Curator’s statement
If there's one thing Corsica does exceptionally well, it's beaches. We recently returned from two weeks exploring Corsica, part family vacation and part destination research. Before visiting, I assumed all the beach photos I'd seen online had to be heavily edited. They weren't. Corsica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever experienced. Think crystal-clear water in every shade of turquoise, powdery white sand, dramatic granite cliffs, and fragrant pine forests. The scenery is so spectacular that even my decidedly non-professional iPhone photos look filtered. If you're planning a trip to Corsica, these are the beaches I'd build an itinerary around, along with the best places to base yourself.
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Where to stay in Corsica
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Things to do in Corsica
Plage du Lotu
Northern Corsica
Where to stay: Saint-Florent
Northern Corsica offers some of the island's wildest coastline, where protected landscapes and secluded beaches feel wonderfully untouched.
Plage de Saleccia & Plage du Lotu
Located within the Désert des Agriates, a protected coastal wilderness stretching between Saint-Florent and L'Île-Rousse, Saleccia and Lotu are two of Corsica's most iconic beaches.
Because there are no paved roads, reaching them is part of the adventure. The easiest and most enjoyable option is by boat, although 4x4 shuttles and hiking trails are also available.
We spent the day sailing, swimming in impossibly blue water, and pulling into both beaches. It honestly felt like we'd arrived somewhere in the Caribbean. It also became our family's favorite memory of the trip. Our boat captain showed the boys how to "fish" with leftover pesto pasta he had made from scratch earlier that day, and they were completely captivated. It ended up being one of our favorite memories from the trip.
Southern Corsica
Where to stay: Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio
Southern Corsica is home to many of the island's most photographed beaches.
Plage de Petit Sperone
Hidden near Bonifacio, Petit Sperone feels like a secret beach. It is reached via a scenic 15 to 20-minute walk through pine trees from the Piantarella parking area. (You can also arrive by boat.)
Our experience here still makes me laugh.
At first, we thought we'd reached the famous beach and were honestly a little underwhelmed. The shoreline was covered in dried seagrass, and I couldn't understand what all the hype was about.
After a few minutes, my youngest son and I ducked beneath some pine trees, followed an old stone staircase, and suddenly emerged onto the postcard-perfect beach we'd been searching for! If you're visiting, don't stop at the first cove. Keep walking.
Tamaricciu Beach
If you're looking for spectacular scenery with an excellent beach club and easy parking, Tamaricciu is hard to beat. While neighboring Palombaggia often draws the largest crowds, Tamaricciu feels just a bit quieter while offering equally stunning views.
We reserved loungers at Tamaricciu Beach Club, enjoyed a fantastic lunch, and spent the afternoon alternating between swimming and napping in the sun.
Places to eat & drink in Corsica
Tamaricciu Beach Club
Le Petit Caporal (Saint-Florent)
Moules-frites and chilled rosé for the adults, pizza for the kids. A win for everyone.
Tamaricciu Beach Club (Porto-Vecchio)
One of our favorite meals of the trip. Choose your daily catch tableside, enjoy an excellent wine list, and linger over lunch between swims. A must-visit.
Le Ponton (Bonifacio)
Le Ponton isn't fancy, and that's exactly its charm. Grab a beer, spritz, or glass of rosé, settle onto one of the swings overlooking the harbor, and relive the day's adventures after exploring one of Corsica's most beautiful beaches. It's the perfect laid-back spot to end the day.
Need to know
Corsica captured our hearts in more ways than one, and its beaches were undoubtedly the highlight.
What makes this island so special isn't simply the turquoise water or powder-soft sand. It's the fact that so much of the coastline still feels wonderfully wild. I already can't wait to return.
If you're planning a trip to Corsica, I'd love to help. Get in touch for my favorite family-friendly villas and boutique hotels, private boat charters, local experiences, and hidden gems, and we'll craft an unforgettable Corsica vacation together.
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Kirsti Harley
Kirsti Harley
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Corsica page.