Sunlit coves lapped by crystal-clear waters, fragrant maquis scrub rolling down rugged peaks, and centuries-old Genoese fortifications overlooking the sea—this is Corsica, a Mediterranean gem that harmoniously blends wild nature with a dash of French and Italian influences. Known to locals as “l’Île de Beauté,” Corsica boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes for an island its size, from the soaring limestone cliffs of Bonifacio to the pine-forested valleys of its mountainous interior.
But it’s the island’s coastline that often steals the show, offering beaches both glamorous and remote. Some are tucked away behind dense pine forests or rocky outcrops; others lie near picturesque towns bustling with café culture and marine activities. Ready to dip your toes into Corsica’s azure waters? Join us as we unveil 9 of the best beaches in Corsica, each with its own story, ambiance, and reasons to visit.
1. Palombaggia (Porto-Vecchio)
One of Corsica’s most iconic beaches, Palombaggia lies just south of Porto-Vecchio on the island’s southeast coast. This postcard-perfect expanse of fine white sand is framed by umbrella pines and vibrant red rocks that create a dramatic contrast with the turquoise sea. Its shallow, gently sloping seabed makes Palombaggia an excellent choice for families and novice swimmers.
During high season (July-August), Palombaggia can get quite busy, so arriving early or visiting in the shoulder months (June or September) helps secure a prime spot. You’ll find a handful of chic beach bars and restaurants offering fresh seafood, salads, and refreshing cocktails. Despite its popularity, Palombaggia still manages to preserve a tranquil vibe—especially if you stroll a little farther from the main access points.
Activities
- Swimming & Snorkeling – Palombaggia’s calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for spotting fish near rocky edges.
- Beach Bars – Treat yourself to a lounge chair and a chilled drink or sample Corsican rosé as you gaze over the bay.
- Scenic Walks – A short walk around the rocky headland reveals quieter coves and stunning vantage points.
Best For:
Travelers craving the quintessential Corsican beach experience, complete with dazzling turquoise waters and a dash of style. Families, couples, and anyone seeking convenience plus natural beauty will love Palombaggia.
2. Santa Giulia (Porto-Vecchio)
Not far from Palombaggia is Santa Giulia, another southeast coast gem celebrated for its lagoon-like waters and powdery sand. A protective sandbar creates a sheltered bay, where the ocean remains calm and shallow—a magnet for paddleboarders, kayakers, and families with young children. The beach is dotted with pine and juniper trees, offering occasional shade and a lush backdrop for scenic photos.
Like Palombaggia, Santa Giulia attracts peak-season crowds, thanks to its unparalleled natural beauty. Several upscale beach clubs and watersports centers dot the shore, renting jet skis, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards. If you prefer quieter moments, venture to one of the smaller inlets near the beach’s edges early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is particularly enchanting.
Activities
- Watersports – The protected bay is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and even beginner windsurfing on breezier days.
- Family Fun – Gentle water depth and minimal waves make Santa Giulia a favorite for kids. Beach toys and snorkel sets come in handy.
- Dining & Lounging – Beach clubs serve fresh seafood, salads, and cocktails, often with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent.
Best For:
Those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly environment with options for watersports. Santa Giulia pairs pristine nature with the convenience of beachside amenities.
3. Rondinara (Between Bonifacio & Porto-Vecchio)
Nestled between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, Rondinara is a horseshoe-shaped bay so serene it could be mistaken for a natural lagoon. The water remains shallow far from shore, and the beach transitions from golden sand to the typical Corsican red rock outcroppings. Surrounded by rolling maquis vegetation, Rondinara exudes a laid-back charm that often captivates travelers seeking quieter beaches than the more famous Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.
A small campground and a beach café provide basic services, but otherwise, Rondinara remains relatively undeveloped. In peak season, you’ll see sailboats and yachts anchoring in the bay to enjoy the calm, clear waters. For an idyllic day, pack a picnic, rent a sun lounger if desired, and let the tranquil ambiance wash over you as you soak up the southern Corsican sun.
Activities
- Swimming – Thanks to the bay’s protective curve, waves are minimal, and the sea is typically calm—great for floating and wading.
- Nature Walks – Explore short footpaths through the maquis for panoramic views of the bay and coastline.
- Kayaking – Glide across the still water, skimming over seagrass meadows that harbor small fish and occasional rays.
Best For:
Beach lovers seeking a quieter, more intimate spot that still offers basic comforts. Rondinara’s seclusion and gentle waters make it perfect for families and couples who value serene beauty over crowds.
4. Saleccia (Desert des Agriates)
Tucked away in the Désert des Agriates on Corsica’s northern coast, Saleccia is renowned for its stark natural beauty: a crescent of white sand backed by dunes and pine forest, lapped by water that glitters in shades of turquoise and emerald. The region’s name, “Desert of Agriates,” might suggest arid emptiness, but you’ll find a landscape of wild scrub, fragrant herbs, and a sense of isolation that’s increasingly rare in the Mediterranean.
Reaching Saleccia can be part of the adventure. Many travelers opt for a 4×4 shuttle along a bumpy track from Casta, while others arrive by boat from Saint-Florent. Because of its remote location, facilities are minimal—a few seasonal kiosks for snacks and drinks, plus campsites. Yet the rewards are immense: pristine sand, gentle waves, and a rugged horizon that feels worlds away from the bustle of popular tourist hubs.
Activities
- Off-Road Trek – Adventure seekers can hire a 4×4 or quad bike to navigate the rugged path, enjoying dramatic desert-like landscapes en route.
- Boat Excursion – Hop on a water taxi from Saint-Florent for a scenic ride along the coast, arriving directly on Saleccia’s shore.
- Camping – Spend a night under the stars at the nearby camping area, falling asleep to the sound of waves.
Best For:
Adventurers and solitude-seekers willing to go off the beaten path for an unspoiled, tranquil beach experience. Saleccia’s wild, remote setting offers a slice of Corsican paradise for those craving minimal crowds.
5. Ostriconi (Northwest Coast)
Not far from the popular Île-Rousse, the Ostriconi region presents another gem for lovers of wilder shores—Plage de l’Ostriconi. The beach sits at the mouth of the Ostriconi River, with rolling dunes and wetlands that attract birdlife, including herons and egrets. The wide stretch of pale sand recedes into waters that can become wavy on windier days, delighting bodyboarders and experienced swimmers.
Ostriconi is accessible via a short walk from a parking area near the main road, although the path can be sandy or muddy depending on weather conditions. Bring snacks and plenty of water; aside from a few summer kiosks, the beach remains undeveloped. If you enjoy combining beach time with light hiking, consider exploring the Sentier des Douaniers(Customs Officers’ Path) that skirts the coast, offering sweeping views over wild coves and Mediterranean scrubland.
Activities
- Birdwatching – The wetlands behind the beach teem with avian life, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Bodyboarding & Surf – On blustery days, small waves form—a rarity in Corsica—offering playful rides for those with a board.
- Nature Walks – Take a stroll along coastal trails or the nearby Sentier des Douaniers for hidden inlets and vantage points.
Best For:
Beachgoers who love a touch of wilderness, scenic hikes, and a respite from heavily commercialized shores. Ostriconi’s raw, natural aura is ideal for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike.
6. Calvi Beach (Balagne Region)
If you prefer your beach time with a side of café culture and historic charm, Calvi Beach in the Balagne region might be your sweet spot. Stretching nearly 5 kilometers along a gentle bay, the beach boasts fine sand and shallow waters that invite casual swims and family frolics. In the distance, the imposing Citadel of Calvi dominates the skyline, adding a distinctly Corsican flavor to the scenery.
A promenade lined with pine trees, bars, and restaurants flanks part of the beach—perfect for grabbing a gelato or sipping local wines under shady parasols. Water sports like windsurfing and sailing are popular in the breezier months, and boat trips depart regularly from Calvi’s marina to explore the Scandola Nature Reserve or other coastal gems. With the Citadel and bustling old town just steps away, Calvi Beach offers the perfect blend of city-meets-sea.
Activities
- Stroll to the Citadel – Wander up the steep lanes to see panoramic views from the ramparts and visit the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
- Watersports – Enjoy windsurfing, sailing, or paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available along the shore.
- Beachfront Dining – Sample Corsican specialties like figatellu sausage or brocciu cheese in seafront bistros.
Best For:
Families, history buffs, and anyone who values beach time interwoven with cultural explorations. Calvi Beach delivers easy access to shops, restaurants, and the charm of the Citadel—a perfect day out.
7. Roccapina (Southwest Coast)
Venturing along the southwestern coast, you’ll encounter Roccapina, a small cove famed for its shimmering turquoise water and a lion-shaped rock formation (the Lion de Roccapina) perched atop a hill, seemingly guarding the bay. The beach itself is snug, hemmed by granite boulders and low Mediterranean vegetation, evoking a sense of hidden refuge.
Access to Roccapina involves driving on a somewhat rugged dirt track branching off the T40 highway, between Sartène and Bonifacio. Although unpaved, it’s usually manageable for regular cars with cautious driving. Because of the bumpy approach, the beach tends to be less crowded than Corsica’s more accessible hotspots, rewarding the persistent with uncrowded sands, transparent water, and a dramatic coastal panorama that feels almost prehistoric.
Activities
- Rock Gazing – Snap photos of the naturally sculpted “lion,” a striking formation that has sparked local legends.
- Wild Swimming – There are no facilities or beach bars here, just pristine sand and calm water for a true back-to-nature experience.
- Picnicking – Since services are minimal, bring your own lunch, drinks, and shade gear, and relish an untouched Corsican backdrop.
Best For:
Those who aren’t deterred by a bumpy track and crave a quieter beach with a touch of mythic flair. Roccapina offers the kind of raw beauty Corsica is celebrated for.
8. Loto Beach (Lotu) (Cap Corse Region)
Another northern jewel near the Désert des Agriates is Plage du Loto (or Lotu). Like its cousin Saleccia, Loto Beach wows with powder-white sand and crystalline water, though it’s slightly smaller and exudes an equally remote vibe. Unlike Saleccia, however, Loto is often accessed primarily by boat from Saint-Florent, making the journey an integral part of the beach day.
Once ashore, you’ll find little more than dunes, low shrubs, and a horizon of blue. Visitors often alternate between Loto and Saleccia, connected by a scenic footpath through the maquis—about 45 minutes each way. If you linger into late afternoon, the shifting sunlight bathes the beach in a soft golden glow, and you might catch glimpses of wildlife like lizards or the occasional wandering cow that meanders down to the shore.
Activities
- Beach Hopping – Combine Loto with Saleccia for a full-day adventure, walking the maquis trails or taking a boat shuttle.
- Snorkeling – Look near rocky outcrops for fish and underwater flora. The water clarity can be astounding on calm days.
- Sunset Cruises – Some operators run late-day boat tours, allowing you to admire the sunset over Cap Corse.
Best For:
Adventurers who enjoy tranquil, boat-accessible beaches with minimal development. Loto’s remote setting is a must for travelers seeking a day of pure, unspoiled Corsican beauty.
9. Cupabia (Southwest Coast)
Situated on the southwest coast between Propriano and Ajaccio, Plage de Cupabia offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded locales. The bay is ringed by rolling hills covered in maquis, leading to a beach of fine sand that gently slopes into shallow, pristine waters. Because of its location away from major resorts, Cupabia often remains uncrowded, creating a chill atmosphere that families and couples can relish.
A small campsite and basic beach bar operate during the summer, but overall, the area retains an unspoiled feel. For those seeking additional exploration, hiking trails branch off toward Punta di Colombara or along the coastline, revealing rocky cliffs, miniature coves, and occasional vantage points over the turquoise sea. If you’re road-tripping around the southwestern coast, Cupabia is a delightful stop for a revitalizing swim and laid-back lunch.
Activities
- Coastal Hikes – Venture on foot around the headlands for stunning vistas. Wildflowers can be abundant in spring.
- Campsite Chill – If you crave a true getaway, pitch a tent or park a camper van in the nearby camping area.
- Wildlife Spotting – Dolphins occasionally appear offshore, and the surrounding maquis harbors various bird species.
Best For:
Those seeking off-the-beaten-path serenity, families with children who like shallow waters, and hikers keen to combine a beach break with scenic walks.
Conclusion
From the glamour of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia to the wild shores of Saleccia and Loto, Corsica’s beaches epitomize the island’s famous motto: “Montagne dans la mer,” or “mountain in the sea.” Each sandy cove or rocky inlet provides a glimpse into Corsica’s multifaceted identity—part rugged frontier, part Mediterranean paradise, seasoned with a dash of French-Italian flair. Whether you’re indulging in seafood at a chic beach bar or traversing dusty off-road trails to find a hidden cove, the island rewards curiosity and a spirit of discovery.
In highlighting these 9 best beaches in Corsica, we’ve only skimmed the surface of what the “Island of Beauty” has to offer. From its perched villages to its dramatic hiking routes (like the famous GR20), Corsica lures explorers of all stripes—beach lovers included. Pack your snorkel, sturdy shoes, and an appetite for local charcuterie and cheeses, and you’ll soon learn that every turn in Corsica unveils a new vista to capture the heart.
Buon viaggio et bon séjour en Corse!
