Magazzini Beach

Magazzini beach lies on the south-eastern side of the Gulf of Portoferraio, right opposite the town, about 8 km east of the centre. It is a long, narrow strip of sand mixed with fine shingle, partly shaded by tamarisks, next to a small fishing hamlet with its own little harbour. The shallow water deepens very gradually, revealing the Posidonia seagrass meadows.

Getting there

From Portoferraio, follow the road to Bagnaia: the turn-off for Magazzini is on the left, near Schiopparello. Behind the beach there is a large open area where you can leave the car, and the village is served by the local bus line from Portoferraio.

Which wind to go with

The beach is sheltered from southerly and easterly winds: with sirocco, levante (east wind) or a southerly breeze the sea is calm and clear. It is exposed, on the other hand, to winds from libeccio (south-west wind) round through mistral to tramontana (north wind).

Facilities and tips

Part of the beach is free, part is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds; in the village you will find a bar-restaurant, a sailing school, a diving centre, boat hire and a jetty for mooring. It is mostly used by locals and families with children. The harbour explains the name, meaning warehouses: salt from the Schiopparello and San Giovanni salt pans was shipped from here. Behind the beach runs the long wall of the La Chiusa estate, where Napoleon stopped before reaching Portoferraio. Nearby are the Romanesque church of Santo Stefano alle Trane and the Volterraio fortress.