Top 15 of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica in 2023
If France is full of splendid destinations, Corsica is one of its most beautiful jewels! Its privileged territory, between the sea and the mountains, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France, and even in Europe! Sumptuous coves where the crystal clear water reflects an almost tropical landscape are hidden in the maquis, not to mention the various creeks with changing colors : to help you discover them, the Petit Futé reveals its favorite beaches on the island of beauty, which are undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
Prepare your stay as well as possible by discovering all the essential things to see and do in Corsica! We also advise you to take advantage of your holidays to discover the most beautiful villages in Corsica.
1. Nonza beach, Haute-Corse
Located west of Cap Corse, Nonza was one of the points of defense in the north of the island. If the enchanting setting of this village charms visitors today, it is most certainly its seaside that attracts them even more. Nonza beach is one of the most original and beautiful in Corsica. Here, do not expect white sand but small black pebbles! The contrast with the turquoise sea is striking!
Wondering what to do in Haute-Corse? Discover our selection of the 15 essentials!
2. The beach of San Ciprianu, Corsica-du-Sud
The extreme south of Corsica offers a variety of landscapes of incomparable beauty. 10 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, in the village of Lecci, the hamlet of San Ciprianu is appreciated by holidaymakers for its summer vivacity: events and festivities take place there every year. Its beach, protected by its Genoese tower, is a magnificent cove of white sand. We prefer the northern part of the beach, bordered by the Arasu pond, still wild and unspoiled. Do you want to know what to do in Porto Vecchio and its surroundings? Discover our selection of the 15 essentials ! We advise you to embark on an afternoon cruise in the bay of Saint-Cyprien ,in order to enjoy the night views of the city at sunset. You can also swim, snorkel or jet ski!
3. Bussaglia Beach, Haute-Corse
The sand that sticks and seeps everywhere, very little for you? Head to Bussaglia beach, 6 km from Porto ! Its small pebbles do not detract any charm from this site nestled at the foot of the cliffs. The beach stretches over 1 km and is an ideal swimming spot after an excursion in the regional natural park of Corsica. Admire the view from the access road, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Porto.
Take the opportunity to discover our 15 essentials for a trip to Haute-Corse , just to help you plan a vacation that promises to be unforgettable!
4. Canella beach, between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio in Corsica
Canella beach is located between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio, in the heart of the Corsican maquis. Nestled in a charming cove, its transparent water and white sand give it a heavenly look. Easily accessible and ideal for children since its waters are shallow for about fifty meters, it is the favorite beach for families. For more tranquility, therefore, favor the off-season!
5. The beaches of the Lavezzi Islands, Corse-du-Sud
The archipelago of the Lavezzi islands and its six rocky islets are located a few kilometers from Bonifacio and its essentials. It is the southernmost point of metropolitan France. This site is an incredible reservoir of biodiversity and its coves with crystal clear waters are among the best diving (or swimming!) spots in Corsica. To enjoy their beautiful beaches, you can reach the Lavezzi islands by boat, from Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio. You can also choose to discover the beauty of the Lavezzi archipelago and the Iles Cerbicales during a tourist cruise departing from Porto-Vecchio. You can watch the birds near the rocks and dive into the crystal clear waters to swim.
6. Lotu Beach, Haute-Corse
Lotu beach is accessible by shuttle boat from the port of Saint-Florent. Surrounded by the maquis, it extends in an enchanting setting popular with tourists in summer but almost deserted during the off-season. After enjoying its turquoise water and white sand, hikers will take the "customs officers' path" to reach the sumptuous beach of Saleccia, a favorite in our ranking and undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Corsica! You can also decide to take advantage of the ease of a transfer to the beautiful beach of Saleccia or Lotu thanks to a professional driver who will take you to some of the most secluded beaches in Corsica!
7. The beach of Santa Giulia, Corsica-du-Sud
Only 10 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, the beach of Santa Giulia looks like a Polynesian lagoon, which allows it to be in a good place in our ranking of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica! Located at the foot of a mountain, it extends over more than 2 km. Its extremely fine sand and its always clear and shallow waters make it one of the favorite sites in Corsica for holidaymakers in the summer. It is also one of the most active and complete nautical bases in Corsica: many activities are offered there, such as paddleboarding or jet-skiing.
8. Rondinara Beach, Corse-du-Sud
Elected many times the most beautiful beach in Corsica, France and even Europe , La Rondinara is a preserved place, located on a cove between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. It is one of the places not to be missed during your holidays in Southern Corsica! Sheltered from the winds thanks to its shell shape where the two ends meet, it is a treat for holidaymakers! When they leave the place, in the off-season, the cows resume their habits on the white sand, giving the landscape its look of the end of the world...
9. Palombaggia beach, Corsica-du-Sud
Its melodious name makes travelers dream. Palombaggia Beach is located south of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. With its clear waters, white sand and umbrella pines, you could almost mistake it for one of Thailand's must-see beaches , because it has nothing to envy to the most popular tropical destinations! Even less if we add the splendid panorama of the Cerbicale Islands, just opposite. Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, its reputation is not usurped and allows it to be on our podium of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica!
10. Saleccia Beach, Haute-Corse
An indisputable favourite, Saleccia beach is the treasure of Les Agriates . Here, time seems to stand still. Its clear waters and lush pine forest encourage calm and relaxation. In the early morning, the deserted beach is a true paradise and undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Corsica. To get there, you will need to take a shuttle boat from Lotu beach or take the rutted track in a 4x4 : it's an original way to venture into the maquis and you will also enjoy a guided tour. In the program ? Cross the Agriate, stop for a swim at the beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, hike on the Douaniers trail between the beaches.
11. Ficajola Beach
Nestled between steep cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, it is the only beach in the Calanques de Piana accessible on foot . Ficajola beach is a true haven of peace for nature lovers. The crystal clear waters invite you to swim and dive, revealing a rich underwater world. Hikers will not be left out, with coastal paths offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Finally, Ficajola beach is also known for its tranquility, offering visitors a real moment of escape and disconnection. A preserved paradise to discover in Corsica.
12. Ostriconi beach
The Ostriconi beach in Corsica is a real natural treasure that enchants visitors with its wild and unspoilt beauty. The fine sandy beach forms a pretty cove with transparent water where water sports enthusiasts will find what they are looking for, with ideal conditions for paddleboarding, kayaking or diving. Do not hesitate to take the nearby coastal paths to discover the richness of the local fauna and flora!
13. Arone Beach
With its fine golden sand, crystal clear waters, majestic mountains surrounding it and towering red rocks, this beach is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, earning it its reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. Parking is free and bars and restaurants are present on the beach, which will allow you to enjoy a full day on the beach in peace. Its geographical location makes it an ideal stop for swimming on a trip between Porto and Ajaccio, as it is located just 12 km south of Piana, just after Capo Rosso. In addition, the road leading to this beach offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Porto and the creeks!
14. Calvi Beach
Calvi is a popular seaside destination with a fine sandy beach that stretches for several kilometers and offers an idyllic setting with its crystal clear turquoise waters and picturesque coastal landscapes. Calvi beach is also famous for its lively atmosphere. Here you will find many beach bars, restaurants and cafes and can take advantage of the sunbed and umbrella rental services on site. You can also practice a lot of nautical activities. We recommend that you book a boat to discover the breathtaking underwater world of Pointe de la Revellata thanks to this excursion for example. It is an ideal spot for family snorkeling.on an emblematic site. The beach is overlooked by Calvi, a historic town with an impressive citadel. Among the essential things to see and visit on site, be sure to stroll through the cobbled streets and also visit the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral.
15. Petit Sperone beach
Petit Sperone beach in Corsica is a real natural gem located near Bonifacio, in the south of the island. This beach, renowned for its wild and preserved beauty, is considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica. It is nestled in the heart of a picturesque bay and offers breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Le Petit Sperone is famous for its fine white sand which contrasts with the surrounding pink granite rocks. To reach Petit Sperone beach, you will have to cross Piantarella beach and follow a scenic path for about 10 minutes on foot . Due to its more restricted access and growing popularity, early arrival is recommended!
?Which coast is the most beautiful in Corsica
Corsica is an island with varied and spectacular landscapes, and it is difficult to name a single coast as the most beautiful. The west coast of Corsica, for example, is known for its wild creeks and steep cliffs that plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer spectacular rock formations and breathtaking views. The south coast of Corsica also offers magnificent landscapes with its unspoilt beaches and translucent waters. The beaches of Porto-Vecchio, notably Santa Giulia beach and Palombaggia beach, attract many visitors with their turquoise waters and fine sand.
In Corsica, the beaches of Solenzara are also renowned for their crystal clear waters. The transparency of the water in Solenzara makes it possible to see the seabed clearly, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and observing marine life, and the beaches generally have fine, soft sand. Here is our selection of the most beautiful beaches of Solenzara in Corsica:
-As mentioned above, Canella beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and fine sand. It is surrounded by green hills, which gives it a picturesque setting. It is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling in the Solenzara area.
-Favone beach located a few kilometers from Solenzara is another magnificent beach with transparent waters and a relaxed atmosphere. It is lined with pine trees, providing shade for those who want to rest.
-The more secluded Scaffa Rossa Beach is less crowded than other beaches in the Solenzara area, making it a quiet and peaceful place to relax. Its golden sands and shallow waters make it a popular choice for families with children.
?Where is the hottest water in Corsica
In general, the water temperature in Corsica varies with the seasons and depends on several factors such as sea currents, winds and sun exposure. However, the regions best known for having relatively warm waters in Corsica are the east coast and the south coast of the island.
-On the east coast, places like Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and the surrounding beaches generally enjoy warmer water due to the influence of the sea current from the Gulf of Genoa. The summer months, from June to September, are generally the best to take advantage of these warmer water temperatures.
-On the south coast, destinations such as Propriano, Ajaccio and the beaches of the region are also known to have relatively warm waters during the summer. Water temperatures can reach pleasant levels, especially in the months of July and August.
Why is the water turquoise in Corsica?
The turquoise water in Corsica is due to several geological and environmental factors. The color of the water is influenced by the composition of the seabed and the coasts. Corsica's beaches are often lined with fine, white sand, which reflects sunlight and gives the water a turquoise hue. The sea water in Corsica is generally clear and pure, which promotes the refraction of sunlight which enters the water and is scattered by water molecules and suspended particles, which creates a blue color -green or turquoise. The sky, also often clear and sunny in Corsica, also contributes to the color of the water. When the sky is an intense blue, it is reflected in the water and reinforces the turquoise hue.
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