Stretches of fine sand, turquoise waters, colorful rocks and Genoese towers… the beaches of Northern Corsica are beautiful. See our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Corsica, with photos, a map and practical advice.
Note, there is no official region called Corse du Nord. The French department is called Haute-Corse. We speak here, geographically, of the north of Corsica.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.
North Corsica’s most beautiful beaches: map and selection
It’s a polarizing subject… this list is our selection based on our visits and preferences. We prefer picturesque beaches with colorful rocks to photograph, rather than just sand and clear water to swim in.
Here’s a map to help you locate our top 10 most beautiful beaches in Northern Corsica so you can plan your trip to Corsica:
Complete your discovery with our article on the most beautiful beaches north of Corsica and the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
And if you’re not sure, compare it to the most beautiful beaches in the South or read our full article comparing the North and the South.
1. L’Ostroconi Beach
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 L’Île-Rousse, at the southern end of the Agriates desert
- Driving time from Calvi = 50min
- Driving time from L’Île-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
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).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2. Saleccia beach
Why do we love it?
In the Agriates desert, Saleccia beach is secluded, with no buildings, pure white sand, sand dunes, sparkling turquoise water and a pine forest behind.
It’s all the better because you have to make an effort to achieve it. We love the sense of isolation and adventure.
See more photos on the beach of Saleccia.
Access and practical information
- On the coast of the Agriates desert, south of Saint-Florent.
- You can reach it by small boat from Saint-Florent (on calm days), or by larger boat to Lotu beach and a 1h walk, or by 4×4 across the desert (and another 10min walk).
- It’s not overcrowded like those near the big cities, but it’s a sought-after beach.
3. Punta di Spanu – Balagne coves
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…
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
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
4. 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.
Find out more.
Access and practical information
- East of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Sainte-Restitude” train stop
- Fairly large parking lot
- Unsupervised swimming
- A restaurant on the beach
5. Calvi Beach (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 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…
Find out more.
Access and practical information
- In the city of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 0
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Access by train from L’Île-Rousse
- Supervised beach in summer
- Private beach area
- Rental of umbrellas, mattresses, pedal boats…
- Nearby restaurants
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
7. 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 buildings, fine sand, turquoise waters… perfect for relaxing!
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 L’Île-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 Île-Rousse ferry passes by, there can be bigger waves!
- See more photos
8. Plage de l’Arinella (Lumio, Balagne)
Why do we love it?
At the end of a road, in a residential area, this little 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 Balagne beaches.
Find out more.
Access and practical information
- East of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 30min
- Lumio-Arinella train stop from Calvi or L’Île-Rousse
- Fairly large parking lot
- Unsupervised swimming
- A restaurant on the beach
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
9. La Roya beach (Saint-Florent)
Why do we love it?
The main beach of Saint-Florent is La Roya. It’s located not far south of the city center.
Its shallow waters and protection in the gulf make it an ideal place for children.
We particularly like the view over the bay of Saint-Florent, with the Cap Corse mountains in the background.
Access and practical information
- South of Saint-François
- Supervised swimming in season
- Free parking along the road.
10. Lozari Beach
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 L’Île-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
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
AT North Corsica
- Introduction to diving – see options
- Snokeling trip – see options + availability
- Quad between sea and mountains – see photos + availability
- Canyoning – see options
- 4WD tour – see options
11. Île-Rousse beach
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 town of L’Île-Rousse
- Driving time from Calvi = 30min
- Driving time from L’Île-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, parasols, deckchairs…
12. Nonza beach (Cap Corse beach)
Why do we love it?
Nonza is Cap Corse‘s most famous beach, located on the west coast.
This is one of the island’s few black beaches. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not volcanic in origin, but due to a nearby asbestos mine (which has been closed for many years, don’t worry).
The other reason why this beach is spectacular is that the village of Nonza offers splendid views of the mountains plunging into the sea.
Read more
Access and practical information
- The village of Nonza can be reached via a winding road along the Cap Corse. It’s a very popular destination.
- The beach itself is not easy to access, and the descent from the village is very steep.
- Another option: at the northern end of the beach, there’s a smaller, easily accessible black beach.
- No monitoring
- No installation
Other top beaches around Calvi, L’Île-Rousse, Cap Corse, Bastia
And if you want to reduce the zone even further, have a look at our dedicated articles:
- Balagne’s most beautiful beaches
- the most beautiful beaches around Calvi
- the most beautiful beaches around L’Île-Rousse
- the most beautiful beaches around Bastia
When is the best time to swim in Northern Corsica?
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. And so the beach seems less paradisiacal, but this is essential for the ecosystem.
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
