Parking on the Island of Elba can feel challenging, especially in high season. However, with some practical information you can plan ahead and enjoy your holiday without stress. This guide, based on the original Italian article from Hotel Giardino, explains where to park on Elba, highlighting both free and paid options near beaches and historic centres. It includes tables summarising key information and answers common questions about parking for cars, campers and motorbikes. We also describe why Hotel Giardino is an ideal base for exploring the island by car or scooter.
Introduction
Elba offers a mix of parking solutions depending on the town and proximity to the sea or historic centre . In major tourist destinations such as Portoferraio, Marina di Campo, Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro, paid parking spaces (blue zones) are close to beaches and towns, with hourly rates around €1.50–2.50 and daily passes of €8–12 . Free car parks are often a short walk from the coast . During the summer, shuttle buses (Marebus) connect outlying car parks with popular beaches . This guide helps you choose the best option depending on the area and season .
Parking at the main beaches
The island’s most famous beaches tend to charge for parking during peak season, while smaller bays often have free gravel lots. Here are some examples :
- Procchio (Campo nell’Elba): large free gravel car park; some blue‑zone spaces near the beach in high season .
- Cavoli (Campo nell’Elba): two main car parks: one free (limited spaces) and one guarded and paid .
- Marina di Campo (Campo nell’Elba): numerous paid blue‑zone spaces along the seafront (about €1/h) and free areas further out .
- Fetovaia (Campo nell’Elba): large gravel lot divided into a free section and a paid section (around €18/day or €11/half day) .
- Biodola (Portoferraio): wide paid car park (~€10/day) about 100 m from the beach; limited free spaces along the access road .
- Padulella and Capobianco (Portoferraio): a single large paid car park (~€10/day); a few free spaces on the approach road .
- Wild beaches: many isolated beaches (e.g., Viticcio, Enfola, Le Viste, Schiopparello, Nisportino, Nisporto, Ortano, Terranera, Dog Beach in Mola, Naregno, Madonna delle Grazie, Margidore, Fonza, Le Tombe, Patresi) offer free gravel parking or roadside spaces . For instance, Viticcio, Enfola, Le Viste and Schiopparello have small free car parks directly on or behind the beach ; Ortano and Terranera provide free lots a few hundred metres from the sea ; Dog Beach (Mola), Naregno and Madonna delle Grazie have free spaces on the beach or access road ; and Fonza, Margidore and Le Tombe have free roadside parking .
Summary of beach parking options
The table below summarises parking availability at major beaches . “Yes” indicates the presence of free or paid parking; blank entries mean the option is not available or minimal.
| Beach | Municipality | Free parking | Paid parking (approx. rates) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Procchio | Campo nell’Elba | Yes (large gravel, time‑disc) | No (except some blue zones in high season) | Large free car park near the beach |
| Cavoli | Campo nell’Elba | Yes (limited) | Yes (barrier, guarded) | Two main lots: free and paid |
| Marina di Campo | Campo nell’Elba | Some free spaces | Yes (blue stripes ~€1/h; up to €2/h in some zones) | Many blue‑zone spaces; central areas fill quickly |
| Fetovaia | Campo nell’Elba | Yes (limited) | Yes (~€18/day; €11 half day) | Large gravel lot divided; arrive early |
| Biodola | Portoferraio | Yes (roadside, limited) | Yes (~€10/day) | Large paid car park plus limited free spots |
| Padulella & Capobianco | Portoferraio | No (only roadside) | Yes (~€10/day) | Single large paid car park |
| Viticcio | Portoferraio | Yes (small gravel) | No | Limited shaded spaces |
| Nisportino/Nisporto | Rio | Yes (large gravel) | No | Parking adjacent to the beach |
| Topinetti | Rio | Yes (roadside) | No | Parking on the beach and roadside |
| Ortano | Rio | Yes (large gravel, free) | No | 300 m from the beach |
| Terranera | Rio | Yes (large gravel, free) | No | 50 m from the beach |
| Reale | Rio | Yes (beach/roadside) | No | Large parking near the beach |
| Dog Beach (Mola) | Porto Azzurro | Yes (on the beach) | No | Free on‑site parking |
| Naregno | Capoliveri | Yes (beachside) | No | Free spaces on the beach |
| Madonna delle Grazie | Capoliveri | Yes (roadside) | No | Parking along access road |
| Margidore | Capoliveri | Yes (roadside) | No | Free parking on access road |
| Fonza | Capoliveri | Yes (roadside) | No | Free spaces along access road |
| Le Tombe | Capoliveri | Yes (roadside) | No | Free parking along access road |
| Patresi | Marciana | Yes (roadside) | No | Free roadside parking |
Parking in historic centres and ports
Many historic centres restrict traffic to preserve heritage. It is advisable to park outside pedestrian zones (ZTL) and walk in . Examples include:
- Portoferraio: the historic centre is almost entirely ZTL; Porta a Terra (ZTL1) and Piazza della Repubblica (ZTL3) are active 24 hours, and Calata Mazzini (ZTL2) is restricted from 19:30–06:00 . Visitors can park in blue zones near the port or in large car parks at San Giovanni or near the cemetery .
- Porto Azzurro: cars cannot enter the narrow central lanes without a permit. Main parking areas are along the waterfront (Ex Oleificio zone) and in Piazza Matteotti .
- Capoliveri: the ZTL on Via Circonvallazione is active daily from 1 June to 30 September between 12:30–14:30 and 18:00–05:00 . Park in nearby free zones such as Via Amendola or at the monument and walk up .
- Marciana Marina: a summer ZTL runs from 31 May to 15 September; entrances on Via XX Settembre and Viale G. Dussol are restricted 13:00–03:00, and Viale Aldo Moro from 21:00–03:00 . Visitors should park along Lungomare Garibaldi or behind the harbour and continue on foot .
- Other centres (Rio Marina, Rio nell’Elba): traffic is regulated in narrow village streets; park at the entrance to the village (e.g., Tre Croci car park in Rio Marina) and walk .
Always observe road markings and ZTL signs . Ferry ports have short‑stay free parking (15–30 minutes) near embarkation areas, but for longer stays you should park in nearby towns .
Parking for campers and motorbikes
Wild camping is prohibited on Elba. Camper vans must use designated camper areas, usually paid, near towns or authorised campsites . For example, there is a municipal camper area near Portoferraio and dedicated spaces near Marina di Campo; daily rates are typically €20–25 .
Motorbikes can usually park for free in white‑lined spaces and often have more flexibility than cars . In blue zones, motorbikes may not be charged, but always check the signs . Beaches often include specific stalls for scooters and mopeds. Hotel Giardino offers covered parking for motorbikes and bicycles .
For climbing Monte Capanne, there is a large free car park at Poggio (Marciana) next to the cable‑car station. It fills quickly in high season, so arrive early or park along the provincial road .
Timings, tariffs and practical advice
When is the best time to find parking?
Arrive early. In summer, popular beaches’ free car parks often fill by 08:00–09:00 . In towns, evening spaces free up after dinner, though blue zones are usually full in peak season . Using parking apps such as Telepass Pay or EasyPark can help locate and pay for blue‑zone spaces .
How much do car parks cost?
Blue‑zone rates vary by location. Municipal parking generally costs about €1/h (minimum €0.50) . In Marina di Campo, it’s €1/h from 08:00–24:00 (1 June–30 September), while Via Cavoli charges €2/h, with half‑day and daily options . Private beach car parks usually apply daily rates: Fetovaia ~€18/day (half day €11) ; Biodola, Padulella and Capobianco ~€10/day ; guarded car parks in Cavoli or Capoliveri €10–15/day . Some beaches like Le Tombe or Topinetti remain free .
Are there special ZTL rules?
Yes. Key ZTLs active in summer include : – Portoferraio: ZTL1 (Porta a Terra) and ZTL3 (Piazza della Repubblica) active 24 h; ZTL2 (Calata Mazzini) 19:30–06:00 . – Capoliveri: Via Circonvallazione ZTL from 1 June–30 September, 12:30–14:30 and 18:00–05:00 . – Marciana Marina: ZTL from 31 May–15 September: via XX Settembre and Viale G. Dussol 13:00–03:00; Viale Aldo Moro 21:00–03:00 . – Campo nell’Elba (Marina di Campo): no ZTL, but blue‑zone regulations apply . Other towns (Porto Azzurro, Rio, Marciana) do not have strict ZTLs in summer . Always consult municipal websites or road signs before entering historic centres . ZTL violations are recorded by cameras and result in fines .
Hotel Giardino: a convenient base with parking
Elba is a popular summer destination; parking can be stressful in peak months . Hotel Giardino in Lacona offers an ideal base: it sits within a large green park and is just 100 m from Lacona Beach . The hotel is centrally located, allowing you to reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio in 10–15 minutes by car .
Rooms are welcoming and well equipped. The property has large shady grounds with relaxation areas, a bar and a veranda where guests can enjoy the hotel’s family hospitality . A private, shaded car park within the property allows guests to leave cars, scooters and bicycles safely . This free, guarded parking is particularly appreciated . The hotel’s strategic position means you can explore the island by car, scooter or bicycle and return to a tranquil base with secure parking .
Hotel Giardino provides services such as free Wi‑Fi in common areas, covered bike storage, agreements with diving centres and ferry ticket discounts . Rooms have private bathrooms, satellite TV, air conditioning and safes . These features combine relaxation in nature with logistical convenience, making the hotel an excellent choice for families and travellers seeking peace near the sea .
Motorcyclists and cyclists benefit from dedicated covered parking areas. Being away from the busiest tourist centres, it is easy to reach the hotel by motorbike . Guests are advised to use full‑face helmets and locks, as anywhere in summer .
Conclusion
Finding parking on Elba requires a little planning, but the island offers a mix of free and paid options to suit every traveller. Free gravel lots and roadside spaces can often be found near more secluded beaches, while larger beaches and town centres have blue‑zone or private car parks with modest fees. Remember to check ZTL restrictions before driving into historic centres and arrive early during peak season. For camper vans and motorbikes, use designated areas and take advantage of the island’s facilities. Choosing to stay at Hotel Giardino in Lacona simplifies parking: guests enjoy free, shaded private parking, a central location close to all the island’s attractions and comfortable rooms in a peaceful green setting . With the right information and a good base, you can explore Elba’s beaches, villages and trails without worrying about where to leave your vehicle.