La Pergola al Cavo 18

We wanted a quiet base for driving around the island and found a good fit. The place is a few minutes from Cavo, away from a residential area, so it's peaceful and has a beautiful island view. The property is well kept, and our apartment was clean, in good condition, and just as described on the website. Each apartment has its own parking spot for one car. The pool is another plus, with free sun loungers and showers. It's open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, then from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The owner and management agency are always available if you need anything.

The beach and town felt pleasantly uncrowded, even in August, and the white-pebble shore was lovely and clean, both public and managed sections. A lounger is a good idea, and the sea is gorgeous. There’s a little port where the Moby ferry runs to Piombino several times daily. Along the seafront you’ll find places serving aperitifs, a great ice cream shop, a somewhat pricey supermarket, and small bread and vegetable shops. The residence sits high in town near the provincial road, with parking for 30 cars. Apartments have separate walls for privacy and each has a terrace with a splendid sea view. The rooms and kitchenette use functional IKEA furnishings. Kitchen supplies are a bit limited, though staff can bring missing things quickly if you ask. Walking into town takes about 10 minutes downhill on a pedestrian path. Coming back means a 100-meter climb, which could be tough for older people. You can drive to the seafront too, but parking is limited and either requires a parking disc or payment.

A good base for seeing the island’s forests and quieter beaches, though it’s some distance from the prettiest beaches. The apartments are lovely, with a table on the terrace overlooking the pool. Sheets and towels are supplied. Kitchen facilities are minimal. There’s a shared laundry room, and using the washer or dryer costs €3 each during reception hours.

Cavo’s three beaches are only a short drive away, and getting to Porto Azzurro takes around 45 minutes. The apartment was clean, but the furnishings were very basic, including the beds, tables, and chairs. Neither the single beds nor the sofa bed made for restful sleep. There’s a washing machine but no dishwasher. We were a family of five, and the Wi-Fi never worked in the apartment from day one. That was what really frustrated us. Nobody was available to contact on site, and the office we called didn’t give a meaningful response. The downstairs bathroom toilet seat was also very loose and felt unsafe. There are plenty of other places to stay on the island.