Discover 12 Corsica Beaches for an Unforgettable Trip

The coastline of Corsica is revered for its incredible natural charm, with mountains sweeping down to the sea and pine forest framing the beach. You'll find everything you want from a beach holiday in Corsica, from hidden coves to urban stretches of sand where festivals are held in summer. Part of France, the island is known as the Isle of Beauty for good reason. Discover more with this guide to the best Corsica beaches.

It's impossible to say which side of Corsica has the nicest beaches. The East Coast is blessed with picture-perfect, flat beaches that are often reminiscent of the Caribbean, while the West Coast has its own rugged beauty that's irresistible for nature-lovers. Similarly, the north and south of the island both have famous beaches and hidden gems. Let's start with a look at the north, known locally as Haute-Corse (Upper Corsica).

Find this off-the-beaten-track beach in a secluded cove flanked by mountains. Here, the coastline is wild and rocky, and the turquoise sea is crystal clear. There's a lake just behind the beach. In an area with such pure natural surroundings, there are few amenities, but the sounds, sights and sweet scents of nature more than make up for it. To see more of this enchanting coastline, take a boat trip to this beach from the nearby town of Saint-Florent.

• 20217 Saint-Florent
• With only dirt track access, it's not advisable to drive, but there are 4x4 shuttles from Casta to take visitors to the beach.
• The beach has no facilities on-site, so bring your own food, water and shade.

Barcaggio is another hidden gem in northern Corsica. In fact, it's as far north as the island gets. This undisturbed beach sits at the very tip of the Cap Corse peninsula that stretches into the Ligurian Sea. Gaze out across the shimmering water to catch a glimpse of Giraglia island, with its lighthouse and 16th-century tower. Barcaggio is so remote and untouched that you're as likely to see cows wandering lazily along the beach as you are to see sunbathers.

• Sent. des douaniers, 20247 Rogliano
• Parking is available, and access involves a short walk.
• Basic amenities include a restaurant.

Corse-du-Sud (South Corsica) includes the island's main city of Ajaccio. The city's Mediterranean vibe, with yachts bobbing in marinas and cafés along old town streets, often leads to comparisons with the Côte d'Azur on the mainland. There are exceptional beaches nearby, too.

A scenic 30-minute drive from Ajaccio, the beaches at Capo Di Feno are known for surfing – or watching surfers while sipping a cool drink, if you prefer. There are two beaches here, Grand Capo and the smaller Petit Capo (a.k.a. Sevani). Some of Corsica’s beaches get crowded in summer, especially this close to Ajaccio, but you should still be able to find a spot with plenty of space across the two beaches. As with several of Corsica’s beaches, you can swim safely at certain times, but swimming is not advised when the surf is up.

• 20000 Ajaccio
• The beach is accessible via the D11/D11B road from Ajaccio, and parking is available with a short walk.
• There's a restaurant. Look out for red flags to indicate unsafe swimming.

With its crescent of white sand and backdrop of verdant hills, Rondinara Beach is a living landscape painting. Because of its picturesque appeal, this spot can get crowded in summer, but there are other little beaches along the coast where you're more likely to find serenity. Alternatively, visit Rondinara Beach during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. The east coast town of Porto-Vecchio is 30 minutes away by car, where ferries depart for Marseille and other parts of the French mainland.

• 20169 Bonifacio
• Paid parking is available.
• The beach has a restaurant and sunbed rentals.

Spend precious family time on Santa Giulia Beach, which sits between Rondinara and Porto-Vecchio in the southeast of Corsica. Soft white sand makes this beach ideal for kids, and the shallow waters along the shoreline are pristinely clear. Children can paddle and splash around, and swimming is supervised in summer. Nearby restaurants and bars, together with water sports like pedal boating and kayaking, make Santa Giulia a treat for parents too.

• 20137 Porto-Vecchio
• There are multiple parking options near the beach, ranging from €5 to €10.

If you're staying in the Isle of Beauty's northwest during a family holiday in Corsica, visit the beach at L'Île-Rousse. Like Santa Giulia, it has shallow waters, and the sea is warm enough for kids to play in happily for much of the year. The beach is right next to the small town of L'Île-Rousse, which gives families plenty of options for strolling into the centre in search of ice cream and beach toys. Cosy restaurants line the beach.

• L'Île-Rousse, France
• Paid parking is available.
• Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

This long stretch of white sand in Corsica's northwest is big and remote enough that couples are always able to find private spots with only each other for company. The biggest romantic allure here is that Ostriconi is one of the finest beaches in Corsica for sunsets. Red rocks glow in the softening light, making this place a dream for photographers as well as couples. The fragrant scent of Corsican maquis drifts in from the scrubland of the nearby Desert des Agriates, a protected natural area.

• Ogliastro
• Free parking is available along a gravel road. Access involves a walk of up to 1 km.
• There are no facilities, so come prepared.

Just around the coast from Lotu Beach, Saleccia Beach is another secluded location with rugged charm and plenty of cosy nooks for couples to enjoy picnics. As the beach is only accessible by 4x4 or boat due to the nature of the dirt track covering the last few kilometres, the reward when you step onto pearly white sand is even greater.

• Saleccia
• There are no amenities at the beach, so come prepared with food, drinks and other essentials.

Calvi Beach is an urban stretch of fine sand with all the hallmarks of a luxury coastal setting – gleaming yachts, cocktails and fresh seafood. Calvi, a town on Corsica's northwest coast, is known for its citadel, which makes a charming backdrop to the beach. The Calvi on the Rocks festival in summer brings fashion and the arts to this luxe locale. Enjoy supervised swimming during summer.

• 20260 Calvi
• There are several free car parks nearby.

A 20-minute drive south of Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Europe. It often draws comparisons with the Caribbean thanks to its powdery white sand, pine groves, and shallow turquoise waters. Pink-red rocks add to the ambiance. After plunging into the perfect sea to snorkel, dry off and head to one of the stylish restaurants or lounges along the nearby coast. Naturally, such appeal comes with popularity that can lead to crowds in summer.

• 20137 Porto-Vecchio
• There's free parking, and a beach shuttle from Porto Vecchio is available in summer.
• Sunbed rentals are available at the beach.

This beach is known for water sports like windsurfing, wakeboarding and catamaran excursions, with Maora Beach Sailing Club as a popular centre for activities. Maora Beach is close to the medieval town of Bonifacio, which is known as the City of Cliffs and Caves. Many of the town's nearby sea caves can be explored by kayak if you're feeling adventurous.

If you explore the town, don't miss the King of Aragon's Staircase, with more than 180 steps carved into the limestone. The staircase was actually created centuries ago to access a freshwater well, but an intriguing legend says it was carved by the troops of the King of Aragon in the dead of night during 1420.

• 20169 Bonifacio
• Paid parking is available close to the beach.

Plenty of water sports are available in Corsica, and Pinarello Beach is another good location for seeking out high-octane thrills on the water, including parasailing. Jet ski rentals are offered close to the beach. Nearby mountains and pine forests have plenty of trails of varying difficulties, and hiking in Corsica is a popular activity all over the island. To take on a serious hike, consider the GR20 trail that crosses the island for 180 km, with beaches as your reward after more than two weeks of hiking.

• 20144 Saint Lucie de Porto Vecchio
• Free parking is available.
• There are restaurants in the nearby village of Pinarello.

Corsica’s beaches offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and Mediterranean charm, from secluded coves to golden sands. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, this island paradise delivers. After soaking up the Isle of Beauty's magic, why not continue your journey to Nice on the glamorous Côte d'Azur for more unforgettable coastal experiences?