The Balagne is a superb region to enjoy fine sandy beaches, charming villages and the Corsican way of life. All this, with mountains in the background: what more could you ask for?
To help you make the most of it, here is our selection of the most beautiful beaches of the Balagne: map, photos and practical information, including access from Calvi or Ile-Rousse.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES IN Corsica
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to planning your road trip: eBook
Our must-do boat trip: Exploring the cliffs of Bonifacio
Our favorite towns to stay in:
- Bonifacio near the citadel – see the best rated accommodations
- Porto-Vecchio near the beaches – see top-rated accommodations
- L’Île-Rousse in Balagne – see the best-rated accommodations
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 best beaches of Balagne – map + introduction
The selection
The Balagne extends, approximately, from the peninsula of Revellata to the valley of Ostriconi.
Choosing the most beautiful beaches is never easy. It depends on your taste. We are looking for the most beautiful landscapes. And Balagnen has some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
You can already enjoy the beautiful beaches of Calvi and Ile-Rousse. But you can also drive a little (but not long), to discover more wild and beautiful beaches!
Maps of the most beautiful beaches of Balagne
Here is a map to help you find your way around and plan your stay in Balagne:
Since this map, we’ve added 2 beaches to our article:
- Sainte-Restitude beach, next to Arinella beach
- Aregno beach, east of Saint’Ambroggio
When to swim in Balagne?
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
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. This makes the beach seem less paradisiacal, but this is essential for the ecosystem.
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. Beach of Ostroconi
Why do we love it?
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.
Access and practical information
- North of Ile-Rousse, at the southern end of the Agriates desert
- Driving time from Calvi = 50min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
- No public transportation
- There is a short walk downhill to the beach, but no facilities.
- 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
2. Beach of Calvi (Plage de la Pinède)
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 this 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 and practical information
- In the city of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 0
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Possible access by train from Île-Rousse
- Supervised beach in summer
- Private beach area
- Rental of umbrellas, mattresses, pedal boats…
- Nearby restaurants
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3. Bodri Beach
Why do we love it?
If you’re looking for beautiful white sand in beautiful surroundings, head to Bodri.
This wild beach is a small corner of Paradise between Calvi and Ile-Rousse, in the heart of the Balagne.
Very few constructions, fine sand, turquoise waters… perfect to relax!
Access and practical information
- This beach is just south of Ile-Rousse.
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
- Accessible by train from Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- 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, it’s a 5 minute walk to the beach.
- Popular in summer
- Supervised beach in season
- Be careful, when the ferry from L’Île-Rousse passes, there can be bigger waves!
- See more photos
4. Beach of Ghjunchitu
Why do we love it?
It is listed as one of the beaches with the finest sand in Corsica. And it is really nice, we agree.
It is wild but with more views of houses in the distance, compared to Bordri, but also much larger.
Both are worth it, and you can also enjoy both in the same day.
To the south of the beach, there are small coves that are ideal for snorkeling.
Access and practical information
- This beach is just south of Ile-Rousse.
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 10min
- Accessible by train from Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- 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
- Popular in summer but the beach is large
- Unsupervised beach
- Be careful, when the ferry from L’Île-Rousse passes, there can be bigger waves!
- 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
5. Punta di Spanu – coves of the Balagne
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 and practical information
- North of Calvi (on the other side of the bay)
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- 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.
- No monitoring
- There is not much sand.
- No facilities, wilderness location
- See more photos
6. Beach of Ile-Rousse
Why do we love it?
There are 3 beaches along the town of L’Île-Rousse.
The most central one, next to Place Paoli, is a nice sandy beach with a view of the islands and the bay.
It is not very big but charming.
However, being in a city and easy to access, it is very busy in summer!
Access and practical information
- In the city of L’Île-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 0min
- Access by train possible from Calvi (then 5min walk). But one of the 3 beaches is right next to the station.
- Supervised swimming
- Parking on the Place Paoli
- Very busy in summer
- Restaurants, umbrellas, deckchairs…
WHERE TO STAY IN Balagne
Option 1: Île-Rousse
We recommend..:
- Hotel Rocabella, with Jacuzzis – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Saletta Mare, aparthotel with a superb swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
- See our article on the best hotels in L’Île-Rousse
Option 2: Calvi
We recommend..:
- Hotel Kasano with its modern decor and beautiful views – see photos and availability
- Hotel Onda with its charming decor – see prices, photos and availability
- See our article on the best hotels in Calvi
Option 3: in the villages of Balagne
We recommend..:
- Hotel A Casa di Ma in the charming village of Lumio with its Michelin-starred restaurant –see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Serenada in the seaside village of Agajola – see prices, photos and availability
7. Beach of Lozari
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 and practical information
- North of L’Île-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 45min
- 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
- Restaurants in the center of the beach
- The south of the beach is wilder
- Nautical base in the center of the beach
- See more photos
THE BEST OF THE Balagne
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles about L’Île-Rousse:
Discover our articles on Calvi:
8. Plage de l’Arinella (Lumio, Balagne)
Why do we love it?
At the end of a road, in a residential area, this small cove is nestled in the rocks.
This beach offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of the Gulf of Calvi.
And since we love rocks, we love the mix of beach and rocks, a place that is also very nice for snorkeling.
The sand contains small pebbles unlike other beaches in Balagne.
We will complete the photos in the coming months.
Access and practical information
- East of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Train stop Lumio-Arinella from Calvi or Ile-Rousse
- Fairly large parking lot
- Unsupervised swimming
- A restaurant on the beach
9. Sainte-Restitude beach
Why do we love it?
Quite a small sandy cove with a panorama on the bay of Calvi.
Gentle slope to enter the water.
A little closer to Calvi.
Access and practical information
- East of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Train stop “Sainte-Restitude
- Fairly large parking lot
- Unsupervised swimming
- A restaurant on the beach
10. Aregno beach (in Algajola)
Why do we love it?
Long beach with turquoise waters and view of the small village and the fortress.
Bars and restaurants with terraces almost on the water. A beautiful air of idleness.
In the village of Agajola. A little closer to L’Île-Rousse.
Parking along the beach.
Train stop Algajola
Access and practical information
- A Algajola
- In the middle between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 20min
- Parking lots near the beach
- Train station
- Close to the city
11. Alga Beach
Why do we love it?
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…
Access and practical information
- Driving time from Calvi = 15min
- Driving time from Île-Rousse = 45min
- Only accessible by car (or by hiking from Calvi)
- Small beach that fills up in summer
- 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 4WD.
12. Sant’Ambroggio beach
Why do we love it?
We love the serenity of this place: a stretch of white sand, crystal clear waters… and rocks to snorkel or to entertain the kids.
This bay is rather protected in a bay.
The beach is in a city, but without frenzy.
We will complete the photos in the coming months.
Access and practical information
- In Lumio
- In the middle between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 20min
- Public parking lots near the port (note that all front parking lots are private)
- Club-Med Cocody train station between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Supervised swimming in season
- Close to the city
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
Other ideas…
And here are some other beaches to consider.
Beach of Ghjorghju
Completely wild beach for those who are looking for an option far from the beaten track.
Be careful not to confuse with Ghjunshitu which is next to Bodri (the spellings are close).
In the bay of Calvi
Accessible by train (Giorgio stop)
Beach of Cala di Furnellu
Beautiful beach to admire the sunset. Quite calm.
Large parking lot. Mixture of sand and pebbles.
Not to be confused with the beach of Furnellu in South Corsica.
A little closer to L’Île-Rousse.
Train stop “Marine de Davia
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
Frequently asked questions
The most beautiful beaches around L’Île-Rousse
Among those listed in this article the most beautiful beaches near L’Ile-Rousse are Bodri and Lozari.
Learn more in our article about the beaches around L’Île-Rousse.
The most beautiful beaches around Calvi
Among those listed in this article the most beautiful beaches near Calvi are La Pinède, Arinella and Sainte-Restitude.
Learn more in our article about the beaches around Calvi.
Which beach between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
Our favorite place between Calvi and Ile-Rousse is Punta di Spanu with its magnificent rocks, its views on the bay. The beach is very small, but you can also rest on the huge rocks.
If you want a long beach with very fine sand, we recommend the twin beaches of Bodri and Ghjunchitu.
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 by 4×4 from Saint-Florent. To know more about it.
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!
