Schiopparello between wetlands, beaches and saltworks history

Schiopparello is a destination where nature, coast, culinary delights, outdoor activities and history offer different ways to experience the area. It may be of interest to you if, on your trip to Italy, you want to include not only a beach but also a wetland, an agricultural landscape, regional products and traces of history. When choosing a hotel, you can set your personal focus between these themes.

Wetland and a distinctive stretch of beach

The Oasi de Le Prade is a wetland oasis that includes the Bioitaly SIR B07 area “Zone umide di Schiopparello”. Spiaggia di Schiopparello-Le Prade beach forms a single stretch of beach around 400 metres long, accessible via two roads. It consists of a mixture of sand, multicoloured pebbles and iron slag from the Etruscan period. The beach is mostly freely accessible; sun loungers and parasols can be rented at a small wooden bar.

Other beaches in the immediate vicinity of Schiopparello include Spiaggia di Bagnaia, Spiaggia di Acquarilli, Spiaggia della Padulella and Spiaggia di Capo Bianco.

MTB route and wine experience

For planning a cycling trip, the official “Le oasi di Napoleone” MTB route provides a specific starting point. After crossing the slope of Monte Fabbrello, it leads into the agricultural plain of Schiopparello.

At Montefabbrello winery in Schiopparello, a picnic in its own vineyards with sea views, the winery’s wines and dishes prepared by a chef is offered by reservation. The “Pic Nic in Vigna” experience also includes a guided tour of the vineyards. In Schiopparello, Montefabbrello also operates a sales outlet for wine, oil, pasta and flour.

Saltworks and Napoleonic heritage

Until the beginning of the 20th century, there was a small saltworks in Schiopparello-Le Prade. The salt extracted at the saltworks of Schiopparello-Le Prade and San Giovanni was transported to Magazzini, where it was stored in warehouses and loaded onto ships for export. This connects the history of the area with an earlier economic and transport chain.

Museums, castle and palace in the immediate vicinity

The immediate vicinity of Schiopparello is home to the Museo Nazionale Delle Residenze Napoleoniche, a museum; Castello del Volterraio, a castle; Villa di San Martino, a palace; and the Museo Nazionale delle Residenze Napoleoniche dell'isola d'Elba, also a museum. For days devoted to cultural history, these different types of buildings and museums complement Schiopparello’s nature and coastal attractions.

On an individual trip to Italy, you can give different weight to nature, the coast, cycling, regional products or culture. Schiopparello brings together several clearly distinct themes that can be taken into account when planning your personal trip and choosing the right type of accommodation.

Other places for orientation

You can explore other places at Campo Ai Peri, Scaglieri, Magazzini, Bagnaia and San Giovanni.

For the overview of the wider area: Portoferraio.