Cliffs, fine sand, maquis, rock formations and turquoise waters… The south of Corsica is rich in paradisiacal beaches.
Some are accessible by car, others require a bit of hiking, but all will offer you beautiful landscapes.
Find below our selection of the most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio (not too far from the city) with map, photos and advices.
The beaches of Bonifacio: the reality + map
The situation
Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica.
For us, the city is a must (in our top 3).
But the reality is that the citadel is installed on cliffs that go up to 100m high… so it is not where you will find beaches…
But don’t worry, in the surroundings, there are beautiful beaches to discover, among the most beautiful in Corsica!
You just need to plan a little walk or drive (or both…).
The most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio
Our 3 favorites within a 30min drive are:
- Saint-Antoine (#2): hiking and extraordinary landscapes
- Saint-Jean (#6): hidden but easily accessible
- Rondinara (#11): easy access and varied
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We have chosen our 15 favorite beaches near Bonifacio.
This is a personal opinion, and other beaches are also very beautiful.
They are not in any order of preference, but organized westward first and then eastward as shown on the map below.
1. The beach of Bonifacio (Grain de sable)
Why we love it
The “beach” of Bonifacio is not really a beach.
A small piece of rocks of 2m2, it is not really the definition of a beach…
But the view from the foot of the cliffs is superb, with the sand in front of you. The grain of sand is the more or less cylindrical block of limestone shaped by the waves.
It is really a small “beach”, a small hidden treasure.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- in Bonifacio
- from the citadel
- access by a staircase (much easier than that of the King of Aragon).
- the descent begins at the bottom of the Bastion trail.
- unsupervised beach
2. Saint-Antoine Beach (hiking required)
Why we love it
It is not a famous beach in Bonifacio and yet it is very impressive.
It almost looks like another planet.
This is the only beach that looks like this in Corsica that we have seen.
It is located at the southern tip of Corsica, at the foot of magnificent white cliffs that are eroded by water and wind.
Fine sand, transparent waters, and impressive caves. What more could you ask for?
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- at Cap Pertusato, south of Bonifacio
- access on foot from Bonifacio (less than 1h30), easy except last 15 minutes
- access by car to the semaphore parking lot (or the parking lot of the Saint-Antoine cave) then a walk of less than 40 minutes
- the last 10 to 15 minutes are very steep and slippery (to go from the top of the cliffs to the beach) – bring walking shoes
- unsupervised beach
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3. Arinella Beach (difficult hike)
Why we love it
In Bonifacio, the port is at the bottom of a sea mouth.
On the side of the peninsula is the citadel on top of the cliffs.
And on the land side, bays have been formed with small beaches.
One of the biggest is the beach of L’Arinella-Bonifacio (there is one of the same name, near Bastia).
It is beautiful, protected from the vagaries of the sea and with magnificent white circles of cliffs above.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- access by boat from the port of Bonifacio
- or access by hiking – very difficult to reach.
- The hike takes you to a first cove, called La Cayenne, but which we find less interesting.
- unsupervised beach
4. Tonnara Beach (easy access)
Why we love it
We liked it very much above all for its colors.
Here the rocks are red and the sand slightly colored by the dust of rocks.
With the transparent water, the combination is perfect.
And the beach faces the Tonnara Islands which are only 100m away and are covered with giant rocks. This situation creates a small protected lagoon, very pleasant for swimming.
Moreover, just next to it is a rocky promontory between Tonnara and Stagnolu. It’s a great playground to walk around.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- northwest of Bonifacio
- small detour from the main road T40
- driving time from Bonifacio = 20min
- easy access from the parking lot
- restaurants in season
- water activities in season
- unsupervised beach
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5. Beach of Stagnolu (walking required)
Why we love it
Accessible from Tonarra beach, Stagonul beach offers a beautiful environment.
You can admire it from above from the walk between the 2 beaches before enjoying it with your feet in the transparent water.
We like this secluded beach aspect, while being easy to access.
Explore the coves between the beaches of Tonnara and Stagolu with beautiful colored rocks!
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- northwest of Bonifacio
- small detour from the main road T40
- driving time from Bonifacio = 20min
- then 10 minutes walk on a dirt and rock path
- restaurants in season (on the beach of Tonnara)
- unsupervised beach
6. Beach of Saint-Jean / San Giovanni (Figari bay)
Why we love it
Hidden in the bay of Figari, this beach has beautiful smooth rocks spread along the beach. They have different shades of gray and shapes rounded by the elements.
This beach is particularly beautiful on cloudy days.
Photographers particularly appreciate it.
But children and adults too! Our father loved exploring the rocks.
There is even a Genoese tower at one end of the beach.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- also called San Giovanni beach
- east of Bonifacio
- in the bay of Figari
- driving time from Bonifacio = 30min
- detour from the T40 road
- the 100m at the end of the road are not paved.
- then you have to walk less than 5min to reach the beach hidden behind the vegetation.
- unsupervised beach
7. Chevanu Beach (easy access)
Why we love it
With many coves but few tourists, this is one of your best choices if you want a quiet day at the beach.
Located in the bay next to Figari, the beach is also known as Kevano.
Although it is not as fascinating as Saint-Jean (#6)), it offers some photo opportunities with dense vegetation and red rocks.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- also called San Giovanni beach
- east of Bonifacio
- in the bay of Figari
- driving time from Bonifacio = 30min
- detour from the T40 road
- the 300m to reach the parking lot are bumpy
- then you have to walk less than 5min to reach the beach
- unsupervised beach
Where to stay in Bonifacio
To enjoy this show, it is better to spend a night or several!
Our suggestions:
Option 1
Sleep in the citadel on top of the cliffs for exceptional views
For example, at the Santateresa Hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability
Option 2
Sleep around the marina, for easy access to all the restaurants and stores without having to climb stairs and slopes.
For example, at the Solemare Hotel and its pool with a view!
– see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3
Sleep in the surrounding countryside, with options ranging from luxury to camping.
For example, at the hotel Version Maquis Citadelle
– see prices, pictures and availability
Option 4
Sleeping around Porto-Vecchio
Many choices of accommodations along the cliffs and beaches between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.
The road will take you 20 to 50 minutes.
For example, the Residence U Pirellu
– see prices, pictures and availability
See the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio still available
See all our advices to choose where to stay in Bonifacio (article to come)
Or, more generally, see our article where to stay in South Corsica
8. Palombaggia Beach (easy access)
Why we love it
Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica as it has often been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
We like the succession of several coves with long stretches of white sand bordered by umbrella pines.
Moreover, there are fantastic red rocks to explore between the coves: nice from the beach and also ideal for snorkeling.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- east of Bonifacio
- not far from Porto-Vecchio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 40min
- attention – beach with a lot of people!
This beach is full in summer. You have to come very early to experience it (which is also very good for the colors of the rocks).
There is a large free parking lot that is dirt and quite bumpy – short walk from the lot
But the parking lot is full in summer. Some beach restaurants have private parking that you can use for a small fee. - restaurants on the beach in season
- water activities in season
- supervised beach in season
9. Tamaricciu Beach (walking required)
Why we love it
Like Palombaggia, the beach of Tamaricciu is a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and pine trees.
When you park along the road, you have a beautiful view on the bay from the top.
Once at sea level, if you walk to the left (facing the water), you will reach the area that makes it famous: big grey rocks and a single pine tree. It really looks like a postcard.
We love the fine sand, turquoise waters and pine trees all around!
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- east of Bonifacio
- not far from Porto-Vecchio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 40min
- in the continuity of the beach of Palombaggia
- a little less frequented than Palombaggia but hardly.
- 2 access options
– free parking along the road + 5min walk (with stairs) – limited parking spaces
or paying restaurant parking at the west end of the beach (opposite the rocks) with easy access to the sand. - restaurants in season
- unsupervised beach
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10. Santa Giulia Beach
Why we love it
Santa Giulia is a very interesting beach and different from the others.
It is located in a protected bay with clear and shallow waters.
A long strip of sand separates the sea from a pond.
The beach looks like a cocoon with hills on each side.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 25min
- very busy beach in summer
- easy access with large parking lot
- restaurants in season
- water activities in season
- supervised beach in season
11. Bay of Rondinara (easy access)
Why we love it
Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree.
The beach itself is very beautiful, with shallow turquoise water and protected coves).
But what we liked most were the rocks on the right side (facing the sea).
5min walk to very, very colorful rocks.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 30min
- very busy beach in summer
- easy access with large parking lot (fee required)
- restaurants in season
- water activities in season
- supervised beach in season
12. Balistra Beach
Why we love it
A less known beach but with a very pleasant atmosphere.
It is the longest beach near Bonifacio.
And behind it is a pond with a river that connects it to the sea.
Just be aware that it is often windy. So ideal for windsurfers and kite surfers.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- north of Bonifacio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 25min
- from the main road, you have to drive slowly.
- free parking
- walk to the beach
- straw huts in season
- water activities in season
- supervised beach in season
13. Beaches of Cala Longa (Cara Lunga)
Why we love them
A series of coves and beaches in the Gulf of Sant’Amanza.
We like that these beaches have remained wilder: simple beaches surrounded by scrub.
Very quiet with only the sound of crickets. And a view of the Lavezzi islands.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- Also called Cara Lunga
- east of Bonifacio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 15min
- limited parking, which limits the number of people on the beaches
- roadside parking
- a restaurant in season
- access by paths
- ideal for snorkeling
- unsupervised beaches
14. Petit Spérone Beach (hiking required)
Why we love it
In this square bay, you will find extremely white sand (with limestone powder), transparent waters, scrubland all around and the ruins of a Roman city… It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
You have to walk to enjoy it, but the place is magical!
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- east of Bonifacio
- driving time from Bonifacio = 15min
- park on the beach side of Piantarella (difficult in summer)
- then 15min hiking through the rocks
- quite frequented despite a less easy access
- unsupervised beach
15. Beaches of the Lavezzi Islands
Why we love it
If you spend some time in Bonifacio, we strongly recommend that you take the boat to discover the Lavezzi islands.
The reserve is ideal for those who love rocks and nature.
The entire islands are covered with blocks of different colors: light gray, dark gray and pink.
And between the rocks, you can discover small coves with sand.
Distance and access from Bonifacio
- south of Bonifacio
- access by boat only – several round trips from Bonifacio
- then 5 to 10min walk on the island
- unsupervised beach
Plan your trip to Corsica
Discover all our articles to make your trip a success!
- All our practical advice for a trip to Corsica – read
- How to get to Corsica – coming soon
- Which ferry to take to Corsica – read
- Rent a car in Corsica – read
- Where to stay in Corsica – read
- Driving in Corsica – read
- 3 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- 4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- The most beautiful destinations in Cose – read
And many other beaches around Bonifacio
The coast around Bonifacio is covered with creeks and beaches.
Here are some others to consider if you are looking for more ideas:
- Grand Spérone Beach
- Beach of Piantarella
- Beach of Majalone
- Maora Beach
- Beach of Fazzio
- Beach of Figari
- …
