Ostriconi Beach is renowned for its rugged charm, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkelling. Wild and windswept, this 700m stretch of pearlescent sand is braced by white dunes immersed in fragrant Corsican maquis.
Located in Balagne on the island’s northern coast, it borders Desert des Agriates, a protected natural territory stretching over 15,000 hectares of virgin granitic lands.
Beautiful, free of construction, and large enough to grant privacy, Plage de l’Ostriconi is a perfect place to spread your towel when visiting the island in the height of the season.
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LOCATION – DESERT DES AGRIATES
Ostriconi Beach is located in north Corsica, 15 kilometres east of Ile Rousse, at the western end of Desert des Agriates. Nestled at the mouth of the river bearing its name, it offers some of the most untamed scenery on the island.
The fertile territory of Desert des Agriates, which separates Balagne from the valley of Nebbio with its hallmark resort Saint Florent, was once the granary of Corsica. It provided the local population with olive oil, figs, almonds, and wheat. Today, the deserted lands abound in rich Mediterranean vegetation adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the microregion. Stern-looking rocky peaks of the desert, Cime d’Itona (499 m) and Monte Ghjenuva (421 m) contrast its sublime, paradisiacal coast peppered with heavenly, silver-sand beaches and glistening rocky coves epitomizing summer bliss.
Ostriconi marks the border between the protected region of the Agriates and the beautiful Balagne, also known as the Garden of Corsica, reconciling the island’s diverse natural identities.
HOW TO ACCESS OSTRICONI
Plage de l’Ostriconi is easily accessible either on foot or by car. If you arrive from Ile Rousse continue via the main T30 route towards Bastia and Corte. After 15 km turn left onto a road signposted for Camping de l’Ostriconi where on the left side you will find a large parking area. From there, follow a 1-km-long path across the river to the beach’s white sands.
COASTAL HIKE – SENTIER DU LITTORAL DES AGRIATES
The remote beach of Ostriconi is a starting (or arrival) point of the coastal hiking path called Sentier du Littoral des Agriates. This fabulous, immersed-in-lush Mediterranean vegetation trail traces the shores of the Agriates for 37 kilometers passing through some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches- Plage de Ghignu, Plage de Saleccia, and Plage du Lotu. The entire hike may be completed in 2-3 days with stops at the Saleccia campsite and in the Ghignu Gite de Etape managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
To experience the pristine scenery of Desert des Agriates you may follow the path along the coast running north from Osrticoni’s furthest end. To explore the rich seabed you can stop for snorkelling in one of the azure-hued inlets sheltered by red rocky walls or continue to Plage de Vana (1 km) or Plage de Acciolu (4 km).
BOOK YOUR SEA TOUR
- Saleccia and Lotu beach boat trip from Ile Rousse. Hop on a boat to explore the paradisiacal shores of Saleccia and Lotu. This scenic 2.5-hour-long tour departs from the marina of Ile Rousse.
- Luxury catamaran trip from Saint Florent. Enjoy a sea adventure touring the sublime Agriates coast aboard a deluxe catamaran. Snorkel in the turquoise sea waters and sunbathe sipping the delicious cocktails from the bar. Choose a day trip or a half-day excursion.
- Sailing tour to the Agriates beaches from Saint Florent. Discover some of Corsica’s most stunning beaches gliding over glistening waves. At each stop of your journey, you will have an opportunity to snorkel in the transparent waters lapping the northern shores.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- As no tourist facilities are available at Ostriconi, bring food and drinks with you.
- In season, the beach is supervised. Its turquoise waters may be dangerous for swimmers in rough weather due to strong undercurrents and violent winds.
- Protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun with an appropriate SPF cream and an umbrella. Don’t forget to cover your head. The strikingly-white powdery sand of the dunes bounces off sun rays intensifying exposure to harmful UV radiation.
- Dogs on lead are allowed.
- To reach the beach you will have to cross the river (knee height). Water level drops in the summer months.
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