Discover some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches located in the Porto-Vecchio region, an exquisite part of the coast offering a variety of marine landscapes. From secluded rocky inlets and azure bays to vast stretches of white soft sand fading into transparent Mediterranean waters- a unique medley of heavenly coves to suit all preferences and requirements.
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1. RONDINARA BEACH – UNSPOILT COASTAL SCENERY WITH A TROPICAL FEEL
The magnificent Rondinara beach is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With its shallow, crystal clear water and soft white sand, the shell-shaped cove is a true paradise. Sheltered from the wind and waves by two rocky headlands, the turquoise, gently sloping curve is surrounded by a pristine environment of fragrant maquis and elegant Mediterranean pine trees. Warm mellow waters are perfect for novice swimmers, families with young children, and snorkelers.
The beach may get crowded during the peak season, however, there are attractive, less frequented small coves near Pointe de Rondinara, a picturesque peninsula protecting the bay from the south.
In summer, refreshments may be purchased at the beach restaurant while paddle, kayak, and a pedalo rental offer an opportunity to explore more secluded corners of the bay.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF RONDINARA
Rondinara is located halfway between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio. To access it, follow the D158 road winding via the Suartone hamlet for 11 km east of the main T10. A spacious paid car park at the end of the drive is only a short walk away from the sunny shores of the beach.
BEST PLACES TO STAY
Résidence Les Terrasses de Rondinara (€€)
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
- Boat cruise to Iles Cerbicales, Iles Lavezzi, and the beach of Rondinara from Porto Vecchio. Enjoy a day trip to some of the most mesmerizing landscapes in Corsica. Cerbicale Islands serve as a natural sanctuary for endemic birds, while the Lavezzi Archipelago is famous for pristine beaches, unspoilt nature, and rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. On the way back, you will have a swimming break on the white shores of Rondinara.
- Sunset aperitif at sea. Invite friends and family to an unforgettable sunset aperitif at sea with homemade tapas and drinks, evening swimming and boating under the stars. This exciting 4-hour excursion departs from the port in Porto Vecchio aboard a vessel classified as maritime heritage. You will have access to paddles and a sea scooter.
2. SANTA GIULIA BEACH – AN AZURE PARADISE OF EXOTIC LANDSCAPES
Santa Giulia, one of the most popular beaches in Corsica, is located in a picture-perfect bay of exceptionally clear blue water and powder-soft white sand. Almost 2 km long, the horseshoe-shaped lagoon is a true beach heaven reminiscent of the azure seascapes in the Seychelles. The pristine expanse of transparent, shallow waters dotted with giant granite boulders is sheltered from the waves by a maquis-covered mountain. A rocky reef located in the centre of the bay is a perfect place for snorkelling- crabs, brightly- coloured fish, or spiky sea urchins seek shelter within the crags. Each side of the lagoon offers delightful secluded coves ideal for peaceful relaxation.
Santa Giulia is one of the most dynamic nautical centres in the region. Numerous water attractions include stand-up paddles, waterskiing, pedalos, scuba diving, and boat trips. Lively bars and restaurants offer drinks and tasty meals with a superb view of the idyllic scenery. Thanks to its resort-style amenities, the beach is especially popular among families with young children and can get very busy in the peak season.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF SANTA GIULIA
The bay is situated 9 km south of Porto Vecchio. To get there, follow an access road off the main T10 signposted for Residence Castel Verde/Residence Moby Dick until a large car park at the end of the drive.
You may also approach the bay from its northern end. After the junction for Ajaccio, continue along T10 for 3 km, then turn left towards Bocca di L’Oru. Follow this road for another 1.5 km and turn right. Continue the descent for 1.8 km. Parking spaces in this part of the bay are limited.
Due to the bay’s notoriety, parking at Santa Giulia is expensive, with seasonal fees ranging from €5 to €20. Charges may be deducted from the price of a restaurant meal on the beach.
BEST HOTELS
- Hotel Carre Noir (€€€)
- Domaine Santa Giulia Palace (€€)
- Hotel & Lodges Moby Dick (€€)
- Hotel Alivi Di Santa Giulia (€€)
- Hotel Castel Verde (€)
- Costa Nera Beach House (€)
BOOK YOUR ACTIVITY
- Boat trip to Iles Cerbicales, Iles Lavezzi, and the beach of Rondinara from Porto Vecchio. Embark on a day trip to discover Corsica’s famous islands, where turquoise waters, wild nature, and rare endemic flora and fauna species create a true corner of paradise. Continue your tour with a visit to Bonifacio and a swim in the crystalline waters of Rondinara. On the way back, admire the iconic beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia.
- Boat trip to Piantarella, Roccapina, and Tizzano from the beach of Santa Giulia. On a 9-hour tour, discover Corsica’s arresting south coast, swim in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and savour a snack at the water’s edge. The boat is limited to 12 participants and sets off from the shores of Santa Giulia.
- Boat trip to Iles Lavezzi and Bonifacio from Santa Giulia. Enjoy a half-day sea trip on a quadrimaran from Santa Giulia to Bonifacio, passing through the wonderful Iles Lavezzi and Cavallo, a Corsican island favoured by celebrities. The cruise includes drinks, snacks and swimming breaks.
3. PALOMBAGGIA BEACH – THE MOST FAMOUS BEACH IN CORSICA
Palombaggia, Corsica’s most celebrated beach, is a divine oasis of dazzling aquamarine water and pearl-white sand dunes shaded by glorious umbrella pine trees. Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world it stretches for 1.5 km in a succession of coves separated by red rocks. Cala di Lume, the non-smoking main section, offers a supervised swimming area during the summer months. The exceptional beauty of the glistening bay extends further south. Directly beyond a tree-laden headland is Baie de Tamaricciu, an exquisite turquoise cove of shallow water and powder sand. This much-photographed beach had been particularly famous for a beautiful umbrella pine enthroned almost directly on the water, now cut down due to its age. The southernmost cove, Plage d’Asciaghju, offers a relaxing family atmosphere popular with tourists from the adjoining campsite.
Situated within the protected area, Palombaggia faces the archipelago of the Cerbicale Islands rising from the sea 200 m off the shore. The unspoilt red rock formations provide a natural habitat to sea birds and may be visited by boat departing from Porto Vecchio.
In peak season, the beach offers numerous services- restaurants, bars, and a multitude of activities for water sports lovers.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF PALOMBAGGIA
To get to this coastal gem located 10 km south of Porto Vecchio, turn left off the T10 road at the roundabout for Ajaccio. Follow the road towards Palombaggia via the village of Piccovaggia for 11 km. A spacious paid car park behind the beach offers numerous shaded spaces. Free parking spots are available along the road running parallel to the shore.
BEST HOTELS
- Les Bergeries de Palombaggia (€€€)
- Le Roc E Fiori Hotel (€€)
- Ranch Campo Palombaggia (€€)
- Hotel Palombaggia (€€)
BOOK A BOAT TRIP TO ILES CEBRICALES, ILES LAVEZZI AND RONDINARA
Set out on a day-long boat trip to Iles Cerbicales, Iles Lavezzi, and the beach of Rondinara from Porto Vecchio. You will have a chance to explore beautiful islands reminiscent of tropical locations, admire the cliff town of Bonifacio, and snorkel in the transparent waters of the Mediterranean. On the way back, relish the views of the famous beach of Palombaggia.
4. CALA ROSSA BEACH – A PEACEFUL RETREAT AMID VIVID SEASCAPES
Cala Rossa, a stunning sweep of coarse golden sand, emerald water, and striking red rock, enjoys a spectacular view of Porto-Vecchio Bay. Its prime location and unspoilt setting with the backdrop of the Bavella Needels make it a firm favourite among celebrities-the northern part of the beach is privatized by the luxurious Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa where VIPs seek seclusion. The bay encompasses further coves stretching south- a vast sandy expanse of Plage de Tramulimacchia, Cirques de Benedettu, and a quiet Plage de Benedettu are enclosed by an area of red rock formations marking the Benedettu Peninsula.
Less frequented than other top sites of the region, Cala Rossa receives attention from visitors seeking tranquillity and relaxation away from the summer crowds. With enchanting coastal landscapes in abundance, this quiet oasis is also perfect for nature lovers. Crystal-clear deep waters of numerous rocky inlets offer great locations for snorkelling while Punta de Benedettu provides serene surroundings for walks in the shade of pine trees.
A nautical base located on the beach offers an opportunity to rent water sports equipment such as pedalos, windsurfing boards, or canoes. Refreshments and snacks may be purchased at the restaurant.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF CALA ROSSA
To get to Cala Rossa, follow T10, running north from Porto Vecchio towards Saint Cyprian. At Trinite de Porto Vecchio, at the roundabout, turn right into a D468B road signposted for Cala Rossa and continue for about 3 km. At the entrance of Lecci, at the junction, turn right and follow D468A for another 1.5 km. Free parking spots are available along the road behind the beach.
BEST HOTEL
Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca (€€€)
BOOK A BOAT TOUR WITH A MEAL AND SWIM STOPS
Join a 7-hour boat tour with a meal and swimming stops to experience an unforgettable day on the water sailing along Porto Vecchio’s sublime coastline. Aboard a maritime heritage boat, you will be served a restaurant-style meal accompanied by wine. You will also have a chance to swim, snorkel, paddle or even use a sea scooter. The organiser caters for special needs (vegan, gluten-free, allergies).
5. SAINT CYPRIEN BEACH – AN IDYLLIC HIDEAWAY WITH A CONVIVIAL ATMOSPHERE
Saint Cyprien is a perfect 3-km-long curve of soft white sand sloping gently into crystal-clear turquoise seawater. Located in the town of Lecci, near the Cala Rossa private area, this picturesque beach enjoys an extraordinary natural setting of herb-scented maquis blended with indigenous pine trees to form the characteristic Corsican terroir.
The south side of the bay, dominated by a tall Genoese watchtower erected atop a forested heel, is the busiest part of the beach. Equipped with lively shacks, restaurants, and watersports facilities, it attracts predominantly families with children. The northern stretch adjacent to Etang d’Arsu offers serene, unspoilt scenery, void of beach services and summertime surveillance.
Due to its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and exceptionally transparent calm waters, the beach is also popular with lovers of watersports. Le Ponton, the local nautical centre, offers a good range of equipment, including water skis, wakeboards, and towed buoys. An array of bars and pizzerias dotting the sparkling shore provides delicious meals and exotic cocktails.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF SAINT CYPRIEN
The beach is situated 11 km north of Porto-Vecchio. To access it, turn right off T10 into the N468 road signposted for Saint Cyprien. At the village, you may continue via D668 leading to the south end of the bay or turn left after the Vito station roundabout towards Pointe d’Arsu to arrive in the northern section. Both locations offer free parking spaces by the road.
BEST HOTEL
Hotel Son de Mar (€)
BOOK AN EVENING CRUISE WITH AN APERITIF
Embark on a 2-hour evening cruise with an aperitif and swimming at Saint Cyprien from Porto Vecchio. Enjoy the views of the city at sunset. Swim, snorkel, or sea scooter at Saint Cyprien before enjoying a glass of wine and charcuterie. A shower and toilette are available onboard.
6. PINARELLO BEACH – A BLISSFUL OASIS OF SEA, SAND, AND ENDLESS SUNSHINE
Located in the heart of a protected bay where nature remains untouched and plentiful, Plage de Pinarello ticks all the boxes for a great holiday. A 2-km-long sweep of white sand disappearing into a sparkling pool of aquamarine-tinted water is flanked by a forest of aromatic umbrella pines. The southern end of the beach overlooking the small island of Pinarellu boasts a long stretch of tree-lined, sugar-white sand, while the central, busier part is home to numerous waterfront snack bars and restaurants. A pretty marina offers various water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, or powerboating. The northern side of Pinarello borders with Plage de Caramontinu, where a radiant expanse of safe, shallow waters provides excellent conditions for romantic sunset walks.
Away from the hustle and bustle of crowded summer resorts, this peaceful beach offers plenty of space and shade to enjoy a relaxing getaway with friends or family. It is worth noting, though, that some sections of the beach may accumulate seaweed depending on prevailing wind conditions, the current, and waves that carry the grass ashore.
LOCATION AND ACCESS TO THE BEACH OF PINARELLO
Pinarello is located around 20 km north of Porto-Vecchio in the village of Sainte Lucie de Porto Vecchio. To get to the beach, exit the T10 road into D468 towards Saint Cyprien and Pinarello. There are several access roads leading to various points of the bay via a wooded terrain. Early arrival is advisable as parking spaces available along the road fill up quickly during the busy summer months.
BEST HOTEL
Hotel Le Pinarellao (€€€)
RENT A BOAT WITH SKIPPER
Enjoy a private day cruise (maximum 8 people) aboard a comfortable boat with a skipper. Discover the hidden coves, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters of the South Corsica region in complete freedom.
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