Introduction
The island of Elba is a real paradise for mountain bike enthusiasts thanks to its variety of landscapes – sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, shady forests and panoramic ridges – and to the network of trails that cross the island . Riders will find itineraries of every difficulty: from gentle coastal climbs to challenging mountain ascents . Monte Capanne, at 1,019 m, offers a breathtaking 360° view of the entire Tuscan Archipelago as well as the coasts of Corsica and Tuscany . With more than 220 km² of surface area, Elba has countless technically interesting routes . The combination of sea, beaches, Mediterranean woods and ancient mines makes every ride unique . Even in bad weather the bike lets you explore different colours and scents of the island, without ever getting bored .
Hotel Giardino – your MTB base in Lacona
Hotel Giardino in Lacona (municipality of Capoliveri) is an ideal base for these adventures . This family‑run two‑star hotel stands in a large pine park of more than 30,000 m² and is just 100 m from the long Lacona beach . Its proximity to the sea and pine forest creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for families and cycle tourists . The property includes large private gardens (about 4,500 m²) where you can unwind, a children’s playground and ping‑pong tables . The rooms are clean and simple, with balconies or small private gardens, and offer all modern comforts such as flat‑screen TV, safe and free Wi‑Fi . Each room has free numbered parking and there is a secure covered area to store bikes . Wi‑Fi is available in the common areas and in the rooms . Immersed in the Mediterranean vegetation of Lacona, the hotel is ideal for those looking for relaxation after rides .
Frequently asked questions about Hotel Giardino
- Where exactly is Hotel Giardino? It is located at Viale dei Golfi 936 in Lacona (Capoliveri), in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona. From its private numbered parking each room has direct access to the hotel’s large park .
- Why is it suitable for families? Lacona beach, just five minutes on foot, is perfect for families with children: fine sand and shallow water . The hotel also has a playground and serves simple and tasty dishes for little ones; reviews praise the family atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff .
- Can I bring my pet? Yes, the hotel is pet‑friendly; pets are admitted on request .
- What services does it offer for cyclists? In addition to the covered bike storage, Hotel Giardino has agreements with bicycle rental companies. Nearby you can find centres that organise guided excursions and provide repair kits; overall the property is considered bike‑friendly .
- What does the half board include? Breakfast is a buffet with homemade products. The in‑house restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine à la carte, with menus that also cater for intolerances or allergies. Guests praise the home cooking, with rich and varied menus including fresh fish, outdoor barbecues and local dishes .
- When is the best time to come? Summer (June–August) is busier and warmer, while spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and quieter days, ideal for relaxed rides . As noted by Komoot, avoiding the months of greatest tourist traffic can make the MTB experience more pleasant .
Recommended MTB itineraries on Elba
Elba on two wheels offers routes for all levels. The following table summarises some typical itineraries – distances, difficulties and indicative times – together with references for more details.
| Route (start / end) | Distance (km) | Difficulty | Time (hours) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capoliveri – Fattoria delle Ripalte | 20.5 | Easy | ~2.5 | InfoElba |
| Villa di San Martino – Colle Reciso | 8.6 | Medium | ~1.5 | InfoElba |
| Lacona – Monte Tambone – Marina di Campo | 12.1 | Difficult | ~2.5 | InfoElba |
| Capoliveri Bike Park (Calamita area) | 100+ | All levels | Varies | BluNavy |
| Giro del Monte Calamita (from Capoliveri) | 37.0 | Medium/Difficult | 4–5† | BluNavy |
| Portoferraio: ring of the Roman Aqueduct | 15.0 | Easy | ~2 | BluNavy |
| Rio Marina: Miner’s Trail | 25.0 | Medium | ~3 | BluNavy |
| Marina di Campo – San Piero – Sant’Ilario | 20.0 | Easy | ~3 | BluNavy |
Times are approximate. The trails of the Capoliveri Bike Park, over 100 km of signposted MTB paths among rocks, Mediterranean vegetation and sea views, cater to all levels – from gravity tracks for downhill riders to scenic dirt roads . The ring of Monte Calamita (37 km) passes ancient mines and gullies along the coast . For very challenging climbs, the route to the summit of Monte Capanne (1,019 m) starting from Marciana is spectacular: the ascent alternates asphalt and dirt tracks and offers views of Corsica and the Apuan Alps . Among the most popular routes is the Capoliveri Bike Park, with more than 100 km of signposted trails .
Local routes near Lacona
- Capoliveri – Fattoria delle Ripalte (easy): starts from Piazza del Cavatore in Capoliveri and follows the old miners’ road on the south side of Monte Calamita. Length 20.5 km .
- Villa di San Martino – Colle Reciso (medium): from Napoleon’s Villa di San Martino, the route climbs along the Colle Reciso ridge. Length 8.6 km .
- Lacona – Monte Tambone – Marina di Campo (difficult): from Lacona heading south‑west, tackling sandy and dirt sections up to Monte Tambone. Length 12.1 km .
For well‑defined routes, InfoElba provides detailed tracks (with difficulty, length and times) and is a good source of GPX and official maps. For example, the Capoliveri – Ripalte itinerary is classified as easy (20.5 km in 2:30 hours), while San Martino – Reciso is medium (8.6 km in 1:30 hours) .
GPS resources and trail maps
Numerous websites and apps contain maps and GPX tracks of Elba’s MTB trails. The Tuscan Archipelago National Park has created official maps of the trails (the Elba Trail Map 1:15,000), downloadable from emporio.parks.it and viewable via the 4LAND app . Many of the itineraries mentioned above can also be found on platforms such as Komoot or RidewithGPS . In general it is possible to download free GPX tracks from cycle‑tourism websites or rely on dedicated navigation services .
What to visit near Hotel Giardino
The hotel is strategically located in the centre of Lacona, 10–15 minutes by car from many interesting destinations . In addition to the beautiful Lacona beach, here are some nearby attractions:
- Nearby beaches: besides the long Lacona beach of fine sand, within a short distance are the bays of Barabarossa and Norsi on the east coast and the beaches of Cavoli and Innamorata on the southern side. These locations offer crystal‑clear sea and family services such as beach clubs and water sports .
- Capoliveri town centre: the picturesque historic centre of Capoliveri (the main town of the south‑east) can be reached in a few minutes by car. You can visit typical shops, restaurants and panoramic spots such as Capo Stella .
- Portoferraio: to the north, the town of Portoferraio is easily reachable (about 20–30 minutes). Don’t miss the Napoleonic residences (Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa di San Martino) and the Elba Mineral Museum .
- Hermitage of Santa Caterina and Orto dei Semplici: near Portoferraio is the ancient Hermitage of Santa Caterina and the adjacent botanical garden “Giardino dei Semplici Elbano”, places of great historical and natural value .
- Marciana and the Pisan Fortress: heading west, the locality of Marciana (35 km) is famous for its medieval fortress overlooking the sea. From there several trekking/MTB routes start, including the Monte Perone trail with the Butterfly Sanctuary .
- Panoramic routes: for panorama lovers, Capo d’Enfola (an islet connected to the island) and Monte Capanne offer spectacular views. The ridge path of Monte Capanne is worth a detour even by bike for the very fit .
From above, the coastline of Lacona reveals the great sandy beach just a few steps from the hotel, perfect for families .
Summary table of MTB routes
To help you choose, the following table summarises some itineraries with their length, difficulty and main features.
| Route | Length (km) | Difficulty | Main note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capoliveri – Fattoria Ripalte | 20.5 | Easy | Flat traverse of Monte Calamita (asphalt + dirt) |
| San Martino – Colle Reciso | 8.6 | Medium | Dirt climb to the ridge (Napoleonic sites) |
| Lacona – Monte Tambone | 12.1 | Difficult | Steep climb and sandy sections (panoramic view over Marina di Campo) |
| Ring of Monte Calamita | 37.0 | Medium/Difficult | Starts from Capoliveri and crosses ancient mines; 37 km of ridges with views of Gulf Stella |
| Roman Aqueduct (Portoferraio) | 15.0 | Easy | Historical route following the old Roman aqueduct to Portoferraio |
| Rio Marina mines | 25.0 | Medium | Loop of the mines (almost lunar landscape); moderate ups and downs |
| Marina di Campo – San Piero | 20.0 | Easy | Coastal dirt roads between picturesque villages; ideal for beginners |
Services for cycle tourists
Hotel Giardino collaborates with local bike services. Guests can obtain discounts on ferries to reach the island and, on request, book guided excursions . A covered bike storage and tool area are available for cyclists . For guests who bring their own bikes, many ferry lines allow bicycles – it is advisable to book in advance and check space limits . The National Park info‑point suggests using mobile apps such as 4LAND to consult the official trail maps .
Tips and recommendations
- Physical preparation: Elba is not a flat island! Evaluate your fitness before tackling demanding routes such as Monte Capanne or the mining itineraries .
- Equipment: A helmet is mandatory. Carry an emergency kit (inner tube, pump, tools) and bring plenty of water, especially in summer .
- Weather: Check the forecast; seasonal changes can bring rain and fog, making trails slippery. In winter the temperatures are mild at low altitude but can be cold at high elevations .
- Timing: Start early to make the most of natural light and enjoy the views, and to avoid the midday heat in summer .
- Respect the environment: Follow marked trails to avoid disturbing the protected vegetation of the National Park. Avoid loud noises and dispose of rubbish only in designated bins .
The park of Hotel Giardino, surrounded by maritime pines, offers a restorative space to relax after a day of excursions .
If you’re not cycling
For companions who do not ride, or for a rest day, the surroundings offer many alternatives: the hotel pool or Lacona beach; cultural visits (the ethnographic museum of Capoliveri, Napoleonic monuments in Portoferraio); boat trips along the coast (the coral reef of Capo Stella, the Gulf of Portoferraio, etc.); easy walking trails such as the Lacona ridge walk or a visit to the nearby Casa Venturina estate, a farm with cheese tastings .
Summary
- Hotel Giardino (Lacona, Capoliveri): a bike‑ and family‑friendly base, 100 m from the beach, with a large garden, home‑style restaurant, private parking and bike storage .
- MTB routes: numerous routes for every taste, from easy coastal loops to challenging climbs (Capanne, Calamita). Key routes are listed above .
- Surroundings: beautiful beaches (Lacona, Cavoli, Innamorata), the historic centres of Capoliveri and Portoferraio, Napoleonic sites and trekking on Monte Perone .
Conclusion
The island of Elba offers endless opportunities for cycling tourism immersed in nature, and Hotel Giardino in Lacona is an excellent strategic base both for exploring the best MTB trails and for enjoying a family holiday dedicated to relaxation and good food .