There are so many beaches that deserve to be discovered in Corsica, an island that offers glimpses of beauty at every corner. But what are the beaches not to be missed in this region of France? A review of this type can only start from the Scandola Nature Reserve, if only because it is one of the world heritage of humanity protected by Unesco.
Scandola Nature Reserve
A stop in these parts is mandatory, also because the distance from the Calanques is short, which in turn benefit from UNESCO protection. The blue of the sea, the red of the rocks and the darkness of the caves help to recreate a postcard landscape, but what is most striking is the variety of local fauna and flora. The village of Girolata is quite close, but it is good to remember that it can only be reached by sea. Another destination worth pinning down on your agenda is the Ostriconi beach, about 15 kilometers away from Isola Rossa: an ideal location for canoeing trips, but also for diving or more generally. for water sports. Certainly there is no risk of getting bored, and the perfect organization of the place has not in the least spoiled the beauty of nature.
Already from the name, the Sanguinaires Islands offer a good reason to visit these parts. Unfortunately, there are no pirate stories to tell or legends about grim murderers: these four islets are named after the red color of the porphyry they are made of. We are not very far from the coasts of the capital Ajaccio, which is the city where Napoleon Bonaparte was born and, above all, the port where Corsica ferries arrive. But let’s go back to the Sanguinaires Islands: although small in size, they are very popular and stand out for their many coves, which make up a landscape also embellished by the turquoise color of the sea and the rocky walls. Do not miss the culinary specialty of the place, namely the sea urchins.
Isola Rossa and Calvi
At this point you could move to the Red Island, or “Ile-Rousse” to use the local terminology: a real Eden where you can relax in complete tranquility, even if you are traveling with children. It is a long and comfortable beach, not far from many picturesque villages that deserve to be explored carefully. A demonstration of how in Corsica the splendor of the hinterland has nothing to envy to the wonders of the coast. The region, for the uninitiated, is that of Balagne, and in addition to the Red Island there is also the citadel of Calvi, built on a suggestive bastion, to visit. As well as suggestive is the port of this locality.
Some jewels of nature
An itinerary of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica can only take into account Saleccia, with its white sand bathed by the waters of a sea that has nothing to envy to that of the Caribbean. The silver reflections of the sand dunes strike the attention and do not go unnoticed, while the surrounding landscape is dominated by the green of the Mediterranean scrub. To get to this corner of paradise, however, it is necessary to take a somewhat wild path, called Desert des Agriates: nothing too demanding, but rather a pleasant experience for those who love being in contact with nature.
Another well-known name in Corsica is that of Lavezzi: it is a small white island that stands out even more in the middle of a sapphire-colored sea. The beach is located more or less halfway between the Maddalena Archipelago and the Strait of Bonifacio.
Rondinara is a decidedly varied stretch of coast, where the coves and beaches are interspersed with rocks overlooking the sea. We are in a bay whose shape resembles that of a crescent, with islands that dot the landscape. Rondinara is halfway between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, an area that is not surprisingly famous for the charm of its crystal clear sea.
Not only tourists, but the islanders themselves find it difficult to resist the beauty of Rondinara, full of paths that allow you to admire a fantastic panorama from above.
In the south-eastern area of Corsica there is the beach of Santa Giulia. In this regard, it must be emphasized that this is one of the most popular locations for tourists and, consequently, more crowded: which may not be appreciated by everyone. In short, if you are looking for relaxation, perhaps you should turn your attention elsewhere, but those who do not mind having fun can find everything they need here. The natural scenery, on the other hand, is not bad, with a beach of fine white sand that stretches for a couple of kilometers.
Palombaggia beach is characterized by a memorable chromatic contrast: the one that derives from the combination of the white of the sand and the red of the rocks. The surrounding landscape is also beautiful, with the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the maritime pines.
The transparent waters of the sea bathe the two bends of the beach, one of which is more exposed to the wind while the other is a little more protected.
About ten kilometers from here is the Porto Vecchio area, a port village whose historic center is bordered by the walls of the Genoese citadel of the past.
There are no real beaches in Bonifacio, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good reasons to stop here. On the other hand, the view of the Strait of Bonifacio is one that remains engraved in memory. The citadel, then, stands on a jagged cliff of limestone, overlooking the sea. Just walk a few kilometers to get to Piantarella beach, well known by kayakers and surfers.
