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One of the main benefits of visiting Corsica is the seemingly endless selection of pristine beaches. From the tranquil lagoons of southern Corsica to the serene, sandy beaches in the north, this island offers natural beauty at every turn.
Corsica, or “Corse,” is a Mediterranean island situated off the West Coast of Italy. It is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean, with a sprawling coastline ripe for exploration. Corsica is a French territory, but its location gives the island a distinctly Italian feel, providing visitors with some of the best European food, culture, and weather imaginable.
When staying at your Corsican vacation rental, your only real struggle will be deciding which coastal spots to hit during your trip. Here are just some of the most beautiful beaches on Corsica.
Plage Calvi
Situated just a short 10-minute drive from the historic city center is the stunning Plage Calvi or “Calvi Beach.” With an array of desirable conveniences, including sun loungers, changing cabins, toilets, bars, cafes, and food courts, this is a superb beach for spending a full day on the beach.
What to Expect
This beach’s Mediterranean scenery, delightful powdery white sand, and neat line of grove trees make it postcard-perfect. And, although nicely sheltered for a secluded feel, these vast four miles of uninterrupted Corsican sands are easily accessible. Regular trains run along the back of the beach, and it is also reachable by car or by foot along the pleasant boardwalk.
The ocean here has a smooth, flat gradient for a couple of hundred meters and a quietly rippled surface with no riptides, making it perfect for swimmers to enjoy windsurfing, paragliding, sailing, and jet skiing.
However, if you prefer to do nothing but relax, you’ll appreciate that you can take in the breathtaking views of the ancient Genoese Citadel just above Calvi Bay from the comfort of your beach lounger.
This sheltered beach is surrounded by natural beauty, and the space allows bathers to enjoy the huge stretch of soft sands, explore coves, and enjoy rock pools. Boasting a wide and secluded bay, Calvi has easy waves in shallow waters, ensuring a safe place for children to swim or paddle. Kids may also be lucky enough to find starfish and hermit crabs in the shallows.
Other family-friendly activities are only a short walk away, and a high-octane treeline activity center is suspended in the pine trees that line the beach.
Amenities
Amenities include rescue towers perched along the shore, lifeguards on duty during the high season, a water transport rental center, a diving school, and a quaint picnic with parasol rentals.
Plage de Palombaggia
“Plage de Palombaggia” is situated on the South coast of Corsica, around eight miles or a 25-minute drive from the town of Porto-Vecchio. This part of the coast is arguably the most famous beach on the island and has been voted the “Best Beach in France” and one of the “10 Best Beaches” in all of Europe.
What to Expect
The Mediterranean Sea on this part of the island is calm and translucent, inviting swimmers to enjoy a relaxed dip in the shallow lagoon-like ocean. Children are safe to splash around, and lifeguards are present during the high season. Well-known for its beauty and warm, clear turquoise waters, it boasts phenomenal views of the ĂŽles Cerbicales nature reserve and is one of the longest beaches in Corsica.
Rocky slopes of coniferous and pine trees surround this stretch of tranquil coast. The beach is divided into smaller sections, meaning you can easily settle next to your preferred facilities or favorite restaurant or find a spot that ensures you are nicely secluded.
Huge pink porphyry rocks are neatly dotted along the soft sand shoreline, and if you prefer to be isolated, you can enter the beach at the left end, which tends to be less crowded. A walking path connects the Plage de Palombaggia to the Plage de Tamaricciu, which promises a less crowded atmosphere, so exploring further is always possible.
Amenities
Amenities include numerous restaurants, bathrooms, showers, lounge chairs, parasols, boat rentals, and parking. Renting loungers is not obligatory; visitors are welcome to bring their own parasols, loungers, coolers, and beach equipment.
The car park is not the cheapest at this beach, but unlike some other parts of Corsica, hiring a boat to arrive here is not necessary, so the fee is well worth it. Be sure to arrive early at the parking lot if traveling during the high season, as it can fill up fast.
Plage de Bodri
On the North Coast of Corsica, where the ferries arrive from mainland France, is where you’ll find Plage de Bodri, or “Bodri Beach,” is known for its tempting turquoise waters, fine white sand, and ample opportunities for watersports. And, since this wondrous stretch of sand is located in a picturesque bay and protected from strong winds, it is a great option for breezy summer days.
What to Expect
Bodri is a family beach; visitors are typically Corsican and French citizens. The bay is surrounded by sublime green mountains, dense forests, and clean air, making it an ideal picnic spot and a pleasant area for a stroll.
Most people tend to visit during weekends and holidays, and the soft sands are popular with naturists during the scorching summer months. Dogs are forbidden, so if you are traveling with pets, they will need to be left at home.
There are no buses passing through Bodri, but this peaceful corner of Corsica is accessible via the coastal train. It’s important to request the stop; otherwise, the driver will likely continue. Conveniences include a small restaurant serving scrumptious Corsican cuisine, a cafe, toilets, a changing room, and a parking lot.
In general, Bodri is safe for swimming and children to paddle. During summer, a first aid station and lifeguards are on duty to monitor the beach. On windy days there can be large waves that make for fantastic surfing but be aware that when the wind picks up, the ocean is rougher and can get deep quickly.
There is also a beautiful beach next door, Plage de Ghuinchitu, which is well worth visiting while you’re there.
Amenities
In addition to its natural beauty, there are plenty of amenities to explore. Visitors can enjoy boutique shops, bars and restaurants serving up local cuisine. The beach also has ample parking so visitors don’t have to worry about walking far with their things.
Plage de Saleccia
Situated on the north coast in the DĂ©sert des Agriates, 31 miles from Bastia and 28 miles from L’ĂŽle-Rousse, lies Plage de Saleccia. This remote and rustic Corsican beach is around half a mile long, and while it’s not the most easily accessible, once you reach the rustic pine trees and delightful scenery, you’ll be grateful for the privacy that this hidden gem gifts you.
What to Expect
Known mostly as a place to relax, the shoreline is expansive, but the sea is shallow, making these blue waters perfect for splashing around.
To arrive in Saleccia, you can take a boat taxi which can also deliver you to neighboring beaches. This beach is reachable by car but if you do decide to drive, know that there is no specific parking lot and that a four-wheel drive vehicle will be necessary.
If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to hike to Saleccia. It’s not the easiest trek, but the breathtaking views and unique nature make it a journey to remember.
An interesting fact about Saleccia is that you will find cows wandering around at all times of the year. Don’t be surprised if they try to make friends and chill out next to you (they are very friendly).
Amenities
This beach is a nature reserve and is largely underdeveloped, so it’s necessary to plan ahead and bring your own water, chair, and parasol.
The closest restaurant is a ten-minute walk from the beach and is open for lunch and refreshments, and the closest town is Saint-Florent which is around seven miles away.
Les Plages de Spérone
Another remote yet delightful set of beaches is SpĂ©rone situated in the South of Corsica. Plage du Petit SpĂ©rone and Plage du Grand SpĂ©rone are in the Bonifacio Region of Corsica and face the L’Ă®le de Piana, an island a little more than a stone’s throw off the coastline. L’Ă®le Ratino and Sardinia are also visible in the distance, as well as the spectacular Lavezzi Islands.
What to Expect
The coves of Grand Sperone and Petit Sperone each offer unbeatable relaxation and tranquility, and visitors love the secluded atmosphere found here. Lush greenery, beautifully fragrant Corsican maquis and low rocks make both beaches stunningly attractive.
Sperone is perfect for snorkeling as the calm and shallow water is endlessly inviting, but note that the quiet location doesn’t have lifeguards, so try not to go out into the water alone. Amenities are scarce, but swimmers will be impressed by the unspoiled sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
These serene beaches are just a short drive from the popular town of Bonifacio. However, the closest parking lot is found at Piantarella, so there is a 15-20 minute walk to reach the beach once parked. In addition, a highly-rated golf course perched between the coves with smooth greens and minimal wind makes this location popular with fans of the sport.
As always, tourists and locals flock to the popular Corsican beaches during July and August. So, if you prefer having the beach to yourself, plan your trip for earlier or later in the year.
Amenities
The Spérone beaches are au natural and have no real amenities besides an astonishing view of the sea. Be sure to pack your own snacks, water, and snorkel.
Plage de Santa Giulia
Situated five miles south of Porto-Vecchio, Plage de Santa Giulia is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and is also officially recognized as a designated UNESCO site.
What to Expect
Families with small children can safely enjoy the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon, and dogs are allowed on the beach. Adult swimmers may enjoy venturing a little further from the shore or to the south, where they can enjoy deeper waters.
The shoreline stretches for miles, and adventurists will find small pools surrounded by rocky ledges to splash around in, plus a beautiful lagoon to admire. If you’re impressed by the dazzling views, you will love the fact that the beach overlooks the ĂŽles Cerbicales archipelago.
For anyone who enjoys snorkeling and other watersports, Plage de Santa Giulia won’t disappoint. Families, groups, and solo travelers can look forward to waterskiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating. There are excellent sailing and surfing centers, where lessons are provided to tourists in English and German, and it’s also possible to rent motorboats to explore the many nearby bays and beaches that are unreachable by car.
Bicycle rental is also available if you prefer your adventures on dry land, but lifeguards are on duty to keep you safe in the water during the peak season if you do choose to venture in.
Amenities
Boasting cafes and restaurants with shaded outdoor terraces, plenty of amenities make this beach an idyllic spot for a comfortable day out. There is an extremely popular seafood restaurant with tables directly on the beach serving delicious cuisine from both France and Italy, giving a nod to the island’s eclectic heritage. This much-loved spot serves ample refreshments and hosts regular events such as traditional live Corsican music nights.
There is a free parking lot, but it becomes busy quickly, so try to arrive early. If you don’t have any luck parking here, there is an abandoned village 400 meters away providing more spaces without charge. If you prefer to drive directly to the beachside seafood restaurant, paid parking is available there too.
Plage Rondinara
Located to the north of Bonifacio, close to Porto Vecchio, Plage de Rondinara is the final entry on our list.
What to Expect
Accessible via a winding road that takes visitors through the quaint village of Suartone, this Corsican gem is popular with families and provides the opportunity to relax and unwind in nature. Despite its beauty, this beach is less crowded than the more famous beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia, so it is a good option if you’re aiming to avoid crowds.
Rondinara is unique on Corsica due to its crescent-like shape, and the enclosed cove’s sheltered water is perfect for children to enjoy swimming and snorkeling safely. There is also a playground on-site to keep kids entertained, and the nearby campsite is ideal if you’re looking for an overnight beach adventure.
Experienced swimmers will love the tranquil and warm ocean as they head away from the shore, and by heading north and bypassing the rocky water ledges, more secluded and deeper waters are easily accessible. You will also find a sea center offering boats, catamarans, and kayaks available for rent, and snorkeling can also be done.
Should you decide to take a boat, feel free to moor it in your preferred location along the coast and enjoy the beauty of this nature reserve by foot. In remote coves, there can be a lot of algae, marine vegetation, and boats that sometimes makes snorkeling or swimming more difficult. It may be more comfortable for swimmers to wear shoes in the small bays when walking on the shoals, as sharp rocks can be unpleasant.
Amenities
Benefitting from a restaurant, parking lot, straw umbrellas, and loungers, Rondinara has the basics needed for an enjoyable day without losing its authentic charm. The beach restaurant serves meals, snacks, and ice cream all day so that early birds can enjoy a delicious breakfast, and sunset chasers are welcome to dine into the evening.
Some services cease in the off-season, so be conscious of bringing your own supplies if that’s when you’re planning to visit.
The parking lot is conveniently situated at the entrance to the beach so there is no need to walk far, and the rate is paid daily (rather than by the hour).
Visit Corsica’s Beautiful Beaches
These are the most beautiful beaches on Corsica. As you can see, Corsica is an island that gives the Caribbean a run for its money in the incredible beaches stakes, and you won’t regret spending your summer vacation here. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
