Introduction
Elba Island, a small jewel in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a place where sea, nature and history blend in perfect harmony. Every corner of the island has something unique to offer: golden sand beaches, white cliffs, hill‑top villages and breathtaking views . But which is the most beautiful place? In this exclusive guide created by the staff of Hotel Giardino, we accompany you to discover the island’s most enchanting spots – those that leave a lasting impression on visitors .
From the turquoise waters of Fetovaia, one of the most iconic beaches in the Mediterranean, to the spectacular views from Monte Capanne, which at 1,019 m dominates the island , Elba offers different emotions at every step. Romantic villages like Capoliveri, with lively lanes and spectacular sunsets, and peaceful coves like Sansone where crystal‑clear water meets white rocks , all compete for the title of “most beautiful place.”
Each traveller finds their own favourite spot: for some it is a secluded beach where they can hear the waves, for others a panoramic trail immersed in the scent of the Mediterranean scrub, or a village where they can enjoy a glass of local wine at sunset . Hotel Giardino’s staff have gathered in this guide the unmissable places and best‑kept secrets of the island to help you discover your own corner of paradise .
The guide also explains why Lacona and Hotel Giardino are an ideal base for exploring, and highlights the most beautiful places for families and couples .
The Gulf of Lacona and Surroundings
The famous Lacona beach is just around the corner from the hotel. With over 1 km of very fine golden sand and a pine forest behind it, this bay is perfect for families . The waters are shallow and clear, ideal for children, and the beach is equipped with beach‑club facilities, beach‑volleyball courts and the possibility to rent pedalos and SUP boards . The surrounding nature is protected: between the hotel and the sea there is a coastal dune area preserved as a nature reserve .
Other highlights in the area include:
- Sanctuary of Madonna della Neve: A small church in the green hills of Lacona, popular for panoramic walks; it offers beautiful views over the gulf .
- Forte Focardo: South of Lacona towards Capo Murro di Porco stands this old Spanish battery; today it is an excellent viewpoint for taking photos of the sea .
- Lacona pine forest: Behind the beach you can stroll in the cool pine wood of pines and holm oaks; an opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean nature and escape the heat .
FAQ – Gulf of Lacona
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What type of beach is Lacona? | Lacona is a wide sandy beach with golden sand; shallow waters make it very suitable for children . It is surrounded by a large pine forest that shelters it from the wind and provides a relaxing atmosphere . |
| How long does it take to walk from the hotel to the beach? | Only a few minutes. A footpath through the pine forest connects Hotel Giardino directly to the beach; it takes about 3–5 minutes to reach the shoreline . |
| What does Lacona offer families? | In addition to the sea, Lacona has playgrounds on the beach, five‑a‑side football and beach‑volleyball courts, informal bars and restaurants. It is also a starting point for easy bike rides to Fetovaia or Marina di Campo . |
| How long does it take to reach other beaches? | Lacona is centrally located on the island’s south side. In about 15 minutes by car you can reach famous nearby beaches such as Fetovaia, Cavoli and Seccheto . |
Capoliveri and the South‑East Beaches
The village of Capoliveri lies on the slopes of Monte Calamita. Once a fortified Pisan castle , its medieval lanes offer picturesque views over colourful rooftops and the sea . Piazza Matteotti affords splendid panoramas over the eastern bays and is lively in the evenings with typical bars and restaurants . Capoliveri is also famous for its vineyards and good local wine .
Around Capoliveri you’ll find some of the island’s most beautiful beaches :
- Innamorata Beach: a small romantic cove framed by cliffs; ideal for couples seeking intimacy. It has sand and pebbles and transparent waters .
- Zuccale Beach: in a wide green bay south of Capoliveri, with fine sand and shallow seabed. Perfect for families and water sports .
- Madonna delle Grazie Beach: also known as the “Innamorata,” set in a pine forest and famous for the ancient chapel on the cliff .
- Naregno Beach: on the south coast near Morcone, with a small tourist village; it has crystal‑clear water and panoramic views .
- Barabarca Beach: a sheltered gulf near Lacona with light sand and facilities for children .
Many of these beaches overlook the Gulf of Mola and are connected by trails through the Mediterranean scrub . Mountain biking on Monte Calamita provides spectacular coastal panoramas, especially at sunset .
Table – Recommended Beaches by Traveller Type
| Category | Recommended beaches |
|---|---|
| Families | Marina di Campo, Lacona, Le Ghiaie |
| Couples | Innamorata (Capoliveri), Scaglieri (Biodola), La Biodola |
| Friends | Lacona, Fetovaia, Zuccale, Pareti |
FAQ – Capoliveri Area
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which beach is the most romantic? | The Innamorata cove in Capoliveri is famous for its fairy‑tale atmosphere: small and secluded, surrounded by high rocks and perfect for a sunset picnic . |
| Are there sporting events on Elba? | Yes. Capoliveri hosts the Capoliveri Legend Cup, an international mountain bike race. Hotel Giardino offers special discounts for participants in sports events such as this and the Elba Marathon . |
| Where can I go trekking near the hotel? | Monte Calamita and the Capoliveri hills have numerous marked trails. A popular trek is the “Sunset on Monte Calamita,” starting from Capoliveri and reaching Punta Calamita, offering unforgettable panoramas . |
South‑West Beaches: Fetovaia, Cavoli and Marina di Campo
Heading west you encounter postcard‑perfect beaches. Cavoli and Fetovaia are two long sandy inlets framed by greenery . Cavoli is known for its golden sand and turquoise water, while Fetovaia has a more sheltered bay with pines behind it. Both offer shallow seabeds suitable for children, and the nearby rocks are great for snorkelling .
Other spots include:
- Fonza Beach: a tiny sandy bay near Cavoli, noted for its golden granite rocks .
- Galenzana Beach: a small sandy cove west of Fetovaia, surrounded by green cliffs .
The town of Marina di Campo sits on the Gulf of Campo and boasts the longest sandy beach on the island (almost 2 km) . The historic centre is lively, with shops, ice‑cream parlours and a small harbour – perfect for an evening stroll . A panoramic cycle path runs from here towards Procchio and its surroundings .
FAQ – Cavoli, Fetovaia and Marina di Campo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which beach is best for snorkelling with children? | The beaches Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco in Portoferraio are famous for fish‑rich waters and are absolutely safe for kids . Near Cavoli there are also protected rocky areas for easy snorkelling . |
| Is Marina di Campo suitable for families? | Yes. Marina di Campo has a long sandy beach comparable to an open beach club, perfect for children and pushchairs . Nearby attractions include the Marina di Campo Tower (11th century) and the Roman columns of San Giovanni . |
| How do I get to Cavoli and Fetovaia from the hotel? | From Lacona follow the coastal road west: Cavoli is about a 15‑minute drive away, and a bit further you reach Fetovaia. The two resorts are linked by local buses and can also be visited by jet ski or boat . |
Porto Azzurro and the Eastern Coast
Porto Azzurro is one of the most beautiful and characteristic villages on the island . Facing a large gulf, it is dominated by the Spanish Fortress of San Giacomo (17th century), now a prison but visible from the harbour . The town is lively, with a pretty tourist harbour surrounded by restaurants and ice‑cream shops; as the sun sets the squares fill with music and lights, creating a romantic atmosphere .
Beaches around Porto Azzurro are easily reachable: Barbarossa, La Rossa, Terranera and Reale are only a few minutes by car . They offer fine sand and facilities for everyone (services, bars, water sports). Nearby are wineries where you can taste excellent Elban wines .
FAQ – Porto Azzurro Area
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I not miss in Porto Azzurro? | The Spanish Fort of San Giacomo is a star‑shaped citadel worth visiting (you can enter the courtyard). Take a walk along the seafront and lose yourself in the picturesque alleys until you reach the main square; the evening atmosphere is very romantic . |
| Which beaches should I visit nearby? | In addition to those mentioned, La Pianotta near the village of Mola is a small bay with light sand much loved by locals. Many of these beaches have blue waters and can also be reached by bike or scooter from Porto Azzurro . |
Portoferraio: History and Culture
Portoferraio is the capital of Elba Island and its largest town . Once a Roman colony (Fabricia) and refuge for Napoleon in 1814, it preserves wonderful historical testimony. The imposing Medici fortifications – Forte Falcone, Forte Stella and the Torre della Linguella – dominate the harbour . The Palazzina dei Mulini, Napoleon’s summer residence during his exile, stands among the forts and features a hanging garden overlooking the sea .
The historic centre, clustered on a promontory, offers archaeological museums, Napoleonic houses and lively nightlife in the harbour bars . Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco, west of the centre, are famous for their white sand and crystal‑clear sea ; families can safely snorkel there thanks to the shallow seabed .
FAQ – Portoferraio
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I visit Napoleonic sites? | Yes. In Portoferraio there are the Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino (the latter built by Napoleon). These places recount the Emperor’s exile on the island . |
| Which historic beaches are there? | The beaches Le Ghiaie and Capo Bianco have a Roman past (Julius Caesar landed here in 56 BC). Today they are peaceful equipped beaches . The Torre beach at Marinella is picturesque, with an ancient watchtower on the shore . |
Marciana and the Island’s Peak
Marciana, in the north‑western part of the island, is one of the oldest villages . Dominated by a Pisan fortress (12th century), it retains a medieval character with steep, picturesque lanes . Nearby is Monte Capanne (1 019 m), the highest peak of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can ascend by cable car from Marciana in about 10 minutes and enjoy 360° views of the entire island and beyond . On top there are panoramic walking trails and even a refuge for refreshments .
The territory of Marciana includes the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte, a pilgrimage destination, and the nearby village of Poggio, known for its thermal waters . Marciana is an ideal starting point for trekking and mountain bike tours, offering wild nature and views over the archipelago .
FAQ – Marciana and Marciana Marina
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I see in Marciana? | Don’t miss the Pisan Fortress in the village and the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte. Take the cable car up Monte Capanne: from the summit you can see Corsica, Capraia and Montecristo on clear days . |
| Is Marciana Marina suitable for couples? | Yes. Marciana Marina is elegant and romantic : it has the Saracen Tower on the backdrop of the long Fenicia beach and numerous waterfront venues. It is famous with tourists of all ages and has a lively evening atmosphere . |
Biodola, Procchio and the Northern Maremma
Biodola Beach, on the north‑western side between Portoferraio and Procchio, lies within a wide gulf set in Mediterranean scrub . It is considered one of the island’s most beautiful beaches: light sand, a pine forest behind it and three nearby sandy coves (Biodola, Scaglieri, Forno) . The water slopes gently, making it very safe for children . The area also has excellent hotels and quality restaurants .
Procchio, on the northern coast between Marciana Marina and Marina di Campo, is also a popular tourist spot. It boasts a long sandy beach of almost one kilometre, protected by rocky headlands . Around it are unmissable beaches such as La Paolina, La Guardiola and Spartaia, all bathed by clear waters . Evening life in Procchio focuses around the covered square, with live music and artisan markets .
FAQ – Biodola and Procchio
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which beach should I choose for children? | Biodola is perfect for youngsters: the seabed slopes gradually and the wide sand area offers plenty of space for playing . Procchio is also very suitable because the entire bay is sheltered from the winds and has sandy terrain . |
| Are there tourism limits at Biodola? | Yes. Being very popular, Biodola fills up early. The best hotels quickly sell out, so it is advisable to book ahead . |
Rio Marina, Cavo and Eastern Ports
Rio Marina is the historic centre of Elba’s mines . Built on reddish hills of iron oxide, it retains a 17th‑century clock tower on the harbour beach . From here you can head inland for mining excursions or take small boats to the islets of Palmaiola and Topi. Nearby beaches (Torre, Capo d’Arco, Ortano, etc.) are of fine sand and often tranquil . Rio Marina is linked to Piombino by ferries of about 45 minutes, making it easily accessible for visitors from the mainland .
Cavo is located on the north‑eastern tip, once the site of a Roman fortress. Today it is a quiet seaside village immersed in a pine forest . It has a long sandy beach with a seabed suitable for children . On the seafront stands the Tonietti Villa (with a mausoleum designed by Coppedè) and the remains of Cavo Castle . This is the ideal place for those seeking peace but also want clean bathing waters near the village .
North of Cavo are wild coves such as Capo Castello and Cala dell’Alga, perfect for snorkelling and boat‑based relaxation .
Pomonte, Capo Sant’Andrea and the Western Coast
Pomonte is an evocative village on the western coast where granite cliffs meet the sea . It is famous for the wreck of the Elviscott, a cargo ship that sank in 1972 and lies at a depth of just 12 m, visible a few metres from the shore – a paradise for divers . The beach of Pomonte and its three small pebbly coves (Ogliera, Centrale and Quartiere) offer clear waters and tranquility . On clear days you can see Pianosa, Montecristo and even Corsica on the horizon .
Capo Sant’Andrea is off the beaten track and especially recommended for snorkelling and hiking . The bays of Sant’Andrea and Cotoncello have crystal‑clear waters . Large granite slabs known as “Piscine” form small natural pools ideal for diving . Unforgettable sunsets over wild cliffs make this area perfect for ending the day in peace .
What to Bring and Useful Tips
- Beach equipment: Bring an umbrella and snorkelling mask. In many rocky beaches (for example Capo Sant’Andrea) mask and fins allow you to explore seabeds rich in flora and fauna .
- Clothing: Comfortable shoes for walking on nature trails and rocks. A light sweatshirt for the evening is useful even in summer, especially in mountain areas like Marciana .
- Means of transport: Cycling is an excellent way to discover the island (there are easy routes between Marina di Campo and Lacona) . Otherwise renting a car or scooter gives maximum freedom .
- Boat excursions: To visit hidden bays or smaller islands (Pianosa, Capraia), check organised tours departing from Portoferraio or Cavo .
Summary Table – Top Beaches on Elba
| Beach | Location | Key features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacona | Lacona (Capoliveri) | Golden sand, pine forest, shallow waters | Families |
| Marina di Campo | Campo nell’Elba | Long sandy beach (2 km) with full services | Families |
| Innamorata | Capoliveri | Romantic cove among cliffs | Couples |
| Fetovaia | Marina di Campo | Wide sandy bay surrounded by pines | Couples/Families |
| Biodola | Portoferraio | Three sandy coves, gently sloping seabed | Families |
| Scaglieri | Portoferraio | Small sheltered sandy cove, transparent water | Couples |
| Cavoli | Campo nell’Elba | Popular sandy beach with shallow water | Families/Parties |
| Pareti & Zuccale | Capoliveri | Isolated coves in the scrub | Friends |
These entries summarise some iconic beaches for different needs (families with children, couples seeking romance or groups of friends looking for fun) . Each has its own charm, but all boast clear water and spectacular landscapes .
Hotel Giardino: The Ideal Base
Hotel Giardino is a welcoming family‑run two‑star hotel set in a 30 000 m² pine park in the green Lacona pine forest . Only 100 m from the beautiful Lacona beach, it offers guests a family atmosphere, rooms with modern comforts (TV, Wi‑Fi, safe) and simple but tasty cuisine also suitable for children . Services include a play area with slides, ping‑pong and table football, and a bar where you can relax outdoors . The staff are known for their friendliness and helpfulness . For those arriving by car, the private reserved parking is essential; the property provides numerous shaded spaces free of charge in its large park .
Other features:
- Pine forest and tranquillity: The hotel is surrounded by a lush pine forest, ideal for those seeking a relaxing stay in contact with nature .
- Family cuisine: Buffet breakfast with local products and à la carte menus inspired by Tuscan cuisine; a rich breakfast of local specialities starts the day well .
- Services for all: Free Wi‑Fi in common areas , covered bike storage for cyclists, discounts on ferry tickets to Elba and a shuttle service to nearby beaches on request . The hotel is also pet‑friendly .
FAQ – Hotel Giardino
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What types of rooms does the hotel offer? | Simple but cosy rooms, some with balcony or patio, all with recently renovated private bathrooms and air conditioning . Each room has its own numbered parking space in the park . |
| Does the hotel allow pets? | Yes, pets are accepted , which families appreciate when travelling with animals. |
| Is there a children’s play area? | Certainly. The hotel has a small playground with slides, swings, ping‑pong and table football . It provides a safe environment where children can have fun while parents relax. |
| Is breakfast included? | Yes. A buffet breakfast with sweet and savoury dishes rich in fresh products and local specialities is included . The hotel also serves lunch and dinner with à la carte menus based on traditional Tuscan recipes, often including fresh fish and options for intolerances and children . |
| How far is the hotel from other locations? | The position is strategic: within 10–15 minutes by car you can reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio . For example, the centre of Capoliveri is a few kilometres away and Portoferraio is about 20 km, making the hotel an excellent base for exploring the island . |
| Is barbecue allowed? | Yes, the hotel provides an outdoor barbecue area where guests can prepare grills and dinners under the starry sky . |
Conclusion
Elba Island has no single “most beautiful place” – each village and beach offers a unique experience . The important thing is to have a convenient base, and Hotel Giardino in Lacona is the perfect starting point . From here you can easily reach the island’s treasures – from the beaches of Lacona and Capoliveri to the peaks of Monte Capanne and the fortresses of Portoferraio . Following the advice in this guide – with answers and insights on every corner of Elba – families and couples can plan a tailored trip, experiencing the island in all its shades: sea, nature, culture and good food, with the tranquillity of a stay at Hotel Giardino as an ideal base.