Bagnaia Beach

Bagnaia lies on the eastern side of the Gulf of Portoferraio, on Elba's north coast, in a hamlet of Rio surrounded by green hills. The beach is about 300 metres long and is the widest and best-equipped beach on this stretch of coast. The shore is made of colourful pebbles and sand, with a seabed of small stones and clear water. Across the bay you can see the Portoferraio headland with its lighthouse, while the Volterraio castle towers behind the village.

Getting there

From Portoferraio, take the road towards Porto Azzurro and after about 4 km turn left, following the signs for Bagnaia, which you reach after roughly another 3.5 km. You can park near the sea, in both free and paid areas along the road. Bagnaia is also the starting point of the narrow, winding panoramic road that runs below the Volterraio towards Rio nell'Elba, Nisporto and Nisportino.

Which wind to go with

Conditions are good with winds from the north, east and south: tramontana (north wind), grecale (north-east wind), levante (east wind), sirocco and mezzogiorno (south wind). The mistral is not among the recommended winds.

Facilities and tips

This is an equipped beach, with beach clubs, hot showers, bars and restaurants, but there are also free-access stretches. You'll find a sailing school, boat, canoe and pedalo rental, and moorings for small boats; the little square in the village has shops and places to eat. The setting suits families, and in the late afternoon it is worth staying on for the sunset over the gulf.