Introduction
Lacona: This small seaside village on the southern coast of Elba sits in the Gulf of Lacona and is famous for its long golden sand beach and protected dunes covered with Mediterranean vegetation. The area combines crystal‑clear sea, lush nature and tranquillity . Staying in Lacona means having the island within easy reach: Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri and Portoferraio are all about 10‑15 minutes away by car , yet Lacona itself retains a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families and couples.
Hotel Giardino: The Heart of Lacona
Location: Hotel Giardino is a family‑run 2‑star hotel in the centre of the Gulf of Lacona. It is set in a private 30 000 m² pine park and lies only ~100 m from the beach via a short path through the dunes . Shops, beach bars and rentals are just a few hundred metres away, and the hotel’s central position on the island allows easy exploration in every direction .
Rooms and Facilities:
- Accommodation: Three low‑rise buildings house simple, functional rooms with a private bathroom (shower), satellite TV, telephone and safe . Many rooms have air‑conditioning, and some feature a balcony, patio or small private garden—popular with guests travelling with pets . All rooms are cleaned daily and praised for their spotless condition .
- Atmosphere: The family management creates a friendly, informal environment where guests feel at home. Staff are available for chats, island advice or special requests .
- Cuisine: Breakfast is a generous buffet of fresh, homemade cakes, local bread, jams and fruit . Lunch and dinner feature home‑style dishes with fresh fish, Tuscan and Elban recipes and flexibility for children’s meals and dietary needs . In summer, barbecues are held in the garden .
- Services: Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas, a reserved parking space for each room with shade cloth , a covered bike depot , a children’s playground with swings, slide, table football and ping‑pong , an internal bar and outdoor veranda . The hotel is pet‑friendly , offers ferry ticket discounts , has agreements with diving centres and provides special rates for participants of island sporting events . A summary table of services appears later in this guide .
Getting to Lacona
- By ferry or plane: Ferries from Piombino to Portoferraio (about one hour) run frequently; there are also routes to Rio Marina and Cavo. You can bring a car on board . Hydrofoils for foot passengers operate in summer. Elba’s small airport near Marina di Campo is served by flights from Milan, Pisa, Florence and other cities .
- From Portoferraio: Lacona is ~14 km (20–25 min by car); follow the SP26 then the SP30 towards Porto Azzurro/Capoliveri and turn off at the Lacona junction . Bus line 118/218 connects Portoferraio with Lacona (about 30 min) .
- From other ports: Landing at Rio Marina or Cavo adds 30–40 min drive .
- Directions: The hotel stands on Viale dei Golfi; follow signs from Portoferraio or Capoliveri and look for the hotel entrance along the main road .
Beaches in and around Lacona
| Beach | Shore type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lacona | Golden sand; gently sloping seabed | 1.2 km long with free areas and 5‑6 beach clubs. Facilities include showers, pedal‑boat and SUP hire, windsurf school and beach bars . Ideal for families; Blue Flag beach . |
| Laconella | White sand; shallow waters | Small secluded bay west of Lacona, reached by a 10–15 min path . All free; bring water and shade . Perfect for families and snorkelling . |
| Margidore | Dark pebbles; deep water | About 500 m; quieter than Lacona. Small pier for boats and diving centre . Good for snorkelling and sunsets . |
| Other coves | Various | Fonza and Cantone (wild coves accessible by boat or steep paths), Norsi and Acquarilli (gravel beaches 5 km from Lacona), Zucca Lite/Barabarca (sandy coves 8 km away) . |
Places to Visit Near Lacona
Lacona’s central position allows for short excursions to many attractions:
- Capoliveri: Medieval hill town ~10 km away. Stroll through narrow streets and Piazza Matteotti, visit the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, the Sea Museum and the Calamita Mining Park . Evening events and the Grape Festival (early October) enliven the town .
- Portoferraio: Elba’s main town ~14 km away. Explore Napoleonic residences (Palazzina dei Mulini, Villa San Martino), Medici fortifications (Forte Stella, Forte Falcone), and the charming historic centre . Nearby Ghiaie Beach is great for a refreshing swim .
- Porto Azzurro: Romantic harbour town ~10 km east. Features the Spanish Fortezza San Giacomo, a lively waterfront piazza and nearby beaches (Barbarossa, Reale, Terranera). Visit Madonna di Monserrato sanctuary and Ginevro mine .
- Marina di Campo: Bustling resort ~11 km west with Elba’s longest sandy beach, a lively promenade and the Aquarium of Elba .
- Capo Stella: Scenic headland west of Lacona. Hike the 6.6 km loop for 360° views of Lacona and Stella gulfs . The route is easy and shaded; bring a torch if returning after sunset. .
- Santuario della Madonna della Neve: Small 17th‑century church near Lacona; celebrates the local feast on 5 August .
- Forte Focardo: Spanish coastal fortress near Naregno; reached in ~20 min drive .
Trekking and Mountain Biking
Lacona is a paradise for walkers and cyclists. The Capo Stella loop is an easy 6.6 km trail (grade T) with modest elevation (+200 m) that offers spectacular coastal views . For experienced hikers, segments of the Grande Traversata Elbana pass near Lacona, including the Via dei Rosmarini (to Marina di Campo) and Via dei Lecci (towards Procchio); these >10 km routes follow the island ridge . Monte Tambone (377 m) rises above Lacona and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas .
Mountain bikers can ride dirt tracks and single tracks connecting Lacona, Lido di Capoliveri and Marina di Campo. The Capoliveri Bike Park is nearby and the hotel’s bike depot and event partnerships make it a popular base for MTB enthusiasts . Bike rentals, guides and shuttles are available locally .
More challenging hikes include the Monte Capanne summit (1 019 m). Drive to Marciana or Poggio (~1 hour) then hike the 5–6 hour trail or take the cable car to enjoy 360° views .
Water Activities
Lacona’s clear waters and gentle winds make it ideal for water sports:
- Snorkelling & Diving: Sandy seabeds around Lacona transition to rocky points at Capo Stella and Capo Fonza with posidonia meadows and fish. Several diving centres offer guided dives and beginner courses; the hotel has agreements with them . Expect to see octopus, groupers and occasional dolphins .
- Kayak & SUP: Rent kayaks or SUPs on the beach. Early‑morning paddles or sunset excursions reveal hidden coves and offer romantic experiences . Double kayaks are perfect for families.
- Windsurf & Sailing: A windsurf school operates on the beach, offering courses and equipment rental. Lacona’s thermal breezes suit beginners, while experienced riders can go to other spots like Procchio . Sailing courses and camps for children and teens are available .
- Boat Trips: Boats depart from nearby Marina di Campo for day trips to Pianosa (national park) and dolphin/whale watching tours . You can also rent a dinghy at Margidore and create your own itinerary, exploring coves such as Fetovaia, Cavoli and Seccheto .
Where to Eat
Though Hotel Giardino offers excellent home‑style meals, Lacona and surroundings provide varied dining options:
- Lo Zenzero: Creative seafood dishes with panoramic views; romantic ambience; booking recommended .
- Bagni Orano: Beach‑club restaurant serving Elban seafood classics like spaghetti with clams and cacciucco; generous portions and mid‑range prices .
- Fame Chimica: Gourmet street‑food bar for sandwiches and burgers made with local ingredients .
- Cavallino Rosso: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Laconella offering wood‑fired pizzas and a varied menu .
- Regali Rurali farm: Offers cheese and jam tastings; visit the farm for fresh goat cheeses and jams, as well as local honey .
Additional places include Tortuga Beach Club (sunset cocktails), Mom Food & Drink (bistro with live music) and numerous beach kiosks. Nearby towns offer further dining—try La Lampara in Capoliveri or Osteria La Botte Gaia in Porto Azzurro .
Family‑Friendly Facilities
Hotel Giardino is very popular among families:
- Spacious rooms: Multiple‑occupancy rooms with extra beds allow families of 3–4 to stay together; some ground‑floor rooms have private gardens . Cots and bed rails are available on request.
- Safe beach: Lacona’s shallow seabed and soft sand make it safe for children. The beach is so close that you can return quickly for naps or forgotten toys .
- Play areas: The garden has a small playground, ping‑pong table and table football; children can play while parents relax .
- Kid‑friendly dining: The restaurant prepares simple dishes on request (pasta al pomodoro, cutlets with chips, soup), has high chairs and offers flexible meal times .
- Family atmosphere: Staff are attentive and interact affectionately with children . Nearby services include a mini‑market, summer pharmacy and tourist medical service .
A summary table compares why Hotel Giardino is suitable for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts . For families, the proximity to the beach, safe playground and flexible dining are key reasons .
For Couples
Couples seeking relaxation and romance will enjoy:
- Privacy and tranquillity: The hotel’s pine park and dispersed buildings provide quiet seclusion .
- Romantic settings: Walks on the beach under the stars, dinners on the veranda or at panoramic restaurants, sunset hikes to Capo Stella and evening rides on the Monte Capanne cable car .
- Shared experiences: Rent a pedal boat to reach secluded coves, join a sunset cruise with aperitif, or visit local wineries for tastings . Strolls through Capoliveri or Porto Azzurro provide magical evenings .
- Value: As a modestly priced 2‑star hotel, Giardino allows couples to save money for special dinners or excursions . Visiting in June or September offers even more tranquillity and lower rates .
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Climate & Crowd | Activities & Events |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | Long sunny days; daytime temperatures 28–32 °C (cooler in June); the sea is warm and Lacona’s wide beach never feels too crowded . Prices and traffic peak in July/August. | Perfect for swimming, water sports, beach days and evening sagre (food festivals). Events include triathlons and running races, plus beach volleyball tournaments . |
| Early Autumn (Sept–Oct) | Warm sea (~22–23 °C), daytime temperatures 20–27 °C; fewer tourists and lower prices . Services begin to close in mid‑October. | Ideal for quiet beach days, hiking and mountain biking. The Grape Festival in Capoliveri takes place in early October . |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Mild temperatures (18–25 °C) and blooming landscapes; few visitors . Some beach services reopen after mid‑May . | Excellent for trekking, cycling, horse riding, early season swimming and attending sporting events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Giro Podistico . |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Mild but quiet (10–15 °C); most tourist services are closed . | Recommended only for travellers seeking solitude; most hotels, including Giardino, close. |
In summary, choose July–August for lively beach holidays; late June and early September for warm sea with fewer crowds; spring or autumn for outdoor activities and calm beaches; and avoid winter unless you enjoy isolation .
Conclusion
Lacona is a unique corner of Elba that blends an expansive sandy beach, protected dunes and pine forests with convenient access to the island’s main attractions. Hotel Giardino anchors this paradise: a family‑run haven with home cooking, simple yet comfortable rooms, an inviting park and numerous services. Whether you are travelling with children, seeking a romantic retreat or planning an active holiday of hiking, biking and diving, Lacona provides a base where you can relax under the pines after exploring the island. The authenticity of the hotel, combined with the natural beauty and central location of Lacona, ensures that your Elba vacation will be both memorable and relaxing.