Top 10 best beaches in Corsica, the island of beauty
With a myriad of secret coves and sweeping bays of fine white sand, interspersed with dramatic rust-coloured cliffs plunging into clear aquamarine waters, we've been spoilt for choice when selecting the best beaches in Corsica.
Top 10 best beaches in Corsica: the island of beauty's best bays
Whether you are looking for a seaside spot for all the family to enjoy, a secluded retreat for two or a water sport haven, Corsica has it all and what's more, it is only a two hour flight away from the UK, and well serviced by many travel companies, such as Neilson and easyJet holidays.
1. Calvi
In the north west of the island, a sweeping bay of sand, lapped by crystal clear waters and a gently sloping seabed plus a good range of facilities, make this an excellent beach for families with children of any age.
There are numerous cafés and restaurants with sunbeds and parasols for hire, as well as a couple of great water sports centres, with a range of activities including sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing and diving. If you tire of the beach, take a walk around the charming town of Calvi itself and the luxury yacht filled marina, flanked by a further choice of restaurants and overlooked by the ancient citadel.
2. L'Ile Rousse
The last stop along the coastal train route from Calvi before it turns inland to the mountains, L'Ile Rousse is a lovely seaside town, with a farmer's market every morning and a beautiful white sand beach. There are plenty of facilities here and the sea is the clearest and bluest you could hope to see anywhere. You'll find a good range of water sports, including jet skis, at a second, smaller beach, near the train station.
3. L'Ostriconi
If you are looking for somewhere more remote without a sunbed in sight, Plage de L'Ostriconi is the perfect choice. You will need to drive here, leaving your car by the side of the road overlooking the beach.
A winding, narrow track leads down the hillside, where you'll find a stream you'll need to ford in order to reach the absolutely idyllic beach. It is well worth the effort and is never busy, even in the height of summer. Remember to take all you might need with you, including plenty of water and sun block, as there are no facilities at all here.
4. Palombaggia
The best known beach on Corsica, Palombaggia is a stunning, white sand bay backed by pine trees and red granite rocks, lapped by the bluest of seas and dotted with cafés and water sport facilities. With views out to the uninhabited Cerbicale archipelago, its beauty draws the crowds especially in high season, and such is its appeal (regularly featuring in the travel press as one of the top European beaches) that it is classed as a protected natural site.
5. Saleccia
This stunning beach, west of St Florent, really takes some beating. The long stretch of dazzlingly white sand, lapped by clear blue water, has a backdrop of Corsican pines and the sun-scorched maquis of the Désèrt des Agriates. It can be reached via a seven and a half mile track, really only suitable for 4x4s or quad bikes.
The latter can be hired from the bar Relais de Saleccia at start of the track on the D81 road. Alternatively a ferry runs here in the summer from St Florent. Once again be sure to take everything you might need with you as there are no facilities whatsoever here. A parasol for shade is also advisable. Despite its remoteness, this beach can still get busy in August with locals arriving in their own boats.
6. Santa Giulia
Equally beautiful and popular, Santa Giulia, is a lovely bay with soft yellow sand and shallow water, making it perfect for young children, and also with some interesting small reefs which can be reached via a short paddle. It is popular with water sport fans, with options including diving, windsurfing and some of the best sailing in the area, and has a number of shops and eateries, including a particularly attractive restaurant with shaded seating, centrally located on the beach.
7. Lavezzi Isles
Catch a boat from Bonifacio to the beautiful beaches and secluded coves of the Lavezzi Isles, a stunning archipelago, lying between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. This group of granite islands, of which only Cavallo is populated, form the most southerly point of metropolitan (European) France.
8. Campomoro
As you drive towards the pretty seaside village of Campomoro, a beautiful bay comes into view. With fine sand, shallow water and just a couple of beachside restaurants plus a water sports centre, this is a laid back beach great for children and snorkelling.
9. Capicciolo
The Capicciolo stretch of coast in the south west of Corsica, has lovely views of the Gulf of Valinco, especially at sunset. Here you'll find a series of pretty, hidden coves, tucked between dramatic granite boulders, interspersed with the occasional larger sandy beach. Facilities are relatively sparse, but this is very much a choice for those in a mood for nothing more than gentle meandering, a picnic perhaps and a dip in the sea.
10. Porto Pollo
With possibly the best diving and snorkelling in the area, this sandy bay is also popular with families with young children due to its gently sloping seabed. There is a great range of water sports here, a pretty marina and Porto Pollo itself, a laid back coastal village with a smattering of cafés and restaurants.
These are just a handful of some of the best beaches in Corsica but explore the island and you will, no doubt, find many more. Whether you seek an active holiday making the most of the great range of water sports on offer, a fun-filled family break or a romantic escape for two, you are sure to find a beach you'll fall in love with on the island of beauty.
If you fancy finding your own beautiful beach in Corsica, check out our full range of travel deals and discounts on everything from flights and holidays to car hire. You can also find out more about the best time to visit Corsica on the island's climate page.
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