Nestled between sea and mountains, Bastia and the surrounding area offer a coastline with many faces. Whether you’re a fan of long stretches of fine sand, wild creeks or nature reserves, Bastia and its coastline are full of lovely spots for a sunny break. Discover our selection of the best beaches in Bastia and some suggestions for discovering the beauty of Haute-Corse.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Bastia’s most beautiful beaches – map
In this article, we have selected the most beautiful beaches in and around Bastia.
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Where to go in Bastia for the best beaches
If you want to enjoy a swim in the heart of Bastia, downtown beaches such as Toga or Ficaghjola offer convenient and easily accessible options. For an afternoon of absolute relaxation, opt for more outlying beaches such as Arinella, Furiani or Mariana, where long stretches of fine sand and suitable facilities will ensure your idleness.
Finally, if you have time to explore, let yourself be seduced by the varied and wild beaches of the surrounding area, from the Cap Corse to the Agriates Desert, where breathtaking panoramas await you…
1. Toga beach (pebble beach)
Why we love it
Nestled in a residential area with beautiful residences overlooking the seafront, Toga beach offers a peaceful atmosphere at the gateway to Bastia.
Its picturesque setting, relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear waters are ideal for a refreshing break. For an even more memorable experience, sit on the high rocks for a bird’s-eye view of the azure waters…
Access and useful information
- Location: downtown
- Driving time from the Old Port: 29min walk
- Parking: on site, free of charge
- Type of sand: small pebbles
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets, showers: no
- Catering: no
- No PRM access
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.
2. Ficaghjola beach (cove)
Why we love it
Ficaghjola beach is a discreet cove where locals come to soak up the sun at the end of the day. Although modest in size, it offers an easily accessible bathing spot, bordered by rocks.
Note that if you don’t feel like swimming, you can simply enjoy the panorama. In fact, it runs alongside the road, and to reach it you have to take the U Spassimare, a pleasant gentle road along the seafront.
Access and useful information
- Location: downtown
- Driving time from the Old Port: 15min walk
- Parking: We advise against driving to this beach. Parking is available on the roadside, but this is the main access road to Bastia, so it’s very busy. Otherwise, the nearest paid parking lot is at the citadel, a 9-minute walk away.
- Type of sand: fairly thick, with many shells
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets, showers: no
- Catering: no
3. Arinella beach (10min drive)
Why we love it
The Arinella beach unfurls its long ribbon of golden sand, offering a lovely panorama of the town of Bastia and its colorful houses standing out against the water.
A true haven of relaxation for families, it features a wide range of facilities:
- Children’s play areas with slides, swings and inflatables, as well as a skate park and even an amusement park.
- You can rent deckchairs for lounging or volleyball nets for exercise.
- A nautical center for sailing, diving and canoeing lessons.
- And don’t forget the many restaurants for even more relaxation!
Access and useful information
- Location: 3.5km south of Bastia
- Driving time from the Old Port: 8min by car
- Parking: yes, several on-site parking lots
- Sand type: fine sand with occasional pebbles
- Monitoring: yes, in season
- Toilets, showers: yes
- Catering: yes
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
WHERE TO STAY IN Bastia
To enjoy the charm of this colourful, vibrant city, it’s best to spend one or more nights here! Our suggestions:
Option 1: in the lower center
We recommend..:
- Hôtel des Gouverneurs, in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Monsieur Miot and its beautiful decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: up-center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Bastia and its magnificent views of the city and the sea – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding area
We recommend..:
- Hotel Alivi, north, with beach access – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Pineto in the south, along the sandy beach – see prices, photos and availability
See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bastia, with our reviews
4. Furiani beach (12min drive)
Why we love it
Furiani beach is perfect for the whole family! With its fine sand and peaceful ambience, it invites you to spend long lazy afternoons under the Corsican sun.
A yacht club is also at your disposal for organizing sea outings!
But its real asset lies in its proximity to theEtang de Biguglia, a fascinating nature reserve with a rich biodiversity.
With its dual offer, this beach is perfect for alternating between relaxation and discovery.
Access and useful information
- Location: 6.5km south of Bastia
- Driving time from the Old Port: 12min by car
- Parking: yes, free on site
- Type of sand: fine sand
- Monitoring: yes, in season
- Toilets, showers: yes
- Catering: yes, several restaurants/beach bars
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
Note that if you’re not interested in the pond, you can opt for Plage de Mariana, a 17-minute drive from Plage de Furiani. It’s quite similar in that it features a large expanse of fine sand.
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. Alternative: Lake Padula
Why do we love it?
If you’re not into swimming, but are looking for an outdoor getaway, Lake Padula is a great alternative. Nestled in the hinterland, this man-made lake, bordered by vineyards and orchards, offers a soothing setting.
You can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the lake, opt for a fishing session or extend your contemplation by exploring the magnificent hillside village of Oletta.
Access and useful information
- Location: 40min drive from Bastia
- Parking: yes, free on site
- Monitoring: no
- Toilets, showers: no
- Dining: Choose the Restaurant La Bergerie du nebbiu, just an 11-minute drive away, for its authentic cuisine and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside!
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Best beaches around Bastia
Haute-Corse is bursting with exceptional beaches! Here’s a quick overview by zone:
The beaches of Cap Corse
Cap Corse is made up of several maritime villages. Among the many magnificent beaches it shelters, we particularly recommend:
- Tamarone beach: this beautiful stretch of fine sand framed by agaves and rockroses is a haven of peace! The only drawback is that access is complicated by the rocky road, but it’s well worth the effort!
- Barcaggio beach: with its sand dunes, breathtaking view of the Giraglia island and shallow waters, this beach is ideal for families in search of serenity.
- The beach at Nonza: one of Corsica’s famous villages, perched on a promontory of sheer cliffs and renowned for its pink church and long black sand beach!
Find out more about Cap Corse in our dedicated article!
The beaches of Balagne
The Balagne region, the pearl of Corsica, abounds in sublime beaches where fine sand and turquoise waters mingle in a wild, unspoilt setting. Among the must-haves:
- Punta di Spanu , with its collection of coves, is an exceptional place to recharge your batteries!
- The pretty, lively town of Calvi also offers a beach in the center of town or a wilder beach that we preferred: La Plage de Roncu.
- The Ostriconi beach for its spectacular natural setting, between dunes and fragrant scrubland.
The beaches of the Agriates desert
The Agriates Desert is a very wild part of Corsica, located south of Saint-Florent. There’s nothing desert about it, as it’s covered with streams and Mediterranean scrub. This very mountainous region is home to some very beautiful beaches, such as Lotu and Saleccia.
Take a look at our dedicated article to get your bearings!
The beaches of Ile rousse
L’Île-Rousse is a very pleasant seaside town, with beautiful beaches and a lighthouse on the Pietra peninsula. We loved Marinella Beach, with its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. The wilder Caricchetu beach is ideal for those seeking an unspoilt setting. Find out all our tips for visiting Ile Rousse in this article !
THINGS TO DO AROUND Bastia
Discover all our articles on the region:
Frequently asked questions
What are the best waterside walks in Bastia?
If the weather doesn’t cooperate but you still want to see the sea without swimming, here are two options that should please you:
- The Aldilonda promenade, along the ramparts of the citadel, offers a soothing view over the Bay of Bastia.
- The Sentier des Douaniersis ideal if you’re in the mood for adventure. This 18 km hike follows the wild coastline of Cap Corse, between Macinaggio and Centuri. The itinerary offers no major difficulties, apart from the fact that it takes 8 hours to cover the entire route. You can choose to do just one stretch and enjoy the wind-sculpted cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
Where can I find kid-friendly beaches in Bastia?
We recommend Plage de l’Arinella not only for its nautical club, where you can take your children kayaking or sailing, but also for the many recreational facilities on and around the beach (games, basketball court, etc.).
You can also opt for Mariana Beach, with its volleyball courts and yacht club.
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
