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 its most popular. It was recently voted one of Europe's top 20 beaches in a poll in the Times 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 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.
If there is a breeze on the day you plan to visit it is well worth taking a body board with you to surf some of the breaking waves. That said the beach is also great for younger children as there is a nice wide stretch of warm shallow water too.
Santa Giulia
Santa Giulia is another very popular beach and arguably the most photogenic of all the beaches in L'Extreme Sud. Around 10-15 minutes drive from Porto Vecchio the beach has two access roads. The first road via Bocca dell'Oro offers spectacular views as you ascend to the Golfe de Santa Giulia. This will bring you to the northern part of the bay which is usually less busy. The second road, a little further south on the N198, brings you to the central part of the beach with car parking available alongside the pine trees that back onto the beach.
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.
Cala Rossa
Around a 10-minuute drive north of Porto Vecchio, Cala Rossa is a picturesque beach with glistening turquoise waters and reddish sand. The beach is backed by a verdant hillside lined with prestigious villas and set against the beautiful backdrop of the mountainous Bavella Needles. On the main beach, there are two bars offering refreshments and sun loungers for hire as well as a sailing school and other watersports available.
San Ciprianu
Around 15 minutes drive north of Porto Vecchio, San Ciprianu is a beautiful half moon of white sand and turquoise water. Parking is available on the approach road to the beach or if you are lucky there may be space available in the smallish car park about 50m from the beach.
On arrival at the beach, turn left for the quieter section of the bay, where the sand is slightly less fine, but there are some areas where you can snorkel. Turning right on arrival and you will find finer sand, but inevitably a few more people. If you walk past the restaurants and sunbeds and beyond the red granite rocks at what seems to be the end of the bay, you will discover a second smaller and much quieter bay.
Bonifacio
There are a number of lovely beaches within reach of Bonifacio.
Rondinara
Situated midway between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, Rondinara can be accessed off the N198 via the winding D158. This last stretch of road isn't the greatest to drive on but the reward is the alluring crescent shaped stretch of golden sand at Rondinara.
There is a charge for parking (3.8 euro's @Aug 2011) although arrive after 6pm and it is free. 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.
Gulf of Figari & Pianotolli
Bordering the Gulf of Figari and the village of Pianotolli, these secluded and unfrequented coves are just delightful – a gorgeous string of narrow sandy creeks spread around a shallow turquoise bay. If you can’t bear the crowds of the more popular beaches in the height of the summer season, then these will just be the perfect choice for you. You can access any of the coves via unmarked dirt tracks through the maquis and a few minutes walk.
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.
