Looking for a sandy beach in a protected bay in Corse-du-Sud? The Plage de Canella in Sari-Solenzara offers an exceptional setting with its white sand and transparent turquoise waters. We were won over by this family beach nestled between Solenzara and Favone, which perfectly combines tranquility and Mediterranean beauty.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips on how to make the most of your time on the water.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Canella Beach(Arinella di Canella) worth it?
Yes, it’s worth the detour. This family beach won us over with its unspoilt natural setting and very pleasant bathing conditions. We particularly appreciated the softness of its white sand and the exceptional clarity of its turquoise waters. It’s also an ideal playground for snorkeling. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches around Porto-Vecchio!
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The soil is made up of fine white sand of remarkable quality. The fine sand underfoot is very pleasant. You’ll also see the presence of Posidonia meadows, marine plants that play an essential role in the Mediterranean ecosystem and contribute to the exceptional clarity of the water. This combination of white sand and crystal-clear waters offers a setting worthy of the most beautiful Corsican postcards!
Swimming conditions and supervision
Swimming conditions are excellent. Situated in a protected bay, it boasts remarkably clear, calm turquoise waters. Access to the water is on a gentle slope, making swimming easy for everyone. We found this beach to be a great spot for snorkeling, thanks to the clarity of the water. However, the beach is not supervised.
Installations
We found convenient facilities on Plage de Canella. In high season, you can rent deckchairs and parasols, as well as paddles to explore the bay. An outdoor shower is available for a fee to rinse off after a swim. There are restaurants right on the beach, so you can enjoy a meal without leaving this idyllic setting.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EN South Corsica
- Introduction to canyoning at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Complete canyoning experience at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto-Vecchio – see photos + availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see photos + availability
Canella beach in Sari-Solenzara: access
Where is Canella Beach(Arinella di Canella)?
- Between Solenzara and Favone
- North of Porto-Vecchio
- By car from the center of Favone: 5min
- By car from the center of Solenzara: 8min
- By car from Porto-Vecchio: 35min
- By car from Bonifacio: 1h10
Access by car and parking
To reach Plage de Canella by car, take Route Territoriale 10, then slow down at the sign for Restaurant le Grand Bleu or Restaurant La Dolce Vita. We recommend parking at the top of the slope, then walking 2 minutes to the beach. This beach can be very busy in summer, with few parking spaces available, so it’s best to arrive before 10am to find a spot easily. Be vigilant: fines are regularly handed out for cars improperly parked along the road.
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.
Access from the parking lot
Once you’ve parked your car at the top of the slope, access to the beach is via a concrete road that winds through the trees before reaching the stretch of sand. We enjoyed this short walk, with a view of the beach along the way.
Public transport access
We did not observe any bus stops near the beach. We recommend taking the car to reach this stretch of sand between Solenzara and Favone.
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Special features
Dog
Dogs are allowed on the beach if kept on a leash.
Reduced mobility access
Access to the beach is via a concrete slope, but there are steps down to the sand. The sand area is not equipped with facilities for people with reduced mobility.
With children
It’s an ideal spot if you’ve got kids: the entrance to the water is gently sloping and there are few waves. The sand is incomparably fine, a real pleasure underfoot. Another major asset we noticed was the presence of shady areas under the trees, which is much appreciated on hot summer days. Older children can also try their hand at snorkeling at this great spot, where the clarity of the water makes it easy to observe the marine life. You’ll need to keep an eye on them, however, as the beach is unsupervised.
Naturism
We didn’t see any signs about naturism. As the beach is family-friendly, especially in high season, we do not recommend naturism on this site.
Eating out
You’ll find restaurants right on the beach, including Restaurant le Grand Bleu and Restaurant La Dolce Vita, which offer excellent sea views. Please note that these restaurants are closed in low season, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to enjoy these establishments.
Hotels
There are a number of hotels in the center of Solenzara and Favone, close to the beach. For a better selection of establishments, we recommend looking for accommodation in Porto-Vecchio, a 35-minute drive from Plage de Canella. See our selection below:
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto-Vecchio
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: around the Citadel
Hotel-restaurant Casa Santini feet in the water
– see pictures and availability
Option 2: on the southern shore of the Gulf
Hotel Mariosa with beach, pool, restaurant…
– see pictures and availability
Option 3: on the south coast, near well-known beaches
Hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia (5 stars) – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Porto-Vecchio, with our reviews
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
