting in May means enjoying the island’s mild climate and lively calendar without the summer crowds.
Your base: Hotel Giardino in Lacona
Location and atmosphere. Hotel Giardino is a family‑run hotel set in a 30 000 m² park of pines and Mediterranean vegetation a few steps from the 2 km‑long Lacona beach . Guests walk through a protected dune path to reach the golden sand and shallow waters ideal for children . The park has a children’s playground, barbecue areas, hammocks and private gardens . The hotel is made up of three buildings with free numbered parking; the atmosphere is informal and pets are welcome .
Rooms. The hotel offers simple, functional rooms with air conditioning, flat‑screen TV, safe, telephone and private bathroom; many have balconies, patios or a private garden. Each room has its own parking space . Below is a summary of the main room types:
| Room type | Features |
|---|---|
| Double | Double or twin beds, private bathroom, AC, TV, safe, some with balcony or patio |
| Triple | Double bed + single bed or three singles, private bathroom, AC, TV, safe |
| Quadruple | Double bed + two singles or bunk bed, private bathroom, AC, TV, safe – ideal for families |
| Room with private garden | Similar to double room but with a private garden and outdoor furniture – perfect for pets |
Services. The hotel provides a long list of facilities:
- Free Wi‑Fi in the hall, dining room, relaxation room and rooms .
- Private covered parking included for each room .
- Bike storage with e‑bike charging; partnerships with bike and diving centres .
- Playground with swings, slide, table football and ping‑pong .
- Restaurant serving homemade Elban and Tuscan dishes; breakfast buffet includes fresh cakes, jams, local cheeses and meats .
- Bar and terrace/solarium, online check‑in/out and cashless payments .
- Hygiene protocols and pet‑friendly policy .
- Discounted ferry tickets for guests .
Why the hotel is a strategic base
Hotel Giardino lies in Lacona on the southern coast and is 10‑15 minutes by car from major centres such as Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio . Its central location makes it easy to explore the whole island: the Monte Calamita and Tuscan Archipelago trails start nearby, while the Dune Reserve and protected pine forest offer shade and nature. The hotel staff can arrange excursions, bike rentals and ferry bookings.
What to do on Elba in May
Suggested itineraries
3‑day itinerary (sample) :
| Day | Morning & Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Portoferraio: visit Forte Stella and Forte Falcone, Napoleon’s Villa dei Mulini and wander the old town. Enjoy the nearby beaches Le Ghiaie, Padulella and Capo Bianco. | Dinner in one of the recommended restaurants in Portoferraio. |
| Day 2 | Take the cable car or hike up Monte Capanne for panoramic views; afterwards drive along the West Coast to Sant’Andrea, Fetovaia, Seccheto and Cavoli beaches; stop at Marciana Marina. | Dinner and nightlife in Marina di Campo. |
| Day 3 | Stroll through Capoliveri’s historic centre and Belvedere with views of Golfo Stella; relax on Innamorata Beach or the dunes of Lacona and the cove of Laconella; optionally visit Porto Azzurro. | Dinner in Porto Azzurro and sunset at Monte Calamita. |
Extended itineraries (days 4‑7) include: – Day 4: explore the north of the island and Marciana Marina; visit the archaeological museum and relax at Procchio or Spartaia beaches . – Day 5: join a boat tour around the island with lunch on board and snorkeling stops; some cruises offer sunset aperitifs and the chance to see dolphins . – Day 6: discover the mining history in Rio Marina and Porto Azzurro and taste local wines . – Day 7: go trekking in the Valle di Pomonte, Concia dell’Innamorata or Monte Serra .
Activities for every traveller
- Families: Safe, gently sloping beaches like Lacona, Marina di Campo, Cavoli and Fetovaia; creative workshops and playground at the hotel; easy hikes; restaurants with children’s menus; stroller rental and medical assistance .
- Couples: Romantic sunsets at Innamorata beach or the Madonna delle Grazie cliff; candle‑lit dinners at local restaurants; boat tours with sunset aperitifs; classical music festivals and cultural events in May .
- Hikers and nature lovers: Trails up Monte Capanne, Valle di Pomonte, Concia dell’Innamorata, Monte Perone and Monte Serra; the mining trail on Monte Calamita; birdwatching and botanical tours around Lacona and the Mola wetland .
- Motorcyclists: Scenic loops: the western ring road (Procchio – Fetovaia – Cavoli – Marina di Campo) and the eastern ring (Porto Azzurro – Rio nell’Elba – Cavo); Vespa and Ducati gatherings at Morcone and other events .
Beaches and nature near the hotel
- Lacona: The island’s second‑longest beach (1.2 km) with fine sand, shallow water and a pine forest – just 100 m from the hotel.
- Laconella: A small bay in the dune reserve a 10‑minute walk from Lacona; crystal clear water and unspoilt nature.
- Capo Bianco & Padulella: White pebble beaches near Portoferraio with turquoise water and high cliffs.
- Innamorata: A romantic cove near Capoliveri with golden sand and a legend of star‑crossed lovers.
- Sant’Andrea: Granite slabs and natural pools on the north‑west coast; ideal for snorkellers.
- Fetovaia, Seccheto & Cavoli: Popular south‑west beaches known for their golden sand and transparent water.
Nearby natural reserves and sites include the Dune di Lacona, the Forest of Monte Calamita, the Mola wetland, the Sedia di Napoleone overlook in Portoferraio and the islands of Pianosa, Montecristo and Cerboli reachable by boat .
Food, wine and nightlife
- Recommended restaurants:
- Da Mario and Taverna dei Poeti (Capoliveri) – traditional Elban cuisine;
- Koala and Lo Zenzero (Capoliveri/Portoferraio) – fish specialities;
- Fame Chimica and Bagni Orano (Lacona) – beach bar and seafood;
- Mare Lido and Il Pescatore (Porto Azzurro) – fresh catch of the day;
- Ristorante Oasi and Da Michele (Portoferraio) – Tuscan dishes and pizza.
- Typical dishes: Cacciucco fish stew, sburrita cod soup, stuffed squid, gurguglione vegetable stew, fig cake, schiaccia briaca, citrus jam; wines include Aleatico and Ansonaco .
- Nightlife: Evenings are lively in Marina di Campo (beach bars and cocktail lounges), Portoferraio (bars like Civico 184), Porto Azzurro (wine bars and concerts) and Capoliveri (wine festivals and the Leggenda dell’Innamorata). A sunset boat aperitif is highly recommended .
Boat excursions
- Full island cruise: About 10 hours with lunch on board and stops in secluded bays for swimming and snorkeling.
- Sant’Andrea and caves tour: Discover hidden caves and the granite coastline.
- Sunset mini‑cruise: Short evening cruise with aperitif and possibility to spot dolphins.
- Pianosa & Capraia: Day trips to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, including guided tours and snorkelling.
Remember to book early, bring sunscreen and water, and ask the hotel for discounts on selected tours .
Events and festivals in May
- Giro Podistico dell’Elba: Road race across several villages – Hotel Giardino offers special rates for participants.
- Festival del Camminare: Hiking festival organised by the National Park with themed nature walks.
- Iron Tour Triathlon: Multi‑stage triathlon combining running, swimming and cycling around mid‑May.
- Madonna del Monte festival: Religious procession in Marciana.
- Craft markets: Artisan markets in Capoliveri and Portoferraio.
- Concerts and musical previews: Early concerts of the Elba Island of Music festival (classical and jazz).
In summer the calendar expands with events like Leggenda dell’Innamorata (14 July), Festa di Santa Chiara in Marciana Marina (15 August), the Sagrefestival in Porto Azzurro and regattas such as the Giro dell’Isola d’Elba in barca a vela .
Frequently asked questions
- Best time to visit? While Elba is beautiful year‑round, May and September are ideal for mild temperatures and fewer visitors. Average spring daytime temperatures are about 13.9 °C and the sea warms to 20.2 °C in May . Summer is great for the beach; autumn offers grape harvest and vibrant colours; winter is peaceful.
- City strolls? In Portoferraio wander the historic centre (Via Carducci) and the Medici promenade by the sea; in Capoliveri climb the steps to Piazza Matteotti and browse artisan shops; Porto Azzurro has a lovely seafront with cafés and gelaterie .
- Mountain hikes besides Monte Capanne? Try Monte Perone (796 m) and Monte Serra above Lacona . The mining trail at Capoliveri explores the island’s mining history. Experts can tackle the via ferrata on Monte Capanne and Monte Calamita. The scenic trail Le Cave leads to Punta Calamita .
- Best beaches to swim? Beyond Lacona and Cavoli, visit Biodola and Scaglieri for fine sand and pine forests, Innamorata for romance, and Bagni Orano in Lacona for beach bar and restaurant services. Snorkellers will love the waters near Marciana Marina with small wrecks and colourful fish .
- Panoramic viewpoints and nature reserves? Don’t miss Belvedere di Poggio (375 m) overlooking Marciana Marina; the Dune di Lacona reserve; boat trips to Cerboli and Montecristo; and the Sedia di Napoleone, a rock linked to Napoleon’s exile .
Practical tips for your stay
- Getting to the hotel: Ferries run from Piombino to Portoferraio several times a day; the hotel offers discounted tickets. From Portoferraio follow signs to Lacona (≈ 20 km). Alternative ports are Rio Marina and Cavo. Flights arrive at Marina di Campo airport (≈ 10 km from Lacona); transfers can be arranged .
- Getting around: A car or motorcycle is the easiest way to explore. Buses connect major towns but run less often outside the high season. The hotel has covered bike storage and can help rent scooters; taxis and summer shuttles are available .
- What to pack: Bring light clothing for day (T‑shirts, shorts, swimwear); a jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings and a rain jacket; trekking shoes or sneakers plus sandals; mask, snorkel and sunscreen; hat, sunglasses and mosquito repellent; an adaptor plug (Italy uses type L sockets) .
Island history and culture
Elba has been inhabited since the Iron Age. The Etruscans and Romans exploited its rich iron deposits. In the Middle Ages it changed hands between Pisa, Genoa and finally the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here; he chose the Palazzina dei Mulini in Portoferraio as his residence and, during ten months on the island, introduced administrative reforms and boosted agriculture . Today Elba is famous worldwide for its 147 km of coastline, the granite massif of Monte Capanne, vibrant villages, thriving marine life and culinary traditions. Hotel Giardino’s mission is to let you experience authentic island life and feel like part of the family .
Conclusion and contact information
May on Elba is a symphony of colours, scents and sounds. The mild climate, blossoming nature and calm before the high season make it ideal for travellers seeking relaxation. Hotel Giardino, nestled in greenery and only steps from the sea, is the perfect base. Comfortable rooms, complete services and genuine cuisine will make you feel at home. Special May promotions – ferry discounts, family packages and sports deals – allow you to plan an affordable holiday without sacrificing quality . Our suggested itineraries will guide you to golden beaches, medieval villages, panoramic trails and local flavours. Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple, as an explorer or on two wheels, you will find tailored activities.
Feel free to contact us for more information and to book your stay at Hotel Giardino. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our love for the island. See you in May!
Hotel Giardino – Viale dei Golfi 936, Lacona, Capoliveri, Isola d’Elba (Italy)
Tel: +39 0565 964059
Mobile: +39 335 792 5420
Email: info@elbahotelgiardino.it