Corsica is a land of rugged mountains, quiet coves, and charming villages where time seems to stand still. If you really want to get to know the island, the adventure begins along the coast. The most beautiful beaches of Corsica are among the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Imagine sparkling turquoise waters, soft white sand, the scent of pine trees in the air, and even the occasional cow strolling along the shore. Welcome to Corsica.
In this blog, we will take you to ten beaches that you absolutely cannot miss. From tropical-looking coves in the south to wild, untouched stretches of sand in the north. Some are easy to reach and perfect for families, while others take a little more effort to find, which makes them all the more special. This guide to the island’s most beautiful beaches is the perfect place to start your journey.
A Beach Map of Corsica
Top 10 Beaches in Corsica
#1 Plage de Palombaggia
If you are searching for that perfect beach that looks like it has been lifted straight from a travel magazine, Plage de Palombaggia will not disappoint. Located just south of the town of Porto-Vecchio, it offers everything you could dream of: soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, reddish rocks, and pine trees that provide welcome shade. The water is shallow, making it ideal for young children, and there are no large waves. It feels like a tropical paradise, yet it is right here on Corsica.
What makes this beach truly unforgettable is the view of the Cerbicale Islands. These islands are part of a protected nature reserve and are an important breeding ground for seabirds. The entire coastline is protected, so you will not find concrete hotels or busy promenades here. In the high season, a few beach bars open for lunch or a drink, but aside from that, the area remains beautifully simple and untouched.
The road to Palombaggia can get very busy during summer, sometimes even causing traffic jams near the parking areas. Traveling by camper, as we did? Be sure to check ahead which parking spots allow campers, because many do not. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps you avoid the crowds. Outside the peak season, we practically had the beach all to ourselves.
#2 Plage de Santa Giulia
A little further south of Porto-Vecchio lies Plage de Santa Giulia, a crescent-shaped bay with sparkling white sand and crystal-clear waters. The whole place has a slightly tropical feel. The sea is shallow and warm, making it perfect for wading, swimming, or snorkeling around the rocks at the edges of the bay.
The beach is well set up, with beach bars, watersport rentals, and restaurants right on the shore. Yet it still manages to keep its relaxed charm. Families and couples love coming here, and anyone who enjoys paddleboarding or kayaking will find plenty of fun to be had.
During the high season, the northern part of the beach can get a little busier, especially near the facilities and parking areas. A short walk south, however, leads to quieter spots where you can spread out and enjoy more space. Santa Giulia is one of Corsica’s most popular beaches, so some crowds are inevitable in the summer. Outside of peak season, though, we had no trouble finding our own peaceful corner to enjoy.
#3 Plage de Nonza
Plage de Nonza is possibly the most striking beach on the island. Nestled beneath the village of the same name on the west coast of Cap Corse, this beach does not have white sand but dark, almost black pebbles. Their unusual color comes from a mix of natural rock and remnants of an old mine that once operated nearby.
The view here is dramatic, with a wild, rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and deep blue waters stretching as far as the eye can see. A staircase of more than five hundred steps descends from the village, though a smaller path and nearby parking area offer easier access to the shore. Do not expect sunbeds or beach bars; this is a place for anyone who enjoys peace, quiet, and the raw, untamed beauty of nature.
#4 Plage de Rondinara
Between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio lies Plage de Rondinara, a bay that is almost perfectly round. From above, the beach looks like a giant shell, with calm, shallow waters that slowly warm under the sun. This makes Rondinara an ideal place for swimming, even for young children. The water is crystal clear, and snorkeling along the rocky edges is a surprisingly fun experience.
The bay is sheltered by hills and pine trees, making it a comfortable spot to visit even on breezy days. At the back of the beach, you will find a campsite with a restaurant and a beach bar, but otherwise, the area remains small and low-key. The access road is narrow and winding, ending in a large, paid parking area. During the high season, it is wise to arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the beach before it gets busy.
#5 Plage d’Arone
On the west coast, not far from the village of Piana, you will find Plage d’Arone. This beach is a little harder to reach, with a winding mountain road leading the way, but the journey is entirely worth it. Along the route, you are treated to stunning views of the Gulf of Porto and Capo Rosso, and once you arrive, a wide bay with golden sand and clear blue waters unfolds before you.
Plage d’Arone feels wild and secluded, yet it has just enough facilities to make your visit enjoyable. There are a few restaurants, and sunbeds are available for rent. Because the beach is set apart from larger towns, it stays relatively quiet even during the busy summer months.
#6 Plage de l’Ostriconi
Plage de l’Ostriconi sits at the edge of the wild Désert des Agriates nature reserve on Corsica’s northwest coast. The beach is reached by a walking path from the main road, which involves a bit of climbing and descending, but before long you find yourself on a vast stretch of sand framed by dunes and mountains.
The sand is soft and pale, the water a bright, clear blue, and the surroundings completely untouched. There are no beach bars or sunbeds here, just nature in all its beauty. You can swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the coastline while vultures sometimes circle high above the cliffs. Because of its exposed location, the sea can be rough at times, so it is not ideal for young children. For anyone who loves remote beaches and dramatic scenery, l’Ostriconi is one of the most stunning spots on Corsica.
#7 Plage de Saleccia
Those who make the journey to Plage de Saleccia are rewarded with one of Corsica’s most remote and breathtaking beaches. Hidden deep within the Désert des Agriates, it can only be reached by 4×4 along a bumpy dirt road or by boat from Saint-Florent. A short walk from there completes the adventure, adding to the beach’s special charm.
At the end, you arrive at a long, wide stretch of sand, pure white and soft, with clear blue water and pine trees providing patches of shade. In the distance, mountains rise against the horizon, the sea is calm and sparkling clean, and the atmosphere feels completely untouched.
Saleccia also carries a touch of history. During World War Two, a secret shipment of weapons for the resistance landed here. Today, it is mainly a paradise for those seeking peace and nature. It is a must-visit for anyone willing to make a little effort for a truly unforgettable experience.
#8 Plage de Barcaggio
At the very northern tip of Cap Corse lies Plage de Barcaggio, a surprisingly tranquil beach with stunning views of the Finocchiarola Islands. You can reach it by car along a narrow coastal road, and when you arrive, a peaceful, natural bay with soft sand and shallow, inviting waters welcomes you.
The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Dunes and shrubs frame the edges of the beach, and occasionally cows graze nearby, adding to the authentic, village-like atmosphere. This is a place far from the tourist crowds, where life moves at a slower pace.
In the distance, the small islands rise as part of a protected nature reserve. Birdwatchers may catch sight of rare species, and walkers can follow the coastal path to explore even further along this unspoiled stretch of coastline.
#9 Plage de l’Arinella
Close to Bastia lies Plage de l’Arinella, a long city beach with a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. Here you will find a wide stretch of sand with views of the sea and the mountains rising in the background. It is the perfect spot for a day at the beach if you are staying in or around Bastia.
The beach is well laid out, with playgrounds, volleyball courts, and a promenade for relaxing walks. Food trucks and small restaurants are nearby, and parking is convenient. Everything is spaced out, so even on busier days, the beach remains comfortable and enjoyable.
This is an excellent spot for families, with shallow water, plenty of facilities, and room to play. Locals also come here to exercise or take evening strolls. Arinella may not be the most picturesque beach on Corsica, but it is an accessible and practical stop that fits perfectly into your travel plans.
#10 Plage de Roccapina
Plage de Roccapina lies on Corsica’s southwest coast, between Sartène and Bonifacio, and is best known for the dramatic rock formation above it: a stone lion resting on a hill. The road to the beach is bumpy and partly unpaved, but once you arrive, a flawless crescent-shaped stretch of white sand and bright blue water unfolds before you.
The bay is tucked between rocky cliffs and maquis shrubland, giving it a quiet, rugged charm. There are no facilities, so you will need to bring everything you require. The Lion of Roccapina watches over the bay, adding a touch of mystique. Those who climb a little higher are rewarded with breathtaking views of the sparkling sea and the surrounding rocks.
