The bay of Rondinara in Corsica is considered one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and for good reason: shell shape, fine sand, turquoise waters, colored rocks, water activities… it has everything to please the whole family!
Here is our complete guide to plan your visit to the beach of Rondinara with: map, access, parking, tips and photos.
Why visit the bay of Rondinara in Corsica?
Is the beach of Rondinara worth it?
Absolutely. The bay and the beach are worth a visit.
The beach of Rondinara is an ideal place for walking and swimming. It offers a mix of idyllic conditions:
- Shallow turquoise waters
- Gentle slope and calm sea
- Long and wide sandy area
- Rocky head for those who like to explore
We have included it in our list of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
Why is the bay of Rondinara famous?
The bay of Rondinara has become famous mainly because of its shape. As you can see on the pictures below, it is shaped like a horseshoe (or a shell for a more dreamy description).
Moreover, it is quite closed and the two headlands almost touch each other. This creates a quieter beach.
Normally, we do not post such pictures taken by a drone, because you cannot see them by yourself. But we bought the photo so you can realize the amazing shape.
As you drive down the road to the bay, you can appreciate it a little. The turquoise waters are seductive, aren’t they?
You can also find it in our articles about the most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio and the most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio.
Tips and Map – Rondinara Beach, South Corsica
Where is the bay of Rondinara? Card
- In South Corsica
- Halfway between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio
- Porto-Vecchio to Rondinara Bay = 45 min
- Bonifacio to the beach of Rondinara = 45min
- Here is a map to help you find your way
- and see all our tips for planning a dream trip to Corsica here
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How to get to the beach of Rondinara?
- You need a car to reach Rondinara
- The last 7 km are off the main T10 road
- The road is not in perfect condition. It is winding and narrow. But it is paved and, in our opinion, wide enough – no worries!
Plus, when you get out of the car, you get a taste of what you’ll enjoy. It is fascinating!
Parking of Rondinara beach
- Downstairs, there is a large parking lot
- You have to pay a small fee for the day – there is no other choice
- You must pay at the entrance to the kiosk
- Access to the beach of Rondinara: the parking is right next to the beach, 1min walk from a good path and then you are on the sand
- The parking lot is unattended. Do not leave your personal belongings visible.
How to park for free in Rondianara?
Apparently there is a small free parking lot on the side of the pond of Prisarella (North of the bay). On the way down you have to turn left and pass over a cow guard. We have not yet been verified, and therefore cannot confirm.
Otherwise, you should visit out of season. When everything is closed the parking is not paying…
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- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
Sand beach of Rondinara
White sand
As you can see on the picture below, the sand of the beach of Rondinara Corse is white.
It’s really sparkling against the turquoise water.
There is a pier in the middle that is ideal for photography.
Access is only allowed to boat owners. This is not a play area.
Size of the beach
Unlike other beaches in the region such as Palombaggia or Tamaricciu, the sandy area is quite wide. This means there is more space to set up.
Unfortunately, like most of the beaches in southern Corsica, it is overcrowded in summer.
But out of season, as you can see below, it is truly an idyllic environment.
It is particularly pleasant for families with young children because the slope is gentle and the bay is quiet.
Conditions for swimming / with children
As the bay is closed, the water is very calm.
It is a great place to relax in the water.
The slope at the entrance to the water is very gentle, so it is easy to swim with children.
But be careful, the beach is not supervised.
Activities
In high season, you can rent umbrellas and deck chairs.
There are also kayak, pedal boat, towed buoy, and snorkeling equipment rentals
Algae
Note that the beach is likely to be partially covered with dead algae leaves (posidonia leaves). The landscape is less paradisiacal. But this process is really essential to protect and regenerate the beaches. This is why the leaves are not removed.
Cows
Be careful, when there are not too many people on the beach, you may come across cows. Keep your distance, this is their territory before yours!
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Beach of Rondinara – Restaurant
Right next to the beach, there is a restaurant with a view on the water: Restaurant de La Plage Chez Ange
There are many tables, but it can fill up very quickly.
Make reservations or go early.
It is open from mid-May to the end of September.
They serve salads, fish and meat dishes.
The restaurant has toilets.
Where to sleep in Rondinara – Hotels, Campsites, Lodging
If this is really your favorite beach, you can find several accommodation options nearby, which also give you access to the whole of South Corsica.
The hotel “Les Terrasses de Rondinara
Here you find apartments with breathtaking views of the bay.
Its pool is beautiful with a view of the maquis and the sea!
– See photos and availability
Camping Rondinara
If you are more into camping, you will not be disappointed. The Campring Rondinara is very close to the beach and has a swimming pool – read more
Set of Villas
Still below the main road, you will also find the Santa Monica Residence with small comfortable villas. An enchanting setting!
– See photos and availability
The Rooms of Mila
A little higher up, you discover large and welcoming rooms.
– See photos and availability
Hotel version Maquis Santa Manza
If you are looking for a bit of luxury, halfway between Bonifacio and Rondinara, you will find this hotel that blends into the nature.
– see prices, pictures and availability
WHERE TO STAY IN South Corsica
Option 1: Around the famous beaches
We recommend..:
- Hotel Mariosa with beach and restaurant – see photos and availability
- Résidence U Pirellu, if you want to be able to cook – see photos and availability
- Hotel L’Alivi Santa Giulia with beautiful views over the bay – see photos and availability
Option 2: in the maquis around Bonifacio
We recommend..:
- Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Cheda with its garden and exceptional restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle (5 stars) – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in Bonifacio itself (citadel or marina)
We recommend..:
- Hotel Spa Genovese in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Santateresa at the top of the citadel – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 4: in Propriano
We recommend
- Hotel Aria Marina for convenient apartments with views – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Marinca for a little luxury and unforgettable views – see prices, photos and availability
Bay of Rondinara – rock formations
If you like rock formations as much as we do, we recommend taking the path on the right side (when facing the water).
It is an easy walk in the maquis (low vegetation of the Mediterranean).
On the way you will discover small coves with reddish rocks.
And you can see the hills that protect the beach of Rondinara.
But our favorite place is at the end of the path, when you reach the tip of the promontory.
There are rocks of all colors.
Sometimes really red as you can see below.
And sometimes a variation from white to brown with yellow and green in the water.
It is fascinating and a great playground for photographers.
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Rondinara Beach – North part and lagoon of Prisarella
You can also walk to the north side of the beach (left facing the water).
There is no way. You walk on the beach and sometimes in the water.
You can find smaller and quieter coves.
At some point you will have the beach and the sea on one side and the lagoon of Prisarella on the other.
Other beaches near Rondinara – options
On the same south coast of Corsica, you will find other famous and easily accessible beaches.
See our list of the most beautiful beaches near Bonifacio.
Unfortunately, they are all overcrowded during the summer heat.
Beach right next door
You can walk on the path on the right side of the beach above the headland.
You will find another sandy arch. However, the sand is grayer and the waves are much higher.
Beach of Palombaggia
The most famous beach in the area is Palombaggia. There are also red rocks but I preferred those of Rondinara.
It is also very popular in summer.
Read our article on Palombaggia.
Beach of Tamaricciu
Tamaricciu is the neighboring beach of Palombaggia. There is not as much parking, but the beach is fabulous.
It is famous for its cove on the left side (facing the water) where you can find giant grey rocks and a lone pine.
See our article
Beach of Santa Giulia
Santa Giulia is a great option for families too.
It has everything you need nearby and a huge parking lot right next to the beach.
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
