Lacona Beach on Elba Island
Your Complete Guide to the Beach, Nature and Facilities
Lacona is one of the best-known seaside destinations on Elba Island, located in the municipality of Capoliveri along the southern coast. Its long sandy beach, gently sloping seabed, and wide range of facilities make it a popular choice for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea with every convenience.
Beyond its main beach, Lacona is also an excellent base for exploring other bays along the southern coast, hiking scenic trails through Mediterranean scrubland, and easily reaching some of Elba’s most interesting destinations.
Where Is Lacona?
Lacona is located on the southern coast of Elba Island, within the municipality of Capoliveri, overlooking the spacious Gulf of Lacona between Capo Stella and Punta della Contessa.
Approximate distances:
- Portoferraio: about 10 km
- Capoliveri: about 8 km
- Porto Azzurro: about 12 km
- Marina di Campo: about 16 km
Its central position along the southern coastline makes it easy to reach many of the island’s beaches and villages.
How to Get There
By Car
From the Portoferraio ferry terminal, follow the SP24 towards Procchio and then the SP30 towards Lacona. The drive usually takes around 20 minutes, although travel times may increase during the busiest summer months.
By Public Transport
During the tourist season, Lacona is served by local bus routes connecting it with Portoferraio, Capoliveri, and other destinations across the island. Timetables vary between the high and low seasons, so it is advisable to check schedules before travelling.
Parking
Several public and private car parks are available close to the beach. During summer, some operate on a paid basis, and in peak weeks during July and August they often fill up early in the morning. Arriving early is recommended, especially at weekends.
Lacona Beach
Features
Lacona Beach is one of the longest beaches on Elba Island, stretching for approximately 1,200 metres. It is mainly covered with golden sand, while the eastern section includes a few pebbly areas.
Behind the beach lies a pine forest that provides natural shade, making it especially pleasant even on the hottest summer days.
The Sea and Seabed
The seabed is sandy and slopes gently for several metres from the shoreline. This makes Lacona one of the best beaches on Elba Island for families with children and for anyone looking to swim safely.
The water is generally clear, although visibility may vary depending on wind and sea conditions.
Why It’s Ideal for Families
- shallow, gently sloping seabed;
- wide sandy beach;
- easy access;
- plenty of nearby facilities;
- bars and refreshment options.
Things to Do in Lacona
Besides spending a relaxing day on the beach, Lacona offers plenty of activities.
- Snorkelling in the rocky areas on either side of the bay.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
- Pedal boat hire.
- Walks along the beach.
- Hiking to Capo Stella.
- Relaxing in the pine forest.
The rocky sections at either end of the bay are ideal for snorkelling, where visitors can observe fish, Posidonia seagrass, and marine habitats rich in underwater life.
Available Facilities
During the summer season, the beach offers a wide range of amenities, including:
- beach clubs;
- large free beach areas;
- bars and restaurants;
- sun umbrella and sunbed hire;
- SUP, kayak and pedal boat rentals;
- toilets and showers at beach clubs;
- some facilities accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
The availability of services depends on the season and on individual businesses’ opening periods.
Best Time to Visit Lacona
From May through June and during September, the beach generally offers a pleasant balance of favourable weather and fewer visitors.
July and August are the busiest months of the year. During this period, arriving early in the morning is recommended to find parking more easily and secure a good spot on the beach.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most enjoyable times to visit, even in the height of summer.
Nearby Attractions
Laconella Beach
Separated by a headland, this smaller bay features a mix of sand and rocks and is popular with visitors looking for a quieter setting.
Margidore Beach
Located just a short distance away, it combines gravel and sand and serves as a departure point for several boat excursions.
Capoliveri
This medieval hilltop village is only a few minutes away by car and offers charming streets, lively squares, shops, restaurants, and seasonal events throughout the summer.
Monte Tambone and Capo Stella
The area’s hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the southern coastline and provide access to one of Elba Island’s most scenic natural landscapes.
Practical Tips
- Arrive by mid-morning during July and August.
- Bring reef shoes if you plan to snorkel around the edges of the bay.
- Check bus timetables before travelling.
- Monitor wind conditions if you intend to enjoy water sports.
- Allow at least a full day to explore both the beach and the surrounding area.
FAQ
Yes. Its shallow, sandy seabed makes it one of the most family-friendly beaches on Elba Island.
Yes. The beach is mainly sandy, with a few pebbly sections on its eastern side.
Yes. Both public and private car parks are available. During summer, many are paid and spaces can fill up quickly.
Yes. The rocky areas on either side of the bay offer the best snorkelling opportunities.
A full day is enough to enjoy the beach and also visit nearby places such as Laconella and Capoliveri.
Late spring and September generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Ortano Mare Resort
A Convenient Base for Exploring Elba’s Southern Coast
After spending a day exploring Lacona Beach, Capoliveri, and the bays along the southern coast, staying on the eastern side of the island makes it easy to reach many of Elba’s main attractions. Ortano Mare Resort provides a practical base for combining beach days, visits to picturesque villages, and nature itineraries across the island.
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