Lacona (Elba Island)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Lacona (Elba Island) is a classic sandy beach-break surf spot on Elba’s south shore, known for producing both left and right waves and a generally fun, reliable quality. It typically starts working around 1.0–1.5m and can hold size up to about 3m+, with normal ride lengths commonly reported in the ~50–150m range. For best surfing, wind direction is consistently described as coming from the north (north to north-west), creating offshore conditions across the bay that help groom the waves. The spot is also described as exposed, with rocks present as a key hazard—especially at the ends of the bay—so careful positioning matters. Crowds vary strongly by season: weekdays are often quiet to only a few surfers, while weekends can get crowded. In summer (May to September), beach safety rules restrict wind-powered sports near the waterline unless using designated lanes, and kitesurfing is described as primarily off-season due to the very high density of swimmers. For gear, a spring wetsuit is specifically recommended, with optional neoprene boots, and no gloves needed in the surf guidance. During larger swells, additional hazards like rip currents are noted, and rescue availability is described as limited.
- Regional-classic beach break with both lefts and rights
- Offshore north winds help groom the waves
- Seasonal crowding and summer restrictions for swimmer safety
- Rocks at the sides/ends of the bay
- Reliable classic beach break with both left and right waves.
- Works from around 1.0–1.5m and can hold up to 3m+.
- Offshore north winds are described as grooming the waves.
- Wide sandy beach launch and generally accessible setup.
- Rocks at/near the break require extra care.
- Summer can be heavily crowded, and swimmer-safety restrictions apply to wind-powered sports.
- Parking can be difficult/expensive in August.
- Rip currents are possible during large swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — North offshore conditions for surfing; winter pattern plus occasional summer sea-breeze influence, with wind dependent on Mediterranean low-pressure systems.
- Reliability
- Moderate, dependent on Mediterranean low-pressure systems.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gusts reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November
- Shadow Zones
- The bay is described as protected from northern winds that would otherwise create offshore conditions for surfing.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with rock hazards.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Surf described as starting around 1.0–1.5m and holding up to 3m+.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach launch / beach launch from the village.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy access and wide launch described.
Through the year
Extremely crowded in July and August; quiet in winter; moderate on surfing weekends.
October to December
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily off-season due to very high summer swimmer density; wide beach can offer space for launching when crowds are gone.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Popular when onshore winds like Scirocco or Libeccio affect the coast; suitable for freeriding and practicing transitions in the bay.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Sandy bottom and generally clean water; foil depth needs monitoring near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.2m
- Wing Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Classic beach break with both left and right waves; works from around 1.0-1.5m and can hold up to 3m+.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides reported as workable; falling tide also mentioned.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Coastal exposure described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the north and north-west are described as grooming the waves; wind direction is noted as north for best surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to around 3m+; can become a heavy closeout in very large conditions.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good/“regional classic” quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Sources describe the surf as fun/moderate with reliable quality for a regional classic.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal ride length reported around 50 to 150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50 to 150 meters typical; holds size up to about 3 meters with potential for heavy closeout in very large conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lacona (Elba Island) in the full forecast view.
Lacona (Elba Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- N351°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.3 m3s period
- Temperature
- 15–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lacona (Elba Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.1–1.3 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Heavy crowds in summer
- Rip currents during large swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Portoferraio.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild.
Rules of the spot
Strict bans on wind-powered sports near the beach during the summer swimming season (May to September) unless using designated lanes.
- Kitesurfing restricted to off-season.
- Summer swimming zones: wind-powered sports restricted May to September unless using designated lanes.
- Watch out for rocks.
- Weekday crowds are typically few; weekends can be crowded.
- The best wind for surfing is from the north (offshore across the bay).
- Local guidance notes the best surfing can be after a southern storm when the wind turns north.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lacona
- Nearest Town
- Lacona
- Parking
- Several large paid parking lots available behind the beach.
- Access
- Instant access from the small village of Lacona on Elba's south shore; take a car to reach the spot.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous campsites and apartments located directly behind the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple beach bars and restaurants along the lungomare.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available for windsurfing and SUP; surfing rentals are more limited.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by local schools for seasonal members.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Lacona–Margidore southern coast balances active sports with Mediterranean relaxation, with nearby hill towns and recreation.
One of the last remaining dune systems in the Tuscan Archipelago, protected for its unique flora.
A medieval hilltop village with narrow streets, historical mining heritage, and panoramic views.
World-class mountain biking destination with trails ranging from coastal paths to steep technical descents.
Beachfront dining with local seafood and traditional Tuscan dishes.
One of the most complete Mediterranean aquariums, near Marina di Campo.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lacona (Elba Island)?
The best overall months at Lacona (Elba Island) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, November.
Which wind directions work at Lacona (Elba Island)?
Lacona (Elba Island) works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lacona (Elba Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lacona (Elba Island): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Lacona (Elba Island) suitable for?
Lacona (Elba Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.