White sand, ultra-fine sand, turquoise water and hills covered with maquis… what more could you ask for? We recommend you to go to the beaches of Bodri and Ghjunchitu in Balagne, among the most beautiful of the region.
Here is our guide to help you plan your visit: map, access, sand, conditions…
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Why visit the beaches of Bodri and Ghjunchitu in Balagne
Is Bodri beach worth it?
Yes. Absolutely.
Bodri is the most famous of the 2 beaches. It is 400m long with ultra-fine white sand and gently sloping turquoise waters.
It is here that you will find the finest sand of the Balagne, and certainly of Corsica.
It is a postcard beach. One of the most beautiful beaches of Balagne and Corsica.
Far from the cities but still easily accessible thanks to the beach tramway, it has everything to please. Not very far from Ile-Rousse, but not in the middle of the houses, we find here a small haven of peace (out of season…).
The cove is very beautiful because of its shape.
And in the background you enjoy the mountains of the Balagne.
And around, you have small rocky coves, ideal for snorkeling.
Is Ghjunchitu beach worth it?
Yes, also.
Just on the other side of a point of land, you find the beach of Ghjunchitu (also written Giunchetu).
It has sand just as white and just as fine, and waters just as turquoise…
This one is bigger, about 500m long.
We don’t know why Bodri is the more famous of the two, they are equally beautiful. Maybe it’s because the name is easier to pronounce… And also the fact that Bodri is monitored but Ghjunchitu is not.
At the ends, you can also find rocks for snorkeling.
Why choose these beaches?
We advise you to spend some time on these beaches to:
- Dip your feet in this soft sand. So far, in our explorations of Corsica, it is really the beaches that our feet have enjoyed the most.
- For a wilder atmosphere, far from the city
- For the walk between the beaches which offers beautiful views on the 2 coves and allows you to discover the vegetation of the Corsican maquis.
More pictures after the practical advice.
What to do in Balagne: our 5 essential articles
Access and Map – Bodri and Ghjunchitu beaches, Corsica
Where are the beaches of Bodri and Ghjunchitu?
- In the Balagne region
- Just south of Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Parking not far from the main road T30
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Bodri and Ghjunchitu beaches
You have 2 main options
Take the car.
You arrive at the time you want.
The road is very easy from Ile-Rousse or Calvi. Just take the main road to the coast T30 and then it’s a short detour to the parking lots.
The access roads are paved.
The train of the beaches: U Trinichellu
The super beach train between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse has a stop right next to the beach of Bodri and the stop is called “Bodri”.
Need to rent a car in Corsica?
Our advice:
- 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.
Parking
There are several parking lots along the beach of Bodri and Ghjunchitu.
Below is a picture of the parking lot on the Bodri side.
It is located south of the railway. Less than 10min walk to the beach (see next section).
It has a good size but still fills up quickly during the summer months. It is not free.
It gives access to both beaches.
There is a second parking lot further south to access only the beach of Ghjunchitu. It’s big and paying too and a bit closer to the beach.
From there the path gives you access to the western point of the beach of Ghjunchitu.
Walking / hiking
No matter where you park, you’ll have to do a little walking to reach the beaches. That’s what makes them so charming, they remain quite wild.
Be careful, in all cases you must cross the railroad tracks. Be careful, especially with children!
The paths are fairly easy, flat and well maintained.
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On the sand and in the water… practical advice
Best time to visit
This beach is pleasant all year round.
In winter, even if the water is too cool, you can enjoy the beauty of these beaches and the walk between them.
As for Corsica in general, there are many more people in summer, and especially between mid-July and mid-August. At this time, it is better to visit early.
The beach is oriented more to the north.
The sand
As we have already written, these beaches have probably the most beautiful sand of all Corsica: fine and white, it is a real happiness under the feet.
Note that at any period, some beaches in Corsica can be covered with algae (Posidonia meadows). This is essential for their renewal.
This can happen at any beach but not at the same time. It’s random.
Conditions for swimming – and with children
On both beaches, the slope of entry into the water is quite gentle.
The beach of Bodri is supervised in season but not the one of Ghjunchitu.
Attention! Swimming is not recommended on either beach in windy conditions!
Experienced kitesurfers will appreciate it.
Nautical activities
Surfing and kitesurfing in windy conditions.
No water sports equipment rentals.
And if you have your snorkel, the rocky areas around the beaches are ideal for snorkeling.
Want to try diving?
The region of Balagne is ideal to make your first dive and discover new landscapes, under water!
Naturism
The northern part of Bodri beach is a section for naturism.
Restaurants on the beaches of Bodri and Ghjunchitu
There are 2 restaurants along the beach of Ghjunchitu:
- To the east, U Sbirru Beach serves sandwiches, hot toast and plates of cold cuts and cheese, as well as sweet crepes and homemade ice cream.
- To the west, Ghjunchitu restaurant – with a more restaurant menu: meats, fish, salads, fried mussels…
However, there is no beach of Bodri.
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Bodri or Ghjunchitu?
That’s a good question…
- Bodri if you are looking for a supervised beach
- Ghjunchitu, if you are looking for a little less people (in theory, there are less).
- Bodri if you are looking for a naturist beach
- And in the end both. The walk between the 2 beaches is really pleasant and we advise you to make a long walk on the whole length of the 2 beaches.
Walk between the 2 beaches
Here are some pictures of the small walk between the 2 beaches.
It lasts less than 10 minutes with a little bit of difference in level but not too much.
This small climb allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the beaches, so it is worth the effort.
The path is very well indicated, you can’t get lost.
Some of it is in the sand, so it’s a bit more tiring to walk. But it allows you to discover the Corsican maquis of the sea. These plants must resist the wind, heat and sea air of the Mediterranean Sea.
There are some steps, but nothing difficult.
And here is the arrival above the beach of Ghjunchitu!
Where to stay in La Balagne
The Balagne is a superb region to stay in during your vacations in Corsica.
Here are our suggestions.
Option 1 – Île-Rousse
At the arrival of the ferry, a very well located city with a lot of charm. It is also easy to walk around and explore the area.
For example, the Rocabella Hotel in the heart of the city, with a soothing natural setting.
– see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse
Option 2 – Calvi
Calvi is the main town in the Balagne region and offers picturesque views from all angles.
Citadel, mountains, villages, boat trips… there’s plenty to do!
We recommend the Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
– see pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
Option 3 – on the heights, around the villages of La Balagne
And if you prefer the calm, you can go to isolate you a little between its 2 big cities in the hills of Balagne. We suggest:
Hotel Le Domaine Casale Olmia in the hills – see photos and availability
Hotel A Casa Di Mà (in Lumio) with swimming pool – see photos and availability
Beautiful waterfront hotel between the 2 cities – see pictures and availability
Hotel La Santa with its infinity pool facing the view – see photos and availability
See our complete guide on where to sleep in the Balagne (coming soon)
What to do nearby
Visit the villages of the Balagne
The Balagne region is also known for its charming villages in the hills with their typical Corsican houses and their unobstructed views between sea and mountains.
Near the beach of Bodri, you have some of the most famous villages of the area: Pigna, with its blue shutters, Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest and Corbara, ancient capital.
Learn more about the villages of the Balagne.
Visit Île-Rousse
To the north, you can also visit the pretty seaside resort of L’Île-Rousse.
Welcoming and relaxed, its center has a lot of charm with colorful houses. And the walk to the islands of the Pietra is a must.
Read more
Plan your trip to Corsica!
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The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
The most beautiful villages of Corsica
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The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
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