Beaches

Plage de Stagnoli

At the northern end of the Gulf of Sagone near the town of Cargese this lovely beach is blessed with sugary fine sand.

Plage du Menasina

Almost in the town centre of Cargese, this beach can get busy in high season

Plage du Monachi

A secluded, small, sandy cove just south of Cargèse. The beach is reached by scrambling down the track at the side of the road and past the little chapel on the cliff-side.

Plage de Pero

This is found 2km north of Cargèse (take the left fork down to the sea at the junction with the Piana road) and is by far the best of Cargèse’s beaches.  Overlooked by a Genoese tower, this white stretch of sand has a couple of bars and water-sports stalls but is large enough to absorb the crowds that come here in July and August

Plage du Chioni

Found a further 2km on from Pero beach, this beach does get busy due to its water-sports activities and the proximity of Club Med resort.

Gulf of Porto

Porto Town

The town beach is an exposed pebble beach situated south of the rock upon which stands the Genoese tower.  It shelves steeply and can be dangerous if the sea is rough or it is a windy day.  However, the crags overshadowing the shore set a spectacular scene and there is great snorkelling from the rocks to the south.

Plage de Bussaglia

Only 5km from Porto this is a pebbly cove and the first strand of beach accessible by car from Porto.  There are a couple of Pizzerias open in high season which also serve nice salads and seafood.

Plage de Caspio

A pebble beach, 3km down the road to the coast from Partinello.  It is very popular with locals and has a beach bar.  Be aware that the sun is obscured behind the cliff in the afternoons during the summer.

Plage de Gradelle

This shingle beach at Osani has a deep translucent sea and fantastic views of the Calanches and Capo d’Orto.  However, due to a nearby campsite it can get busy during July and August.

Anse de Ficajola

This lovely cove was once Piana’s little port.  It is reached by a short steep road (D624) that loops down to the shore from the central junction in Piana.  Stunning views make it a lovely drive and 10 minutes walk along a stone stairway lead to the tiny cove of red rocks and limpid sea.  Again, the sun disappears fairly early in the afternoon.

Plage d’Arone

A superb, sandy beach with crystal clear waters.  It shelves quickly so take care with non swimmers.  Although it can get crowded in the summer, tracks lead through the rocks on either side to other, more secluded coves (where the snorkelling is excellent).  There is also a pleasant pizzeria.

Gulf of Sagone

Plage de Lava

Nestling in the Golfe de Lava just north of Ajaccio, this lovely seaside resort with sandy beach is situated between Capo di Feno and la Liscia.

Plage de Liscia

This long strand of golden sand is the beach of Tiuiccia and is one of the best in the area.  It is framed on either side by two Genoese towers.  The gentle slope of the sand and the calm, shallow water makes it ideal for young children.

Plage de Liamone

This vast sandy beach is the main attraction of the town of Sagone.  There are many watersports facilities on offer during the season.

Valinco Gulf

Propriano

There are a number of Town beaches including the main beach Hotel du Phare by the Hotel de Valinco and the Plage du Lido which is supervised in July and August. The busiest of which is the Plage du Phare which has a golden sand and a selection of cafes and restaurants. It can get very crowded during peak season. There are several beaches along this stretch which are a tad less accessible but well worth the scramble if you can face it. Ask locally for directions to these more secluded bays.

Plage de Baracci

Situated on the right hand side before Propriano coming from Olmeto. It is quite long and, when windy, the waves are huge! To get down here, follow the dirt track road down to the coast from opposite the “Total” petrol station. You may see tourists swim there but no locals as it is well know that there are undercurrents which can take one away from the shore. This beach is nice for a walk and to watch the sunset though.

Portiglio beach

A wonderful, sandy beach only about 20 minutes from Propriano. To get there follow the road out of town towards Sartène and turn right heading towards Campo Moro. After 3kms you should park and take the small path towards a long sandy beach greatly appreciated by children as the water is shallow – at least on the first part of the beach. If you go further to the right, take care as the beach shelves steeply into the water. Further on is a beach for nudists. Avoid going even further as swimming becomes dangerous because of undercurrents which take one away from the shore.

Campo Moro

Actually located in the pretty fishing village itself, it has fine sand and turquoise shallow water making it an ideal choice for children and for snorkelling!

Cappicolo

The stretch of coast here has a number of bays, coves and larger beaches and with varying degrees of accessibility.

Abartello

Around the Abbartello area there are a number of small coves which are great for snorkelling.  There are several pizzerias / bars on the left and various places to park. The paths to the coves are pretty easy to find as the beaches are only 25m or so from the main road.

Porto Pollo

Great with children as it has fine sand and shallow water.

Plage de Cupabia

A beautiful beach, beyond Porto Pollo, which is fairly crowded during high season but quiet during lower season. There is a café which sells ice creams and drinks on the beach and windsurfer hire operator, head towards Porto Pollo and shortly before the village head towards Serra di Ferro. Drive through Serra di Ferro and go on for about 3km until you arrive at a T-junction signposted Ajaccio to the left and Coti Chjavari to the left. Turn left direction Coti Chjavari, then quickly after left again (by this point Cupabia is signposted). The road will continue for another couple of kilometres before you reach the beach!

Roccapina

Perfect white sand and clear water but the beach is only small so, again, it can be crowded in July and August.  About 20km south of Sartene, and midway between Bonifacio and Sartene, turn off the main road by the Auberge de Coralli and follow the dirt track down. The track to the beach may be very rough so drive carefully.  Above the beach is the “Lion of Roccapina”, a natural rock sculpture, crowned by an old Genoese watchtower erected at the start of the 16th century, in the first construction phase involving twenty five towers.  The romantic legend about this rock form is that a powerful noble, feared by the Saracen pirates (who called him “The Lion”), was in love with a beautiful young girl.  When she refused his advances, from despair he died and was petrified in the form that you see today.

Tizzano

There are two beautiful beaches “Plage de Tralicetu” and the “Plage d’Argent”. It takes about 20 minutes to Tizzano. Before you reach Tizzano take the dirt track to the left towards the campsite and continue along the main track. The first long stretch of sand is the “Plage de Tralicetu”. The “Silver Beach” or “Plage d’Argent” is the next small beach towards the left which you can reach on foot. There is also a beach in Tizzano itself. You will see it as you drive through Tizzano, on your left. It often has big waves as the area is windy.