Beaches on Corsica
Our Hand-Picked Guide to the Best Beaches on Corsica
Corsica’s 1,000km of coastline is a fabulous and endlessly discoverable mix of iconic sandy beaches, secret bays only accessible by boat, dramatic, windswept cliffs plunging into the sea, and untouched coves lapped by translucent aquamarine waters, picturesque fishing harbours and bustling international ports.
In terms of beaches, there’s something for everyone. Some have lidos, watersports and restaurants, others are more off the beaten track, hidden away in nature reserves. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find something in our list of favourite beaches in south Corsica.
Pinarello
Where: a 30-minute drive north of Porto Vecchio.
Description: over 1km of fine sand stretching from the little hamlet and marina of Pinarellu, which is overlooked by an old Genoese tower. The shallow waters make it ideal for young children, and there are some good water sports opportunities for older visitors, including windsurfing and boat hire. There is a good selection of restaurants in the village, a few beach bars and one lido offering sun loungers.
Access: easy, by car. There are some parking spaces by the marina and other bays along the beachfront.
San Ciprianu
Where: a 20-minute drive north of Porto Vecchio.
Description: a lovely crescent-shaped sandy beach with plenty of facilities for children and some very good restaurants and cocktail bars. There are also a couple of lidos renting out sun loungers and umbrellas.
Access: easy, by car with good parking.
Palombaggia
Where: a 15-minute drive south of Porto Vecchio.
Description: with its soft white sand, pink granite headlands, many blue-hued waters and green pine forests, Palombaggia is arguably one of the most picture-perfect and popular beaches in Corsica. There are lifeguards, water sports facilities, lidos and several bars and restaurants in the summer season. It is popular with families and good for children.
Access: easy, by car. There are several parking areas, one of which is free.
NB two of our villas, Tamaricciu and Fontana are within walking distance of Palombaggia beach, close to the southern less busy section.
Santa Giulia
Where: a 15-minute drive south of Porto Vecchio (25 minutes north of Bonifacio), just beyond Palombaggia.
Description: a secluded bay with white sand and shallow waters, quite Caribbean in feel. A wooden pier stretches into the water and there are plenty of water sports on offer. There is also a restaurant.
Access: easy, by car via a long, winding, panoramic road. There is free parking available if you get there early.
Rondinara
Where: between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, around a 30-minute drive from both.
Description: an unspoiled, horseshoe-shaped sandy bay next to a little salt-water lake. Part of a nature reserve, Rondinara has few facilities, but there is a small bar serving refreshments. The beach is popular with windsurfers.
Access: easy, by car followed by a walk down to the beach.
Plage de Balistra
Where: a 25-minute drive northeast from Bonifacio.
Description: a lovely remote sandy beach between the sea (to the east) and Balistra Lagoon (to the west). The area is part of a protected nature reserve and there is some lovely walking. There are no facilities so make sure to take water and provisions.
Access: easy, by car.
Sant'Amanza (Maora)
Where: a 15-minute drive northeast of Bonifacio.
Description: a long stretch of sandy beach with facilities, including a lido and restaurant, at the base of a deep north-facing bay, which is also home to a couple of other small beaches.
Access: easy, by car.
Cara Lunga
Where: a 15-minute drive due east of Bonifacio.
Description: a small, unspoiled sandy beach for those who love a more off-the-beaten-track location. A stretch of reef makes it popular with snorkelers. There are no lidos but there is a good beachfront bistro (U Caru Lunga).
Access: easy, by car and a short walk.
La Tonnara
Where: a 15-minute drive northwest of Bonifacio.
Description: a long sandy beach spread over a couple of bays. It doesn’t tend to get crowded even in the peak summer months. The water is beautifully clear and great for snorkelling. There's a restaurant and a few other facilities, making it a great spot for a day out.
Access: easy, by car.
Roccapina
Where: on the south coast, a 35-minute drive west from Bonifacio.
Description: a small bay of crystal clear turquoise water with white sand flanked by red rocky cliffs. This is a beach for those who prefer simple natural surroundings – there are no facilities so you should take provisions and your own shade.
Access: on foot via an uneven rocky path – we recommend you park near the Auberge de Coralli and walk from there.
Plage d'Argent and Tralicetu
Where: about 17km due south of Propriano
Description: a pair of adjacent beaches enveloped in greenery. The first is small with silvery-white sand; the second is a longer stretch of golden sand. They share limpid waters and a secluded, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere. There are no facilities so we recommend you take supplies.
Access: easy, by car, with dedicated parking.
Tizzano
Where: about 15km south of Propriano.
Description: a small, sheltered sandy beach and a deep inlet of transparent water. There's a restaurant by the little marina and the sunsets are stunning.
Access: easy, by car, with parking.
Campomoro
Where: in the village of Campomoro, a 25-minute drive southwest of Propriano.
Description: a small, quiet sandy bay renowned for its crystal clear waters. There are a few restaurants and bars along the beach and in the village.
Access: easy, by car. There is parking along the seafront and in the village.
Capo Laurosu
Where: in the Gulf of Valinco, about 1.5km west of Propriano.
Description: a relatively quiet stretch of white sandy beach and shallow waters. There are no facilities, so we recommend you take supplies.
Access: easy, by car, with dedicated parking areas.
Campitellu
Where: in the Gulf of Valinco, about 1km west of Propriano.
Description: a wild sandy beach lapped by transparent waters and verged by verdant, fragrant maquis. There are no facilities so we recommend you take supplies.
Access: easy, by car, with a dedicated parking area.
Capicciolo
Where: the next little bay west of Campitellu.
Description: a relatively quiet little sandy beach with occasional rocky sections frequented by the inhabitants of a few villas. There are no facilities so we recommend you take supplies.
Access: easy, by car plus a short walk.
Taravu
Where: about 6km west of Propriano.
Description: 3km of white sand looking westwards out to sea. There is a restaurant at each end of the beach.
Access: easy, by car.
Cupabia
Where: a 35-minute drive northwest of Propriano.
Description: an idyllic beach of fine white sand, emerald trees and limpid shallow waters. There is a restaurant.
Access: easy, by car, with a dedicated parking area.
