The French name Corsica L’Île de Beauté (the Isle of Magnificence) for good purpose: with 20 mountains topping 2000m the Mediterranean island combines dramatic mountain surroundings with lovely seashores, hidden coves, age-old stone villages, and vegetation that ranges from Alpine to dry Mediterranean.
The mountains dominate the island’s western and central areas and type the central bone of the lengthy finger that juts north. Consequently, some seashores within the west are inaccessible by highway or require a 4WD with excessive clearance (your common city SUV isn’t any good right here!) or an honest pair of mountaineering boots to succeed in.
These alongside the a lot flatter east coast are simply accessible and extra appropriate if you happen to’re touring with children or anybody with mobility points.
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We’ve grouped our suggestions based on the island’s two areas: Haute-Corse (Higher Corsica which encompasses the north and the financial capital Bastia) and Corse-du-Sud (South Corsica which incorporates the executive capital Ajaccio).
There’s a stark distinction in seashore amenities between the 2 areas – most in Haute-Corse are wild with no facilities in any respect. Come ready: a parasol is necessary as there isn’t a pure shade and if there may be, chances are high somebody may have discovered it earlier than you! Carry water and verify the climate earlier than you set off – if the Mistral wind is blowing it can whip up the waves, notably alongside the western coast, which may make swimming harmful. Seashores in Corse-du-Sud, nevertheless, supply facilities and a number of nautical actions.
No matter which seashore you select, a go to throughout the peak of summer time means you’re unlikely to have it to your self! And bear in mind to carry money – lots of the automotive parks and eating places don’t settle for playing cards. With these sensible suggestions in thoughts, here is our decide of one of the best seashores in Corsica.
The seashores of Higher Corsica may be difficult to succeed in however they’re well worth the effort © Getty Photographs / iStockphoto
Haute-Corse
1. Ostriconi
This 800m-long, white sandy seashore lies between the Ostriconi river and the ocean. It faces west, which implies on days with sturdy swells will probably be too harmful to swim. However that is nonetheless the place to be for sensational sunsets that flip the rocks on the northern finish of the seashore purple. On calm days, the vibe could be very completely different – heat, nonetheless water that stays shallow for a great distance out makes the ocean right here an exquisite pure paddling pool for teenagers.
Swimming is supervised in summer time, however carry what you want as there are not any facilities in any respect. Nudist bathers are tolerated on the northern finish the place there are a number of rocks. The seashore is a 5-minute stroll from the free automotive park alongside a sandy path and over a wood bridge – not best for pushchairs.
Planning tip: the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs officers’ path) begins right here heading east in direction of Saint Florent. It’s a two-day hike that may take you by way of Ghignu and Saleccia seashores.
2. Ghignu
Tucked away within the Agriates Desert area, this wild seashore is way much less crowded than the extra widespread Saleccia seashore additional alongside the coast, however they each share crystal-clear, turquoise waters and white sands. The one methods to succeed in it are both by boat or driving an off-road car for 13km down an especially bumpy monitor, making it a reasonably well-kept secret. Carry loads of water and a picnic, and admire the 400m stretch of sand from the highest of the dune at its japanese finish.
Planning tip: you’ll be able to keep in a single day in one of many restored paillers (the place shepherds saved straw) which may sleep 4-6 folks. There isn’t any operating water, electrical energy or mattresses however there are communal bogs. In winter you’ll be able to simply rock up and sleep right here without cost however it’s on a first-come, first-served foundation. In summer time it’s essential to reserve your spot upfront.
3. Arone
Set simply south of the Calanques de Piana Unesco World Heritage Website, Arone is a beautiful household pleasant seashore with quick access from the automotive park and a really gently sloping sea-bed, so the water is heat and shallow fairly far out. The maquis-covered foothills of Monte Ravu slip gently into the ocean on the southern finish of the seashore and the low-lying rocks at each ends are excellent for wannabe explorers of small marine life.
Swimming is supervised in summer time. Three paillotes (seashore huts) supply solar loungers, parasols, showers and informal consuming. If you would like a wiser different, then head to Le Casabianca seafood restaurant perched on low rocks on the western (proper) finish of the seashore. It’s additionally an important place to look at the purple and pink columns of the Calanques de Piana glow within the sundown.
Planning tip: Get right here early if you happen to’re visiting in the summertime or chances are you’ll discover the free automotive park is full.
The calm shallow water at Calvi seashore is ideal for little swimmers © Getty Photographs / Picture Supply
4. Calvi (aka La Pinède)
Calvi seashore has an city vibe, notably throughout the week-long Calvi on the Rocks music pageant held in early July when younger Corsicans and vacationers sway and pose in trendy swim-wear on the seashore and within the shallow sea water, typically with a cool glass of one thing in hand, to the sounds of electro-dance music from 3pm till 4am each day.
The remainder of the summer time is a little bit calmer. Paillotes occupy the central part of what is likely one of the longest seashores in Corsica, boasting among the softest sand. Add within the light slope to the water and also you get the best seashore for younger youngsters who can paddle and lick ice cream on the similar time. For older ones keen to conquer their worry of heights, there’s the Altore journey climb by means of the pine timber about halfway alongside the seashore.
Solar loungers and parasols can be found to lease and there are public showers, bogs, and a playground. Swimming is supervised in summer time. Choose one of many many eating places and sip a cocktail while you watch the solar sink behind Calvi citadel to the left of the seashore, then flip your gaze inland and admire Corsica’s highest peak (2706m), Monte Cinto, one of many 5 peaks over 2000m that dominate Calvi Bay.
Should you fancy a change of surroundings, take the little prepare northwards to Ile Rousse to check among the different seashores alongside the best way or go diving on the foot of the citadel to see the wreck of a US Air Power bomber shot down in 1944.
5. Barcaggio
On the northern tip of Corsica on the Cap Corse, chances are you’ll discover you’re sharing seashore house with a herd of cows. They appear light however don’t try to stand up near take an image – it annoys them. They may allow you to be if you happen to go away them alone.
The seashore is accessible on foot from the paying (€2) car parking zone which is about 1km (0.6 miles) away. Or you’ll be able to attain it by strolling alongside the Sentier des Douaniers that runs alongside the coast (unsuitable for pushchairs and youngsters beneath 8) from Macinaggio (2.5 hours) or the seashore at Tamarone (virtually 2 hours). There are one or two paillotes on the seashore and eating places within the close by eponymous village.
Planning tip: Remember the fact that all of the seashores on the Cap Corse are likely to get invaded by seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) after storms – these are the lungs of the Mediterranean Sea so they may not look or odor very good, however are very important to the ecosystem. Should you dig into them you’ll discover all kinds of tiny sea creatures that fish and cows wish to feed on.
Corse-du-Sud
6. Rondinara
An ideal, naturally fashioned scallop stuffed with shallow, glass-clear, turquoise water edged by white sand: no surprise this seashore is frequently voted amongst essentially the most lovely in Europe! However its fame is changing into its undoing: from June to September the sand could be very crowded and the various boats that anchor right here churn up the ocean mattress and switch the water cloudy. Should you can’t come out of season attempt coming very early within the morning or late within the afternoon when among the previous magic returns.
The one everlasting constructing in sight is a restaurant set again from the seashore amongst the timber. In the summertime a paillote is about up subsequent to the paying car parking zone (€5/day, money solely). There’s a small nautical heart from which you’ll lease parasols and solar loungers. Wild cows additionally like this seashore, even on the peak of summer time, however don’t get too near them. They’re wild animals and do not recognize shut contact.
Planning tip: if the seashore is just too busy in your liking, head in direction of the left (southern) finish of the seashore the place you’ll discover a path. A 5-minute stroll by means of the maquis will carry you to a crescent-shaped seashore the place the sand is a bit rougher and the ocean is not fairly as calm however there are fewer folks.
The slim stretch of Palombaggia seashore is extremely widespread throughout the summer time months © pkazmierczak / Getty Photographs
7. Palombaggia
High quality white sand, pink and gray granite rocks, umbrella pines (however too far again from the seashore to offer a lot shade) and all this simply 12km (7.4 miles) south of Porto Vecchio. The 1.5km (1 mile) lengthy however very slim seashore is simple to entry by automotive (parking is free) but in addition in the summertime by shuttle bus from Porto Vecchio. The simple entry means the seashore is extraordinarily widespread in the summertime however that’s additionally as a result of swimming is supervised. The ocean is mostly calm and the slope into the water is light, making it best for folks with accessibility points and youngsters. The tongue of flat pink rocks on the northeastern (left) finish makes a perfect pure armchair during which to take a seat together with your ft within the water and watch the snorkellers.
Unusually for a Corsican seashore, there are public bogs. You possibly can lease parasols and solar loungers from the seashore eating places and paillotes. There’s a diving membership, a crusing membership and a nautical membership.
8. Santa Giulia
The south-facing seashore, a simple 8km (5-mile) drive south from Porto Vecchio, is alongside a slim strip of land with the ocean to the east and a shallow lagoon to the west. It’s nicely protected against winds and the water is shallow fairly far out – arrive early as younger households will rapidly crowd it on the peak of summer time.
There’ll be fewer folks amongst the massive, spherical, gray pebbles that emerge from the ocean in direction of the left of the seashore. These are pretty to snorkel by means of however the sea mattress here’s a bit pebbly so that you would possibly need to put on some water sneakers. From right here you can too smile on the antics of novice paddle-boarders and kayakers, and watch sailors hone their expertise aboard small dinghies or catamarans.
Parasols and solar loungers may be rented from one of many eating places and paillotes, additionally open within the evenings. Swimming is supervised in the summertime. Money solely on the automotive park.
Planning tip: Should you go to within the winter you might even see a flock of pink flamingos within the lagoon.
Escape the crowds on the lovely Grand Spérone seashore © Matteo Colombo / Getty Photographs
9. Piantarella, Petit Spérone, Grand Spérone
Should you’re into kite-surfing or wind-surfing, the northern finish of Piantarella is the place to be. The seashore is slim and tends to get overcrowded, so stroll south previous the Roman ruins and alongside a 250m (820ft) path by means of vegetation. It’s going to carry you to the Petit Spérone seashore which, along with neighboring Grand Spérone seashore, boasts among the whitest sands in Corsica.
If there are nonetheless too many individuals right here, head south and climb the steps lower into the rocks to succeed in the highest of the corniche. Then flip west alongside a shady path by means of the golf course and 500m (1640ft) additional alongside you’ll attain Grand Spérone seashore which is way much less crowded even in the midst of summer time. There are not any facilities at both of the Spérone seashores.
Planning tip: You’ll be dealing with due south with views of the Lavezzi islands – when the climate is evident you’ll be capable to spot Sardinia.
10. Capo Di Feno
One other seashore for large surf lovers! There are literally two seashores right here separated by a area – Grand Capo is large enough to by no means appear crowded, and Petit Capo (aka Sevani) to the south is smaller and attracts fewer folks. You’ll get shaken and stirred on the paved highway to Grand Capo which forks close to the coast. Each the dust monitor on the left and the paved highway to the best result in the seashore however there’s extra (free) parking on the finish of the dust monitor. To succeed in Petit Capo simply stroll to the southern (left) finish of Grand Capo and cross the sector or splash by means of the rocks.
Swimming from both seashore is harmful when the surf is up. A lifeguard is on obligation in July and August so control the flag and don’t go into the water if the yellow or purple one is hoisted. Parasols and solar loungers can be found from paillotes.
At day’s finish head over to the Grand Capo restaurant, Casa Nostra the place you’ll be able to sit together with your ft within the sand, a cocktail in hand and feast your eyes on the altering colours of the sky because the solar units and the final of the surfers journey the waves. On some summer time evenings, there’s dwell music right here too. Carry money because the restaurant doesn’t settle for playing cards.
Planning tip: Should you stroll to Petit Capo you’ll must go previous the nudist part on the far left of Grand Capo. Should you’d favor to not, you may must drive again up the D111B till you attain a turnoff pointing to Plage de Sevani. Drive by means of the housing growth to succeed in the automotive park by the seashore.
