Canovella degli Zoppoli / Pri čupah

Canovella degli Zoppoli is a small harbour (porticciolo) in the municipality of Duino-Aurisina in the province of Trieste, located just south of Sistiana. The harbour is a small quayed basin protected by a breakwater about 65 m long and is run by Coop. Nord Adriatico. It is suitable only for small craft up to 7 metres and has 15 berths.

Access to the harbour is open around the clock, but the entrance is unmarked, so night entry is not advisable. Boats approach on a north-north-east heading and moor where directed by local staff. The seabed is sandy with depths ranging from 0.5 to 3 metres, and there are shallow patches at the quay as well as fixed mussel-farming installations along the coast to watch out for. In rough weather, especially bora winds, entering is not recommended, and the nearest safe refuge is the harbour of Sistiana.

At the harbour you'll find a small kiosk-bar serving fresh fish dishes in summer, plus a restaurant in the area. There is also a spacious, shaded car park nearby.

Right next to the harbour lies a beautiful pebble beach with crystal-clear, azure water that is ideal for swimming. From the village of Aurisina you can walk down via the steep Fishermen's Path (Sentiero dei Pescatori), which offers fine views over the gulf, or via a longer staircase from the coastal road. The surrounding area is framed by Mediterranean scrub and vineyards, with nearby trails leading on to the Rilke Path and Duino Castle.