Schiopparello Beach

Schiopparello, also called Le Prade, is a long, narrow beach on the Gulf of Portoferraio, facing north, not far from Magazzini. It stretches for about 400 metres and is 4 to 8 metres wide; the shore is made of fine light shingle in various colours mixed with sand. Along much of the beach grow large tamarisk trees that provide natural shade throughout the day.

Getting there

Take the road from Portoferraio towards Porto Azzurro and turn left at the junction for Bagnaia and Magazzini; shortly afterwards, by a bar on the bend, a small dirt road on the right leads to the beach. There is a fairly large free car park shaded by trees, plus one reserved for the bar's customers. The beach can also be reached by bus.

Which wind to go with

The gulf shelters it: it is recommended with the east wind, the sirocco, the south wind and the libeccio (south-west wind). With the sirocco in particular the water stays calm and clear.

Facilities and tips

In summer there is a small bar on the beach, with umbrella, sunbed, canoe and pedal boat hire. The shade of the tamarisks lets you spend the day here even without an umbrella, a real plus with children. From the shore you can see the Medici fortresses of Portoferraio and, up on the hill, the Castello del Volterraio. With the calm water of the gulf it is a good beach for going out in a canoe or trying SUP, and on windy days it also suits sailing and windsurfing.