What are the top 10 beaches in Corsica?

Top 10 beaches in Corsica

With around 200 beaches spread across 1,000km of coastline, Corsica is a seaside lovers' paradise. Picturesque fishing ports and sandy coves lie to the east, pristine dive sites dot all around and achingly decadent beach boutiques and spas wait to be discovered far and wide.

Travelling to Corsica

Geographically French but with a distinct Italian culture, Corsica merges mountains with pretty coastal towns and hiking trails with superyacht hubs. As the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean it offers natural diversity, acorn-infused cold meats and unrivalled virgin olive oil.

Which part of Corsica has the best beaches?

Venture off the beaten path and you’ll discover the archipelago of Lavezzi, a collection of small granite islands and grouper-rich reefs in the Strait of Bonifacio.

Hotel des Pecheurs, Cavallo, Lavezzi Islands

Or seek out Santa Giulia, one of the most popular beaches in Corsica. Either way, Corsica north and south makes for a favoured charter destination with its temperate climate and sandy shorelines.

Calvi Beach

Corsica’s Calvi is widely considered to be one of the best beaches on the island. A long sweeping coastline enjoys some of the clearest water drawing snorkellers from far and wide, framed by stunning views of the centuries-old citadel and old port.

Why visit Calvi Beach?

Stretching almost 6km in length, space is never an issue on Calvi beach. Pairing privacy with mouth-watering eateries, pine woods and mountains, jazz beats can be heard floating on the breeze thanks to Calvi’s year-round festival vibe.

An arc of fine sand overlooked by Calvi's 12th century citadel

Arinella Beach

Not far from the Calvi hot spot, Arinella is another snorkeller’s haven on the north end of the island. Thanks to Corsica’s warm Mediterranean climate the vast inviting waters with near-perfect visibility swarm with varied and abundant sea plants and animals.

Why visit Arinella Beach?

The main beach in the town of Bastia is pebbly making Arinella’s long sandy shore that extends along the whole of the east coast a welcome destination. A sailing vacation here will deliver daily watersports, breath-taking views and a romantic stroll through Place St Nicholas.

Arinella Beach with the island of Elba in the distance

Rondinara

The clam shell-shaped bay of Rondinara beach, flanked by two rocky promontories, is almost as stunning from the air as it is on the ground. Sheltered from the wind its multi-hued sea calmly laps the gently sloping shoreline marking it out as one of the best parts of Corsica.

Why visit Rondinara?

Rondinara is perfectly placed for yachts visiting the historic port and natural harbour of Porto Vecchio. For a private slice of heaven, spend the night at Les Terrasses de Rondinara, whose refreshing infinity pool overlooks the ocean and unspoiled coastal scenery.

Crystal clear waters in this beautiful sheltered bay in the south east

Palombaggia

Offering all the colours in the rainbow, Palombaggia beach is defined by red rocks, blue waters, powder white sands and umbrella pine trees. Plunge below the waves to encounter mullet, silverfish, octopus, sole and the famed salema porgy fish, a golden striped hallucinogen if consumed.

Why visit Palombaggia?

One of the longest beaches in Corsica, it’s also one of the most popular, particularly with twitchers as the nature reserve on the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage Cerbicale islands provides the rare chance to sight crested cormorants up close and personal.

Rugged beauty on the south east coast at Palombaggia Beach

Saleccia

Enticingly remote and easier to access by boat than by land, Saleccia is recognised by its long curve of pearl white sand. Little fishing boats bob at anchor on translucent waters as local fishermen unload their fresh catches of succulent octopus and squid.

Why visit Saleccia?

This area is known for its rustic landscape and family-friendly gastronomy. Saleccia is often described as one of the wildest beaches on the island and frequently ranked as one of the top 10 beaches to visit when on a Corsican beach holiday.

A glorious north facing beach in the north of the island

Ostriconi

Lying in the north west of Corsica is Ostriconi beach, only reached on foot or by water. This protected coastline is as verdant as it is secluded. Backed by a fresh water river and grass-covered mountains, it offers natural beauty at its best.

Why visit Ostriconi?

Located on a lonely stretch of road between the fishing port of Saint Florent and the vacation resort of Lozari, Ostriconi is a must-visit for all romantics at heart, where gnarled broom bushes cover the heaving sand dunes and adventure up the wild, green creek beckons.

Facing the north west and backed by a lagoon and verdant scrub

Lotu

Sharing Saleccia’s stunning Agriates desert coastline is Lotu (or Loto) beach, an isolated find for those keen on avoiding crowds. Affectionately known as ‘wilderness beach’ it is another of Corsica’s hidden gems only accessible by boat.

Why visit Lotu?

Lotu has it all – shore, sand, stone and seabed. A favourite anchorage for small yachts and fishing boats, its wooden jetty stretches out to clear azure waters where bathers and snorkellers while away the hours exploring this endless expanse of beautiful beach.

Lotu is another unspoilt remote beach nestled in nature

Roccapina

Here sleeps the fabled lion of Roccapina, a rocky outcrop of pink granite eroded over time to resemble the shape of a crouching lion. A pristine beach likened to the shores of the Caribbean, Roccapina surprises with its handful of prehistoric sites and castles that pepper the mountainside.

Why visit Roccapina?

Located in the protected area of Corsica’s southwestern Grand Valinco region, Roccapina is as convenient as it is alluring. The safe bathing spot for younger families is overlooked by the Genoese tower Torra di Roccapina, another landmark dominating the beach.

Roccapina Beach overlooked by a Genoese tower and a pink granite lion

Sperone

On the southern tip of the island near the town of Bonifacio, the horseshoe beach of Sperone sits in wait. A firm favourite with couples and families alike it provides shallow, warm waters with a lush, green backdrop.

Why visit Sperone?

A blissful oasis of vivid seascapes and overlooked by the ruined Roman villa Piantarella, Sperone faces the Piana island, a sapphire in Corsica’s crown. Once renowned for its monasteries and tuna fishing, the transport-free islet is today a prized nesting site for Eleonora's falcon, royal gull and plovers.

Petit Sperone Beach next to the ruins of a Roman villa

Bodri

Bodri beach offers a remote vibe lying at the foot of the Balagne hills in Upper Corsica. The northern side welcomes nudists, while the entire beach indulges in the laidback ambience of the nearby local produce markets, cafes and bistros.

Why visit Bodri?

Bodri beach is nestled in the last bay before the charming seaside town of L'Ile Rousse. The area benefits from one of the warmest microclimates in Corsica, making it a favourite spot for watersports and sun worshipping.

Beautiful white sand beach just east of Ile Rousse

Which yachts are available for chartering?

Delivering all the authentic charm and elegance of the glamorous 1920s with state of the art technology fitted during a 2021 refit, striking 90.1m NERO is a charter must. Those who love striking contemporary yacht design will find solace on board 80m EXCELLENCE, a 2020 addition to the global charter market from which guests can learn to sail or dine al fresco on the bridge deck aft and wonder at sea and sky from the unique triple height glass atrium.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.