If France is overflowing with splendid destinations, Corsica is one of its finest jewels! Its privileged territory, between sea and mountains, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France, if not Europe! Sumptuous coves where the crystal-clear water reflects an almost tropical landscape are hidden in the scrub, not to mention the various color-changing calanques : to help you discover them, the Petit Futé reveals its favorite beaches on the island of beauty, which are undoubtedly the most beautiful Corsican beaches.
Make the most of your stay by discovering all the must-sees and must-dos in Corsica! We also recommend that you take advantage of your vacation to discover Corsica's most beautiful villages.
1. Nonza beach, Haute-Corse
Located to the west of Cap Corse, Nonza was one of the island's northern defense points. While the village's enchanting setting now enchants visitors, it's certainly its seafront that attracts them even more. Nonza beach is one of the most original and beautiful in Corsica. Here, don't 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 15 must-sees!
2. San Ciprianu beach, southern Corsica
The far south of Corsica offers a variety of landscapes of unrivalled beauty. Just 10 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, in the village of Lecci, the hamlet of San Ciprianu is appreciated by holidaymakers for its lively summer scene, with events and festivities taking place every year. Its beach, protected by its Genoese tower, is a magnificent cove of white sand. The northern part of the beach, bordered by the Etang d'Arasu, is still wild and unspoilt. Want to know what to do in and around Porto Vecchio? Discover our selection of 15 must-sees! We recommend an afternoon cruise in the bay of Saint-Cyprien, to enjoy the city's night-time views at sunset. You can also swim, snorkel or ride a jet ski!
3. Bussaglia beach, Haute-Corse
Sand that sticks and soaks into everything is not for you? Then head for Bussaglia beach, 6 km from Porto! Its small pebbles don't detract from the charm of this site nestling at the foot of the cliffs. The beach stretches for 1 km and is an ideal bathing spot after an excursion to Corsica's regional nature park. Admire the view from the access road, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Porto.
Take the opportunity to discover our 15 must-sees for a trip to Haute-Corse, to help you plan an unforgettable vacation!
4. Canella beach, between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio in Corsica
Canella beach lies between Solenzara and Porto-Vecchio, in the heart of Corsican scrubland. Nestled in a charming cove, its transparent water and white sand make it look like paradise. Easily accessible and ideal for children, with shallow waters for some 50 meters, it's a family favorite. For greater peace and quiet, opt for 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 just a few kilometers from Bonifacio and its must-see attractions. This is the southernmost point of mainland France. The site is an incredible reservoir of biodiversity, and its crystal-clear coves are among the best diving (and swimming!) spots in Corsica. The Lavezzi Islands can be reached by boat from Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio. You can also discover the beauty of the Lavezzi archipelago and the Iles Cerbicales on a sightseeing cruise on a sightseeing cruise from Porto-Vecchio. You'll be able to watch birds near the rocks and dive into the crystal-clear waters for a swim.
6. Lotu beach, Haute-Corse
The Lotu beach is accessible by shuttle boat from the port of Saint-Florent. Surrounded by maquis, it stretches out in an enchanting setting that is popular with tourists in summer, but virtually deserted in the off-season. After enjoying the turquoise waters and white sand, hikers can follow the "sentier des douaniers" (customs path) to the sumptuous Saleccia beach, one of our favorites and undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in Corsica! Or why not take advantage of the convenience of a transfer to the beautiful beaches of Saleccia or Lotu, with a professional chauffeur driving you to some of Corsica's most secluded beaches!
7. Santa Giulia beach, Corse-du-Sud
Just 10 minutes from Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia beach has the air of a Polynesian lagoon, which has earned it a place in our ranking of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica! Situated at the foot of a mountain, it stretches for over 2 km. Its extremely fine sand and clear , shallow waters make it one of Corsica's one of Corsica's favorite spots for vacationers during the summer months. It's also one of Corsica's most active and comprehensive water sports centers, offering a wide range of activities such as paddleboarding and jet-skiing.
8. Rondinara beach, South Corsica
Repeatedlyvoted the most beautiful beach in Corsica, France and even Europe, Rondinara is an unspoilt spot on a cove between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. It's one of the places not to be missed on your vacation in Southern Corsica! Sheltered from the wind by its shell-like shape where the two ends meet, it's a delight for holidaymakers! In the off-season, when holidaymakers desert the area, the cows return to the white sands, giving the landscape its end-of-the-world look...
9. Palombaggia beach, Corse-du-Sud
Its lilting name is a traveler's dream. Palombaggia beach lies to the south of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand and umbrella pines, it could almost be mistaken for one of Thailand's must-see beaches, for it has nothing to envy the most sought-after tropical destinations! Even less so if you add the splendid panorama of the Cerbicale Islands, just across the way. Often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, its reputation is well deserved, and has earned it a place on our podium of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica!
10. Saleccia beach, Haute-Corse
An indisputable favorite, Saleccia beach is the treasure of the Agriates. Here, time seems to stand still. Its crystal-clear waters and lush pine forest invite you to relax and unwind. In the early morning, the deserted beach is a veritable paradise and without doubt the most beautiful beach in Corsica. To get there, you'll need to take a shuttle boat from the Lotu beach, or take a 4x4 down the dirt track : it's an original way to venture into the maquis, and you'll also get a guided tour. What's on the agenda? Cross the Agriate, stop for a swim on the Lotu and Saleccia beaches, hike the Douaniers trail between the beaches.
11. Ficajola beach
Nestled between steep cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, this is the only beach in the Calanques de Piana within walking distance. Ficajola beach is a 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 outdone, with coastal paths offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Last but not least, Ficajola beach is also renowned for its tranquility, offering visitors a real moment of escape and disconnection. An unspoilt paradise to discover in Corsica.
12. Ostriconi beach
Corsica's Ostriconi beach is a natural treasure trove, enchanting visitors with its wild, unspoilt beauty. The fine sandy beach forms a pretty cove with transparent water , where water sports enthusiasts will find everything they need, with ideal conditions for paddling, kayaking or diving. And don't hesitate to take a stroll along the nearby coastal paths to discover the wealth of local flora and fauna!
13. Arone beach
With its fine golden sand, crystal-clear waters, majestic surrounding mountains and imposing red rocks, this beach is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, earning it a reputation as one of Corsica's most beautiful beaches. Parking is free and there are bars and restaurants on the beach , so you can enjoy a full day on the beach in complete peace and quiet. Its location makes it an ideal bathing stop on the way from Porto to Ajaccio, as it is just 12 km south of Piana, just past Capo Rosso. What's more, the road leading to the beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Porto and the calanques!
14. Calvi beach
Calvi is a popular seaside destination with a sandy beach stretching for several kilometers, offering an idyllic setting with crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque coastal scenery. Calvi beach is also famous for its lively atmosphere. Here you'll find numerous beach bars, restaurants and cafés, and can take advantage of the deckchair and parasol rental services on site. You can also enjoy a wide range of water sports. We recommend booking a boat to discover the breathtaking underwater world of the Pointe de la Revellata, for example. It's 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 must-sees and must-visits on site, don't miss a stroll through the cobbled streets and a visit to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral.
15. Petit Sperone beach
The Petit Sperone beach in Corsica is a true natural gem located near Bonifacio, in the south of the island. Renowned for its unspoilt beauty, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica. Nestled in a picturesque bay, it offers breathtaking views over the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Petit Sperone is famous for its fine white sand, which contrasts with the surrounding pink granite rocks. To reach the Petit Sperone beach, you'll need to cross the Piantarella beach and follow a picturesque path for about 10 minutes on foot. Due to its more restricted access and growing popularity, we recommend arriving early!
Which coast is the most beautiful in Corsica?
Corsica is an island of varied and spectacular landscapes, and it's hard to pinpoint just one coastline as the most beautiful. Corsica's west coast, for example, is famous for its wild calanques and sheer cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The calanques of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer spectacular rock formations and breathtaking views. Corsica's south coast also offers magnificent scenery, with unspoilt beaches and translucent waters . Porto-Vecchio's beaches, notably Santa Giulia and Palombaggia, 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 means that the seabed is clearly visible, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and observing marine life, and the beaches are generally blessed with fine, soft sand. Here's our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Solenzara, Corsica:
-As mentioned above, Canella beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and fine sand. It is surrounded by green hills, giving it a picturesque setting. It's an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling in the Solenzara area.
-Favone beach, just a few kilometers from Solenzara, is another magnificent beach with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. It is lined with pine trees, offering shade for those who want to relax.
-The more secluded Scaffa Rossa beach is less crowded than the 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 warmest water in Corsica?
In general, water temperatures in Corsica vary with the seasons and depend on a number of factors, such as sea currents, winds and exposure to the sun. However, the regions best known for relatively warm waters in Corsica are the island's east and south coasts.
-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 time to enjoy these warmer water temperatures.
-On the south coast, destinations such as Propriano, Ajaccio and the region's beaches are also renowned for their relatively warm waters in summer. Water temperatures can reach pleasant levels, particularly in July and August.
Why is the water turquoise in Corsica?
Corsica's turquoise water is due to a number of geological and environmental factors. The color of the water is influenced by the composition of the seabed and coastline. Corsican beaches are often lined with fine white sand, which reflects sunlight and gives the water a turquoise hue. Sea water in Corsica is generally clear and pure, which favors the refraction of sunlight that penetrates the water and is dispersed by water molecules and suspended particles, creating a blue-green or turquoise color. 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, reinforcing the turquoise hue.
