Nestled on Corsica’s south tip, Bonifacio is famous not only for its dramatic limestone cliffs and medieval Citadel but also for breathtaking beaches. With a coastline that boasts hidden turquoise coves, vast sandy bays, and idyllic lagoons, this enchanting destination offers something for every beachgoer.
Due to its striking geological setting, the town lacks an easily accessible sandy beach but outside the city walls, a sublime coastal paradise awaits visitors seeking their perfect Mediterranean escape.
In this article, I invite you to discover Bonifacio’s 16 most beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun, dive into crystal-clear waters, and experience Corsica’s luscious nature. If you can only spare a few days to the island’s southern shores be sure to visit the most scenic spots- Plage de Saint Antoine, Plage de Petit and Grand Sperone, and Plage de Rondinara. Endowed with more time, you will have an opportunity to explore other glorious, less-known but equally stunning places. Happy escapades!
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1. PLAGE L’ARINELLA
Arinella beach epitomizes seclusion and charm. A small crystal-clear water cove with golden sand and stunning views of Bonifacio’s Citadel indents the dazzling cliffs’ curving line. It may be viewed from the old town’s north side or boats and ferries entering or leaving the natural limestone harbour. For visitors arriving in Corsica, Arinella’s postcard-perfect demeanour heralds a promise of the upcoming adventures.
HOW TO GET THERE
Plage L’Arinella is one of those seductive places that ostensibly tempt with their manifest beauty making access difficult for those who wish to experience it. Due to its isolated position snug within the cliffs, it can be reached by boat from the port of Bonifacio. There is also a footpath descending to the beach from the Sentier de Strada Vecia et Madonetta trail but it is overgrown and not recommended even for thrill seekers.
2. PLAGE DE SAINT ANTOINE
Saint Antoine beach is south Corsica’s undisputed highlight where nature displays its treasures in all their glory. Nestled on Capo Pertusato, the island’s southernmost peninsula 5 kilometres southeast of Bonifacio, it forms a perfect Mediterranean seascape. Dramatic limestone cliff formations with open-air caves, untouched vegetation, transparent waters, and sublime views of Sardinia’s shores grant an idyllic backdrop to seaside recreation.
Snorkeling is also magnificent with abundant marine life inhabiting the shores. But remember to arrive early for the best spot to spread your towel. Plage de Saint Antoine is far from being a secret attracting crowds in the peak season.
HOW TO GET THERE
To reach the beach follow the D58-D260 route southwest of Bonifacio for nearly 4 km to the Semaphore. Continue on foot for another 20 min from the parking until you reach the beach. The first part of the short hike is on a comfortable, wide road but the last rocky section descending to the cove requires appropriate walking footwear (pass on flip flops).
You may also get to the beach following a scenic trail along the cliffs from Chapelle St-Roch in Bonifacio. The round trip is 9.5 km long and should be avoided in very strong winds due to its exposed position.
USEFUL TIP – As the beach is wild bring plenty of water and some food with you. Keep enough water to hydrate the short but steep ascent back to the car park.
3. PLAGE DE PIANTARELLA
Water sports enthusiasts and active families will love this fun, sporty beach with water so vividly blue that you might think you are in the Caribbean. Plage de Piantarella boasts a long sweep of white sand overlooked by the Roman fort remains, and a vast shallow lagoon with a protected Piana island in its centre. The horizon is marked by Iles Lavezzi, home to endemic flora and fauna, but also paradisiacal beaches.
On-site, a vibrant nautical centre offers access to many exciting water activities and sea excursions. Apart from windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddling, or kayaking you may snorkel with your loved ones in the islet’s vicinity to discover an abundance of flamboyant Mediterranean fish.
Plage de Piantarella is also a starting point of a short walk to a pair of fabulous beaches- Plage du Petit Sperone and Plage du Grand Sperone.
HOW TO GET THERE
In Bonifacio take the D60 route heading east and follow it for 6 kilometres until you reach Piantarella. Parking spaces are available along the road and in the tiny port but in season you have to arrive early to find space close to the beach. To get to the sandy part of the bay you will have to pass through a rocky outcrop which limits access for people with reduced mobility.
USEFUL TIP – Plage de Piantarella is exposed to recurrent winds, a promoter of Posidonia’s presence on the beach shore. Although many people dislike seagrass, it grows only in the cleanest waters playing an important role in the marine ecosystem.
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
Boat trip to the Cliffs of Bonifacio and the Gulf of Sperone from Bonifacio. Admire beautiful coastal landscapes around Bonifacio on a relaxing 1.5-hour-long boat tour departing from the Piantarella beach. Learn about the area’s history, culture, and main landmarks from your on-board tour guide.
4. PLAGE DU PETIT SPERONE
Plage du Petit Sperone is a true corner of paradise where the water is so clear you can see the fish without getting in while the sand is impossibly soft and pale, making you feel like you’re walking on flour. This secluded wild cove is only 100 meters long and in season it fills up quickly, so arrive early to assure yourself space to spread the blanket.
Families with small children will especially appreciate this pretty beach as it is well protected from winds and dangerous waves by two rocky headlands and the seabed shelves very gently granting safety.
HOW TO GET THERE
At the end of Plage de Piantarella follow a narrow path along the coast for about 5-10 minutes. On the right, you will pass an archaeological site with Roman remains.
5. PLAGE DU GRAND SPERONE
Plage du Grand Sperone is one of the beaches that simply must be visited if you are staying in the Bonifacio area. Celebrated among locals and tourists alike, it offers an idyllic retreat of soft white sand, crystalline turquoise water, a backdrop of wild vegetation, and stunning views of Iles Lavezzi and Sardinia.
Adjacent rocky areas provide excellent snorkelling opportunities and above the beach is Golf de Sperone, one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, but otherwise the bay is wild and void of any facilities. At sunset, Grand Sperone transforms into a dreamy place bathed in the luminous golden light, making you feel at the end of the world.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Grand Sperone beach is accessible via a footpath starting at the furthest end of the Piantarella beach. The whole trip, from the Piantarella car park takes about 25-30 minutes. The piste passes through Plage de Petit Sperone, where you need to continue via the rocky stairs, along the golf course for another 15 minutes.
USEFUL TIP – Sadly, dogs are not allowed to enter this paradisiacal cove.
6. PLAGE DE CALA LONGA
Cala Longa beach is a great spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. Tranquil and picturesque, the cove is known for its beautiful natural surroundings devoid of construction, allowing visitors to enjoy the transparent water and a cosy atmosphere.
Due to limited parking, the beach remains uncrowded even in summer. On-site, on a restaurant’s wooden terrace you may enjoy lunch with views of Cavallo. Further south along the coast, other pretty bays accessible via a path offer secluded relaxation.
HOW TO GET THERE
Cala Longa is located 7 kilometres east of Bonifacio, a 15-minute drive by car. To get there follow the D58 road, turning right after 3 kilometers into D258. Before Cala Longa the paved road changes into a dirt track with a small parking area. After heavy rains, the piste may become very tricky to navigate for cars other than 4×4. If this is the case, leave your vehicle at the beginning of the track on the side of the road.
USEFUL TIP – Parking options are limited, arrive early to find space.
7. GRAND PLAGE DES ARBOUSIERS
One of Bonifacio’s secret beaches, Grand Plage des Arbousiers charms with its discrete ambience away from the world, a large sweep of coarse white sand, and turquoise water. Immersed in Corsica’s perfumed scrubland, it mostly receives residents from the neighbouring chic residences. Couples and families seeking tranquillity, looking to relax, especially appreciate the beach’s serene shores.
HOW TO GET THERE
Grand Plage des Arbousiers is situated just north of the Cala Longa beach across the headland. If you continue by car for another 600 meters along the D258 road from the place where a dirt track forks out to Cala Longa, you will find a clearing with a path descending to Grand Plage des Arbousiers. Again, parking is problematic with only the narrow road offering space.
8. PETITE PLAGE DES ARBOUSIERS
Petite Plage des Arbousiers is a hidden gem for anyone who dislikes crowds searching for serene beach bliss. Although the sand isn’t as soft as at the Sperone coves, the water is incredibly clear, brimming with marine life, and pristine nature cradling the bay creates a serene seaside hideaway. Much less known than other famous beaches near Bonifacio, void of facilities and construction, Petite Plage des Arbousiers stays quiet even in high season.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Bonifacio, follow the same route as for Cala Longa via D58-D258 roads. Once passed the clearing leading to Grande Plage des Arbousiers, carry on for another minute until you find a small parking (maybe for 10 cars) on the right side. From there, pursue a path descending the beach.
9. PLAGE DE SANT’AMANZA
In the Gulf of Sant’Amanza, you will find a coastal heaven perfect for chilling out away from Bonifacio’s hustle and bustle. Plage de Sant’Amanza comprises a succession of bays with the biggest one serviced by a lovely waterfront restaurant. Due to the protected position, on wind-free days the sea remains strikingly calm with a lake-like still surface while the secluded coves offer intimacy and peace. Wild areas along the scenic headland are riddled with paths ideal for leisurely walks. Across the bay, arresting views of dazzling limestone cliffs complete this postcard-perfect entourage.
HOW TO GET THERE
The southeastern side of the Sant’Amanza Gulf is easily accessible from Bonifacio via the D58 route. The 8-kilometre-long ride takes around 15 minutes. Parking spaces are available along the road depending on where you decide to stay.
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
Bonifacio and Iles Lavezzi tour from Sant’Amanza. Explore the beautiful scenery of the Piantarella lagoon, the caves of Bonifacio, and the Lavezzi Islands on a 4-hour tour. Snorkel in the most stunning locations of Corsica’s southern coast.
10. PLAGE DE MAORA
Plage de Maora is nestled in the west part of the pretty Sant’Amanza Gulf. Its 800-meter-long pink-sand shores are a quiet Mediterranean retreat in low season but during summer the beach comes alive with vibrant activity from the nautical club and beach restaurants. Watersports lovers may practice surfing, sailing, paddling, and even playing beach volleyball. Its relaxed, joyful atmosphere makes Plage de Maora a popular spot favoured by families and youth.
HOW TO GET THERE
Reaching the Maora beach from Bonifacio is easy. For the first 4 kilometres follow the eastward D58 road as for Sant’Amanza, then turn left into D60. After 100 meters turn right into the Maora access road for the last 3 kilometers. Outside the season, parking is free but in summer you will have to pay €10 per day (€5 if you arrive in the afternoon) for a space in the large car park. The cost may be refunded for a meal in one of the restaurants.
11. PLAGE DE BALISTRA
Vast, wild, beautiful, with clear azure water and untouched nature, the Balistra beach stays crowd-free even in August. The access road along a bumpy dirt track deters anyone with a low-slung car, leaving Balistra’s untamed allure to those who decide to brave the winding, pot-holed road.
However, once there, you will appreciate the feeling of space and solitude that is very rare to come upon in times of large-scale tourism. In summer months, the beach is supervised whereas a small paillote provides snacks and drinks (prices reflect the isolated Balistra’s isolated position).
HOW TO GET THERE
Balistra is situated 10 kilometres from the port of Bonifacio. To get there, take the main RT10 road towards Porto Vecchio and after 7.5 km turn right into a dirt track leading to the beach. The piste ends with a spacious free car park. The last 2.5 kilometres are suitable only for highly suspended cars due to bums and potholes dotting the track. If you are renting a vehicle, check in the contract terms if unpaved roads are covered by insurance.
USEFUL TIP – Balistra is heaven for dog lovers who love to play with their pets on the beach’s wide shores.
12. PLAGE DE RONDINARA
Rondinara, a jewel of the southeastern coast, is an unmissable destination for all who visit the Bonifacio region. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole Mediterranean basin, it offers a supreme sea, sun, and sand escape.
Rondinara’s perfect shell shape, soft, silver sand, vividly turquoise water and pristine nature are a serene oasis for lovers of coastal pleasures. Families love the bay’s shallow seabed and great snorkeling locations whereas outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to watersports and a beach restaurant serving snacks that fuel active leisure. Due to its more distant position, Rondinara is less crowded than other famous beaches in the area such as Santa Giulia or Palombaggia.
HOW TO GET THERE
To reach Rondinara from Bonifacio, follow the RT10 road towards Porto Vecchio for 14 kilometres, turning right into the winding D158 for the last 7. A large, paid-in-season car park is just behind the beach.
13. PLAGE DE LA TONNARA
Nestled on Corsica’s west coast in untouched, wild scenery, Tonnara is a wonderful destination for virtually everyone. Lovers of sports will find a vibrant nautical centre offering wide access to water activities, families can enjoy a safe, golden-hued seabed and transparent sea while those seeking tranquil relaxation are spoilt for choice with numerous coves and an immense windswept territory crossed with footpaths.
Tonnara is also a magnificent place to witness flamboyant Mediterranean sunsets, making it a perfect romantic getaway. Couples can enjoy a leisurely evening stroll through the picturesque dunes behind the beach, immersing themselves in the virginal surroundings. Dog owners will equally appreciate this pristine space, as it offers ample room for their furry friends to roam and explore.
HOW TO GET THERE
Only 9 kilometres from Bonifacio, Tonnara can be easily accessed via the main T40 road. Parking by the beach is free. Le Goéland Beach restaurant provides a wheelchair to people with reduced mobility to help them reach the beach.
14. PLAGE DE STAGNOLU
A stone’s throw away from Tonnara, accessible via a footpath, is Plage de Stagnolu, another beautiful wild bay engulfed in fragrant Mediterranean nature, backed by white dunes. Much quieter than its popular counterpart, it attracts people seeking seclusion and tranquillity. Stretching for 300 meters, it offers pinkish sand and transparent water but the seabed descends quickly, making the beach less suitable for small children. There is no infrastructure in the cove, to get provisions you will have to walk back to Plage de Tonnara.
HOW TO GET THERE
To reach Plage de Stagnolu arrive at the Tonnara beach. At the car park take a leftward footpath running for about 700 meters to the cove.
15. PLAGE DE CHEVANO
Located near Pianottoli Cardarello on Corsica’s southwest shores, Plage de Chevano (also known as Plage de Kevano) seduces with its discreet charm, sheltered-from-the-winds position, translucent water, and golden sands.
Broken into several intimate coves, it features rocky headlands and granite boulders tumbling into the sea granting excellent snorkelling areas. Wild and peaceful, Chevano remains relatively quiet even in summer attracting mainly tourists from the neighboring campsite. In the shoulder season, you will find this hidden gem virtually deserted.
HOW TO GET THERE
Chevano is situated 22 kilometres northwest of Bonifacio. You can reach it via the T40-D122 route. Near Camping Kevano Plage turn right and follow the road to a small car park on the beach’s northern end. The final stretch of the access lane is a bumpy dirt track. From the car park, continue on foot via a path.
USEFUL TIP – Watch out for sea urchins hiding underneath the rocks. Without water shoes stick to the sandy beach areas.
16. ILES LAVEZZI BEACHES
If you can spare time, don’t leave Bonifacio without visiting the stunning beaches of Iles Lavezzi, a beautiful archipelago just 10 km off Corsica’s south shores. Several sandy coves dotting the protected territory offer a dreamy beach heaven to anyone who is willing to hop on a boat to discover some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the Mediterranean.
The most gorgeous spots include Cala di l’Achiarina a shell-shaped bay ideal for snorkelling, Cala du Chiesa, sheltered by giant rock formations, the golden Cala di u Lioni, and the intimate Cala di Chiorneri, perfect for relaxation. All beaches boast strikingly turquoise water and untouched nature brimming with wildlife and diverse plant species.
HOW TO GET THERE
Iles Lavezzi are accessible by boat from the port of Bonifacio, but also from other locations such as Porto Vecchio or Ajaccio. For a thrilling adventure, you can even hire a jet-ski in the marina of Bonifacio, the Bay of Piantarella, or the Sant’Amanza Gulf. Some visitors prefer to combine sport with recreation choosing to paddle a kayak to reach the islands.
USEFUL TIP—Since facilities are not available on the islands, gear up with essential supplies such as food and drink, sun protection, water shoes, a parasol, and towels. Bring a snorkelling mask to enjoy the underwater treasures.
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
- Boat tour to Bonifacio with a swimming stop at Iles Lavezzi from Ajaccio. Visit Bonifacio, swim in the pristine waters of Iles Lavezzi, sample local wines and meats, and admire magnificent views of southern Corsica. During this full-day trip, you will also stop at the exquisite cove of Roccapina.
- Boat trip in the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve from Bonifacio. Explore the Bonifacio National Park on a speedboat tour to some of the most scenic corners of Corsica. Soak up views of the Genoese tower of Capicciolu, the Lavezzi Archipelago with its stunning beaches, and the Bay of Fazzio. Go for a dip in crystal-clear waters and discover the marine life.
- Lavezzi Archipelago sightseeing cruise from Porto Vecchio. Discover the beauty of the Lavezzi Archipelago and Iles Cerbicales on a sightseeing cruise from Porto-Vecchio. Enjoy birdwatching beside the rocks and swim in crystal waters. The trip takes 4 hours and snorkeling gear is provided.
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