Where to Hire a Car on Elba and How Much It Costs

Introduction

The Island of Elba is a gem of the Tyrrhenian Sea with golden beaches, picturesque villages and dramatic views. The best way to discover its hidden coves and hill‑top villages is by car. This guide answers common questions about car hire on Elba, presents summary tables to compare options and prices, and gives ideas for things to visit. It also introduces Hotel Giardino in Lacona (Capoliveri) as an ideal base – a family‑run hotel surrounded by gardens and only a short walk from the beach .

Why renting a car on Elba makes sense

Elba may cover only 224 km², yet its landscapes range from sandy bays to mountain villages. Renting a car offers:

Freedom and flexibility – you can stop wherever you like and tailor each day’s itinerary without relying on limited bus schedules .
Access to hidden beaches – many coves are reached via secondary or dirt roads; a car lets you get close to secluded spots like Fetovaia or Capo Bianco .
Comfort for families – carry toys, pushchairs and beach gear, and adapt the day to children’s rhythms; Lacona Beach’s gentle slope is perfect for kids .
Romantic escapes for couples – drive to panoramic roads such as the route from Marciana Marina to Poggio for sunset views .
Convenience for solo travellers and sports enthusiasts – reach diving centres, hiking trails or sunrise photography spots without depending on anyone .
Easy access to events and activities – summer festivals, markets and sporting events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman triathlon are scattered across the island .

A car hire costs about €40–60 per day on average, which is good value considering how much more of the island you can explore .

Hotel Giardino: the ideal starting point

Located in the Gulf of Lacona, Hotel Giardino sits in a private 30 000 m² pine park only 100 m from Lacona Beach . From this family‑run hotel you can reach Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Marina di Campo in 10–15 minutes by car . Benefits for guests who hire a car include:

Central position – Lacona lies halfway along Elba’s south coast, reducing driving times and allowing you to explore different directions each day .
Shaded private parking – free on‑site parking keeps the car cool in summer .
Discounted ferry tickets – the hotel can arrange ferry tickets at reduced rates .
Family‑friendly, pet‑friendly atmosphere – large outdoor spaces and home‑style cooking suit families and couples; pets are welcome .
Facilities for sports lovers – bike storage, information on hiking trails, partnerships with diving centres and snorkelling services .

In short, Hotel Giardino combines a strategic location with services tailored to road‑trippers .

Where to rent a car on Elba

Elba has several rental agencies around the main arrival points and tourist resorts. The following sections describe the most important.

Portoferraio harbour

Most visitors arrive by ferry in Portoferraio, and several agencies operate within walking distance of the dock :

Rent Chiappi – the island’s first car hire company, with an office 50 m from the ferry. It offers a wide fleet, from city cars to cabriolets, and includes free delivery and collection anywhere on the island for rentals of at least three days . Unlimited mileage and 24‑hour roadside assistance are included .
Happy Rent – located in Viale Elba near the port, this agency rents cars, motorbikes and e‑bikes. Customers appreciate its quick responses and competitive rates .
Rent Mondo (Elba Rent) – offers a broad range of vehicles from small cars to multi‑seaters; its office is a short walk from the harbour .
TWN Rent (The Wolf Network) – has six offices across the island, including Portoferraio, Lacona, Lido di Capoliveri, Marina di Campo and Procchio. Vehicles can be picked up and returned in different locations at no extra cost . Benefits include free additional driver, free child seats, unlimited mileage, an optional zero‑excess insurance and discounts for early bookings .

International brokers such as Avis or Hertz also have desks in Portoferraio but are usually operated by local partners .

Marina di Campo airport (La Pila)

If you fly to Elba, you arrive at the small La Pila airport. Elba by Car (also called Autonoleggio Taglione) is the main operator and often acts as the local partner for bookings made via major websites . Reviews suggest variable service quality , and the daily price for a small car is higher (about €78) due to limited supply . TWN Rent also has an office in Marina di Campo, and other local providers operate in the town . Booking in advance is recommended .

Other locations and delivery services

Car hire is also available in other parts of the island:

Porto Azzurro / Capoliveri – Noleggio Lumia operates here and in Portoferraio. It publishes transparent price lists and delivers vehicles free of charge to your accommodation in Portoferraio or Porto Azzurro .
Lido di Capoliveri / Lacona – TWN Rent has offices near Hotel Giardino and at Lido di Capoliveri, so guests can pick up a car locally .
Western coast (Marciana, Marciana Marina) – there are no major offices here; agencies from Portoferraio or Capoliveri deliver cars to hotels on request . Biodola Rent serves guests staying near Biodola beach .
Rio Marina and Cavo – delivery can be arranged for an extra fee .

Summary of major rental agencies

Agency	Main locations	Notable features
Rent Chiappi	Portoferraio (Calata Italia)	On the port; free delivery and collection for rentals ≥3 days; free transfer to/from La Pila airport; unlimited mileage; large fleet including cabriolets .
Happy Rent	Portoferraio (Viale Elba)	Near the harbour; rents cars, scooters and e‑bikes; offers hotel transfers on request; good value and quick replies .
TWN Rent	Portoferraio, Lacona, Lido di Capoliveri, Marina di Campo, Procchio	Six offices; free one‑way return; free additional driver and child seat; modern fleet with automatics and hybrids; 10 % discount when booking ≥28 days ahead .
Rent Mondo (Elba Rent)	Portoferraio	Wide range of vehicles (economy cars to 7–9‑seater vans); also rents motorbikes .
Noleggio Lumia	Porto Azzurro (Loc. Mola) & Portoferraio	Publishes transparent price list; free delivery in Portoferraio/Porto Azzurro; unlimited mileage; optional Kasko insurance .
Elba by Car (Taglione)	Marina di Campo airport	Desk at La Pila; partner of Avis/Budget; convenient for flight arrivals but mixed reviews; book early .
Biodola Rent	Biodola (hotel/residence area)	Small local provider serving guests in the Biodola/Scaglieri area; rents scooters and a few cars .

Which type of car to choose

Choosing the right vehicle depends on your travel style and Elba’s roads :

Small city cars (e.g., Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo) – the most popular choice. Perfect for narrow roads and easier to park in towns and at busy beaches; low fuel consumption and cheapest rates . Suitable for couples or solo travellers; models like the Fiat 500 Cabrio add a stylish touch .
Compact or medium cars (e.g., VW Golf, Fiat 500X) – offer more space for luggage and comfort for 3–4 passengers . A slightly higher ride height may improve comfort on uneven roads .
Station wagon/MPV/7‑seater – suitable for families or groups of 5–7 people . They are bulkier on narrow roads and more expensive (around €80–120 per day in high season) . Two small cars may offer more flexibility and similar cost .
Manual vs automatic – most hire cars are manual, but some agencies (e.g., TWN Rent) offer automatics; request in advance as supply is limited .
Fuel types – most cars run on petrol; some diesels and hybrids are available (e.g., Panda Hybrid at TWN) . Electric cars are rare due to limited charging infrastructure .
Vehicle condition and equipment – check for scratches and ensure the air‑conditioning works; many agencies provide child seats for free or a small fee, and some include USB or Bluetooth connections .

In general, a small city car suits most visitors, while families may prefer a compact or small SUV. Book early if you need an automatic, seven‑seater or convertible .

How much does it cost to hire a car on Elba?

Prices vary by season, rental length and vehicle size . As a rough guide:

Low season (spring and autumn) – €40–50 per day for an economy car .
High season (July–August) – around €60 per day or more for the same car; last‑minute rentals can reach €70–80 per day .
Weekly rentals – agencies often discount weekly rates in low/medium seasons (e.g., €250 per week in April–May and €300 per week in May–June) . Many companies charge the full daily rate during July–August .

Example price list (Noleggio Lumia 2025)

Period (2025)	Daily rate (economy)	Weekly rate
15 Apr–25 May	€40/day	€250/week
26 May–29 Jun	€50/day	€300/week
30 Jun–31 Aug	€60/day	No weekly discount
1–14 Sep	€60/day	€400/week
15 Sep–5 Oct	€50/day	€300/week
6–31 Oct	€40/day	€250/week

Source: Noleggio Lumia price list .

Other cost factors

Unlimited mileage – most agencies include unlimited kilometers on Elba .
Fuel – you pay for fuel; petrol costs €1.8–2 per litre; a full tank (~40 L) costs €70–80 .
Insurance and excess – basic insurance (liability + collision theft) is included but comes with an excess of about €500–1000 for small cars . You can purchase extra coverage or a zero‑excess option (e.g., TWN’s Zero Excess) .
Deposit – a credit card is required; a pre‑authorization (roughly the value of the excess) is held until the car is returned . Cash deposits are occasionally accepted by local agencies .
Young driver surcharge – drivers aged 19–21 may pay a surcharge .
Extras – second driver and child seat may incur a small fee; TWN includes them free . GPS and roof racks are optional add‑ons .

For a realistic estimate, a week’s rental of a small car in July might cost €350–400 plus about €50 for fuel . Booking early secures lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles .

Booking and requirements

Required documents

To rent a car you need :

Valid driving licence – EU licences are accepted; non‑EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit . Minimum age is around 21, with at least one year of driving experience . Some agencies accept 19‑year‑olds with a surcharge .
Credit card – the main driver must present a credit card with sufficient limit for the deposit .
Identification – passport or identity card .
Tax code (for Italians) – occasionally required for invoicing .

How to book

Direct booking with local agencies – recommended. Contact the agency via email or an online form; they will confirm availability and price by email . Payment is usually made upon pick‑up; some agencies ask for a credit‑card guarantee. Cancellation policies are generally flexible .
Using brokers/comparators – sites like Rentalcars or DiscoverCars show offers from Avis, Budget, Elba by Car, etc. Read the conditions carefully to know which local partner provides the vehicle . Brokers may sell extra insurance that reimburses the excess .
Walk‑in – in low season you can show up at agencies without booking. In high season this is risky because vehicles sell out .

At pick‑up and return

Inspect the car for scratches, dents and working lights; note them on the check‑out form .
Check fuel level and ensure it matches the contract .
Ask for an emergency number; many agencies provide 24‑hour assistance .
Get local tips from the staff on routes, beaches and restaurants .
When returning the car, plan extra time for traffic, especially towards Portoferraio ; return with the agreed fuel level ; and know where fuel stations are located . The deposit will be released after a quick inspection .
Any traffic fines incurred during your hire may be charged later .

Should you bring your own car or hire one on the island?

Bringing your own car on the ferry avoids rental costs but incurs ferry charges and restrictions. Hiring on the island is flexible but costs more. Consider these pros and cons :

Taking your own car – You save on hire fees and avoid contract formalities. However, ferry tickets for a vehicle can be expensive (around €100–150 for a return trip in high season ). Some mainland rentals prohibit taking the car to Elba . If you live nearby and already own a car, bringing it may be economical .
Travelling as a foot passenger + hiring on Elba – Cheaper ferry ticket (about €15–20 per person each way) . You can hire the car only when needed and avoid ferry queues. But the rental cost for a week can reach €400 and you have to manage the booking and deposit .

For short stays, hiring on Elba may be convenient; for long holidays and if you live nearby, bringing your own car could save money. Remember that island hires cannot be taken off Elba .

Driving on Elba: roads, parking and tips

Elba’s road network consists mainly of provincial two‑lane roads with many bends and climbs . Here are key points to know:

Road conditions – Some stretches are narrow and occasionally become single‑lane near beaches; drivers cooperate by pulling over to pass . Roads are generally well maintained but watch for potholes, gravel and pine cones . Signage can appear close to junctions, so a GPS or offline map is useful .
Speed limits – 50 km/h in towns and 70 km/h outside, rarely 90 km/h. Traffic increases in July–August; expect slowdowns near major resorts and when several ferries dock .
ZTL and pedestrian zones – Many towns (Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro) close their centres to traffic in summer evenings .
Scooters, cyclists and animals – Watch for scooters and bikes, especially on panoramic roads , and be mindful of wild boars or stray animals at night .
Parking – Free and paid parking depend on the location. Large beaches like Lacona and Marina di Campo have free parking under the pines . Popular spots such as Fetovaia have paid private lots that fill early . Blue lines indicate pay parking; white lines are free; yellow lines are reserved . Arrive early or late in peak season to secure a spot . Hotel Giardino offers private parking .
Fuel stations – There are stations near Portoferraio, Schoppino, Mola (Capoliveri/Porto Azzurro), Marina di Campo, Procchio, Marciana Marina and Rio Marina; many have 24‑hour self‑service .
Navigation and maps – Mobile coverage is good; download offline maps just in case .
Driving style – Local drivers are used to tourists; let faster traffic pass and drive at a relaxed pace . Take care of pedestrians in village centres .
Emergencies – Contact the rental company’s emergency number; roadside assistance is usually included .

Beaches worth visiting by car

Having a car allows you to explore different beaches each day . Below are some highlights; check wind directions (south beaches are sheltered from northerly winds and vice versa) .

Lacona (south) – long sandy beach with gentle slope, suitable for families; multiple access points and free parking under pine trees . The western end (Margidore) is a dark‑pebble beach with free parking .
Fetovaia (south‑west) – a stunning bay of light sand surrounded by granite cliffs. A paid car park lies above the beach; arrive early in high season .
Cavoli (south‑west) – fine sandy beach popular with young people; small paid lot and some free roadside spaces . Sheltered from north winds; avoid in strong Scirocco .
Marina di Campo (south) – the island’s longest beach; sandy, full of facilities and easy to reach; park along Viale degli Etruschi or in large lots near the aquarium .
Procchio (north) – sandy gulf sheltered from southerly winds; park near the sports field or on the main road .
Biodola & Scaglieri (north‑west) – a “VIP” bay with resorts; parking is paid and limited; follow the path to smaller Scaglieri/Forno for a quieter feel .
Sansone (north, Portoferraio) – famous white‑pebble beach with turquoise water; park on the road to Enfola and walk 10–15 minutes . No services, so bring water and shade .
Capo Bianco & Padulella (Portoferraio) – white gravel beaches with emerald water; paid parking above Padulella .
Lido di Capoliveri (south‑east) – small but well serviced; two large paid car parks . Nearby Zuccale and Barabarca are charming small coves accessible via short dirt roads .
Naregno (eastern Capoliveri) – long mixed‑sand beach with hotels behind; parking near the beach, some free when you use the bar .
Cavo and Rio beaches (north‑east) – long beach at Cavo and mining‑red sands at Rio Marina; less crowded .
Other gems – Sant’Andrea (north‑west granite cliffs, but scarce parking), Enfola (north promontory with twin beaches and gull colony), Pomonte (south‑west, dive on the Elviscot wreck) .

Tips for beach days

Carry a parasol, spare clothes and fresh water; protect the car from heat with a sunshade . Don’t leave valuables visible and choose beaches with nearby parking when travelling with small children . Check wind direction to pick the calmest side of the island .

Villages and sights worth visiting

Apart from beaches, Elba boasts historic villages, cultural sites and panoramic viewpoints . Here are some highlights (distances from Hotel Giardino in Lacona in brackets):

Capoliveri (~10 km, 15 min) – Medieval hill town with narrow lanes, craft shops and lively summer events . Visit Piazza Matteotti for sunsets and take a guided tour of the Calamita mines .
Porto Azzurro (~13 km, 15 min) – Charming seaside town founded by the Spanish, with a picturesque harbour and lively evening scene . Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Madonna di Monserrato .
Portoferraio (~15 km, 15–20 min) – Historic capital with Medici fortifications (Forte Stella, Falcone, Linguella) and Napoleon’s residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino) . Park outside the walls and explore on foot .
Marciana Marina (~27 km, 30–35 min) – Pictorial fishing village; wander through the Borgo al Cotone, a cluster of fishermen’s houses on the rocks .
Marciana (Alta) & Monte Capanne (~30 km, 40 min) – Ancient mountain village and gateway to Elba’s highest peak. Take the open‑air cable car to the 1 019 m summit for panoramic views .
Sant’Ilario & San Piero (~18 km, 25 min) – Authentic granite villages above Marina di Campo with medieval churches and panoramic terraces .
Rio nell’Elba / Rio Marina (~25 km, 30–35 min) – Mining heritage towns with museums and the scenic mining park .
Other attractions – The Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte (hike above Marciana), Pianosa Island (day trip by boat), Elba Aquarium (Marina di Campo) and the archaeological and Napoleonic museums . The Volterraio fortress offers breathtaking views after a short hike .

Distances from Hotel Giardino

Destination	Distance from Hotel Giardino	Approx. driving time	Highlights
Capoliveri	~10 km	15 min	Medieval village, boutiques, sea views .
Porto Azzurro	~13 km	15 min	Harbour town, lively evenings, Spanish fortress .
Portoferraio	~15 km	15–20 min	Medici forts, Napoleon museums, white beaches .
Marina di Campo	~10 km	10–12 min	Long sandy beach, shops, Elba Aquarium .
Marciana Marina	~27 km	30–35 min	Fishermen’s village, Borgo al Cotone .
Marciana (Monte Capanne)	~30 km	40 min	Mountain village, cable car to Elba’s highest peak .
Rio nell’Elba / Rio Marina	~25 km	30–35 min	Mining towns, scenic mining park .
Sant’Ilario / San Piero	~18 km	25 min	Hill villages with granite heritage and panoramic views .
Fort Volterraio	~18 km (to trailhead)	30 min + hike	Ruined castle with 360° view .

Conclusion

Exploring Elba by car is the best way to appreciate the island’s diversity: from secluded bays and lively seaside towns to mountain villages and historic fortresses. Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and adjust plans based on the wind, mood or crowds. Hotel Giardino offers a strategic and welcoming base in Lacona, with shaded parking, ferry discounts and insider tips, making it ideal for an “on the road” holiday . Take your time, plan reasonable itineraries and enjoy every curve and viewpoint – the entire island is within reach when you have your own wheels.