Discovering the Village
Capoliveri is a medieval hill town perched at 167 metres above sea level. Its historic centre is a maze of narrow stone alleyways (“chiassi”), craft shops and traditional taverns . Key sights include:
- Pieve di San Michele – Ruins of a 14th‑century church where Pope Gregory XI celebrated Mass in 1376 .
- Alfeo Ricci Mineral Museum – Exhibits precious minerals from Elba’s mining past .
- Ancient chapels and Gothic churches – Scattered through the town; many squares offer sea views perfect for romantic photos .
The Best Beaches Around Capoliveri
The Capoliveri area boasts some of Elba’s most scenic beaches. Thanks to its proximity to Hotel Giardino, visitors can easily reach the large bay of Lacona, almost 1,200 m of golden sand backed by dunes and a pine forest . Other beaches include:
- Innamorata – 280 m sandy bay about 5 km from Capoliveri; protected from winds and linked to the legend of lovers Lorenzo and Maria. Half free, half equipped with bar and sunbeds. Spectacular sunsets and the Festa dell’Innamorata is held here on 14 July .
- Zuccale – 180 m sandy beach next to the Capo Stella promontory; very clear water and rich marine life for snorkelling .
- Morcone – 270 m beach 3 km from Capoliveri, composed of light sand mixed with pebbles; turquoise sea; well‑equipped with services and parking .
- Barabarca – Sheltered, quieter cove with fine light sand mixed with shells and patches of washed‑up seagrass. Its rocky seabed is excellent for snorkelling .
A summary table helps compare the main beaches:
| Beach | Main features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lacona | 1,200 m of very fine golden sand; shallow water; pine forest behind | Ideal for families; full services. |
| Innamorata | 280 m bay; part free, part equipped | Linked to lovers’ legend; view of Gemini islets. |
| Zuccale | ~180 m; golden sand and clear sea | Small cove perfect for snorkelling; umbrellas and pedal‑boats available. |
| Morcone | 270 m mixed sand and pebbles; turquoise waters | Equipped beach with parking; suitable for families and water sports. |
| Barabarca | Sheltered cove with light sand and small stones | Quiet, natural atmosphere; good for snorkelling. |
Outdoor Activities: Sea, Trekking and More
Capoliveri is a hub for outdoor fun:
- Diving and snorkelling – Numerous local diving centres organise excursions to explore Elba’s underwater world .
- Trekking and mountain biking – From Lacona bay, trails climb Monte Calamita with breathtaking views of the archipelago . The Calamita Trail (part of the National Park) crosses iron‑rich rocks and old mines, offering routes of varying difficulty . Mountain bikers can follow sections used in the Capoliveri Legend Cup (international MTB race held in May) ; the hotel provides support and route suggestions.
- Boat trips and water sports – Boat excursions along the coast visit hidden coves such as Il Caleone, Le Francesche and La Norsia . Kayak or pedal‑boat tours explore the Gemini islets, and Lacona offers windsurfing and canoeing .
- Horseback riding – Tours through pine forests and along the coast are available .
History, Culture and Events
Capoliveri’s heritage spans Roman times, the Middle Ages and its iron‑mining era . Major events include:
- Festa dell’Uva (October) – A grape harvest festival in which the four neighbourhoods (Fosso, Torre, Fortezza and Baluardo) compete with elaborate performances; visitors taste new wines and watch grape‑pressing shows .
- Festa dell’Innamorata (14 July) – A romantic re‑enactment of the legend of Lorenzo and Maria, featuring a costumed procession through town to Innamorata Beach and themed boat races .
- Capoliveri Legend Cup (May) – International mountain‑bike race over Monte Calamita’s trails .
- Other events – Food festivals and open‑air concerts in summer and autumn .
Event summary
| Event | Period | Brief description |
|---|---|---|
| Festa dell’Uva | October | Competition among Capoliveri’s rioni featuring parades and grape‑harvest themed performances . |
| Festa dell’Innamorata | 14 July | Historical pageant with a torchlit procession and boat race at Innamorata Beach . |
| Capoliveri Legend Cup | May | International MTB race on Monte Calamita trails . |
| Food festivals and local fairs | Summer/Autumn | Fairs celebrating local products such as wine, cheese and honey . |
Food and Restaurants
Capoliverese cuisine reflects the island’s rural traditions, blending meat dishes with fresh seafood. A highlight is Aleatico passito, a sweet dessert wine often paired with Schiaccia Briaca (Elban raisin cake) . The surrounding hills produce quality olive oil and wine; local caprine and pecorino cheeses are worth trying . Recommended restaurants (not exhaustive) include La Taverna dei Poeti, Trattoria da Mario and Ristorante da Michele . Guests of Hotel Giardino can enjoy the hotel’s home‑style cooking, especially the varied buffet breakfast . Pizzerias and osterias in town offer informal meals like zuppa di cicerchia (chickling pea soup) and musciame di tonno (cured tuna) .
Seasonal Tips and Practical Advice
- Summer (June–September) – High season with lively streets, festivals and mild climate. Book accommodation and ferries early; bike rentals and sailing courses are available .
- Spring and autumn – Ideal for hiking the Calamita Trail and enjoying tastings; autumn waters remain warm and prices drop .
- Winter – Quiet period; some hotels and restaurants close .
Frequently asked questions
- How to get there? Take a ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio or Cavo; hotel guests receive discounted fares . From the port, drive to Lacona/Capoliveri; Hotel Giardino provides ferry timetables .
- Getting around – A car is recommended; local buses and taxis exist. In summer a free shuttle connects Lacona and Capoliveri . Car and scooter rentals are near the hotel .
- Climate – Mediterranean: hot and breezy summers, mild spring and autumn, mild winters with occasional rain .
Excursions Around Lacona and Capoliveri
From the Gulf of Lacona you can explore the south‑eastern part of Elba in minutes. Examples include:
- Porto Azzurro (10–15 min) – Charming fishing town with boutiques and cafés . Nearby beaches include Naregno and Zucco della Gallina .
- Pomonte – Western village known for the Elviscot shipwreck, reachable by a short drive .
- Forte Focardo – Former Spanish fort offering unusual panoramas .
- Monte Calamita mining park – 413‑m hill with old mines and magnetic crags overlooking the sea .
Why choose Hotel Giardino when visiting Capoliveri?
Hotel Giardino sits in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona, a short walk from the sandy beach. This family‑run hotel is nestled in a large pine forest and offers an informal, welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for families and couples .
- Facilities – All rooms have private bathrooms, TV, safe, Wi‑Fi and many include a balcony or patio facing the greenery . The restaurant serves home‑style dishes using fresh local products and can adapt menus for children or those with food intolerances . Guests especially enjoy the buffet breakfast with island specialities .
- Location advantages – Hotel Giardino is only 100 m from Lacona’s long beach and within a 10–15 minute drive of Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio and Capoliveri .
Hotel Giardino FAQ
The hotel provides a section of common questions:
- Why use Hotel Giardino as a base? The hotel sits 100 m from the dunes of Lacona beach, is family‑run, has a large pine park and is praised for its home‑cooked food, spotless rooms and friendly staff .
- What facilities are there for families? A small playground, ping‑pong table and table football are available ; the kitchen offers simple but tasty menus for children and those with intolerances ; Lacona beach with shallow waters and games is nearby .
- What sports activities are nearby? Diving and snorkelling centres, numerous hiking and biking trails starting from the hotel and events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup (May) and Triathlon Elbaman (September). The hotel has agreements for participants .
- Atmosphere for couples? Couples enjoy Lacona’s quiet gulf, sunset walks along Capoliveri’s medieval streets and Innamorata beach. The hotel organises outdoor dinners with barbecue under the pine trees .
- Are pets allowed? Yes, Hotel Giardino is pet‑friendly; animals are welcome and can enjoy the green spaces .
Conclusion
Capoliveri and its Gulf of Lacona offer a unique mix of sea, nature, history and hospitality . From golden beaches to medieval villages, panoramic hikes and local cuisine, this corner of Elba surprises both families and couples seeking a relaxing yet authentic holiday. Hotel Giardino provides a comfortable and friendly base—set in a pine forest a stone’s throw from the beach and close to towns and trails—making it easy to experience the island’s many facets .