Introduction
Elba is a Tuscan jewel just 10 km from the mainland. Its golden beaches, coastal paths, historic villages and clear waters attract visitors from around the world. This guide answers the most common question for travellers—“Where can I find ferry timetables and fares for Elba Island?”—with a series of Q&As, summary tables and practical tips. It also highlights Hotel Giardino in Lacona as a convenient base for exploring the island .
Why Choose Hotel Giardino in Lacona
Location and environment
- Gulf of Lacona: The hotel is set in a pine park of ~30 000 m² less than 100 m from Lacona beach . A private path leads directly to the golden sand, dunes and sea lilies of one of Elba’s longest beaches.
- Central position: Lacona lies on the south coast, 15 minutes’ drive from Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio . Nearby attractions include Capo Stella and Monte Orello for hiking/MTB .
Services and rooms
- Accommodation: Rooms are spread across three buildings and have private bathrooms, satellite TV, telephone and safe. Some have balconies or patios .
- Cuisine: The family‑run restaurant serves buffet breakfasts, local Tuscan dishes and fresh fish .
- Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas, bicycle storage, numbered parking spaces, children’s playground, bar/TV room and pet‑friendly policy .
- Ferry booking: Guests can reserve ferry tickets at discounted rates through the hotel .
Getting to Elba by Ferry
Ports and ferry companies
- Ports of arrival: Ferries leave from Piombino Marittima on the mainland and dock at Elba’s ports of Portoferraio (main harbour), Cavo and Rio Marina . Summer lines also run between Elba and Bastia (Corsica) .
- Ferry operators:
- Moby Lines & Toremar – operate most crossings from Piombino to Portoferraio, Cavo and Rio Marina; offer traditional ferries and high‑speed hydrofoils; include a “Par ti Prima” option allowing earlier departures .
- Blu Navy – up to 24 departures/day between Piombino and Portoferraio; fares from €8.99 when booked early . Tickets include a flexible “Parti prima o dopo” policy .
- Aquavision – seasonal hydrofoil services and tourist excursions linking Piombino with Cavo and other smaller ports .
- Corsica Ferries – summer routes connecting Elba with Bastia and other Mediterranean ports .
Travel times and indicative fares (per adult foot passenger)
| Route | Duration | Frequency (summer) | Indicative fare* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piombino → Portoferraio | 40–60 min (hydrofoils ~40 min) | ≈40 sailings/day | €13.82 – €37.32 |
| Piombino → Cavo | 20–30 min | up to 15 sailings/day | €19.87 – €25 |
| Piombino → Rio Marina | 40–45 min | 2–4 sailings/day | €17.36 – €30 |
| Elba → Bastia (Corsica) | 60–120 min | 1–2 sailings/week (summer) | from €19 |
*Fares vary by season, day and availability; check the official sites for exact prices .
Timetables and frequency
- First and last departures: From Piombino the first ferries depart around 05:30, with Blu Navy’s first departure at 07:30; the last sailings are around 22:00 during peak season . In winter there are about 30 crossings daily; in summer up to 100 .
- Flexible services: Moby/Toremar’s “Parti prima” lets travellers board earlier sailings if space allows. Blu Navy’s “Parti prima o dopo” permits boarding earlier or later boats; check‑in deadlines are 15 min before departure without a vehicle and 30 min with a vehicle .
Booking ferries
- Company websites: Book on the official sites of Moby, Toremar and Blu Navy using a credit card or PayPal; enter vehicle dimensions and number of passengers .
- Comparison portals: Sites such as Ferryhopper, Ferryscanner and Traghettilines compare timetables and fares across operators. They recommend booking early to secure low fares and note that mid‑week departures cost less than weekends .
- Port ticket offices: You can buy tickets at Piombino or Portoferraio, but high‑season prices are often higher and ferries may be full . Moby advises arriving 90 min before departure with a vehicle and 30 min without .
Bringing vehicles and discounts
- Transporting vehicles: Most ferries carry cars, motorcycles, campers and trailers. You must state the vehicle’s dimensions; hydrofoils carry passengers only .
- Resident and homeowner discounts: Operators offer reduced fares to Elba residents and second‑home owners; Blu Navy grants a 30% discount on ordinary fares for second homes (personal card required) .
- Return‑trip and group reductions: Booking round‑trip tickets can save up to 20%; group, school and commuter discounts are available .
- Children: Most companies let children under 3 travel free; those up to 11 receive about 50% off .
High vs. low season
- High season (mid‑June – early September): Departures every 30–60 min; higher fares. Adult tickets can exceed €30 and car tickets €60–80 .
- Low season (October – May): Fewer departures (every 1–2 h) and lower fares. Base prices start at around €8.99; some winter days have just 20–24 trips ending by 20:30 .
On‑Board Services
Ferries are equipped for comfort and safety:
- Seating: Passaggio ponte (unassigned lounge/outer deck), reserved armchairs and cabins (cabins only on longer routes)
- Catering: Bars and self‑service cafeterias
- Children’s areas: Some ships have playrooms and cartoon lounges
- Wi‑Fi and air‑conditioning: Toremar provides Wi‑Fi and climate‑controlled lounges
- Accessibility: Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
- Pets: Allowed on board. Blu Navy permits dogs on outer decks; other companies require leash and muzzle. Cats must travel in carriers
- Baggage: Toremar allows 20 kg in the hold and 10 kg on hydrofoils; Moby/Blu Navy do not enforce strict limits but recommend compact luggage
Packages and combined tickets
Many operators and travel agencies sell ferry + hotel packages or commuter subscriptions. Blu Navy partners with hotels to offer discounts and round‑trip savings .
Suggested Itineraries from Hotel Giardino
The central location of Lacona makes it easy to explore every side of Elba. Below are suggested day itineraries including approximate distances from the hotel and practical tips .
Itinerary 1 – Beaches of Lacona and surroundings
- Morning: Relax on Lacona Beach (100 m from the hotel). It is Elba’s second‑longest beach, with fine sand, protected dunes, sea‑lily blooms and pine shade . Shallow waters are safe for families; facilities include bars, canoe/windsurf rentals and a diving centre . Walk through the dune area at the east end to observe rare plants .
- Afternoon: Visit Cala di Ripa Nera (kayak or boat from Lacona) and Laconella Beach (≈1 km) with transparent water and views of Montecristo . Hike to Capo Stella, a Mediterranean maquis promontory ideal for sunsets .
- Evening: Enjoy Tuscan and Elban dishes at the Hotel Giardino’s restaurant .
Itinerary 2 – Eastern villages and history
- Morning: Explore Capoliveri (7 km), a hilltop village with cobbled alleys, lively squares and craft shops . Visit the Museo della Vecchia Officina to learn about mining heritage .
- Afternoon: Stroll in Porto Azzurro (9 km) with its waterfront piazza, gelaterie and the Spanish fortress of San Giacomo . Stop at Barbarossa Beach (1 km from town) for a swim .
- Evening: Return to Lacona via Tenuta delle Ripalte for a wine tasting (Aleatico, Ansonica) .
Itinerary 3 – Western heart and Monte Capanne
- Morning: Head to Marina di Campo (10 km) with its lively waterfront and Mineralogical Museum . Continue to Fetovaia Beach (16 km) – one of Elba’s most beautiful, with clear turquoise water .
- Afternoon: Take the cable car from Marciana to the 1 019 m summit of Monte Capanne for panoramic views . Visit the medieval villages of Marciana and Poggio .
- Evening: Drive back via Sant’Andrea or Procchio and dine at a sea‑view restaurant .
Itinerary 4 – Eastern mines and wild coast
- Morning: Discover Rio Marina, a historic mining village. The Mineral Museum explains iron extraction; the “Percorso del Ferro” footpath visits old quarries . Stop at Cavo, the nearest port to the mainland and gateway to Palmaiola Island .
- Afternoon: Join a guided tour through the Rio Marina Mining Park by train or on foot . Swim at Ortano Beach with its mix of sand and pebbles, opposite a small islet .
- Evening: Return to Lacona with a fish dinner at Nisporto or Bagnaia .
Itinerary 5 – Culture and history in Portoferraio
- Morning: Tour Forte Falcone and Forte Stella, 16th‑century Medici fortresses . Visit the Palazzina dei Mulini, Napoleon’s residence during his exile (1814‑1815) .
- Afternoon: Relax on the white‑pebble beaches of Le Ghiaie, Capo Bianco and Padulella , or explore the Roman Villa delle Grotte .
- Evening: Dine in Portoferraio with specialities such as stoccafisso alla riese or sburrita di baccalà .
FAQs About the Hotel and Excursions
- Is the hotel suitable for families? Yes; it has large green areas, a playground, ping‑pong and table football . Lacona’s shallow beach is safe, and the restaurant offers children’s menus .
- Are pets allowed? Yes; Hotel Giardino is pet‑friendly . Dogs can walk in the park; local rules apply on the beach .
- Can the hotel book ferries? Yes; it provides discounted bookings for Piombino–Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo .
- What sports and activities are nearby? Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, trekking and mountain biking are popular. The hotel offers bike storage and information on routes .
- When is the best time to visit? Summer offers beach life and nightlife but higher ferry fares and crowds . Spring and autumn have mild temperatures and lower prices; winter is quiet with limited services .
- What documents are needed to board? A valid ID for all passengers; minors need parental consent. Bring vehicle registration for cars and a pet passport with vaccination records .
Summary Tables (2025 figures)
Table 1 – Seasonal comparison for Piombino → Portoferraio
| Season | Departures per day | First departure | Last departure | Sample fare (adult) | Sample fare (car) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (15 Jun – 10 Sep) | 35–40 | 05:30 | 22:00 | €25–37 | €60–80 | Book well in advance; hydrofoils every 30 min |
| Mid‑season (Apr – mid Jun, mid Sep) | 25–30 | 06:00 | 21:00 | €15–25 | €40–60 | Ideal for excursions; mild temperatures |
| Low season (Oct – Mar) | 20–24 | 07:00 | 20:30 | €8.99–20 | €35–50 | Reduced schedules; some days have departures every 2 h |
Table 2 – On‑board services by company
| Company | Ships | Vehicle transport | Pets | Baggage | Available discounts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moby Lines / Toremar | Traditional ferries & hydrofoils | Cars, motorcycles, campers, trailers | Yes; dogs on leash, cats in carriers | No strict limit; 10 kg on hydrofoils | Residents, children, groups; “Parti prima” flexible departures | Largest network of routes |
| Blu Navy | Conventional ferries | Cars, motorcycles, trucks | Yes; outdoor areas | No limit declared | Second home (−30%), residents, round‑trip (−20%), groups, commuters | “Parti prima o dopo” included |
| Aquavision | Seasonal hydrofoils | No vehicles | Pets allowed | Light baggage | Family discounts | Used mainly for trips to Cavo and minor islands |
| Corsica Ferries | Fast ships Elba‑Corsica | Cars, campers | Yes | ~20 kg | Resident discounts | Runs seasonal routes to Bastia & Savona |
Table 3 – Indicative ticket costs (2025)
| Route | Adult foot (low) | Adult foot (high) | Car (≤4 m, low) | Car (≤4 m, high) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piombino → Portoferraio | €8.99 | €30–37 | €35–50 | €60–80 |
| Piombino → Cavo | €14 | €20–25 | €30–45 | €55–75 |
| Piombino → Rio Marina | €13 | €17–30 | €30–40 | €55–70 |
Table 4 – Advantages of Hotel Giardino vs. a typical Elba hotel
| Feature | Hotel Giardino | Typical Elba hotel | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 100 m from Lacona beach | often 500 m or more | Direct access without using a car |
| Environment | 25–30 000 m² park | 5–10 000 m² garden | More space for relaxation and games |
| Management | Family‑run | Corporate | Intimate atmosphere & home‑style cuisine |
| Services | Free Wi‑Fi, parking, discounted ferry booking | Wi‑Fi often extra, no ferry deals | Savings and convenience |
| Family‑friendly | Play area, children’s menu | Few dedicated services | Better welcome for kids |
Practical Tips
- Book early: Ferry fares rise as departure dates approach; booking 2–3 months ahead secures lower prices and guarantees space for your vehicle .
- Travel mid‑week: Departures between Monday and Thursday are cheaper and less crowded; early morning sailings have calmer seas .
- Arrive at the port with time to spare: Moby/Toremar recommend arriving 90 min early with a car and 30 min on foot; Blu Navy requires 30 min with a vehicle and 15 min without .
- Pack light: Toremar allows 20 kg on ferries and 10 kg on hydrofoils; Blu Navy suggests compact bags .
- Use flexible tickets: Take advantage of “Parti prima” or “Parti prima o dopo” to adjust your departure if traffic or weather changes .
- Claim discounts: Residents and second‑home owners should contact Blu Navy for 30% off; groups and heavy vehicles can request quotes via email .
- Protect the environment: Many beaches, like Lacona, have protected dunes. Do not pick plants, remove sand or litter; stay on marked paths .
Conclusion
This guide explains how to check ferry timetables and fares for Elba Island while highlighting Hotel Giardino as an ideal base for discovering the island. Using Q&As, summary tables and suggested itineraries, travellers can plan their crossing and explore Elba’s beaches, villages and trails with ease . By booking early, taking advantage of discounts and staying at Hotel Giardino, visitors can enjoy a memorable holiday combining sea, culture and nature . Always verify the latest schedules and prices on the official ferry websites or through your hotel before travelling.