You stay in Calvi during your vacations in Corsica? Excellent choice.
If you want to enjoy the warm sand, the landscapes between sea and mountains and the turquoise waters, we understand you.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful beaches around Calvi with map, photos and practical advice to organize your trip.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
The most beautiful beaches near Calvi – introduction
Map of beaches near Calvi
The definition of the best beaches is specific to each person depending on what is most important to you.
Here is our selection, with a map to help you find your way:
Be aware that in the Mediterranean, at any period, some beaches in Corsica can be covered with algae (Posidonia grass). This can happen at any beach but not at the same time. It’s random. And so the beach seems less paradisiacal, but this is essential for the ecosystem.
Do you need a car? Train option
If you don’t want to rent a car, the Balagne region is the most convenient in Corsica because there is a train that runs between Calvi and Ile-Rousse and stops along the coast giving you access to several beaches.
However, if you want to have more choices and discover some of our favorite beaches and also explore the villages in the area, we strongly recommend renting a car.
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.
1. The Beach of Calvi (Beach of the Pine forest)
Why do we love it?
Calvi’s beach is truly unique in Corsica: a long stretch of sand, views of the mountains, views of a citadel, a pine tree border and easy access to the city.
It really offers a lot of advantages and we love the combination of nature and city. Here the city does not take over the beach. No skyscrapers.
On the other hand, we warn you, it is covered with people in summer…
Access from Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 0
- The beach along the city and in the extension
- Easy walking access from the city and camping areas
Practical information
- White sand
- Supervised beach in summer in some areas
- Rental of umbrellas, mattresses, pedal boats…
- Some sections are private beaches
- Restaurants on the beach and in the city nearby
- The beach faces north
- Beach all in length: it extends from the Port to the village of Lumio
- Shade of the pine forest nearby
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2. The beach of Sainte-Restitude (20 min away)
Why do we love it?
Between Calvi and Lumion, the beach of Sainte-Restitude offers a relaxing setting far from the constructions.
The sandy beach is a happy cove with rocks for those who prefer. And it faces the citadel of Calvi, offering beautiful views, with the mountains in the background.
The descent into the water is gentle and the beach is only 150m long. It is an ideal place with children.
Access from Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- In the Bay of Calvi, village of Lumio
- Possible access by train – stop Sainte-Restitude
- Easy access by car from the T30 road along the west coast.
- Small parking lot near the beach, beware it fills up quickly in summer
Practical information
- Supervised beach in summer
- Paillote in summer
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols in summer
- Easy access from the train stop and the parking lot
- Sand and rocks
- No shadow
- The beach faces west
THE BEST OF THE Balagne
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles about L’Île-Rousse:
Discover our articles on Calvi:
3. Punta di Spanu (25min away)
Why do we love it?
For something different, go to the other end of the bay to Punta di Spanu.
The corner has only two small sandy areas. However, there are plenty of giant boulders to play with!
It is one of our favorite places in Corsica.
The exploration is fun with several small coves and many rocks. Some are smooth because of the water, others are cut. There’s even one that’s been cut cleanly in half. You can walk around the point and up to a tower.
We love rock formations and this is the most beautiful place in Balagne for that…
You can alternate swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and walking (for example to see the Genoese tower).
Access from Calvi
- Halfway between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 25min
- You will need a car to get there.
- No public transportation.
- Be careful, the road has big holes at the end, so drive slowly.
Practical information
- No monitoring
- There is not much sand.
- No facilities, wilderness location
- No shadow
- See more photos
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
4. Bodri Beach (30min but accessible by train)
Why do we love it?
Bodri is one of the most famous beaches near Calvi and Ile-Rousse. It is easy to access but remains quite wild with very fine sand.
If you are looking for beautiful white sand in a beautiful environment and turquoise waters… go to Bodri.
Surrounded by maquis, you can relax far from the noise of the city.
But beware, it is very popular in summer.
Access from Calvi
- Just south of Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Accessible by train from Calvi – “Bodri” station
- The parking lot is paid in summer but free the rest of the year or you can reach it by train.
- From the parking lot or the train stop, it is a 5 to 10 minute walk to the beach.
Practical information
- Popular in summer
- Supervised beach in season
- Be careful, when a boat passes by, there can be bigger waves!
- The beach faces northwest
- See more photos
WHERE TO STAY IN Calvi
Option 1: around the citadel
Close to all restaurants and the citadel, we recommend:
- Hotel Kasano with its modern decor and beautiful views – see photos and availability
Option 2: Beach side
Close to the port and the beach, we recommend:
- Hotel L’Acquale with its exceptional views and rooftop bar – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Onda with its charming decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: on the heights and in the surrounding villages
In the quiet area around Calvi, we recommend:
- Hotel La Villa Calvi, for a dreamy, luxurious stay with exceptional views over the Bay of Calvi. See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel A Casa di Ma in the charming village of Lumio with its Michelin-starred restaurant –see prices, photos and availability
See all our reviews in our article on the best hotels in Calvi.
5. Beach of Arinella Lumio (20min away)
Why do we love it?
Another beautiful sandy/rocky beach in the Bay of Calvi.
From here you can also admire the citadel of Calvi with the mountains in the background.
And there are a lot of rocks around with the point of Caldanu, to which you can make a short hike. We loved the geological formations in the rocks!
Not to be confused with the Arinella beach in Bastia.
Access from Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- In the Bay of Calvi, village of Lumio
- Possible access by train – stop Lumio-Arinella
- Easy access by car – small detour from the T30 road along the west coast.
- Medium-sized parking lot near the beach, but it fills up quickly in summer
Practical information
- Unsupervised beach
- Some steps to reach the beach
- Paillote
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Very popular in summer
- Nice for snorkeling
- The beach faces west
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
AT North Corsica
- Introduction to diving – see photos + availability
- Snokeling outing – see photos + availability
- Quad between sea and mountains – see photos + availability
- Via Ferrata with different levels – see photos + availability
- Canyoning in beautiful valleys – see photos + availability
- Rafting on 2 intensity levels – see photos + availability
Other beaches in Calvi – where to swim?
Roncu Beach
Roncu is a small beach hidden in Calvi.
It is appreciated by the locals, as it is less visible to tourists.
It is located northwest of Calvi, not far from the citadel but in the opposite direction of the tourist waterfront.
Signoria Mare Beach
The beach of Calvi has some private beaches.
One of the most famous belongs to the hotel La Signora (5 stars)
You can enjoy sunbeds and umbrellas.
See prices, photos and availability of the hotel
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
Other beaches in the vicinity of Calvi
The Balagne is a beautiful region with other beautiful beaches(see our selection).
Here are a few to consider:
Alga Beach
Driving time from Calvi = 15min (westward)
Small beach nestled at the beginning of the Revelatta peninsula.
We like the peninsula as a whole with its hiking trails.
This beach is sometimes paradisiacal with white sand and sometimes covered with seaweed (hence its name…). You have been warned…
Only accessible by car (or by hiking from Calvi) There is a large parking lot at the beginning of the peninsula where you can admire the whole peninsula.
Be careful, if you want to drive down to the beach, it is a bumpy track, only recommended for 4×4.
Beach of Lozari
Driving time from Calvi = 45min
Lozari is one of the largest sandy beaches of the Balagne.
It extends for 1.5 km with white sand. But it is not as fine as on the Bodri beach side.
It is a great place to relax between the river and the beach.
You are really surrounded by nature with the hills and the water.
Lozari is also the starting point for 2 walks along the coast to a tower or inland along the river.
What a great day to spend!
Read more
Beach of Ostroconi
Driving time from Calvi = 50min
It is the most distant from Calvi and Ile-Rousse but also the most beautiful in our opinion. It is even one of our favorite beaches in all of Corsica.
Ostriconi is less often mentioned in the lists of the best places in Corsica, because it is not close to a big city. However, this is one of the views that blew us away the most while visiting the island.
At Ostriconi, the access road is higher than the beach, which allows for a breathtaking view of the white sand, the intense colors of the water and the rocks of the Agriates desert in the background.
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!
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Calvi?
The water temperature is most pleasant from June to October.
But in July and August, the beaches are the most crowded with tourists.
The ideal time is early June, late September and October.
The water temperatures are:
- May: 18 to 19°C
- June: 21 to 23°C
- July: 22 and 23°C
- August: 23 to 24°C
- September: 22 to 24°C
- October: between 20 and 21°C
Secret beach in Calvi
Let’s be honest, there aren’t really any secret beaches. Corsica is very touristic in summer, and you will never find yourself alone, except if you swim at midnight…
The further away you are from the cities, the less crowded the beaches will be.
In the above list, the 2 least known of the tourists are perhaps that of the Saint-Restitude and that of Roncu.
Naturist beach around Calvi
The beaches of Alga Calvi and Bodri, both mentioned in this article have a section for naturists.
Calvi or Ile-Rousse?
If you are still hesitating between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse, we find that the most beautiful beaches and the most beautiful villages of La Balagne are closer to L’Île-Rousse.
But for more choices of restaurants and activities, it is better to choose Calvi.
See the most beautiful beaches around L’Île-Rousse.
