What to Do with a Week on Elba?

The island of Elba offers plenty of variety. Despite its small size it combines beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, natural landscapes for trekking and cycling, history and excellent food. A week is enough to take in many of its highlights without feeling rushed . Use this guide to plan a seven‑day holiday.

Hotel Giardino – Your Perfect Base

Location: Hotel Giardino is in Lacona, a village on the southern coast. The long sandy beach of Lacona is about 100 metres away. Its central position makes it easy to reach Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro, Marina di Campo or Marciana in 10–15 minutes by car .
Rooms: Comfortably equipped with air conditioning, flat‑screen TV, safe, Wi‑Fi and private bathroom. Some rooms have balconies or views over the pine forest .
Food: Breakfast buffet with homemade cakes, jams and local honey; lunch and dinner offer Tuscan dishes and Elban specialities. There is a bar, games and outdoor areas. The hotel is pet‑friendly .
Why choose it: The relaxed family‑run atmosphere makes it ideal for couples and families. Reviews highlight the cleanliness, location and value .

Getting to and Around Elba

Ferries: Ferries from Piombino to Portoferraio take about 1 hour 15 minutes; some routes also land at Rio Marina or Cavo. Operators include BluNavy, Corsica Sardinia Ferries and Moby/Tirrenia. It is advisable to book early, especially if travelling with a car .
Flights: Small planes land at Marina di Campo airport from Pisa, Florence and some seasonal destinations .
Moving around: Renting a car or scooter allows flexibility; the bus network is limited and taxis are expensive. A car allows you to explore the entire island comfortably .

Climate and Best Seasons

Elba enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Each season has its charm:

Spring (March–May): Mild weather, green countryside and blooming broom make it perfect for hiking and uncrowded beaches . In spring you can enjoy wildflowers, tranquil villages and easier parking .
Summer (June–August): Hot (up to 30 °C) and busy; ideal for swimming and water sports. Reserve accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance .
Autumn (September–October): Warm sea with fewer tourists; good for wine tastings and outdoor activities .
Winter (November–February): Mild but rainy; many services close. Suitable for hiking and exploring villages without crowds .

Best Beaches

Elba offers sandy, pebble and cliff beaches. Choose depending on wind direction – on windy days head to a south‑facing beach like Lacona; when the Sirocco blows, the north coast is calmer. Major beaches and their features include :

Beach	Key features	Ideal for
Lacona	1 km of fine sand, shallow water, dunes, services	Families and relaxation
Biodola	Wide sandy bay with crystalline water and hotels	Families, convenience
Marina di Campo	Long beach with promenade, bars and shops	Families, nightlife
Procchio	Sheltered bay, clear water, good for sailing and windsurfing	Families, water sports
Fetovaia	Turquoise water, small bay sheltered by cliffs	Snorkellers, couples
Cavoli	Fine sand, lively beach bars, popular with young people and divers	Youth, divers
Innamorata	Romantic cove with legend of the “Innamorata”	Couples, sunset

Trekking and Nature

Elba’s interior is criss‑crossed by trails offering sweeping views:

Monte Capanne: At 1 019 m it is the island’s highest peak; climb on foot or by cable car from Marciana and enjoy 360 ° views over the archipelago .
Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE): A long-distance route crossing the island from Cavo to Pomonte. It can be hiked in stages or for day sections .
Coastal trails: Paths along Capo Focardo, Capo Calvo and the Cammino dei Farò offer views of cliffs, lighthouses and hidden coves .

Culture, History and Villages

Portoferraio: Capital of Elba with Medici fortresses (Stella and Falcone), Napoleonic residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino), museums and the ancient dock. The town preserves the memory of Napoleon’s exile .
Marciana Alta: Medieval hill town with stone alleys, a fortress and an archaeological museum .
Capoliveri: Picturesque village on a promontory; its Piazza Matteotti hosts concerts and markets. The nearby abandoned mines can be explored by bike or on foot .
Rio Marina & Rio nell’Elba: Mining history with a museum; you can take a little train through the mine’s reddish hills .
Porto Azzurro: Charming fishing village with a Spanish fortress, narrow streets and harbourside restaurants .
Volterraio Fortress: Medieval fortress overlooking the Gulf of Portoferraio; accessible via a path .

Food and Wine

Elba’s cuisine combines seafood, rustic Tuscan dishes and sweet treats:

Fish dishes: Stoccafisso alla riese (salt cod stew), cacciucco (rich fish soup) .
Meat and vegetables: Coniglio in umido (rabbit stew), rosticciana (grilled pork ribs), gurguglione (vegetable stew) and panzanella bread salad .
Desserts: Schiaccia briaca (wine cake with dried fruit), torta al cedro and anelli all’Elbana .
Local products: High‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil, honey and wines such as Aleatico, Vermentino, Ansonica and Sangiovese .

Visit agriturismos and wineries to taste these products directly .

Water Sports and Outdoor Activities

Besides swimming, there are many ways to enjoy Elba’s sea and countryside:

Diving and snorkelling: Explore the underwater world around Pomonte’s shipwreck, the caves at Capo Sant’Andrea and posidonia meadows; local dive centres organise trips.
Kayaking and SUP: Paddle along the coast to discover hidden coves.
Sailing and windsurfing: Schools operate at Lacona and Norsi; conditions vary with winds (Libeccio and Scirocco).
Mountain biking: Trails traverse forests and the mineral landscape of Monte Calamita; events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup take place here.
Birdwatching and horse riding: Spot birds at Laghetto delle Conche and ride trails near Capoliveri.
Winter activities: Snowshoeing on Monte Capanne and paragliding for the adventurous.

Recommended 7‑Day Itinerary

This itinerary alternates beaches, culture and nature:

Day 1 – Arrive in Lacona: Check in at Hotel Giardino and relax on Lacona beach. Dinner in Lacona or at the hotel’s restaurant .
Day 2 – Portoferraio: Visit the historic centre with Napoleon’s residences and Forte Stella; stroll along the Medicean harbour .
Day 3 – Monte Capanne & Marciana: Take the cable car or hike to the summit for panoramic views, then visit the medieval village of Marciana Alta .
Day 4 – Boat trip & Fetovaia: Take a boat or snorkelling excursion in the marine reserve near Fetovaia; relax on Fetovaia’s beach .
Day 5 – Capoliveri & Wine: Explore Capoliveri’s historic centre, then walk to Capo Calvo and Lingua beach. Finish with a wine tasting at a local winery .
Day 6 – Water sports: Try windsurfing or surfing at Lacona or kitesurfing at Norsi. Enjoy an aperitif at a beach bar in the evening .
Day 7 – Food & Departure: Visit an agriturismo for wine and olive oil tastings and enjoy a typical lunch, then depart .

Adjust the order based on weather or personal interests; there are numerous alternatives like visiting Porto Azzurro or hiking the Grande Traversata Elbana.

Typical Costs

Prices vary by season; high season (July–August) is more expensive. Rough estimates :

Coffee at a bar: €1–1.50. Ice cream: €2–3.
Meal at a trattoria: €15–25 per person. Restaurant with seafood: €30–50.
Accommodation: Double room in high season ~€100 per night. Renting an apartment or staying in a B&B can be cheaper.
Transport: Return ferry for a car and two passengers €80–120; 7‑day car hire €150–200 .
Daily budget: For a couple in high season including accommodation, meals and activities: about €100–150 per person .

Many outdoor activities like hiking and beach access are free; you only need to budget for transport and food.

Final Tips

A week on Elba will fly by: plan ahead, book ferry and accommodation early in the high season, and alternate days at sea with visits to villages and hikes. Base yourself at Hotel Giardino in Lacona for convenient access to all corners of the island and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere .