Introduction
Elba is a paradise for cyclists: spectacular seascapes, fragrant forests, gentle hills and long golden beaches make it perfect for anyone seeking a holiday combining sport, relaxation and discovery . The Hotel Giardino staff have prepared this guide to help guests and visitors explore the island on two wheels, with panoramic routes, culinary stops and must‑see sights . Whether you’re a seasoned cycle‑tourist, a family on holiday or a couple looking for adventure, Elba offers routes for every level, from easy coastal roads suitable for children to challenging climbs up Monte Capanne . After each excursion you can unwind on the island’s sandy beaches and dive into its crystalline waters.
Why stay at Hotel Giardino
Hotel Giardino in Lacona (Capoliveri) makes an ideal base for cycling holidays. The hotel sits in a pine park of more than 30 000 m² and is only 100 m from Lacona’s long sandy beach . It is run by a family and offers essential comforts: rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning, Wi‑Fi and safe, along with services for families such as free private parking, a children’s play area and ping‑pong . Guests enjoy a rich buffet breakfast with local products and typical outdoor dinners with barbecues . Thanks to its quiet position on the Gulf of Lacona, the hotel is just 10–15 minutes’ drive from the island’s main destinations – Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio – and sits at the start of numerous cycling routes . From the surrounding hills you can admire spectacular views of the gulfs of Portoferraio and Lacona .
Where to rent bikes and e‑bikes on Elba
Many specialised shops rent traditional bicycles and electric bikes, often coupled with cycling activities such as guided tours and courses. Notable providers near Lacona and Capoliveri include:
- Elba MTB Capoliveri – Located at the Tenuta delle Ripalte within the Capoliveri Bike Park. It rents high‑end e‑MTBs and MTBs (Merida, Cannondale) with full or front suspension and offers guides, MTB courses and innovative services such as SOS Biker assistance and GPS tracks .
- Elba MTB Lacona – Situated at Residence Il Mandorlo in Lacona. This central base rents traditional MTBs, e‑bikes and gravel bikes (Merida/Cannondale) and provides MTB guides, a bike‑shuttle and assistance systems like SOS Biker and DgtalGuide .
- Capoliveri Bike Park – A sports association in Capoliveri that organises excursions and rents MTBs and e‑bikes. Local guides tailor routes to each rider’s level and offer themed tours, such as night rides with pizza or trips through ancient mines .
- Experience 360 – Based in Naregno (Capoliveri), this operator runs guided e‑bike tours around the island with shuttle service. It offers well‑maintained e‑bikes and customisable excursions .
- Elba Bike Hub – Located in Mola (Capoliveri), this true “hub” features a large fleet of Scott bikes (MTB, e‑bike and gravel). It organises guided tours at all levels and rents high‑quality bikes .
- Rent Mondo – A large multi‑service rental based in Portoferraio that also provides bikes and e‑bikes via “Nuova Elba Service” with four locations on the island. Advantages include free delivery and pick‑up anywhere on Elba and lower rates when booking in advance .
Rental services summary
| Rental / Service | Location | Main services |
|---|---|---|
| Elba MTB Capoliveri | Tenuta Ripalte (Capoliveri) | High‑end MTBs and e‑MTBs; MTB guides and courses; SOS Biker assistance and GPS tracks |
| Elba MTB Lacona | Residence Il Mandorlo (Lacona) | Traditional MTB, e‑bike and gravel bike rental; expert guides and bike‑shuttle; assistance systems |
| Capoliveri Bike Park | Capoliveri (Piazza Cavatore) | MTB/e‑bike rental; personalised guiding; themed routes (night rides, mine tours) |
| Experience 360 | Naregno (Capoliveri) | Guided e‑bike tours with shuttle; panoramic explorations; well‑maintained e‑bikes |
| Elba Bike Hub | Mola (Capoliveri) | Hub for MTB/e‑bike/gravel (Scott bikes); guided tours for all abilities; large rental fleet |
| Rent Mondo | Portoferraio | Vehicle and bike rental; e‑bike available via Nuova Elba Service; free delivery/pick‑up and discounts for early booking |
How rental works and costs
Most rental shops allow bookings online or by phone. It’s advisable to reserve before arriving, especially in summer, and to arrange delivery or pick‑up; many services deliver bikes to your hotel or to the port . Rentals usually require a deposit (often a credit card) and offer accessories such as car bike racks, helmets, child seats or trailers .
Prices vary according to bike type and length of rental. Hiring a high‑end e‑MTB typically costs €40–€65 per day, with discounts for multiple days . Trekking bikes and simpler e‑bikes range from €25–€45 per day . Some shops offer half‑day rates (morning or afternoon) and day passes. Rent Mondo, for example, provides favourable rates for advance bookings . To get the best deal, compare prices online and book a few days ahead .
Cycling routes to explore
From Hotel Giardino you can plan rides along both the south coast and the inland hills. Here are some recommended routes:
| Route | Difficulty | Length / Time | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capoliveri – Fattoria delle Ripalte | Easy | 20.5 km (~2 h 30 m) | Starts from Capoliveri and follows the old mining road on Monte Calamita. About 20 % asphalt and 80 % dirt, with panoramic views over the south coast (Fetovaia, Monte Capanne) and rural landscapes . |
| Villa San Martino – Colle Reciso | Medium | 8.6 km (~1 h 30 m) | Begins at Villa di San Martino and climbs through forest to the old carriage road on the ridge of Colle Reciso. All dirt track. From the top you can see the gulfs of Portoferraio and Lacona and the bays of Procchio and Marina di Campo . |
| Lacona – Monte Tambone | Difficult | 12.1 km (~2 h 30 m) | Starts near the playground in Lacona and heads towards Marina di Campo. Roughly 95 % dirt with many climbs and descents. Recommended for experienced cyclists looking for an adventurous workout across the hills between Lacona and Campo . |
| Capoliveri Bike Park – Giro del Calamita | Easy loop | 19 km (~3 h) | Circular route around Monte Calamita, the easiest trail in the park. Half asphalt, half dirt; passes coastal points such as Straccoligno, Ferrato, Malpasso, Istia and Buzzancone. Offers views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the mines and the village of Capoliveri with a moderate 350 m elevation gain . |
Elba features many other signposted trails, including the bike land areas in the west and the World Cup and Legend Cup routes in the Capoliveri Bike Park . In general, trails on the south‑east side (Lacona, Capoliveri) are beginner‑friendly, while the inland and western hills (Monte Capanne, Monte Tambone) offer more technical and scenic tracks . Look out for viewpoints such as the Sassi Neri lagoon (visible from the Calamita route) and Capo Stella .
What to see in the surrounding area
The Gulf of Lacona is dotted with beaches and points of interest. The 1.2 km sandy Lacona beach is within walking distance from the hotel and ideal for children . Nearby you’ll find the romantic Innamorata beach and the village of Capoliveri, which retains a charming medieval centre . Capoliveri offers attractions such as the “Vecchia Officina” mining museum, the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie and numerous cellars where you can taste local wines like Aleatico and Ansonica . Hikes and bike rides on Monte Calamita reveal the area’s mining past .
Other destinations are just a short drive away: to the east lies Porto Azzurro, to the west Marina di Campo with its long beach, and to the north Portoferraio with its Napoleonic residences and the Mineral Museum . Marciana on the western side is worth visiting for the fortress on Monte Perone and the famous Butterfly Sanctuary trail . In short, from Hotel Giardino you can explore beaches around the Gulf of Lacona and the surrounding hills with breathtaking views over the gulfs and the Tuscan Archipelago .
Conclusion
Hiring a bike or e‑bike on Elba allows you to discover the island’s hidden corners at your own pace. Hotel Giardino provides a quiet and convenient base with easy access to rental services, scenic routes and attractions. Whether you wish to ride along the coast, climb through forests or explore villages and wineries, this guide offers a starting point for an unforgettable two‑wheel adventure on Elba.