Introduction
If you are planning a trip to Elba and are wondering where to stay, the family‑run Hotel Giardino in Lacona deserves your attention. Immersed in greenery, it combines comfort, good food and genuine hospitality. This guide (over 10 000 words) explains why the hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring Elba: it answers questions on location, facilities, special offers and nearby activities.
Where exactly is Hotel Giardino?
Hotel Giardino stands at Viale dei Golfi 936, Lacona, a seaside hamlet in the municipality of Capoliveri on Elba’s south coast. It lies in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona, just 100 m from the large sandy beach, and is surrounded by a Mediterranean pinewood of about 30 000 m². Lacona’s central position means that Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio are all about 10–15 minutes by car. Choosing Hotel Giardino puts you in a green oasis two steps from the sea, with the island’s main attractions close by.
What kind of hotel is it?
Hotel Giardino is a two‑star, family‑run hotel with a friendly and informal atmosphere. Despite the modest rating, it provides many comforts:
- Rooms are spread among several units in the pinewood; all have air‑conditioning, flat‑screen TVs, Wi‑Fi and safes.
- Private bathrooms are provided (many recently renovated).
- Each room has free, numbered parking on site and some have a balcony, patio or small private garden.
- Common areas include a large veranda for outdoor meals, a bar and shaded garden with benches and play equipment (playground, table‑football, table‑tennis).
- The hotel is pet‑friendly and offers free Wi‑Fi in shared areas, plus a secure bike storage facility.
The staff are praised for their warmth and helpfulness, making guests feel at home.
Why is it an ideal base for exploring Elba?
Because of its central position, Hotel Giardino is perfect for exploring the island. From Lacona it takes about 10–15 minutes by car to reach Portoferraio, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro or Marina di Campo. This allows guests to visit a different part of the island every day without long drives. After excursions, you can return to the peace and quiet of the pinewood and beach. The hotel also offers discounts to participants of sporting events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman triathlon.
Family‑friendly hotel
Hotel Giardino welcomes families:
- Family rooms can accommodate extra beds or cots.
- A playground, ping‑pong and table‑football entertain children.
- In the restaurant, high chairs are available and the chef prepares simple, tasty dishes for children.
- The Spiaggia di Lacona (Lacona Beach) is five minutes’ walk away; it offers fine sand, shallow water and beach clubs with bars and play areas.
- Nearby, children can explore Laconella (a hidden bay) and Margidore, ideal for snorkelling.
- A simple panoramic trail around Capo Stella (6.6 km, about 1 h 30 m) is suitable for families and offers beautiful views.
Ideal for couples
Couples appreciate the hotel’s quiet, intimate atmosphere – the pinewood and large garden provide privacy and tranquillity. Some rooms have private balconies or patios, and you can dine by candlelight on the veranda. Romantic activities include:
- Watching the sunset from Capo Stella or taking the cable car up Monte Capanne for a panoramic twilight view.
- Evening strolls in Porto Azzurro or boat trips at sunset.
- Enjoying leisurely breakfasts and barbecues in the hotel’s garden.
A haven for relaxation and nature lovers
The hotel is ideal for unwinding. The 3‑hectare park lets guests wander, relax and listen to the sounds of nature. Lacona’s dunes and pinewood form one of the few intact coastal dune systems in the Tuscan archipelago. Outside peak season (June and September), the island is peaceful; Hotel Giardino stays open until late October, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic, quiet Elba.
Activities for trekkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts
The area around Lacona offers many trails of varying difficulty. The Capo Stella loop is an easy 6.6 km walk, while more demanding routes include segments of the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) and the ascent of Monte Capanne. The hotel provides a secure bike shelter and offers discounts to participants in events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman triathlon. Staff can recommend the best mountain‑bike trails or road routes around Capoliveri and Monte Calamita. They can also help you contact guides, hire equipment and prepare packed lunches for long hikes.
Water sports and diving
Lacona Bay is perfect for water activities:
- Snorkelling and swimming straight from Lacona beach and the nearby Laconella bay, where clear waters and rocky outcrops offer sightings of Mediterranean fish.
- Diving centres operate near Lacona and in Marina di Campo; the hotel has agreements with some of them. Popular dives include the gorgonian walls of Capo Stella and the wreck of the Elviscot near Pomonte.
- Sailing, windsurfing and SUP: Courses for adults and children are offered on Lacona beach. Canoe and kayak rentals let you explore the coast, paddling to hidden coves.
- Fishing: Early‑morning shore fishing yields mullets and sea bass; fishing trips depart from Porto Azzurro.
Boat excursions
From Lacona you can organise boat trips to discover Elba’s coastline or nearby islands:
- Isola di Pianosa: day tours depart from Marina di Campo; they include guided visits to the former penal colony and snorkelling in pristine waters.
- Dolphin and whale watching in the Pelagos Sanctuary: half‑day tours seek out dolphins and, with luck, whales.
- Coast‑hopping tours: full‑day cruises circle Elba, stopping at beaches like Sansone and Fetovaia. Evening cruises with aperitif on board depart from Lacona or Porto Azzurro.
- Private dinghy or boat rental: rent a dinghy (no licence needed up to 40 hp) to explore coves at your own pace.
The hotel can assist with bookings and has contacts with local operators.
How to reach Elba and Hotel Giardino
- By ferry: Ferries leave Piombino for Portoferraio, Rio Marina and Cavo. Portoferraio is the best arrival port for Lacona (about 15–20 minutes’ drive to the hotel). The hotel offers discount codes for ferry tickets and can book them on your behalf.
- With or without a car? Bringing a car (or scooter) is recommended for freedom; car ferry return fares vary between €70–100 depending on the season.
- From Portoferraio: follow signs for Porto Azzurro/Capoliveri; turn toward Lacona (SP30) and arrive at Viale dei Golfi 936. Free, reserved parking is available.
- By bus: In summer, bus line 116 runs from Portoferraio to Marina di Campo, stopping at Lacona; the hotel is 300 m from the bus stop.
- By taxi: A taxi from Portoferraio to Lacona costs about €30–40.
- By air: The small airport at Marina di Campo (11 km from Lacona) has seasonal flights from Pisa, Florence, Milan and sometimes Switzerland.
Nearby beaches
Lacona offers a variety of beaches within a few kilometres:
| Beach | Distance | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lacona | 100 m | Wide golden sand | 1.2 km long; shallow water ideal for children; beach clubs, bars, water sports. |
| Laconella | ~800 m | Small sandy bay | Accessible only on foot; unspoilt, emerald waters; no services. |
| Margidore | ~1 km | Pebble beach | Clear, deeper waters; good for snorkelling; quieter than Lacona. |
| Lido di Capoliveri | 8 km | Sandy | Family‑friendly, serviced; taxi‑boats to nearby coves. |
| Madonna delle Grazie | 10 km | Mixed sand and rocks | Small, scenic beach beneath a sanctuary; beautiful sunsets. |
Thanks to Lacona’s central position, numerous other beaches (Felciaio, Norsi, Marina di Campo, Barabarca, Zuccale, Norsi) can be reached within 15–20 minutes’ drive.
What to see around the hotel
Using Hotel Giardino as a base, you can visit villages, cultural sites and panoramic viewpoints. Highlights include:
- Capoliveri (8 km): a lively hill village with cobbled lanes, craft shops and a panoramic terrace; nearby are the Museo del Mare (relating to the Polluce wreck) and the mining museum on Monte Calamita.
- Porto Azzurro (12 km): an elegant port town with a waterfront promenade, shops, and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Monserrato.
- Portoferraio (17 km): Elba’s capital, rich in history – visit Medici fortresses, Napoleon’s residences (Villa dei Mulini, Villa San Martino), museums and beaches like Le Ghiaie and Sansone.
- Marciana and Marciana Marina (25 km): one of the island’s oldest villages and its coastal counterpart; ride the cable car to Monte Capanne.
- Other excursions: the Mineral Park at Rio Marina, the Elba Aquarium, the Minerological Museum in Marina di Campo, and off‑road tours to Monte Calamita.
- Isola di Pianosa: day tours by boat to this former penal colony, with snorkelling in a protected marine reserve.
A summary table of key destinations, distance and attractions is provided in the article.
Conclusion
Staying at Hotel Giardino means enjoying comfort, authenticity and a strategic location. From here you can experience all facets of Elba – sea, mountains, villages, history and food – without changing accommodation. Lacona’s central position lets you explore in every direction and return to a relaxing base each evening. The article closes by inviting readers to book and enjoy a holiday filled with sea, nature, sport and culture.