Why choose Elba in June
June welcomes visitors with summer warmth yet pleasant temperatures — roughly 25 °C by day and 21–22 °C in the sea by the end of the month . The island enjoys long, bright days (8–9 hours of sunshine) and almost no rain . Beaches and villages are lively but not crowded, meaning more choice of accommodation at competitive rates . Many hotels, including Hotel Giardino, offer special packages and reduced fares during this period .
Early summer also ushers in the island’s event season. June hosts sporting competitions such as the Giro Podistico dell’Elba, the Capoliveri Legend Cup mountain bike race and the Elbaman triathlon . Villages come alive with food festivals, open‑air concerts, sunset tours and religious celebrations . It is a time when markets fill the squares and wine bars host tastings, offering a blend of relaxation, culture and entertainment.
Introducing Hotel Giardino in Lacona
Location & atmosphere
Hotel Giardino is a family‑run two‑star hotel situated in the centre of the Gulf of Lacona, one of Elba’s prettiest bays . The hotel sits in a private park of roughly 35 000 m² with pine trees and manicured gardens; it is less than 100 m from the 1.2 km‑long Lacona beach . A five‑minute path through protected coastal dunes leads from the rooms to the sand, so guests can reach the sea without using a car . Despite the central position, the surrounding park and secondary road guarantee peaceful nights .
The hotel embraces a genuine, informal atmosphere. Managed by the owners’ family, it aims to make guests feel at home . Reviews highlight the staff’s warm hospitality and attentiveness . With just three separate accommodation units, staff can care for each visitor personally and each room has a reserved parking spot within the park . Facilities include secure storage for bicycles and snorkelling gear, an internal bar and restaurant, garden tables, a playground, ping‑pong table and foosball . Pets are welcome and some rooms have private gardens .
Rooms & amenities
Rooms are simple yet functional, equipped with air conditioning, flat‑screen TV, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and safe . Some have independent entrances with direct access to the garden, while others feature balconies or patios . Most rooms are doubles or twins, with the option of adding a third bed or cot, and some ground‑floor rooms suit families with small children or pets . The hotel also offers connecting rooms for larger families or groups . Daily cleaning and regular linen changes keep everything spotless .
Key room and hotel services are summarised below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel category | Two‑star family‑run hotel; relaxed, genuine atmosphere |
| Location | Lacona (Capoliveri), <100 m from the beach; set within a private pine wood of ~35 000 m² |
| Rooms | Air conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, flat‑screen TV, safe, private bathroom; many with independent entrance or balcony/patio |
| Parking | Reserved parking space inside the private park |
| Internet | Free Wi‑Fi in common areas and rooms |
| Family services | Playground, ping‑pong, foosball |
| Dining | Rich buffet breakfast; lunch and dinner with home cooking, fresh fish and local specialities |
| Pet policy | Pets welcome; rooms with private gardens available |
| Other services | Internal bar, barbecue area, bike storage, luggage room, online check‑in/check‑out |
Cuisine and board options
The hotel believes that cuisine is a key part of the holiday. Breakfast is a generous buffet featuring fresh products, homemade cakes, artisanal jams, island honey, Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses . Lunch and dinner offer simple yet tasty dishes: fresh pasta with fish sauces, grilled meats and fish, vegetables from the garden and traditional Elban recipes . Outdoor dining is possible thanks to the barbecue area and garden tables; menus can be adjusted for children and dietary requirements . In June the half‑board option is often available at an advantageous price.
Hotel FAQs
- Where is the hotel exactly? Viale dei Golfi 936, Lacona, Capoliveri – roughly midway between Marina di Campo and Portoferraio . Its central position means major towns are reachable within about 15 minutes by car .
- How far is the beach? About 100 m; a path through the hotel park leads directly to the dunes and sand in five minutes .
- What is Lacona beach like? It is one of the largest and prettiest beaches on the island: ≈1.2 km of fine golden sand, backed by rare coastal dunes with junipers and sea lilies and a shady pine forest . The seabed slopes gently for tens of metres, making it ideal for children and inexperienced swimmers . There are free areas and beach clubs with sunbed and umbrella hire, pedal boats and bars .
- Room types? Double/twin rooms with possible extra bed or cot; rooms on the ground floor with private garden; rooms on the first floor with balcony; connecting rooms .
- Are the rooms quiet and clean? Yes – the hotel’s position away from the main road and within greenery ensures tranquillity; rooms are cleaned daily and linen changed regularly .
- Check‑in/out times? Check‑in from 14:00; early arrivals can store luggage and go to the beach. Check‑out by 10:00; luggage storage and courtesy shower available for late departures .
- Are pets allowed? Yes; dogs and cats are welcome. Please mention your pet when booking so a room with outdoor space can be arranged .
- Pool or spa? No – the closeness to the sea makes up for the lack of a pool. Guests seeking wellness treatments can visit spas in Portoferraio or Porto Azzurro .
- Board options? Bed & breakfast or half board (breakfast and dinner). Dinners change daily, featuring Elban and Tuscan dishes, fresh fish and Italian classics. There’s a children’s menu and special meals for vegetarians, coeliacs or those with allergies .
- Additional services? Staff can organise diving and snorkelling excursions, bicycle and e‑bike hire, horse riding, kayak and boat tours; they also have agreements with beach restaurants and stables. A covered bike storage and dive equipment room, children’s games and ping‑pong are available .
Getting to Elba and moving around
Arriving by ferry
The most convenient way to reach Elba is by ferry from Piombino. Several daily ferries sail to Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo; the crossing takes about one hour . Companies like Toremar, Moby Lines, BluNavy and Corsica Ferries operate year‑round, increasing frequencies in summer . The hotel recommends bringing a car to explore freely; hydrofoils (passengers only) take around 40 minutes . From Portoferraio, Lacona is about 20 minutes’ drive following signs to Campo nell’Elba and turning towards Lacona . Thanks to agreements with ferry companies, Hotel Giardino provides discount codes and can handle bookings through its website .
Arriving by plane
Elba’s Marina di Campo airport has seasonal flights from several Italian and European cities. From the airport, Lacona is a 10‑minute drive . Alternatively, fly into Pisa or Florence, then travel by train or car to Piombino and take the ferry.
Getting around the island
Elba is compact (224 km²) and easy to tour. Having a car or scooter is recommended for reaching beaches and villages; hire services are available in Lacona . A bus network connects Portoferraio with other towns but runs infrequently, especially off‑season . In summer Capoliveri offers a free evening shuttle linking the main car park with the historic centre . Guided boat excursions, trekking tours and cultural visits are great options for those without a vehicle .
What to see near Hotel Giardino
Distances and travel times
| Destination | Distance from hotel | Travel time* | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacona Beach | 100 m | 5 min walk | Access via private path; golden sand, shallow water |
| Laconella Beach | ~2 km | 5 min by car + 10 min walk | Wild white‑sand cove reached by panoramic path |
| Capoliveri (historic centre) | ~10 km | 15 min by car | Medieval village with narrow lanes and artisan shops |
| Portoferraio | ~15 km | 20 min by car | Capital with Medici fortifications and Napoleonic residences |
| Porto Azzurro | ~15 km | 15 min by car | Fishing village with harbour square【735803222556237†L647-L656】 |
| Marina di Campo | ~8 km | 10 min by car | Longest beach on Elba, aquarium, promenade |
| Villa San Martino | ~12 km | 15–18 min by car | Napoleon’s summer residence near Portoferraio |
| Monte Capanne | ~30 km | 45–50 min by car + funivia | Highest peak (1 019 m) with panoramic views |
*Times are approximate and depend on traffic.
Beaches of the south coast
The southern coast around Lacona offers a huge variety of beaches, from long stretches of sand to hidden coves . Highlights include:
- Lacona: 1.2 km of golden sand with coastal dunes and pine forest; Blue Flag quality and full services .
- Laconella: A small 200 m bay with white sand and turquoise water; no fixed facilities; ideal for snorkelling .
- Innamorata: A romantic 280 m bay protected from winds; calm water, Gemini islets for snorkelling; half free, half equipped; bar and restaurant .
- Zuccale: Hidden cove (~180 m) with golden sand and crystal‑clear water; rocky seabed rich in marine life; limited services .
- Morcone: 270 m beach with mixed sand and pebbles; diving centre, windsurf school, bars and restaurants .
- Barabarca: Wild cove framed by cliffs; clear water, shells and pebbles; no facilities .
- Lido di Capoliveri: One of the island’s largest beaches (460 m); easily accessible; full services and water sports, lively atmosphere .
- Naregno: 500 m beach on the east side, bordered by Forte Focardo; equipped with beach clubs and a sailing school; summer taxi‑boat to Porto Azzurro .
- Laconella is repeated in the summary table as a 200 m wild bay perfect for snorkellers .
Medieval villages & towns
- Capoliveri: Hill‑top village with medieval alleys and stairs. Key sights include the remains of the Church of San Michele, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and votive chapels in the countryside, the Sea Museum exhibiting the treasure recovered from the Polluce shipwreck, and the Alfeo Ricci Mineral Museum . The village is divided into four historic districts that compete in the Festa dell’Uva. Panoramic terraces offer views of the Golfo Stella and Montecristo; in the evening the piazza hosts markets, music and aperitifs .
- Porto Azzurro: Marine village 15 km from Lacona. Visit the Forte San Giacomo (a 17th‑century Spanish fortress), stroll along the seafront, and reach the Terranera Lake, a green pool formed in an old mine . The village comes alive at night and is also a departure point for mini cruises to Pianosa and the eastern coves .
- Portoferraio: Capital and main port of Elba. Explore the Medicean Fortifications (Falcone, Stella and the bastioned walls), the Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino where Napoleon lived in 1814–1815, the Foresian Pinacotheca and the Archaeological Museum . The harbour’s pastel houses and moored boats create a picturesque scene .
- Marina di Campo: The island’s longest beach (almost 2 km) and a lively promenade with shops and eateries. Nearby attractions include the Elba Aquarium and the 15th‑century tower .
- Marciana & Marciana Marina: Western villages with stone alleys, chestnut groves and a Ligurian ambience. Marciana is the base for the cable car up Monte Capanne .
Outdoor activities
Elba is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in June’s mild climate .
- Snorkelling & diving: The waters around Capoliveri are clear and teeming with life . Diving centres offer guided dives to sites like the Elviscot wreck at Pomonte and fish‑rich seamounts, while snorkellers can explore the reefs of Zuccale, Barabarca, Innamorata and the Gemini islets. Equipment rental and family tours are available; diving schools in Morcone and Pareti run PADI courses .
- Swimming, SUP & kayaking: The sheltered bays of the Gulf of Stella and Lacona are ideal for open‑water swimming. At major beaches (Lacona, Lido di Capoliveri, Naregno) you can rent stand‑up paddle boards and kayaks . Kayak tours around the Gemini islets or along Capo Stella’s coast offer magical sunset experiences .
- Windsurf & sailing: Lacona is a top windsurfing spot thanks to the thermal winds that rise in the afternoon. Schools rent boards and catamarans . Lido di Capoliveri also hosts amateur races, and at Naregno or Porto Azzurro you can rent small sailboats or join sailing trips .
- Trekking & scenic walks: A network of trails surrounds Capoliveri and Lacona. The Monte Calamita Trail ascends to the 413 m summit through old iron mines with spectacular coastal views . The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie is a short, scenic walk . From Lacona, paths lead to Capo Stella (7 km loop) and Monte Tambone (377 m) for panoramic vistas . Spring and early summer fill these trails with fragrant broom blossoms.
- Mountain biking: Capoliveri is a hub for mountain biking, featuring the Capoliveri Bike Park, a maintained network of trails and mule tracks on the Calamita promontory . The Capoliveri Legend Cup (mid‑May) attracts over 1 000 cyclists, and its route can be ridden throughout the year . Hotel Giardino offers secure bike storage and route advice .
- Horse riding & other sports: Stables near Mola organise horseback rides through hills and along the beach; other activities include tennis and adventure parks for children . The hotel partners with events such as the Ironman Italy Elbaman, offering special deals for participants .
History, culture & traditional events
Capoliveri and its surroundings have ancient roots: the area was mined for iron by Etruscans and Romans, fortified by Pisa and later controlled by the Spanish . Remnants of this history remain in the Forti and mining sites. Nearby highlights include Forte Focardo, built in 1678 to defend Porto Azzurro; the Calamita Mines with the Museum of the Old Workshop and guided tours of disused galleries; and the Elviscot wreck at Pomonte .
Traditional events & festivals
- Festa dell’Uva (early October): Folk contest among Capoliveri’s four districts with harvest‑themed decorations, wine tastings and grape‑pressing scenes .
- Festa dell’Innamorata (14 July): Commemorates the legend of Lorenzo and Maria with a torch‑lit Renaissance procession and rowing race; 100 torches illuminate the sea .
- Capoliveri Legend Cup (mid‑May): International mountain bike race covering 80 km with technical stands, concerts and entertainment .
- Local sagre: Summer and autumn festivals celebrate products like honey, wild boar, mushrooms and fish .
- Summer concerts & fireworks: From July to August, squares host live music, open‑air cinema and fireworks .
A summary table lists event periods and descriptions .
Local cuisine & recommended restaurants
Capoliveri’s cuisine combines country and maritime traditions . Highlights include:
- Legume soup (zuppa di cicerchia) – a humble ancient dish .
- Crab gnocchi and calamari pasta – fresh pasta paired with seafood .
- Cacciucco all’elbana – Elban fish stew similar to Livorno’s cacciucco .
- Wild boar stew (cinghiale in umido) – slow‑cooked with herbs .
- Aleatico Passito DOCG – sweet red wine made from sun‑dried Aleatico grapes; often paired with schiaccia briaca .
- Local wines – Elba Bianco (Procanico & Trebbiano), Elba Rosso (Sangiovese & blends), as well as Vermentino and Ansonica .
- Olive oil, goat and sheep cheeses and fresh fish .
Recommended restaurants include La Taverna dei Poeti (creative fish dishes), Trattoria da Mario (homestyle cooking), Ristorante Da Michele (generous portions and a family feel), and seaside eateries at Morcone and Innamorata for sunset dinners . In Lacona there are casual pizzerias and beach clubs that become evening venues . Guests can also dine in Hotel Giardino’s restaurant and many choose half board to enjoy local dishes and the warm atmosphere .
Itineraries & day‑trips
Elba offers numerous day‑trip destinations from Hotel Giardino:
- Porto Azzurro: After a stroll and a visit to Forte San Giacomo, continue to Terranera Lake and the Chapel of Madonna di Monserrato .
- Forte Focardo & Naregno beach: Drive to Capo Focardo (≈8 km) and walk to the lookout for views over Montecristo; relax on Naregno beach afterwards .
- Calamita Mines & Costa dei Gabbiani: Join a guided off‑road tour of the disused galleries and open‑pit mines, then hike or bike along trails; the Ripalte estate offers wine tastings with sea views .
- Pomonte & Elviscot wreck: On the south‑western coast, snorkel above the Elviscot cargo ship lying at 12 m depth; Pomonte also has a pebbly white beach and a genuine feel .
- Portoferraio & Napoleonic heritage: Explore Medici forts, Napoleon’s residences, the archaeological museum and the Roman Villa delle Grotte; swim at La Spiaggia delle Viste .
- Natural excursions:
• Monte Capanne – the island’s highest peak (1 019 m) accessed by cable car; views of the archipelago and Corsica .
• Capo Stella – a narrow peninsula separating the Gulfs of Lacona and Stella; a 7 km circular trail with stunning views .
• Monte Tambone – a 377 m summit reachable from Lacona through oak forests .
A suggested 3‑day itinerary highlights: Day 1 – relax at Lacona beach and hike Capo Stella; Day 2 – cultural visits to Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro; Day 3 – bike or hike at Monte Calamita, visit the mines and enjoy a wine tasting .
Tips for families, couples & hikers
- Families: Take advantage of less crowded beaches in June; Lacona’s shallow water and pine forest are ideal . The hotel offers a playground, children’s menus and staff ready to prepare baby foods . Use the discounted ferry to bring toys and a stroller; on cloudy days visit the Elba Aquarium in Marina di Campo or the wildlife museum on Monte Capanne .
- Couples: Enjoy a sunset stroll at Innamorata beach or a candle‑lit dinner in Porto Azzurro; take a sunset boat trip with aperitif; wander Capoliveri’s illuminated alleys and admire the view from Piazza del Cavatore .
- Hikers and sports enthusiasts: Walk the Monte Calamita, Capo Stella and Monte Tambone trails; explore Capoliveri Bike Park; dive, snorkel, windsurf or sail in the crystal‑clear waters .
Conclusion & contact details
This guide reflects our love for Elba and Hotel Giardino. June is the ideal month to discover the island: pleasant climate, lower prices and quieter beaches . Nestled in greenery and only steps from the sea, our hotel is ready to welcome you with our hallmark friendliness . We invite you to contact us to learn about personalised offers and follow us on social media for updates. We are happy to help you book ferries and plan excursions .
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