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The 5 most Beautiful Beaches in Corsica

Having explored more than 80 trails in Corsica, I present my top five beaches that can be reached on foot. These are wild coves and inlets where you can hike and then swim in crystal-clear waters.

Note: the links for Santa Giulia and Palombaggia beaches lead to a photo page, while the others take you to a hiking trail.

🌟 Want more adventures? Check out my list of 80 hikes in Corsica, ranked by rating (the best ones first).

1. Beaches of Lotu and Saleccia

Region: Northwest
Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Average duration: 7 h 30 m
Length: 27.3 km
Elevation gain: 320 m

Discover two white-sand paradises: Lotu and Saleccia beaches, located in the heart of the Agriates Desert near Saint-Florent. Saleccia Beach, which is one kilometer long with turquoise waters and is lined with dunes of juniper and Aleppo pine trees, is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Accessible only by boat or on foot, these two beaches are preserved from excessive crowds.

The hike follows the famous sentier des douaniers' path along the coast, revealing exceptional wild landscapes punctuated by coves that invite you to take a dip.

2. Santa Giulia beach

Region: Southeast

Situated near Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia Beach extends for almost a kilometre, boasting white sand and shallow turquoise waters. Surrounded by umbrella pines and dotted with granite rocks, the beach is set in a remarkable natural landscape. Although accessible by car, it has several facilities while retaining its unspoilt character.

3. Rondinara peninsula

Region: Southeast
Difficulty: Easy
Average duration: 1 h 15 m
Length: 2.9 km
Elevation gain: 90 m

The Rondinara Peninsula hike takes you to the top of a small peninsula overlooking one of Corsica's most beautiful beaches. This short, accessible hike starts at the famous Rondinara Bay, which is renowned for its shell shape and turquoise waters.

The trail gradually climbs through scrubland and orange-red rock formations to the 53-meter summit, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the bay and the Mediterranean.

4. Palombaggia beach

Region: Southeast

Situated to the south of Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia Beach boasts nearly two kilometres of fine white sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters. Iconic umbrella pines provide welcome natural shade, and red granite rocks add to the wild and picturesque character of this exceptional site.

5. Sperone beaches

Region: Southeast
Difficulty: Very easy
Average duration: 1 h 15 m
Length: 3.2 km
Elevation gain: 70 m

This coastal walk will take you to two stunning white-sand beaches: Petit Sperone and Grand Sperone, located in the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve. First, the route runs along Piantarella Beach and its magnificent turquoise lagoon before heading into the Corsican maquis. First, you will discover the cove of Petit Sperone, followed by that of Grand Sperone. The latter is less frequented due to the lack of direct car access.

📋Map and Summary table

Name of the hikePhotoRegionDifficultyDurationLengthElevation gainPopularityMy rating
beaches-of-lotu-and-saleccia Northwest Easy to Hard 7 h 30 m 27.3 km 320 m Low
rondinara-peninsula Southeast Easy 1 h 15 m 2.9 km 90 m Low
sperone-beaches Southeast Very easy 1 h 15 m 3.2 km 70 m Moderate
The 5 most Beautiful Beaches in Corsica