Porto Vecchio
With some of the best and most accessible beaches on the island, Porto Vecchio has become Corsica's number one Tourist town.
Palombaggia
Arguably the most famous beach on the island, the beach at Palombaggia is one of Corsica's finest and therefore one of it's most popular. It was voted one of Europe's top 20 beaches in a poll in the Times in 2005 and as such it can be very crowded in peak season - and it's easy to see why. An exquisite blend of fine white sand guarded by huge red granite rocks and fronted with gorgeous blue seas, and lined with beautiful pine trees. The access road may seem long and and it can be crowded in high season, but at any other time of year is well worth a visit.
Palombaggia was recently included in the Sunday Times 'The 20 hottest European beaches for 2010' - view article online
Pinarellu
This exquisite bay situated 7km north of Porto Vecchio with its fine sweep of yellow sand is more than worth a visit and was recently included in The Times' list of the best 20 beach holidays in Europe. While you're there you can check out the near perfect Genoese tower which dominates the peninsula. It has a long sweep of soft white sand and is backed by a pine forest, ideal for any members of the party who need shade.
Santa Giulia
This is another very popular beach close to Porto Vecchio. In contrast to Palombaggia it has pale yellow sand but it can be just as crowded as its more famous cousin. It has a good selection of shops and restaurants and it is also very popular with watersports enthusiasts.
San Ciprianu
A beautiful half moon of white sand and turquoise water to the North of Porto Vecchio that has several watersports facilities.
Bonifacio
There are a number of lovely beaches within reach of Bonifacio.
Rondinara
To the north of Bonifacio is the alluring crescent shaped stretch of golden sand at Rondinara. It's not as busy as the more famous Santa Giulia or Palombaggia but it can be a little busy in peak season. It is very popular with families as it very safe for toddlers and the turquoise sea is almost impossible to resist.
Petit Sperone
Just outside of Bonifacio, conveniently enough, this is a gorgeous little inlet reached by walking ten minutes along Pianterella beach and a further two minutes more around the tip of the headland – a feast for the eyes when you arrive!
Golfe de Santa Manza
There are several beaches lining this gulf, including the Plage de Maora. The sand has large granules (ideal when windy) and there is a small snack bar. Further around the bay, views improve and there are many coves that attract bathers and watersports enthusiasts. The main beach Plage de Santa Manza is a great starting point for coastal walks - just follow the tracks through the maquis.
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.
Lavezzi Isles
This little explored archipelago is in the Strait of Bonifacio that separates Corsica from Sardinia and boasts a number of secluded beaches and coves. They are relative easy to access and most boat companies operating out of Bonifacio will gladly take you there.
