Last summer, I spent almost a month in Corsica, and I dedicated plenty of time to discovering the best beaches in Corsica. I spent months before I arrived researching every corner of the island. After visiting, I found Corsica feels more authentic and under-the-radar than other beach destinations in Europe. And I’d argue it has some of the most memorable beaches in the Mediterranean that I’ve visited so far.
I planned my Corsica itinerary full of places I didn’t want to miss. I knew the variety of beaches we visit would give us a real appreciation for everything this French island has to offer. Some days were spent lounging on wide sandy shores. Others were more wild. Like a morning winding along a dirt path before reaching a secluded cove.
The best part about Corsica is that it doesn’t feel over-refined. It’s rugged and raw at times, but that adds to its charm. And it felt distinctly different from nearby Sardinia, where we’d spent time exploring the beaches the following few weeks. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica are the postcard-perfect classic combo of white sand and turquoise water. But there are also stretches that feel more local, more low-key.
In this guide to the best Corsica beaches, I’ve put together a curated list (and map!) of the beaches we loved most during our time in Corsica. I’ve also included a dedicated section for the best family-friendly beaches.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Corsica:
- Saint-Florent (staying at Basgi Basgi Boutique Hotel), for the best Northern Corsica base with easy day trips to the Agriates beaches, Cap Corse, and Patrimonio wine country
- Porto or Piana (staying at L’AIGLON), for the best base for Corsica’s most dramatic coastal scenery, with easy access to the Calanques de Piana and Scandola Reserve
- Porto-Vecchio & Bonifacio (staying at Les Bergeries de Palombaggia), for the best southern Corsica beach base near Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, and day trips into Bonifacio
Things to Do
- Boat to the Désert des Agriates (Saleccia & Lotu Beaches), full-day catamaran excursion from L’Île-Rousse to Corsica’s most famous remote beaches
- Scandola Nature Reserve Boat Tour (from Porto), half-day boat tour through Corsica’s most dramatic coastline, including volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and the UNESCO-listed Scandola Reserve.
- Lavezzi Islands Half-Day Boat Tour (from Bonifacio), explore the protected Lavezzi Islands with snorkeling stops and time on remote rocky coves just off the coast of Bonifacio.
- Lavezzi Islands Catamaran Trip with Snorkeling (from Bonifacio), a more relaxed, scenic way to experience the Lavezzi Islands, with open-water sailing, swimming stops, and views back toward Bonifacio’s cliffs.
- Guided Marine Park Boat Tour (Bonifacio Coast), a smaller-group guided tour with snorkeling focused on the marine park around Bonifacio
Travel Tips
- Rent a Car for Corsica — Renting a car is the only way to explore Corsica. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in Corsica, choose full coverage insurance, and recommend renting only with Enterprise/National/Alamo, as it is by far the highest-rated agency in Corsica (the others have very poor ratings). Renting a car and driving in Corsica is quite easy. Book your car with Booking.com here.
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We never travel abroad without cell data. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing yours before arrival so maps and directions work the moment you land. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a bigger trip through Corsica, don’t miss my complete Corsica itinerary covering the full island (including Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Bastia, and Saint-Florent), my guide to the best things to do in Corsica, and my guide to where to stay in Corsica. I also have a guide to the South of France and French Riviera if you’re extending your trip to the mainland.
The Complete Guide to the Best Beaches in Corsica + Map
What to Know About Visiting Corsica Beaches
When is the Best Time to Visit Corsica’s Beaches?
Corsica is best visited during the shoulder seasons, from late May to June, and September to early October. This time avoids the peak summer crowds, but the sea is warm enough for swimming without extremely hot days.
Do You Need a Car to Explore Corsica’s Beaches?
Yes, having a car is by far the best way to explore the island and access the best spots. Many of the island’s best beaches are only accessible by winding coastal roads or dirt tracks. Renting a car will give you more flexibility and let you reach more variety of Corsica’s best beaches.
Rental Car Tip: We use Booking.com for our rental cars in Corsica, choose full coverage insurance, and recommend renting only with Enterprise/National/Alamo, as it is by far the highest-rated agency in Corsica (the others have very poor ratings).
Is Corsica Good for Snorkeling?
The waters in Corsica are often super clear (especially in the south), which makes the island a really good destination for snorkeling. I’ve included some of the best snorkeling beaches in this guide. Usually the beaches with rocky outcrops and coves are the better snorkeling locations.
Is Parking Available at Most Beaches?
Most of the popular beaches in Corsica have allocated parking lots. I would recommend for you to arrive early, especially during the peak summer season, as spaces fill fast.
Can You Rent Sunbeds and Umbrellas?
Some beaches have sunbeds and/or umbrellas available for rent. At spots with a beach club, they usually have loungers and parasols you can rent for the day.
Are There Restaurants or Facilities at the Beaches?
Not all beaches in Corsica have facilities. Sometimes they are remote and undeveloped, so you should pack a picnic lunch and lots of water. You can also check in advance to see which beaches have facilities and plan your day around them.
Is it Safe to Swim at Corsica’s Beaches?
I felt safe swimming at the beaches in Corsica, though I will say the beaches in the Porto area are rougher and not well-suited for young kids. Like all sea areas, you need to be aware of currents and riptides. Some of the more popular and family-friendly beaches do have lifeguards during the summer months.
Map of the Best Beaches in Corsica
I’ve mapped out the best beaches in Corsica below so you can get an idea of the geography.
Prefer the interactive version? Open the full Corsica beaches map here.
Best Beaches in Bastia and Saint-Florent (Northeastern)
Desert Agriates Beaches: Plage de Lotu and Plage de Saleccia
Plage de Lotu and Plage de Saleccia in the Agriates Desert are rugged and best known for their dramatic Mediterranean landscape. Clear water and pristine sandy shores are some of the best features. They are also less busy than other beaches, making them feel more secluded. I spent a full day here exploring by boat, and it was one of my favorite days of the entire trip.
How to Get There
Lotu and Saleccia beaches are only accessible via boat or on foot via a very long hike. The best way is to take a 20-minute taxi boat ride from Saint-Florent port. Another option is to rent an ATV and get to the beach that way.
Plage de la Roya
I like Plage de la Roya because it’s not too far from Saint-Florent town center and has excellent views of the town and the nearby mountains. It’s a good choice for snorkeling and swimming, since the waters are warm and shallow. The soft-sand shores are also lined with trees, providing some natural shade from the sun.
How to Get There
You can either walk 20 minutes from Saint-Florent or drive and make use of the dirt parking lot just by the beach.
Plage Farinole
Plage Farinole is a sandy beach popular with surfers located between Bastia and Saint-Florent. Known for large waves and strong currents, this beach is best for stronger swimmers or surfers looking to make the most of the swells.
How to Get There
A 30-minute drive north from Saint-Florent via the D80, or around 45 minutes drive from Bastia via the T11 or T20 and then D80.
Best Beaches in Calvi and Balagne (Northwestern)
Plage d’Aregno
Stretching almost 1 km long from Algajola to L’Île-Rousse, Plage d’Aregno is a wide beach with golden sands. Considered a family-friendly beach, there are lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas with flags and plenty of sand to find a place to set up for the day. There is free parking available, but it does fill up quickly during the summer, so get there early.
How to Get There
You can either drive to the parking lot nearby or walk from Aregno Train Station.
Plage de l’Île Rousse
Plage de l’Île Rousse is one of the best town beaches in Corsica with glimmering clear water and soft sand. Offering the benefit of plenty of amenities close by, it’s a convenient option even for those without a car. As a town beach, it does get busy in summer, but there is enough space to find a place. During summer, lifeguards patrol the beach, so it’s a good choice for less confident swimmers and families.
How to Get There
Reach the beach by an easy walk from L’Ile Rousse or a 1.5-hour drive from Bastia via the T20 and T30.
Plage de Bodri
Despite being a maintained beach, Plage de Bodri feels like one of Corsica’s more wild beaches. It feels more like a bay and is quite convenient to get to, as it’s just one train stop from L’Ile Rousse. During the summer, the beach has a supervised swimming area. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular here on windy days.
How to Get There
You can take the”U Trinichellu” beach train from L’Ile Rousse towards Calvi and get off at the first stop, Bodri. From L’Ile Rousse, follow the road signs toward Corbara/Calvi. There is a paid parking lot near the pedestrian access path to the beach.
Plage de Ghjunchitu
Both spacious and serene, Plage de Ghjunchitu is a long stretch of fine white sand and turquoise blue water located right next to Plage de Bodri. It’s a perfect spot to spend an afternoon. If you’re looking for a thrill, windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment is available to rent. For those in search of less of an adrenaline rush, there is a bar by the beach.
How to Get There
It’s easy to take the beach train from L’Ile-Rousse and get off at Bodri. From there, walk to the right side of Bodri Beach and follow a small path leading to Plage de Ghjunchitu.
Plage de Lozari
Plage de Lozari is a big beach with golden sand and plenty of space. Not too far from L’Ile Rousse, the beach is one of the largest in the northwest of Corsica. Surrounded by green hills and a little wilder than other beaches in the area, this is ideal for a easy beach day. The water does get deep quickly, due to the sloping shore, and on windy days it can have large waves, so it isn’t the most family-friendly.
How to Get There
Located between Saint-Florent and L’Ile-Rousse, take the N198 road and park at one of the designated carparks.
Plage de Sainte-Restitude
If you’re in search of a stellar snorkeling spot, then Plage de Sainte-Restitude between Calvi and Lumio has the perfect rocky cover-like features that are a haven for sea life. As a lesser-known beach, it’s a great choice if you want a day surrounded by natural features and to beat the peak season crowds. The beach is also home to one of my favorite restaurants on the island, Restaurant Le Pain de Sucre. We had a wonderful lunch before spending the afternoon swimming.
How to Get There
Follow Highway 30 from Calvi toward Lumio, then turn left just after the Carrefour Market and follow the road down to the car park. If you don’t have a car, you can catch the beach train and get off at Santa Restituda stop.
Best Beaches in Porto and Piana (Western)
Plage de Bussaghlia
With a mix of dark pebbles and sand against towering craggy cliffs, Plage de Bussaghlia is one of the most dramatic beaches on the island. Offering views of Porto Bay, a deep blue sea is rough and I wouldn’t recommend it for swimming. Found near Serriera in the Corsica Regional Nature Park, this is a great place to skip the crowds and enjoy the landscapes.
How to Get There
The D81 road is the best way, offering a scenic route from Porto or Serriera. You can also access the beach from Porto via a boat tour.
Plage de Ficaghjola
Surrounded by dramatic red granite cliffs of the Calanques de Piana, Plage de Ficaghjola is a small, secluded pebbled beach. The rocky outcrops and clear waters are well-suited to snorkeling. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as access is limited by a steep walk down to the shore, and the beach itself is rocky and hard to walk on barefoot. The surf here is decently rough, so I wouldn’t recommend it for young kids.
How to Get There
From Piana, follow the narrow road signposted towards the Calanques de Piana and follow signs for Ficajola. There are limited parking spaces at the end of the road. There is a steep walk from there to reach the beach.
Plage d’Arone
Located near the Gulf of Porto and the Scandola Nature Reserve, Plage d’Arone offers deep blue seas and views of Capu Rossu. The wide, golden sandy arc is spacious and the waters are perfect for long afternoons swimming in the sea. Sunbeds can be rented and the beach is supervised during the summer.
How to Get There
Take the road signposted towards Arone/Cargèse/Porto from Piana. It is a scenic, winding route down from the mountains to the beach with parking available. It can fill up quickly during the summer, so plan to arrive early.
Best Beaches from Ajaccio to Sartene (Southwestern)
Plage de Roccapina
Between Bonifacio and Sartène, Plage de Roccapina has the vibe of a wild beach with soft sand and turquoise water. The sheltered beach is best known for its lion-shaped rock perched above the sand. It’s a popular choice with nature lovers and adventurous beach-goers. You’ll need to pack lots of water and snacks, along with sunscreen and an umbrella, as there aren’t any facilities here.
How to Get There
Take the T40 and turn off at the sign marked “Roccapina”. Then follow a dirt road for about 15 minutes,f where you’ll reach the parking area near the beach.
Plage de Cupabia
Laid-back and best suited to the outdoorsy types, Plage de Cupabia‘s wide, sandy golden shores are popular with wind and kite surfers. In the Gulf of Valinco, the beach is framed by low hills, and you can enjoy hiking in the area, with trailheads that start directly from the sandy shores.
How to Get There
The T40 Highway will connect you from the north or south. Depending on your starting point, then either take the D757, D57, or D157 and follow signs towards Serra-di-Ferro. There are two parking areas at the end of the narrow road leading to Plage de Cupabia.
Best Beaches from Bonifacio to Porto Vecchio (South)
Plage de Saint-Antoine
If you’re looking for an under-the-radar spot to reward you at the end of a hike, then Plage de Saint-Antoine is the beach for you. Reached via a beautiful coastal hike with views of the white cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, you won’t have to compete with crowds for this beach. With a local feel, the golden sand has a pinkish tint and clear water perfect for a dip after your hike. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
How to Get There
A 6 km coastal hike (the Sentier de Pertusato) starts at Chapelle Saint-Roche in Bonifacio. If you’d prefer to drive, take the D260 to the Grotte de Saint Antoine parking. From there you will need to walk around 1 km before a final steep 15-minute descent to the beach.
Plage de Santa Giulia
With a lagoon-like feel and shallow, clear waters, Plage de Santa Giulia is one of best Corsican beaches. Its beauty attracts crowds in summer, so be sure to arrive early or late in the afternoon if you want a quieter experience. Snorkelers and families both enjoy the sheltered waters here. We spent a week based here, and it was one of our favorite beaches (and most family-friendly) of the entire trip.
How to Get There
From Porto-Vecchio, take the N198 highway south towards Bonifacio. Follow signs for “Santa Giulia”. A turn-off at Bocca Di L’Oru also leads directly to the area. Paid parking is available, but fills quickly during summer.
Plage de Tamaricciu
Plage de Tamaricciu is often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. Fine white sand paired with clear waters is surrounded by a collection of giant boulders and umbrella pines. This beach is a great alternative to Plage de Palombaggia if you want a little quieter experience.
How to Get There
From Porto-Vecchio, follow Route de Palombaggia and take the small access road (route de Tamaricciu). Limited parking is available, and it is often full before 10 am in summer. On foot, you can walk via the access path from Plage de Palombaggia to get to the beach.
Plage de Palombaggia
Perhaps the most famous of all of Corsica’s beaches, Plage de Palombaggia is postcard-perfect. Adored for its powdery white sand, red rocks, and shallow, crystal-clear water, it does get busy in peak season. Popular for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, there are also a couple of restaurants, bars, and beach chair rentals available.
How to Get There
Located about 20-minutes drive from Porto-Vecchio, head south following signs for “Palombaggia”. You can find a couple of paid parking areas near the beach, but they fill quickly during peak season.
Plage du Grand Sperone and Petit Sperone
This pair of beaches offer a scenic summer spot not too far from Bonifacio. The smaller, Petit Sperone, is the quieter of the two. Grand Sperone lives up to its name, with a wider bay to welcome beach-goers. The sand is ultra-fine and white, while the sea is dazzlingly blue. If you want to enjoy water sports, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at the beach.
How to get there: Take the D260 from Bonifacio towards Piantarella/Sperone for about 15 minutes. There is free parking near Piantarella Beach.
Plage de Rondinara
I loved spending the day at this shell-shaped beach. Made up of several small coves, I recommend rending a sunbed and lounging the day away or a kayak to explore from the water. There is a restaurant nearby with cocktails and the waters are calm most of the time, making it great for families with small children. This beach is part of the Bouches de Bonifacio, so you must ensure you remove all rubbish and help conservation efforts.
How to Get There
Follow N198/T10 between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, then turn east onto the smaller road leading directly to the beach. There is a large paid parking lot available and a short, easy walk to the beach.
Best Beaches in Corsica for Families
- Plage de Palombaggia (South) — Shallow, crystal clear water and soft white sand, coupled with a full range of amenities make this one of the most beautiful family-friendly beaches in Corsica.
- Plage de Santa Giulia (South) — The calm, lagoon-like waters are perfect for relaxed, easygoing family beach days. There are also a few restaurants right on the beach.
- Plage de Rondinara (South) — Shallow, gentle waters and convenient facilities are ideal for families, with a sheltered and serene setting.
- Plage d’Aregno (Northwestern) — As a lifeguard-patrolled beach, this is a great option for families. It has wide golden sandy shores and easy access, so it suits all ages.
- Plage de l’Île Rousse (Northwestern) — The perfect beach if you don’t want to stray far from town. The combination of soft sand, shallow waters and plenty of amenities make it an easy choice.
- Plage de Bodri (Northwestern) — For a more untamed vibe and a natural setting, take the train here from L’Ile Rousse. It has safe swimming areas and easy access, so it’s a good choice for families.
- Plage de Ghjunchitu (Northwestern) — With plenty of space to spread out, this beach has soft sand and clear water making it ideal for families who want to spend the day unwinding.
- Plage de la Roya (Northeastern) — A relaxed, flat beach with soft sand just outside of Saint-Florent
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
