21 Best beaches in Corsica (France) – with inspiring photos!

Let's daydream with the 21 best beaches in Corsica France: this island is filled with sandy paradises with turquoise water, red rocks, stone pines and mountains. The main difficulty is to decide which ones to visit, there are too many to choose from! So below is my selection to help you plan your beach holiday in Corsica.

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Admiring beaches are amongst the top things to do in Corsica​, they are really jaw-dropping.
Before I show you many pictures of the most amazing Corsican beaches by category, here is a a count down video with my Top 10!
There are so many stunning options, some will disagree with this selection. But those are my choices 🙂

You can find all of them in the pictures below in the article with information on how to visit them.

So as you have seen in the video above, I prefer the scenic beaches with colorful rocks to photograph rather than perfect sand and water to swim.
Below is a map to help you locate those 10 beaches in North and South Corsica so as to plan your road trip:

You can find detailed maps and GPS coordinates of all the best beaches and places to see in Corsica in my eBooks: 

First, let's have a look at the Corsican beaches that look the most like the idea we have of paradise: white sand and turquoise transparent water.
They are also include in my overall best places to visit in Corsica.
Just one note, there are no palm trees lining the beaches on the island. The island has a Mediterranean climate not tropical 🙂

Ostriconi beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  Ostriconi beach is located at the South limit of the Agriates desert between L'Ile-Rousse and Saint-Florent
• Why visit
  Ostriconi is not mentioned enough in lists about the best places in Corsica, because it is not close to a major town. Yet, it is one of the views that blew me away when touring the island.
  First of all, I don't like drone views, but I love it when I can see a place from above. At Ostriconi, the access road is higher than the beach, so you get amazing views of the white sand, the intense colors of the water and the rocks of the Agriates Desert in the background.
• Access / Crowds
  There is a short walk down to reach the beach but no facilities at all.
  Because it is not very close to a major town, it is far less crowded.

Palombaggia beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Not far from Porto-Vecchio in the region I call 'beach paradise' 🙂
• Why visit
  Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica because it has often been listed as one of the best beaches in the world.
  It has several coves with long stretches of white sand bordered by stone pines.
  Plus there are fantastic red rocks to explore between them: fun on land and great for snorkeling
• Access / Crowds
  This beach is hyper crowded in Summer. You have to come very early to properly experience it (which is also great for the colors of the rocks).
  There is a large free carpark that is not paved and quite bumpy - short walk from there
  But the carpark gets full in Summer. Some beach restaurants have private parking you can use for a small fee
• Check out accommodations near Palombaggia beach here
• See more pictures

Saleccia beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  On the coast of the Agriates Desert, South of Saint-Florent
• Why visit
  This beach is isolated with no constructions, pure white sand, sand dunes, vibrant turquoise water and a forest of pine trees behind.
  It is even better as you have to make an effort to reach it. I love the isolation and adventure feeling.
  See my article about the Agriates Desert and Saleccia Beach
• Access / Crowds
  You can access it by small boat from Saint-Florent (on calm days), by larger boat to Lotu beach and 1h walk or by 4WD through the desert (and still 10min walk).
  It is not crowded like those by the major towns, but it is a sought after beach.
• Check out the accommodations in Saint-Florent here

Tamaricciu beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Not far from Porto-Vecchio, in continuity of Palombaggia beach
• Why visit
  Like Palombaggia it has a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and pine trees
  When you park by the road, you get beautiful views of the bay from above
  Once down at sea level, if you walk towards the left (when facing the water) you reach the area that makes it famous: lots of large grey rocks and a single stone pine. It really looks like a postcard
  More photos on my article here.
• Access / Crowds
  2 options - free parking along the road + 5min walk down (with steps) - limited carpark spaces OR restaurant carparks for a fee at the West end of the beach (opposite the rocks) with easy access to the sand
  A little less crowded than Palombaggia but hardly
• Check out the accommodations near Palombaggia / Tamaricciu beach here

Rocappina beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Detour from the main road between Bonifacio and Sartène
• Why visit
  For the viewpoint over the beach and rock formations including the famous stack that looks like a lion guarding the bay
  White sand, turquoise water and beautiful granit boulders
• Access / Crowds
  Not so good unpaved track down to the beach.
  Quite crowded in Summer despite the limited access

So the previous beaches were wonderful and paradise-like. Now I would like to share with you another styles of beaches. They are also very scenic with mountains and cliffs but do not fit in our society definition of 'paradise'. Some of my favorite beaches in Corsica are in this category. They are such a pleasure to photograph!

Galeria beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  Between Porto and Calvi, a short detour from the coastal road
• Why visit
  Galéria is a great combination of a colorful rocky area on one side of the tower and a beautiful stretch of sand at the foot of mountains on the other side.
  At this place River Fango meets the sea in a lush delta. I love the mix of scenic elements!
• Access / Crowds
  Galéria is easy to access with good parking.
  You can walk up to the tower for 360° views of the bay and delta
  However because of the river, access to the beach is not easy

Saint Antoine beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  At Capo Pertusato, East of the famous cliff town of Bonifacio
• Why visit
  This is not a famous beach in Corsica and yet it is very impressive. It almost feel like another planet. This is the only beach that looks like that in Corsica.
  It is at the South tip of Corsica at the bottom of magnificent white cliffs. here they have been eroded by water and wind creating stunning shapes and large holes. The beach itself is not the attraction, it is all the formations around.
• Access / Crowds
  Access is not easy. Small carpark at the end of Capo Pertusato road.
  Hike towards the lighthouse + climb down to the beach before reaching it. Not an easy path
• Check out the accommodations in Bonifacio here

Nonza beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  Nonza is the most famous beach of Cap Corse, located on the West coast
• Why visit
  It is one of the rare black beach on the island. Contrary to what might think, it is not of volcanic origin, but because of an asbestos mine nearby (that has been closed for many many years, don't worry)
  The other reasons this beach is spectacular is because the village of Nonza overlook it offering splendid views with the mountains plunging into the sea
• Access / Crowds
  The village of Nonza is accessible by a sinous road along Cap Corse. It is a very popular destinations. The beach itself is not easy to access, the walk is very steep from near the village
  Another option: at the North end of the beach where there is a smaller black beach easy to access (GPS coordinates in my eBook)
• See my article about the Nonza black beach and village

Arone beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  Just South of the famous Calanques de Piana
• Why visit
  Beautiful protected sandy coves with mountains and red rocks. Looks better with the sun 🙂 
  The whole Gulf of Porto is a Unesco site worth visiting but it does not have many beaches. This is the main one in the area and really worth a trip as the road towards it has great views of Capo Rosso
• Access / Crowds
  Easy drive and access to the beach - restaurants on beach
  Can get crowded in Summer due to the lack of beaches nearby
• Check out the accommodations in Piana here

Lotu beach

• Location
  North Corsica
  In the Agriates Desert near Saint-Florent
• Why visit
  The beach itself is not the most beautiful but the surroundings are captivating. It is facing the mountains of Cap Corse and it has a large lagoon behind it.
  It you take the inland path towards Saleccia beach you have splendid views of the whole landscape
• Access / Crowds
  Short boat ride from Saint-Florent (Popeye boats)
• Check out the accommodations in Saint-Florent here

Campomoro

• Location
  South Corsica
  South West Coast below Propriano
• Why visit
  The shape of the bay is just perfect! Plus it is facing the coast up North so you have the feeling of being by a mountain lake. Quite surprising...
  And it has a great walking path around the head and up to the Genoese tower
• Access / Crowds
  Small dead end road to the village (but not technically difficult)
  The main issue at Campomoro is parking. There is a carpark at the entrance - easy access to the beach and a few spaces closer to the village
  Can be crowded in the height of Summer

As I said before, I go to the beach for photography. I am not much of a laying on the sand person. So when there are large rocks with crazy shapes and colors, I am ecstatic 🙂 Below are my favorite Corsica beaches with rocky formations and seastacks.

Punta di Spanu

• Location
  North Corsica beach
  Short drive North from Calvi (across the bay)
• Why visit
  Fun places with several small coves and many rocks. Some are smooth because of the water others are cut. There is even one cut in half. You can walk around the tip and up to a tower
• Access / Crowds
  Easy road to access, but with some big holes so drive slowly
  Easy access walks - No facilities
  Not much sand to lay on.

Lavezzi islands

• Location
  South Corsica Beach
  Island to the South of Corsica 
• Why visit
  This is THE location for rocks. The whole islands are covered with boulder of different colors: light grey, dark grey and pink
• Access / Crowds
  Boat trip from Bonifacio - several departures and return to choose from
  5 to 10min walk to reach the first beaches but more to reach the nicer ones. However you can just explore the rocky bays and admire the stacks of all shapes.
• Check out the accommodations in Bonifacio here
• More pictures of the fascinating Lavezzi islands here

San Giovanni Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  East of Bonifacio
• Why visit
  Hidden in the Figari Bay, it has beautiful smooth rocks spread along the beach. They have different shades of grey.
  Great on a cloudy day!
• Access / Crowds
  Short bumpy road and 5min walk to reach the beach. Not easy to find. GPS coordinates and indications in my eBook.

Rondinara Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Mid-way between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
• Why visit
  Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and I agree.
  The beach itself was not my favorite (although it is very nice with shallow turquoise water and a protected coves) but I fell in love with the rocks on the right side (when facing the sea). 5min walk to very very very colorful rocks.
• Access / Crowds
  Short easy drive - carpark for a fee - easy access to the beach
  Restaurant and facilities
• More photos in the article

Verghia Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Between Ajaccio and Propriano
• Why visit
  Its neighbour is actually more famous (Mare e Sol sometimes called the Silver beach), but I have a clear preference for Verghia. I love that seastack!!! It is so photogenic 🙂
• Access / Crowds
  Right by the road. Easy access
  Restaurant at the beach

So I prefer to photograph beaches, but I know most people prefer to lay down in the soft sand and refresh in the sea. So I have decided to list the most beautiful beaches in terms of swimming potential, the ones where I really felt I wanted to go in the water...

Favone Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  North of Porto Vecchio
• Why visit
  This is definitively my top one in terms of swimming. The sand and water were just perfect. Not many mountains for a view but perfect to relax and float in the water.
• Access / Crowds
  Very easy access with large carpark right by the road - watersports equipment rentals
  Not close by to the major resort towns so not as crazy as the South beaches but since it is so inviting and easily accessed, it gets crowded in Summer

Canella Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  North of Porto Vecchio
• Why visit
  Stunning shape for this beach with ver fine sand
• Access / Crowds
  Right by the main road - carpark at the top and at beach level
  A favorite with the locals

Santa Giulia Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  Between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio
• Why visit
  Nice protected bay with clear shallow waters and all the facilities you may need
• Access / Crowds
  Easy access with Large carpark.
  Restaurants and facilities - watersports equipment rentals
  Very crowded in Summer

Cupabia Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  West coast, North of Propriano
• Why visit
  Nice deep bay with clear water. The sand is not fine but the environnement is protected
• Access / Crowds
  Easy access Good carpark - restaurant in Summer
  Walk on sand to reach the beach

Pinarellu Beach

• Location
  South Corsica
  North of Porto-Vecchio
• Why visit
  Beautiful bay with an island. Shallow water and good sand. Close proximity to restaurants and shopts
• Access / Crowds
  Crowded bay in Summer but the beaches are very long 
  Restaurants at one end near the pier

If you are looking for a beach holiday in Corsica, there is a good choice of accommodations nearby beaches, especially in the South for all budgets from camping to luxury.
Sometimes the accommodations are not right on the beach but nor far away which allows us the keep those stunning environment in such great condition.

Best beach hotels in Corsica

Here is a selection of great beach hotels and accommodation in Corsica for you to consider

• LUXURY - Les Bergeries de Palombaggia are splendid with nice views, beautiful swimming pool and a lot of charm - Check out photos and availability
• LUXURY Apartments - Résidence Santa Giulia Palace offers splendid views of Santa Giulia beach and 3 swimming pools - lots of choice if you like soaking in water 🙂  - Check out photos and availability
• HOTEL - Hotel le Pinarello -  Right by the beach in the Bay of Piranellu - Check out photos and availability
• CAMPING - In Calvi you can stay in campings that are only 3 min walk from the beach and in the pine forest. This is great and you can walk to Calvi and its Citadel along the beach - Check out Camping la Pinède
• CABINS - I love the options of cabins to be close to nature - At Portigliolo there are environmental cabins by the beach with a restaurant offering a perfect view! Check out U Liventi accommodations
• ONE OF MY FAVORITE STAY IN CORSICA - Not by the beach but close to some fo the most beautiful ones in South Corsica - I stayed in one of the mini-villas at U pirellu and it was fantastic. Good location, beautiful views and fantastic swimming pool - we all loved it - Check out U Pirellu accommodations

I just need to warn you a little.
All those beaches and many more are really stunning. But don't have too big expectations, because sometimes seaweed banks can crash on beautiful beaches and then they don't look the same... and don't smell the same! Have a look: 

Before you complain, know that those seaweeds are Posidonia oceanica. They live in the depth of the Mediterranean sea. They are essential to the ecosystem down there as they produce oxygen and host many species.
The leaves that fell are transported by the waves towards beaches. And there too they are essential. They help prevent erosion and they even help creating the beaches as they block sediments. 

So this is the Mediterranean sea, not the ocean. 
There is actually not much difference between low-tide and high-tide.

Sections of some accessible beaches are welcoming Naturists. Don't be shocked.
The few articles I read about entirely naturist beach indicate that they are not easy access, so you don't risk getting there by mistake.

Sometimes you can find cows on beaches... mostly wild out of the way beaches and sometimes in crowded ones (although they won't come when it is crowded).
In any case, leave them alone. It is their territory.

Many beaches propose equipment for watersports. Especially kayaks and paddle-boards
And if you enjoy snorkeling, all the rock spots I mentioned in this article are great options!

You may have noticed that I have not listed any beaches near the two main towns.
They do have beaches close-by but they were just not attractive to me.

Ajaccio Beaches

For Ajaccio, there is a small one in town. Otherwise you have to go to Porticio by boat or bus to find larger sand area like below. Or you can take the bus (line 5) towards Parata to find smaller ones in the other direction.

Bastia Beaches

For Bastia, the main beach is South of the town between the sea and the lagoon. The first one before the lagoon (so easier to access) is Arinella beach.

Want to see more of CORSICA?

What types of beaches do you like?

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