Where to Stay Near Rio nell’Elba: Why Hotel Giardino Is the Ideal Base

Introduction

Rio nell’Elba is one of the oldest villages on the Island of Elba. Nestled between green hills and the blue sea, it retains the charm of its iron mines and traditions linked to the land and fishing . Travellers who want a strategic base to explore beaches, forests and picturesque villages need a welcoming place to return to after a day of adventures. Hotel Giardino, a family‑run hotel hidden among the greenery of Lacona, provides that answer .

This guide, created by the hotel’s staff, offers a complete overview of the hotel, its services and the surrounding area. It includes frequent questions, summary tables and itinerary suggestions tailored to families, couples, sport enthusiasts and culture lovers, all written with the passion of those who love their island .

Who We Are

Hotel Giardino is immersed in a large 30 000 m² park near Lacona beach . The hotel has been family‑run for generations and focuses on both the well‑being of its guests and preserving the surrounding environment . Guests often highlight the cordial atmosphere and attention to detail: the property consists of autonomous units surrounded by greenery, each with numbered parking, television, Wi‑Fi, safe and, in many cases, a balcony, patio or private garden . This layout ensures privacy and tranquillity while remaining close to the main services.

The Hotel’s Position in the Island Context

We are located in Lacona, on the southern side of Elba, just a few minutes’ drive from Rio nell’Elba. The position is strategic because we are about 100 m from Lacona beach – one of the island’s longest – and at the same time inside a protected green area of pines and Mediterranean scrub . From here you can reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio in less than 15 minutes . The proximity to the sea, trails and towns makes Hotel Giardino ideal for travellers who want to explore the entire island without changing lodging.

Why Choose Hotel Giardino

A Green Oasis Between Sea and Pinewood

One of the most appreciated aspects is the sense of peace that you feel as soon as you enter the park. The hotel is surrounded by centuries‑old pines and a lush Mediterranean garden . Low buildings blend harmoniously with the landscape, and each room or apartment has its own numbered parking space . Many rooms have a balcony or patio, and some have a private garden where you can relax in the sun .

Welcoming Rooms and Modern Comforts

Rooms have been designed to be functional and comfortable. Each features a private bathroom with shower and courtesy set ; satellite TV and telephone ; a safe ; individually adjustable air conditioning ; and a balcony, patio or independent entrance, depending on the type of accommodation . Recently renovated rooms feature bright, sustainable design with light wooden furnishings and natural fabrics. Lighting is low‑energy and climate control is efficient . Rooms are cleaned daily and extra linens and pillows are available on request to ensure maximum comfort .

Included and Optional Services

We believe a stay is defined not only by the rooms but also by the services around it. The table below summarises the main services available at Hotel Giardino, many of which are included in the price .

Category	Services	Notes
Connectivity	Free Wi‑Fi in common areas and rooms	Stable connection throughout the hotel
Parking	Numbered parking space for each unit	Secure fenced internal parking
Dining	Buffet breakfast with homemade products; lunch and dinner with quality ingredients	Menus can be adapted for intolerances and dietary preferences
Relax	Private gardens, shaded terraces, solarium with sun loungers	Note: there is no swimming pool
Family services	Children’s games, playground and ping‑pong table	Safe, fenced environment
Sport & Nature	Secure storage for bicycles and diving equipment; possibility of snorkelling and diving	Partnerships with local schools
Transport	Discounts on ferry tickets; shuttle on request	Collaborations with ferry companies
Pets	Pets allowed upon request	Please inform us at booking
Events & Sports	Agreements for competitions like Giro Podistico, Capoliveri Legend Cup, Elbaman triathlon	Discounts on stays for athletes
Check‑in/out	Check‑in from 14:00, check‑out by 10:00	Luggage storage available

Cuisine: Tradition at the Heart of Our Offer

Gastronomy is fundamental to our hospitality. Each morning we prepare a buffet breakfast with homemade cakes and jams, fresh bread, seasonal fruit and savoury items such as cheeses and cold cuts . At lunch and dinner we serve simple yet tasty cuisine that respects Elban tradition, featuring fresh fish, vegetables from the garden and handmade pasta . Our kitchen pays special attention to the needs of children, vegetarians, vegans and people with intolerances .

Typical dishes you may find include sburrita di baccalà (a cod soup), stoccafisso alla riese (stockfish stewed Rio‑style), gurguglione (mixed stewed vegetables), schiaccia briaca (a cake with dried fruit and Aleatico wine) and sportella, a traditional sweet bread . Our wine list features Aleatico dell’Elba and local IGT wines .

Family Hospitality and Authenticity

The main reason we recommend choosing Hotel Giardino as your base is the family atmosphere. We have run the hotel for generations and live on site: we are always present to offer advice on itineraries, events, restaurants and activities . Reviews underline the personal attention and homey feel, without sacrificing the comforts of a hotel . We believe in authentic experiences: we listen to your wishes to build a stay tailored to you, whether you want to relax on the beach, practise sports, discover the island’s mining history or taste local products .

Discovering Elba from Hotel Giardino

Elba is a microcosm containing sandy beaches and cliffs, mountains and forests, fishing villages and archaeological sites. Our central‑southern position allows easy access to numerous points of interest . The following sections provide an overview of must‑see places, recommended routes and activities for different types of travellers.

Rio nell’Elba and Surroundings

Rio nell’Elba is part of the new municipality of Rio (created in 2018 by merging Rio Marina and Rio nell’Elba). The area is characterised by iron mines used since Etruscan times and offers many historical sites . Places to visit include the Archaeological Museum of the Mining District, the Elba Mining Park, Castello del Volterraio and the Orto dei Semplici . The coast of Rio also features beaches and coves that are less crowded than those on the western side of the island .

Elba Mining Park

Established in 1991 to rehabilitate Rio Marina’s old mining areas, the Parco Minerario hosts a rich mineral collection inside Palazzo del Burò and reconstructions of mine environments. It can be visited on foot, by bicycle, by train or by 4×4. The landscape is almost lunar, with the red lake at Cantiere Conche, yellow‑orange formations and the large Valle Giove mine . This experience is recommended for both families and geology enthusiasts.

Archaeological Museum of the Mining District

Located in the centre of Rio nell’Elba, this museum illustrates the area’s history from prehistory to the present. It displays finds from the necropolises of Grotta di San Giuseppe and Buraccio, Etruscan and Roman artefacts and an important mineral collection . The museum is part of the Mining Park network and often organises themed guided tours .

Castello del Volterraio

This fortress stands on a rocky spur between Portoferraio and Rio nell’Elba. Its origins date back to the 12th century, but the site was used for fortification in Etruscan times . The castle resisted Turkish attacks in 1544 and was restored several times; after a long period of abandonment, it has been open to visitors again since 2016 . From the top you can enjoy views of the entire archipelago and breathtaking sunsets .

Orto dei Semplici and Hermitage of Santa Caterina

The Orto dei Semplici is a botanical garden created in 1992 by botanists Gabriella Corsi and Fabio Garbari and photographer Hans Georg Berger . Hosted at the hermitage of Santa Caterina, it preserves spontaneous and cultivated plants typical of the Tuscan Archipelago and has educational and scientific purposes. Open to the public since 1997, it offers guided tours by reservation . The hermitage itself is a peaceful place immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, ideal for a contemplative walk .

Beaches in the Rio Area

The Rio coast offers various beaches and coves. Notable examples include :

Cavo – A wide sandy beach with a promenade and services.
Nisporto and Nisportino – Two pebble bays with crystal‑clear waters surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.
Rio Albano and Topinetti – Small beaches with dark sand mixed with minerals, evidence of the old mining activity.
Bagnaia and Le Secche – Pebble and coarse‑sand beaches facing the Gulf of Portoferraio.
Terranera – Near Porto Azzurro, famous for its green water lake, a relic of an old mine.

Capoliveri and the Southern Coast

The hilltop village of Capoliveri, about 10 minutes by car from our hotel, is one of Elba’s most characteristic centres. It sits on a hill with a maze of medieval alleys (chiassi) lined with craft workshops, restaurants and small squares . The name may derive from Caput Liberum (in reference to the god Bacchus) or the word libero because the area enjoyed special freedoms . Attractions include :

Sea and Mineral Museum “Alfeo Ricci” with unique minerals such as green quartz .
Remains of the church of San Michele, an ancient Romanesque parish church .
Sanctuaries and fortifications like the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie and Spanish Fort Focardo .

Capoliveri is surrounded by numerous beaches: Barabarca, Calanova, Felciaio, Innamorata, Lacona, Lido, Morcone, Naregno, Norsi, Pareti, Straccoligno, Zuccale and others . The nearest to our hotel is Lacona, while Norsi and Felciaio can be reached by a short walk or bike ride . Monte Calamita (413 m) dominates the south‑east: once known for magnetite causing compasses to malfunction , it is now a paradise for mountain bikers, especially during the Capoliveri Legend Cup in May . In July the village hosts the Festa dell’Innamorata, and in October the Grape Festival, featuring parades, tastings and music .

Portoferraio and the Northern Side

Portoferraio, the island’s capital, is about 20 minutes by car from Lacona . Its strategic position made it a natural harbour used since Etruscan and Roman times. In the 15th century Cosimo I de’ Medici built the imposing fortifications of Forte Falcone, Forte Stella and Forte Inglese . In the centre are Napoleon’s residences – Villa San Martino and Villa dei Mulini – where the emperor lived during his 1814 exile . Portoferraio is also known for white pebble beaches such as Le Ghiaie, Capo Bianco, Seccione and Padulella . Legend has it that the Argonauts led by Jason landed on these shores . With about 12 000 inhabitants, the town is the island’s commercial and cultural hub, full of restaurants, shops and museums .

Porto Azzurro and the Eastern Part

On the eastern coast lies Porto Azzurro, a picturesque fishing village with a protected harbour. Originally called Porto Longone, it was fortified by the Spaniards in 1603 with the San Giacomo fortress, which today houses a prison . The main square, Piazza Matteotti, hosts evening markets and colourful houses . Nearby excursions include the Piccola Miniera, a theme park that shows miners’ life, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monserrato . Beaches along this coast include Barbarossa, Reale, Rossa and Terranera .

Marina di Campo and Campo nell’Elba

Travelling west you reach Marina di Campo, the centre of the municipality of Campo nell’Elba. It boasts the island’s longest sandy beach, shaded by a pine forest perfect for picnics . The old town preserves a Pisan tower used first as a lookout and later as a lighthouse . The surrounding villages Sant’Ilario and San Piero have Romanesque churches . Nearby beaches, including Cavoli, Seccheto, Galenzana and Fetovaia, are famous for their fine sand and crystal‑clear waters .

Mountains and Nature: Monte Capanne

For trekking lovers, Monte Capanne – at 1 019 m, the highest peak on Elba – is a must. From the top you can see the entire Tuscan Archipelago, Corsica, Capraia and the Tuscan coast . The slopes are rich in trails through chestnut and holm oak forests and Mediterranean scrub; in spring numerous orchid species and endemic plants bloom . Less‑trained hikers can take a two‑seater cable car from Marciana to the summit , where it is not uncommon to spot mouflons or birds of prey .

Other Islands of the Tuscan Archipelago

Elba is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Some smaller islands can be visited on day trips :

Pianosa – Boats depart from Marina di Campo. Formerly a penal colony, the island is now open for guided visits; highlights include catacombs and Roman ruins .
Capraia – Reachable by ferry from Livorno or via excursions from Porto Azzurro; known for its village dominated by the San Giorgio fortress and rugged coastline .
Montecristo – This is the island of Edmond Dantès (The Count of Monte Cristo); it is a strict nature reserve and access is limited to a few hundred people per year with permission from the park .

Recommended Itineraries

To help you organise your days, we propose flexible itineraries starting and ending at Hotel Giardino. Feel free to adapt them according to your interests, season and weather .

Day 1 – Mining culture and lunar landscapes

Morning – Drive to Rio nell’Elba (about 30 minutes along scenic roads) and visit the Archaeological Museum of the Mining District to learn about the area’s history . Continue to the Mining Park: choose to visit on foot, by train or by 4×4 and photograph the red lake of Cantiere Conche .
Lunch – Return to Rio Marina or stop in a local trattoria to taste sburrita di baccalà .
Afternoon – Climb to Castello del Volterraio; from the parking area in Magazzini the trail takes about an hour. The view from the fortress is unforgettable .
Evening – Return to the hotel for a relaxing dinner. Try our schiaccia briaca for dessert .

Day 2 – Sea and southern villages

Morning – Relax on Lacona beach, just 100 m from the hotel . Rent an umbrella or simply lie on the golden sand.
Lunch – Picnic under the pines on the beach or enjoy a quick lunch at the hotel .
Afternoon – Visit Capoliveri, with its historic lanes and panoramic views over the Gulf of Stella . Tour the Museo dei Minerali Alfeo Ricci .
Evening – Descend to Spiaggia dell’Innamorata for an afternoon swim. On July 14th, the romantic Festa dell’Innamorata re‑enactment takes place on this beach .

Day 3 – Elban “Naples” and fortifications

Morning – Head to Portoferraio to discover its Medici and Napoleonic heritage. Visit the National Museum of the Napoleonic Residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino) . Walk along the walls of Forte Falcone and Forte Stella .
Lunch – Have lunch in one of the historic centre’s trattorias, sampling fish dishes like polpo alla diavola .
Afternoon – Relax on Le Ghiaie or Capo Bianco beaches. Legend says the Argonauts landed here .
Evening – Return to the hotel for dinner; check for evening events in Portoferraio if you want to stay out .

Day 4 – Sunsets and relaxation in Porto Azzurro

Morning – Drive to Porto Azzurro. Stroll around the harbour and browse the boutiques .
Lunch – Choose a restaurant on the seafront and enjoy spaghetti alla pescatora .
Afternoon – Drive to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monserrato, built by a Spanish governor in a panoramic location . On the way back stop at Spiaggia di Barbarossa for a swim .
Evening – Return to the hotel. In summer, Porto Azzurro hosts artisan markets and concerts .

Day 5 – Trails and nature

Morning – Have a hearty breakfast and head to Marciana. Take the cable car to the top of Monte Capanne and enjoy the breathtaking panorama . Alternatively, hike up the trail from Poggio (2–3 hours) .
Lunch – Eat at the refuge on the summit or in an agriturismo in Poggio .
Afternoon – On the way down, visit the village of Sant’Andrea or swim in the natural pools of Seccheto .
Evening – Dinner at the hotel or at a typical restaurant in Marina di Campo. Try gurguglione .

Day 6 – Sports and fun

Morning – Use our discounts to participate in a snorkelling or diving course. Elba’s seabed is rich in marine life and historic wrecks .
Afternoon – Rent a mountain bike and ride the dirt roads of Monte Calamita . In spring you can watch the Capoliveri Legend Cup .
Evening – Dinner at the hotel with a sports menu; afterwards enjoy a musical evening in the village .

Day 7 – Relax and culture

Morning – Visit the Elba Minerals and Mining Art Museum in Rio Marina, which reconstructs the miners’ galleries and environments . The museum also shows videos and offers guided tours .
Lunch – Picnic on the Cavo seafront or dine in a trattoria .
Afternoon – Visit the San Piero Sanctuary in Campo nell’Elba, the San Cerbone Museum or the Roman ruins of Villa delle Grotte in Portoferraio .
Evening – Farewell dinner at the hotel. Taste our Aleatico cake, inspired by the famous dessert wine .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section collects the questions we hear most often. The answers are based on our internal policies and the characteristics of the territory .

Question	Short answer	Citation
What time can I check in?	From 14:00 .
What time must I leave the room?	By 10:00 .
Do you have a swimming pool?	No, there is no pool .
Are pets allowed?	Yes, pets are welcome if notified when booking .
Is Wi‑Fi available?	Yes, free in rooms and common areas .
Do you have a restaurant?	Yes, we serve buffet breakfast and traditional lunches and dinners .
Is parking available?	Each unit has its own numbered parking space .
Do I need to book to visit the mines?	Visits to the Mining Park are by reservation .
Are there events during the year?	Yes, from May to October there are events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup, the Festa dell’Innamorata, the Grape Festival and the Donkey Palio .

If you have other questions, contact us by email or phone; we will be happy to respond .

Practical Tips for Your Holiday

When to Visit the Island

Spring (March–May) – Mild temperatures, lush nature and spectacular blooms; ideal for trekking and cycling. Sporting events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup take place now .
Summer (June–August) – Warm weather and long days; perfect for beach life and water sports. Popular beaches can be crowded, so explore less known coves .
Autumn (September–October) – The sea is still warm and there are fewer tourists. It’s the season of festivals such as the Grape Festival in Capoliveri and the Giro Podistico running race .
Winter (November–February) – Cooler but generally sunny; ideal for those seeking tranquillity and wanting to visit museums, mines and villages without crowds .

How to Arrive

Elba is linked to the mainland by ferries from Piombino and Livorno. You can embark your car or arrive on foot and rent a vehicle locally . In the summer there are also flights to Marina di Campo from Milan and other Italian cities .

To reach Hotel Giardino:

By ferry – Land at Portoferraio (most ferries dock here) and drive to Lacona following signs (about 12 km) .
By plane – Land at Marina di Campo and take a taxi or rental car to Lacona (15–20 minutes) .

We offer ferry ticket discounts for our guests – please contact us when booking .

Transport on the Island

An auto or motorcycle is recommended for exploring Elba. In summer bus lines connect the main locations. Many beaches can be reached by bike or on foot . Adventurous options include :

Boat and dinghy rentals to visit coves accessible only by sea.
Kayak excursions along the cliffs of Capo d’Enfola or Porto Azzurro.
Hiking along the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE), a trail crossing the entire island from the Butterfly Sanctuary at Sant’Andrea to Monte Capanne and Volterraio .

What to Pack

Elba has many faces; in one day you can go from beach to mountain. We recommend bringing :

Comfortable hiking shoes and sportswear for trails.
Swimwear and water shoes for pebble beaches .
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, especially in summer .
Camera or smartphone with sufficient memory to capture stunning landscapes .
Small backpack for day trips with water and snacks .

Local Events and Traditions

Beyond natural attractions and historical sites, Elba is animated by events and traditional festivals that reveal the island’s soul .

Palio degli Asini in Rio

Every summer, Rio hosts the Donkey Palio. This historic reenactment stems from popular culture: teams representing neighbourhoods compete in a donkey race preceded by a parade in period costume. The event is accompanied by food stands and music .

Festa dell’Innamorata in Capoliveri

On 14 July, Capoliveri celebrates the Festa dell’Innamorata, recounting the legend of Maria and Lorenzo separated by pirates. During the festival a torchlit procession reaches the Innamorata beach, where a romantic reenactment takes place .

Festa dell’Uva

Every autumn (late September or early October) Capoliveri hosts the Grape Festival. The town’s four districts compete to decorate their streets and create vine‑themed courtyards. There are tastings, performances, music and parades .

Sporting Events

Elba hosts numerous sporting competitions. In spring the island holds the Capoliveri Legend Cup, one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain bike races . At the end of September the Giro Podistico dell’Elba is a stage race running through villages and trails . In October the Elbaman Triathlon draws athletes from around the world . Our hotel accommodates many participants and collaborates with organisers to provide dedicated services .

Gastronomy and Food Festivals

Every village celebrates its local products. In Rio Marina you’ll find the Octopus Festival, in Marciana the Chestnut Festival, in Poggio the Salt Cod Festival . In spring, wineries open their doors for wine tastings .

Hotel Giardino for Families, Couples, Sporty Travellers and Solo Travellers

Our hotel welcomes guests of all kinds. To help you decide, we outline advantages for different types of travellers .

Families with Children

Spacious rooms with extra beds and cots .
Enclosed playground and green space so children can play safely .
Dedicated menus and attention to children’s dietary needs .
Lacona beach reachable on foot, with a gently sloping seabed ideal for kids .
Educational excursions to the Mining Park and the Orto dei Semplici, which offer workshops for children .

Couples and Honeymooners

Rooms with private garden or balcony, perfect for romantic moments .
Candlelit dinners with typical dishes and local wines .
Evening walks along Lacona beach and sunsets over the gulf .
Participation in the Festa dell’Innamorata if visiting in July .
Possibility of private sunset boat trips .

Sports and Adventure Lovers

Secure storage for bikes and scuba gear .
Rapid laundry service for sports clothing .
Maps and advice on trails for trekking and MTB (Monte Calamita, GTE, Monte Capanne) .
Partnerships with diving centres to explore the seabed .
Special rates for athletes participating in island races .

Solo Travellers

Family atmosphere encourages social interaction .
Single rooms or double rooms for single use at advantageous prices .
Personalised advice on activities to do independently .
Possibility of joining group trips organised by the hotel .

Sustainability and Environmental Respect

Living in an extraordinary natural context makes us responsible for its protection. We use energy‑ and water‑saving policies, eco‑friendly cleaning products and promote recycling . We encourage guests to reduce single‑use plastics by bringing reusable bottles; drinking fountains are available . We also collaborate with local associations to protect Lacona’s dunes .

Curiosities and Anecdotes about the Territory

Elba’s “black gold”

Elba’s minerals were a treasure for ancient civilisations. The Etruscans exploited veins of hematite and pyrite to obtain iron, while the Romans exported metals throughout the empire . During the Middle Ages Pisa and Genoa fought over the island to control the mines. At the Mining Park you can still see the shifting colours of oxides and sulfides .

Napoleon and Elba

Many believe Napoleon was exiled to a remote, sad island. In reality Elba was a strategic and prosperous place. Napoleon arrived in 1814 and stayed for ten months. During this brief period he modernised the island: he built roads, reorganised agriculture and founded the mining school . His residences, Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino, are now museums with artworks such as the Egyptian Room and the statue of Galatea .

Legends of the Sea

According to tradition, the Argonauts led by Jason landed on the shores of Portoferraio during their quest for the Golden Fleece . It is said that the white stones of Capo Bianco beach were bleached by the sweat of the heroes dragging their ship ashore . Another legend says compasses go wild on Monte Calamita because of the magnetite in the subsoil .

Culinary Traditions

Many Elban recipes come from the humble cuisine of miners and fishermen. For example, schiaccia briaca was made by families in Rio Marina with dried fruit and Aleatico wine; the lack of yeast made it last a long time . Stoccafisso alla riese and sburrita di baccalà originated from the need to use preserved fish when fresh fish was hard to find . Today these dishes are local specialties .

Conclusion

We hope this guide serves as a companion to help you discover the Island of Elba and choose Hotel Giardino as your ideal base. Our structure, with its family atmosphere, wooded park and proximity to Lacona beach, offers a perfect balance between relaxation and the ability to explore all the island’s wonders . We have illustrated the services and comforts we offer, the area’s treasures – from the mines of Rio to the landscapes of Monte Capanne – and itineraries for authentic experiences. We have suggested typical dishes to try, events not to miss and curiosities that make Elba unique . All information has been verified using official sources and is up to date for 2025 .

We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Giardino, ready to recommend a swim in Lacona’s crystal‑clear waters, a walk among Etruscan ruins, an afternoon on a boat or an evening in Capoliveri . We will be happy to share our passion for the island and make your stay an unforgettable memory .