5 beautiful beaches near L’Île-Rousse (with our photos)

You stay in L’Île-Rousse and you want to enjoy the fine sand, the landscapes between sea and mountain and the turquoise waters? We understand you.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful beaches near L’Île-Rousse 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 L’Île-Rousse – introduction

Between the Balagne and the Agriates desert

Île-Rousse is located in the north of the Balagne region, a small Corsican paradise between beach, hills, villages and mountains.
Some of the most beautiful beaches of Balagne are not far from Ile-Rousse: sandy beaches, rocky areas, small creeks or long beaches, in town or wild… there is something for everyone!

Map of beaches near L’Île-Rousse

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. And read our article on what to do in L’Île-Rousse.

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1. Ostroconi Beach (25min away)

Why do we love it?

Let’s start with our favorite beach in Balagne and Corsica.
It requires a 25min drive from L’Île-Rousse, it’s the farthest but it’s worth it!

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.
The beach of Ostriconi offers: a long strip of white sand, small dunes, completely wild views, waters with intense colors… and the rocks of the Agriates desert in the background.

Access from L’Île-Rousse

• To the north of L’Île-Rousse,
• at the southern end of the Agriates desert
• Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
• Access only by car
• No train, no public transport
• It is necessary to walk a little at the arrival to reach the beach

Practical information

• The beach is quite large
• Even in the middle of the season, you’ll have plenty of room to put your towel
• Parking not far from the main road
• Supervised beach in summer
• Beware there may be strong waves
• The beach faces west

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2. Bodri Beach (10min away)

Why do we love it?

Bodri is one of the most famous beaches near L’Île-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 L’Île-Rousse

• Just south of Ile-Rousse
• Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
• Accessible by train from L’Île-Rousse – “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 our complete article

3. Ghjunchitu Beach (10min away)

Why do we love it?

Are you looking for very fine sand? Then this is the beach for you.
It is listed as one of the beaches with the finest sand in Corsica. And, we agree, it’s really quite nice.
The beach is wild but with more views of houses in the distance, compared to Bordri, but it is also much bigger.
Both are worth it, and you can also enjoy both in the same day.

Access from L’Île-Rousse

• This beach is just south of Ile-Rousse.
• Next to the beach of Bodri
• Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
• Accessible by train from L’Île-Rousse – “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, you have to walk 5 minutes to reach the beach of Bodri and 5 to 10 minutes to reach Ghjunchitu.
• There is a second parking lot at the southern end of Ghjunchitu beach

Practical information

• Popular in summer but the beach is large
• Unsupervised beach
• Be careful, when big boats pass in the distance, there can be bigger waves!
• To the south of the beach, there are small coves that are ideal for snorkeling.
• See our complete article

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4. Lozari Beach (15min away)

Why do we love it?

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!

Access from L’Île-Rousse

• North of L’Île-Rousse
• Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 15min
• A car is necessary to get there
• 2 large parking lots with information center
• Less than 5min walk from the parking lot to the beach
• No access by public transport

Practical information

• Restaurants in the center of the beach
• The south of the beach is wilder
• Nautical base in the center of the beach
• The sand is less fine than on the Bodri side
• But the beach is a little less invaded in summer
• Slope steep enough to enter the water
• See our complete article

5. 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 L’Île-Rousse

• Halfway between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
• Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 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
• See our complete article

And the 4 beaches in Ile-Rousse – where to swim?

And if you want to stay quiet in the city, there are 4 beaches within walking distance, one of them private. They all have several names, and it can get confusing…

6. Napoleon beach (also called Marinella beach)

Why do we love it?

Napoleon beach is the most central one, next to the Paoli square, it’s a nice sandy beach with a view on the islands and the bay.
It is not very big but charming.
It is a supervised beach in season.
However, being in a city and easy to access, it is very busy in summer!

7. The beach of the port / the station

The day we saw it, it was covered with algae (Posidonia meadows). But when it is not the case, it is nice with a view on the islands of Pietra and the port.
You can rent kayaks, boats and pedal boats.

8. The beach of Ginepera (also called Caruchetu)

After the beach of Napoleon, after the point of Caruchetu, you find another small sandy cove.
It is also a supervised beach in season, a little less crowded than the beach of Napoleon.
It is appreciated for fishing and snorkeling.

9. The private beach of the hotel Santa Maria

It is a charming private beach with a beautiful view of the islands of Pietra.
To take advantage of this, book a room at the Best Western Santa Maria.
See prices, pictures and availability.

Where to sleep in L’Île-Rousse

Ile-Rousse is an excellent destination to stay during your vacations in Corsica.
Here are our suggestions for where to sleep.

Option 1 – in the resort

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, photos and availability
or the hotel Casa Rossa, with a good quality-price ratio – see prices, photos and availability

Option 2 – near the port

On the way to the Pietra Islands, near the port, you will find another selection of accommodation. The atmosphere is calmer while being close to the center on foot.
The Best Western Santa Maia Hotel even has a private beach – see photos and availability

Option 3 – on the heights

And if you prefer to have beautiful views, you can choose a hotel a little higher up in the city or even in my villages above, to sit on your balcony and relax facing the sea and the mountains.
We suggest the hotel A Piattatella, for a dream stay – see prices, photos and availability

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Discover the availability of the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse

or see our complete guide on where to sleep in L’Île-Rousse (coming soon)

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Frequently asked questions

When to swim in L’Île-Rousse?

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 of Ile-Rousse

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.

The beach of Saleccia – be careful not to confuse

Attention, there are 2 beaches of Saleccia in Corsica.
That of the place called Saleccia, between Ile-Rousse and the beach of Lozari. There is the park of Saleccia (remarkable garden).
The beach is a small cove near the T30 road.
But if you type “Saleccia Beach” to see pictures, you will see a dream beach. This one is not in Balagne but more in the North in the desert of Agriates. It is accessible by boat or 4WD from Saint-Florent. To know more about it.