On Corsica’s west coast, Ajaccio boasts a magnificent string of beaches bathed in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. From secluded coves to city beaches, we were seduced by the diversity of the Ajaccio coastline. From the Route des Îles Sanguinaires to the heart of the imperial city, you’ll find a mosaic of beaches to suit every taste, from swimming to water sports!
Discover our selection of Ajaccio’s most beautiful beaches, illustrated by our photos and useful tips!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Ajaccio’s most beautiful beaches – map
Ajaccio’s magnificent beaches are well worth a visit. They’re definitely among the the port city’s best attractions!
Our map of the beaches listed in this article will help you find your way around:
Where to go in Ajaccio to see the best beaches?
To enjoy Ajaccio’s finest beaches, head for the Route des Îles Sanguinaires and Capo di Feno. These areas are particularly renowned for their fine sand and turquoise waters. We were seduced by the beauty of these sites, which reveal wilder beaches! You can take part in a variety of water sports, or simply enjoy a peaceful swim in an unspoilt setting.
1. Capo di Feno beach
Why do we love it?
Capo di Feno beach is a veritable natural paradise in the heart of southern Corsica. We loved this beautiful, peaceful wilderness, bordered by high cliffs. This beach is ideal if you’re looking for total peace and quiet for a day. It comprises 2 distinct parts: Plage de Grand Capo and Plage de Petit Capo (or Plage de Sevani).
Treat yourself to a unique perspective of Ajaccio’s most beautiful shores! Head for Îles Sanguinaires and Capo di Feno by boat – see activity details here.
Access and useful information
- West of Ajaccio, about a 20-minute drive from the city center
- Free car and bicycle parking nearby
- Access via a narrow path from the parking lot
- Fine sand
- Surveillance in July and August only (7-day-a-week first-aid station)
- No deckchairs or parasols for hire
- No shower or toilet
- No facilities for people with reduced mobility
- Paillote offering snacks and drinks on the beach
2. Barbicaja Beach
Why do we love it?
Located equidistant from Ajaccio town center and Pointe de la Parata, we were charmed by Plage de Barbicaja. Its exceptional natural setting was a complete change of scenery. Take a mask and snorkel along the rocks to discover the underwater fauna! The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, allowing you to discover aquatic life in excellent conditions.
Access and useful information
- A 10-minute drive west from downtown on the Route des Îles Sanguinaires
- Parking spaces on 2 sides of the road facing the beach
- Fine sand mixed with algae, rocky areas and small pebbles
- Unsupervised beach
- No deckchairs or parasols for hire
- A shower (belonging to a restaurant)
- No public toilets
- No facilities for people with reduced mobility (steep staircase)
- Several beachside restaurants, including Chez Pech, with its breathtaking views over the Bay of Ajaccio.
3. Sacred Earth Beach
Why do we love it?
With its Blue Flag label, this beach won us over with its unique blend of natural beauty and history. We were moved to discover the Sacred Land Marker that stands proudly on the site. A rare monument – there are only 6 of its kind in the world – this milestone, erected in 1933, houses a memorial treasure: an urn containing soil samples taken from the battlefields of the First World War.
Access and useful information
- A 15-minute drive west from downtown on the Route des Îles Sanguinaires
- Small free parking lot and parking available along the road
- Golden fine sand
- Surveillance in July and August only (7-day-a-week first-aid station)
- Sun loungers and parasols for hire in season at restaurants
- No showers or toilets observed
- No facilities for people with reduced mobility
- Several beachside restaurants, including the Restaurant La Paillote Le Week-End, offer a breathtaking view of the sea. Îles Sanguinaires
4. Marinella Beach (or Ariadne Beach)
Why do we love it?
Immortalized in a song by singer Tino Rossi, this beach boasts fine blond sand bordered by crystal-clear waters. We particularly appreciate its gently sloping seabed, allowing you to venture far out into the translucent sea. The beach is also an ideal setting for water sports activities: rental equipment and beachside huts invite you to take full advantage of this enchanting site!
Fly over Ajaccio Bay in a parasail for a spectacular view of the coastline. – See photos, photos and availability.
Access and useful information
- A 12-minute drive west from downtown on the Route des Îles Sanguinaires
- Herringbone parking lot facing the beach
- Fine blond sand with Posidonia meadows
- Surveillance in July and August only (7-day-a-week first-aid station)
- Sun loungers and parasols available for hire
- No showers or toilets observed
- No facilities for people with reduced mobility
- Several beachside restaurants, including the renowned Restaurant Neptune
- Head for Îles Sanguinaires on a jet ski for an unforgettable adventure in the Gulf of Ajaccio. – see activity details.
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.
5. Trottel Beach
Why do we love it?
We really liked Plage Trottel, close to Ajaccio town center. Walk along the seafront promenade to the sandy beach in just 15 minutes. It offers superb views over the bay. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, walk, swim or simply enjoy a relaxing moment with your feet in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy water sports!
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Ajaccio and discover its underwater treasures on a diving baptism. – see activity details.
Access and useful information
- 15min walk west from downtown Ajaccio
- Parking behind Place Piazza Miot
- Mixed sand and small gravel
- Surveillance in July and August only (7-day-a-week first-aid station)
- No deckchairs or parasols for hire
- Showers and toilets available
- Access to bathing adapted to people with reduced mobility
- Several beachside restaurants
6. Saint-François Beach
Why do we love it?
Located right in the center of Ajaccio, we really liked Plage Saint-François. Nestled below the roadway, it ends at the Miollis Citadel. This stretch of golden sand and pebbles seduced us with its breathtaking panorama of the coastline. Warmed by the Corsican sun, you’ll enjoy a unique setting. An icon of St. Francis and an extract from a book about Napoleon hang on the stone wall bordering the beach. They refer to local history.
Access and useful information
- In downtown Ajaccio
- Q-Park Diamant parking lot a 3-minute walk away
- Golden sand and pebbles
- Surveillance in July and August only (7-day-a-week first-aid station)
- No deckchairs or parasols for hire
- No shower or toilet
- No facilities for people with reduced mobility (steep staircase)
- Bistro Canaille, one of our favourite restaurants, is just around the corner.
Other beautiful beaches around Ajaccio
If you have your own vehicle, be sure to explore the magnificent beaches around Ajaccio:
Beach of Porticcio
Nestling on the opposite shore to Ajaccio, this extensive beach is well worth a visit. To get there, all you have to do is take the maritime shuttle that links Porticcio to the Corsican imperial city. We warmly recommend it to families looking for relaxation and entertainment. Between sunbathing sessions, swimming and water sports, you’ll never get bored at Porticcio Beach!
Mare e Sol Beach (or Silver Beach)
Mare e Sol Beach in Pietrosella, a commune in southern Corsica, offers a heavenly setting in the Gulf of Ajaccio. Its translucent waters and fine blond sand make it a dream destination! We particularly enjoyed the snorkeling opportunities along the rocks.
Isolella beaches
On Corsica’s west coast, the Pointe de l’Isolella juts out into the Mediterranean. This picturesque peninsula, with its rocky landscapes, verdant islets and heavenly beaches with crystal-clear waters, was our delight! Take to the open seas and enjoy the sun and sea on the beaches of Isolella.
Portigliolo Beach
Nestled between 2 rocky capes, Portigliolo Beach is an unspoilt cove, far from the most famous beaches and summer crowds. We loved this haven of peace, its turquoise waters and white sand. This beautiful beach is a must if you’re exploring the north-west of the island!
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Ajaccio
The best time to swim in Ajaccio is from June to October, when water temperatures are most pleasant. In summer, the sea reaches ideal temperatures for swimming. If you come in spring or autumn, the cooler temperatures won’t stop the more adventurous among you. What’s more, you can take advantage of the quieter beaches outside the peak summer season for more peaceful moments of relaxation.
What are the best beach restaurants in Ajaccio?
Ajaccio’s beaches are full of excellent places to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine by the sea. Discover our selection of the best waterfront restaurants:
- Restaurant Neptune (Plage Marinella) for its idyllic setting, bohemian chic decor and fresh dishes
- Restaurant La Paillote Le Week-End (Plage de la Terre Sacrée) for its breathtaking view of Îles Sanguinaires and its home-cooked cuisine.
- Restaurant Le Goéland (Plage de la Terre Sacrée) for its friendly atmosphere and waterfront location.
For more inspiration, check out our selection of restaurants in Ajaccio!
Are there any naturist beaches in Ajaccio?
If you are interested in naturism in Ajaccio, we recommend the following:
- Capo di Feno beach: the southern end is reserved for naturist bathers. Its more isolated and wild location offers the necessary discretion to enthusiasts of this practice.
- Plage de Capitello: a natural extension of Plage du Ricanto. To get there, take the D55 from Porticcio. We particularly appreciate its unspoilt setting, which guarantees a certain degree of privacy.
We do, however, ask you to respect the areas designated for naturism, so as to preserve the peace and quiet of all bathers.
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
