Zupignano or Zuppigliano beach, in Rio - Elba Island

Zupignano beach (also known as Zuppigliano) is fairly large, about 325 metres long and up to 16 metres wide, unspoilt and very beautiful, especially from a geological point of view.

It is practically accessible only by sea and, as it is located less than 1 nautical mile north of Bagnaia, it can also be reached by canoe.

It consists mainly of small, smooth brownish pebbles of various sizes and some areas of fine sand.

It has a very unusual shape compared with other beaches on Elba, as it lies at the foot of some of the most rugged rocky cliffs on Elba, which seem to press it towards the sea. The steep cliffs are made of layered, crumbly rock, so it is dangerous to remain beneath the overhanging rocks.

Since winter 2025, the beach has been divided into two by a large landslide, creating two separate beaches. Going from one beach to the other is advisable only by sea, as the fallen rocks have not yet settled and may be dangerous. 

Infoelba recommends: Due to the risk of falling rocks, made even more evident by the large landslide that practically divided the beach in two in winter 2025, although the shade created by these rocks may be appealing, it is advisable to bring a beach umbrella and stay well away from the cliff, avoiding sitting beneath the rocks.

A beach suitable for those seeking peace and solitude.

It has no facilities of any kind and is mainly visited by boaters who anchor in front of the beach, especially on days with sirocco, southerly and all winds from the eastern side.

As already mentioned, the beach is accessible almost exclusively by sea. However, there is also a path descending from the valley, which begins along the road connecting Bagnaia to Nisporto. The route continues beyond a barrier marking a private property, leads close to a house and then proceeds through the woods, with a rather demanding descent. The path leads to the beach located further north.