Elba Island is a jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea characterized by sandy beaches, historic villages and spectacular scenery. This 3‑day itinerary, based at Hotel Giardino in Lacona, guides families, couples, hikers and motorcyclists to discover the island’s most beautiful spots.
Hotel Giardino is a family-run hotel set in a 30,000 m² park only about 100 m from Lacona beach, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Elba.
Hotel Giardino: an ideal starting point
Hotel Giardino is a cosy, family-run hotel in the heart of Lacona Bay, surrounded by a large green park. The golden sandy Lacona beach lies just 100 m from the property and is perfect for families and nature lovers. The rooms offer modern comforts such as private bathroom, satellite TV and safe and overlook the curated inner garden. A buffet breakfast with homemade products is served in the morning, while lunch and dinner offer genuine dishes of Elban cuisine. Services include free Wi‑Fi in common areas, covered bike storage and discounts on scuba excursions thanks to nearby diving centres. Guests benefit from ferry discounts and shaded parking, and the friendly atmosphere makes you feel at home.
FAQs:
- Where is Hotel Giardino? – It is located in Lacona, a hamlet of Capoliveri on Elba’s southern coast; the beach is reachable on foot through protected dunes.
- What services does the hotel offer? – In addition to standard services (breakfast, parking, Wi‑Fi), there is covered bicycle storage and the staff organizes outdoor activities like diving and hiking.
- Why is Hotel Giardino a good starting point? – Its strategic location allows you to reach Elba’s main towns (Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio) by car in 10‑15 minutes while still enjoying a relaxing green setting.
Recommended Itinerary – 3 days
Day 1: Portoferraio and surroundings
- Morning (Portoferraio) – After landing at Portoferraio (accessible by discounted ferry via the hotel), start with the Medici fortresses that overlook the bay: Forte Stella and Forte Falcone offer panoramic views, while the Palazzina dei Mulini, Napoleon’s residence during exile, is a must for history lovers.
- Afternoon (Beaches of Portoferraio) – Relax on nearby beaches such as Spiaggia delle Ghiaie (mixed sand and white pebbles) and Padulella (fine sand). For vivid colours, swim at Capo Bianco, known for its white limestone cliffs contrasting with turquoise water.
- Evening – Portoferraio’s historic centre offers many typical restaurants and pizzerias. A dinner by the harbour is a chance to taste fresh seafood; for example, Ristorante Mare is appreciated for its seafood dishes and view, while Il Pescatore offers local specialities. After dinner, stroll along the waterfront or Piazza Cavour for bars and gelaterias.
Day 2: Western side and mountains
- Morning (Monte Capanne) – Climb Monte Capanne, Elba’s highest peak at 1,019 m. Reach the summit by cable car from Marciana in 18 minutes or hike through oak and chestnut forests. On clear days you can see the entire Tuscan Archipelago and even Corsica and the Apuan Alps.
- Afternoon (Western coast) – Descend through picturesque villages such as Marciana Marina and drive along the panoramic coastal road to the “Costa del Sole.” Visit beaches like Sant’Andrea (with striking rocks), Fetovaia, Seccheto and Cavoli (now equipped but still charming). The view includes Campo Lo Feno’s terraced vineyards.
- Evening – End the day at Marina di Campo, known for the island’s longest beach and lively promenade. Enjoy beach bars and restaurants like pizzeria Il Gladiatore or Ristorante L’Acquacalda. After dinner, look for aperitifs and live music in the main square.
Day 3: South‑east and Capoliveri
- Morning (Capoliveri) – From the hotel head up to Capoliveri, one of Elba’s most charming villages. Its historic centre, with colourful alleys and lively squares, offers views over Lacona Bay and from Via Giovanni XXIII’s Belvedere you can admire the Golfo Stella. In summer (around 14 July) the village hosts the famous Legend of the Innamorata, a historical reenactment.
- Afternoon (Innamorata Beach and surroundings) – Just outside Capoliveri lies Innamorata Beach, a small sandy bay framed by pine trees and Mediterranean scrub. On the way back towards Lacona, detour to other beaches: Laconella (beyond Lacona within the dunes reserve) or continue to Porto Azzurro, a picturesque fishing village.
- Evening – Porto Azzurro is ideal for a final dinner. Recommended restaurants include La Sagra del Pesce (known by locals) and Il Rifugio di Monte Cristo. Afterwards couples can drive up Monte Calamita to watch the sunset over Argentario. In summer, open-air concerts and shows often take place along Porto Azzurro’s seafront.
Recap table
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portoferraio: Medici fortresses, historic centre | Beaches of Portoferraio: Ghiaie, Padulella, Capo Bianco | Dinner in Portoferraio and a waterfront stroll |
| 2 | Monte Capanne: summit at 1,019 m by cable car/trail | Marciana Marina and Costa del Sole: Sant’Andrea, Fetovaia, Seccheto, Cavoli | Aperitif or dinner at Marina di Campo |
| 3 | Capoliveri: historic centre, Belvedere | Innamorata Beach and natural reserves (Lacona, Laconella) | Dinner in Porto Azzurro and sunset on the sea |
Activities for every type of traveler
- Families with children: Fine‑sand beaches with shallow water are ideal. Beyond Lacona and Portoferraio’s beaches, excellent options include Cavoli and Fetovaia, both with facilities and pine groves. For young children, the Bagni Orano beach club in Lacona offers child‑friendly services. Evening activities include artisanal gelato or pizza; many restaurants have children’s menus. On rainy days, visit the Villa San Martino in Portoferraio or the Museum of the Sea in Marciana Marina.
- Couples: Seek romantic moments like sunsets and candlelit dinners. Stroll at sunset along Porto Azzurro’s seafront or the Rocca della Madonna delle Grazie in Portoferraio. Take the Monte Capanne cable car at sundown and dine at La Comacina in Porto Azzurro or Ristorante La Rizzaccia in Procchio. Attend events such as the Island of Elba Musical Festival in September. Driving the panoramic road from Capoliveri to Innamorata offers scenic photo opportunities.
- Hikers and nature lovers: Bring hiking shoes – Elba has many trails. Besides climbing Monte Capanne, follow paths such as the Concia dell’Innamorata and the Valle di Pomonte. The Tuscan Archipelago National Park protects the entire island; one popular route descends from Pomonte to Cala dell’Aliva. Explore the wetland of Mola near Procchio and hike the heights of Lacona during spring to see blooming anemones. Snorkeling and diving are available in waters rich in marine life; the hotel recommends nearby diving centres.
- Motorcyclists: Elba is perfect for two‑wheel enthusiasts thanks to winding scenic roads. A classic route is the Western Ring (Procchio–Marina di Campo–Fetovaia) counterclockwise for the best panoramas. The eastern side also offers curves: from Porto Azzurro ride to Rio nell’Elba and Cavo. Roads are narrow, so drive carefully. Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is busier. Annual gatherings include the Vespa and Lambretta rally at Easter and the Ducati Centocurve in September. Hotel Giardino provides discounts for sporting events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman Triathlon.
Sea, beaches and nature
Elba’s beaches are diverse: you’ll find light sand and shallow waters for families as well as untouched rocky bays. Nearby Lacona beach is almost 2 km long with facilities and natural sections. Southward are Capo Bianco and Padulella in Portoferraio. Along the Costa del Sole, visit Sant’Andrea with its large rocks and the wild dunes of Marina di Campo; further south, Fetovaia and Seccheto have golden sands and a Caribbean‑like contrast with Mediterranean scrub.
The pine forest behind Lacona provides shade and protects the dunes. Monte Calamita’s forest near Capoliveri is suitable for short walks. Elba is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which preserves native flora and fauna, making hikes and bike rides spectacular.
FAQs:
- What are the best beaches for swimming? – Besides Lacona and Cavoli, try Biodola and Scaglieri near Portoferraio, Innamorata Bay in Capoliveri and the Bagni Orano beach club in Lacona. Bring a mask and snorkel; near Marciana Marina you can see small wrecks and colourful fish.
- Are there scenic viewpoints or nature reserves? – Yes. The Napoleon’s Chair in Portoferraio is a rock overlooking the sea where Napoleon admired Corsica. The Poggio lookout (375 m) provides views of Marciana Marina. The Lacona dune reserve is a protected ecosystem. Boat trips often visit nearby islets like Cerboli, Pianosa and Montecristo.
Food and recommended restaurants
Elban gastronomy features honey, local extra‑virgin olive oil, Aleatico and Ansonaco wines and very fresh fish. During the three days, the article recommends these restaurants:
| Restaurant | Location | Speciality/Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Da Mario | Capoliveri (centre) | Fresh fish, Italian cuisine | Panoramic terrace; rating 8.7/10 on TheFork |
| Taverna dei Poeti | Capoliveri | Fish and meat, creative cuisine | Over a century of history; innovative dishes like monkfish tortelli |
| Koala Restaurant | Capoliveri (outskirts) | Mediterranean, fish | Terrace surrounded by greenery; genuine cuisine |
| Lo Zenzero | Lacona | Italian, fish, pizza | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor; near the beaches |
| Fame Chimica | Lacona | American (burgers) | Gourmet burger joint rated 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor |
| Bagni Orano | Lacona beach club | Beach restaurant | Simple cooking with a beach location, 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor |
| Mare (Loc. Lido) | Portoferraio (Lido beaches) | Fish, Tuscan | Spectacular sea view and traditional dishes |
| Il Pescatore | Portoferraio centre | Tuscan, fish | Traditional Elban cuisine, 4.2/5 on TheFork |
| Oasi Restaurant | Capoliveri (alley) | Pizza, Elban cuisine | Family‑style rustic setting, good value |
| Da Michele | Capoliveri | Pizza and fish | Terrace overlooking Porto Azzurro Bay |
Other localities offer many options such as pizzerias, farm restaurants and gelaterias; Marina di Campo and Porto Azzurro often feature live music and lively terraces.
Must‑try dishes: Taste the local fish stew “cacciucco,” mussel soup, goat‑cheese ravioli and fruit tarts. Elban olive oil (PDO) and sweet Aleatico wine accompany any meal. Many restaurants offer tasting menus of local products; for example Osteria del Noce in Porto Azzurro has a rich fish menu.
Evening activities
Elba’s evening scene varies by town. Marina di Campo has beach bars with music and cocktails, Portoferraio offers bars and pubs like Civico 184, while Porto Azzurro is lively in summer with gelaterias, wine bars and occasional concerts in Piazza Matteotti. Capoliveri hosts village festivals such as the “Night of Wine” with tastings. For nightlife, the Lido Beach Club in Portoferraio is a renowned seaside disco. Alternatively, consider a sunset aperitif boat trip; various companies offer mini‑cruises with cocktails departing from Marina di Campo.
Boat excursions
Boat trips are an unmissable way to see Elba from the sea. Excursions of half or full day take you to hidden coves, sea caves and views inaccessible by land. Many tours include a complete circuit of the island (25–30 hours) or short cruises to nearby Pianosa, formerly a prison and now a national park. Skippers often act as nature guides, explaining marine landscapes and fauna; Elba is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary where dolphins and sperm whales are often sighted. Spring and autumn are best for boat trips and cetacean watching when the sea is calmer. Themed trips include night snorkelling, fishing and romantic sailing tours. The hotel is near the marinas of Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro and Lacona, where boats depart.
Recommended excursions: Take the “Giro dell’Elba” boat trip from Marina di Campo or Lacona to tour the entire island or sailboat tours with snorkeling equipment. To see the Sant’Andrea caves, depart from Marciana. Day trips to Capraia and Corsica are also available. Don’t miss a sunset mini‑cruise along the south coast with onboard aperitif.
Local events and festivals
Elba hosts a rich calendar of food festivals, popular celebrations, concerts and sporting events year‑round. Notable events include:
- Legend of the Innamorata (Capoliveri) – Historical reenactment on 14 July between Capoliveri districts that commemorates an ancient love story.
- Santa Chiara Festival (Marciana Marina) – Held at mid‑August with a grand fireworks display over the sea.
- Elba Isola Musicale d’Europa – An international classical and jazz festival in September at various island locations.
- Sagrefestival (Porto Azzurro) – A traditional festival with food stands, folk music and performances usually at the end of August.
- Sailing regattas – The Giro dell’Isola d’Elba amateur regatta in June and the famous Barcolana of Elba in October.
- Sporting events – The Elba road running race in spring, the Capoliveri Legend Cup mountain bike race in September and the Elbaman Triathlon at the end of summer. Hotel Giardino offers special rates to participants.
Weekly in summer, local sites Elbalink and ElbaEventi publish updated calendars of concerts, outdoor cinema, evening markets and other festivities. Each season brings different activities: spring/autumn for trekking and cultural events, summer for festivals and beach life, winter for museum visits and relaxation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Elba
- What is the best period to visit Elba? – Every season has its charm. Summer (June–September) is ideal for the sea with daytime temperatures around 25 °C. Spring and autumn (April–May, October) are perfect for hiking and cycling with mild climate and blooming flowers. Winter is quieter and wetter; some venues close but you can enjoy museums without crowds.
- Are there recommended town walks? – Yes. In Portoferraio, stroll through the historic centre and along the Medici promenade overlooking the sea. In Capoliveri, climb the steps of Piazza Matteotti and shop in artisan boutiques. In Porto Azzurro, the seafront and the square are inviting for stops at cafés and gelaterias.
- Which mountain hikes are available? – Besides Monte Capanne, try Monte Perone (796 m) for views of the eastern side, Monte Serra above Lacona and the Miniera trail in Capoliveri. Experienced hikers can tackle the via ferratas of Monte Capanne and Monte Calamita; the panoramic “Le Cave” trail near Punta Calamita is recommended for all.
Quick suggestions for different needs
| Travel type | Recommended activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Beaches of Lacona, Cavoli; pine forest of Lacona | Sandy beaches with services and water games; family‑friendly restaurants |
| Couples | Sunsets from Innamorata; Monte Capanne cable car | Romantic dinners in charming restaurants; musical festivals |
| Hikers | Climb Monte Capanne; trek in Pomonte Valley | Beautiful panoramas; well‑marked trails in the park |
| Motorcyclists | Western Ring tour; scenic asphalt roads | Winding but spectacular routes; spring motor rallies |
| Gastronomy | Aleatico wine cellars in Capoliveri; village festivals (cacciucco) | Typical dishes based on fresh fish and local products |
Hotel information and contacts
Hotel Giardino – Viale dei Golfi 936, Lacona, Capoliveri, Elba Island. Tel.: +39 0565 964059; Mobile: +39 335 7925420; email: info@elbahotelgiardino.it.