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Home » Porto-Vecchio and its region

15 most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio (and around)

by Claire | February 12, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (détails)

Fine sand, maquis, umbrella pines, rock formations and turquoise waters… The south of Corsica is rich in paradisiacal beaches.
Some are accessible by car, others require a bit of walking, but all will offer you magnificent landscapes.
Find below our selection of the most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio (and around) with map, photos and tips.

best beaches Porto-Vecchio around

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.

Content
The beaches of Porto-Vecchio: the reality + map
1. Beach of Palombaggia (20min)
2. Beach of Tamaricciu / Folaca (20min)
3. Beach of Santa Giulia (15min)
6. Bay of Rondinara (30min)
5. The beach of Cala Rossa / Tramulimacchia (15min)
6. Bay of San Ciprianu / Saint-Cyprien (15min)
7. Pinarellu Bay (25min)
8. Fautea Beach (25min)
9. Beach of Favona (30min)
10. Beach of Canella Solenzara (35min)
11 à 20. Other places to swim
Frequently asked questions

The beaches of Porto-Vecchio: the reality + map

The situation

We often speak about the very beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, Santa Giulia… They are beautiful, but be aware that they are not in the city itself but in the agglomeration.
Porto-Vecchio is a historical city with a citadel. It is rich in restaurants and cafes, and has easy access to heavenly beaches. But none of these beautiful beaches are within walking distance from the city center or the surrounding hotels.
The only one is called Cala Verde and is not very inspiring.

View on Porto-Vecchio with the mountains behind
Porto-Vecchio

The most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio

Our 3 favorites within a 30min drive are:

  • Rondinara (#4): easy access and varied
  • Palombaggia (#1): popular but not to be missed
  • Fautea (#8): wild, with small steps and splendid views

Attention
At any period, some beaches of Corsica can be covered with algae.
This can happen at any beach but not at the same time. It’s random.

Card

We have chosen our 15 favorite beaches near Bonifacio.
This is a personal opinion, and other beaches are also very beautiful.
They are not in any order of preference.

Map of Porto-Vecchio beaches
The most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio – map

We strongly recommend renting a car if you want to explore them.
Only a few have bus access in summer.

Need to rent a car in Corsica?

Our advice:

  • 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.

See our tips

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1. Beach of Palombaggia (20min)

Beach of Palombaggia
Beach of Palombaggia

Why we love it

Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica as it has often been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.
We like the succession of several coves with long stretches of white sand bordered by umbrella pines.
Moreover, there are fantastic red rocks to explore between the coves: nice from the beach and also ideal for snorkeling.

red rocks at the beach of Palombaggia

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • south west of Porto-Vecchio
  • driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min
  • Access by bus from the beaches in summer possible
  • attention – beach with a lot of people!
    This beach is full in summer. You have to come very early to experience it (which is also very good for the colors of the rocks).
    There is a large free parking lot that is dirt and quite bumpy – short walk from the lot
    But the parking lot is full in summer. Some beach restaurants have private parking that you can use for a small fee.
  • restaurants on the beach in season
  • water activities in season
  • supervised beach in season

Discover it in more detail.

2. Beach of Tamaricciu / Folaca (20min)

Beach of Tamaricciu
Beach of Tamaricciu

Why we love it

Like Palombaggia, the beach of Tamaricciu is a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and pine trees.
When you park along the road, you have a beautiful view on the bay from the top.
Once at sea level, if you walk to the left (facing the water), you will reach the area that makes it famous: big grey rocks and a single pine tree. It really looks like a postcard.
We love the fine sand, turquoise waters and pine trees all around!

rocks and umbrella pine at Tamaricciu Beach

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • south west of Porto-Vecchio
  • The twin cove of Palombaggia
  • driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min
  • a little less frequented than Palombaggia but hardly.
  • 2 access options
    – free parking along the road + 5min walk (with stairs) – limited parking spaces
    or paying restaurant parking at the west end of the beach (opposite the rocks) with easy access to the sand.
  • restaurants in season
  • unsupervised beach

Discover it in more detail.

3. Beach of Santa Giulia (15min)

Beach of Santa Giulia
Beach of Santa Giulia

Why we love it

Santa Giulia is a very interesting beach and a little different from the others.
It is located in a protected bay with clear and shallow waters.
A long strip of sand separates the sea from a pond.
The beach looks like a cocoon with hills on each side.
A heavenly lagoon!

large bay at the beach of Santa Giulia

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, south of Porto-Vecchio
  • driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 15min
  • Access by bus from the beaches in summer possible
  • very busy beach in summer
  • easy access with large parking lot
  • restaurants in season
  • water activities in season
  • supervised beach in season

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6. Bay of Rondinara (30min)

beach of Rondinara
Beach of Rondinara

Why we love it

Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree.
The beach itself is very beautiful, with shallow turquoise water and protected coves).
But what we liked most were the rocks on the right side (facing the sea).
5min walk to very, very colorful rocks.

Bay of Rondinara

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio
  • driving time from Bonifacio = 30min
  • very busy beach in summer
  • easy access with large parking lot (fee required)
  • restaurants in season
  • water activities in season
  • supervised beach in season

Discover it in more detail.

5. The beach of Cala Rossa / Tramulimacchia (15min)

Why we love it

Located on the Benedettu peninsula, Cala Rossa is a long narrow strip of fine sand, transparent waters, granite rocks… it has all the assets of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
Ell offers a beautiful view of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.

And in the continuity, you find the beach of Tramulimacchia and its family atmosphere.

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of the bay of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from the center of Porto-Vecchio = 15min
  • Water activities: sailing, canoe, paddle, pedal boat…
  • Very busy in summer (even crowded)
  • easy access from the parking lots
  • Restaurants and snacks
  • Some restaurants may play music quite loudly, but you can go for quietness in a nearby cove.

6. Bay of San Ciprianu / Saint-Cyprien (15min)

Beach of Saint-Cyprien
Beach of Saint-Cyprien

Why do we love it?

A pretty and peaceful bay, not shaped like a shell or half moon.
This beach offers a protected environment with a fairly closed shape and a gentle slope to enter the water.
It is a long stretch of white sand less spectacular than the others, but still very pleasant.
Be careful, there can be a lot of boats in the bay.

Bay of San Ciprianu

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min
  • water sports are offered with equipment rental (“Le Ponton”)
  • Monitored in season
  • Restaurants on the beach
  • beach quite busy in summer
  • easy access with large parking lot

Planning a dream trip to Corsica?

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7. Pinarellu Bay (25min)

Bay of Pinarellu
Beach of Pinarellu

The long bay has 2 km of white sandy beaches with shallow waters in a protected environment.
You can choose to settle either at the wild end of the south side of the bay, or near the colorful rocks, on fine sand near the village to enjoy its many restaurants.
From everywhere, you have a view of the bay island and its 500 year old tower.

transparent water in the bay of Pinarellu

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 25min
  • Restaurants and Cafés on the beach
  • Many people in summer
  • Easy access from the parking lot
  • Bathing on a gentle slope
  • Beach not supervised
  • Nautical activities and sailing school
  • Take a sea kayak tour! See details and availability

8. Fautea Beach (25min)

Beach of Fautea
Beach of Fautea

Why we love it

Fautea has 3 beautiful white sand beaches, one in the village and 2 that can be reached by short walks.
The most fascinating is the beach of the tower in the middle: a beautiful little cove surrounded by lush nature (with juniper trees). The northern point has an accessible Genoese tower in good condition.
The climb to the Genoese tower offers magnificent views of this protected environment.

View on the beach of Fautea

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 25min
  • The beach of the tower is 5 minutes walk from the parking
  • Access to the tower – along the path leading to the beach – 5min climb from the crossing
  • unsupervised beach
  • no water sports
  • Restaurant at the village beach but not on the others

Where to stay in Porto-Vecchio

To enjoy this show, it is better to spend a night or several!
Our suggestions:

Option 1 – In and around the citadel
For easy access to all the bars, cafes, restaurants and the port, we recommend that you sleep in the center of Porto-Vecchio.
For example, the Hotel Restaurant Casa Santini with its feet in the water
– see prices, pictures and availability

Sleeping near Porto-Vecchio
Residence U Pirellu

Option 2 – All around Porto-Vecchio with sea view
Many choices of accommodations along the cliffs and beaches between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.
The road will take you 20 to 50 minutes.
For example, the Residence U Pirellu
– see prices, pictures and availability

Option 3 – by the most beautiful beaches
If you like one of the beaches around Porto-Vecchio, choose one of its accommodations to alternate between days of exploration and days at the beach.
For example near Rondinara, the famous hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia (luxury)
– see prices, pictures and availability
For example near Santa Giulia, the hotel Alivi Di Santa Giulia
– see prices, pictures and availability

See the best rated accommodations in Porto-Vecchio still available


See all our tips to choose where to stay in Porto-Vecchio (article to come)

Or, more generally, see our article where to stay in South Corsica


9. Beach of Favona (30min)

Beach of Favona
Beach of Favona

Why we love it

Favona is a long sandy beach of more than 800 meters long, with beautiful clear turquoise water.
On each side the rocky points are parallel creating a kind of cocoon and beautiful places to snorkel.
It is a beach designed to spend the day with all amenities and easy access.

Beach of Favona: water activities

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of the bay of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from the center of Porto-Vecchio = 30min
  • Large parking lot near the beach
  • Bar
  • Nautical activities
  • High attendance in summer

10. Beach of Canella Solenzara (35min)

Canella Beach

Why we love it

Located in a protected bay, the beach of Canella is covered with fine white sand.
With its beautiful shape, its transparent turquoise water and its dense vegetation, it is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica, and we agree.
The access to the water is a gentle slope.

beach of Canella seen South

Advice and access from Porto-Vecchio

  • North of the bay of Porto-Vecchio
  • Driving time from the center of Porto-Vecchio = 35min
  • Park at the top and walk down the aisle for 2 minutes or park at the bottom
  • Restaurants on the beach
  • Can be very crowded in summer and little room (arrive before 10am)
  • Unsupervised beach

Best things to do in South Corsica

Discover all our articles on the region:

  • Que faire à Porto-Vecchio – lire
  • Que faire à Bonifacio – lire
  • Plage de Palombaggia – lire
  • Plage de Tamariccu – lire
  • Baie de Rondinara – lire
  • Visiter les îles Lavezzi – lire

11 à 20. Other places to swim

11. Acciaju Beach

Small sandy beach in the continuity of the famous beaches of Palombaggia and Tamarucciu.
Fine white sand, clear water.
Restaurant nearby.
Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20Min

12. Bathing in a river in the valley of Solenzara

valley of Solenzara

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 50min to 1h10

One of the most visited gorges is the valley of Solenzara. It has several sections where it is easy to access the water and enjoy a refreshing swim.
The water is emerald in color, a contrast to the sparkling white rocks of the riverbed.
And the river Solenzara is surrounded by dense vegetation and mountains in all directions.

13. Lavezzi Island

beach of the Lavezzi islands

If you spend some time in the south of Corsica, we strongly recommend that you take a boat to discover the Lavezzi Islands.
The reserve is ideal for those who love rocks and nature.
The entire islands are covered with blocks of different colors: light gray, dark gray and pink.
And between the rocks, you can discover small coves with sand.

  • southwest of Porto-Vecchio
  • access by boat only – several round trips from Bonifacio, some options from Porto-Vecchio
  • then 5 to 10min walk on the island
  • unsupervised beach

14. Beach of Balistra

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 30min
South of Porto-Vecchio.

2km/10min of bumpy dirt road to get to the free parking (4×4 ideal but not mandatory).
Large sandy beach (much less narrow than the others).
Supervised swimming in summer on a part of the beach.

15. Porto Novo

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 30min
South of Porto-Vecchio.

It is one of the most difficult beaches to access in Porto-Vecchio, and therefore one of the quietest (except for the boats). The cove is very beautiful with rocks, scrub and hills all around.
From the parking lot along Route 710 and the quarry, it is a 45-minute walk.
No installation, just bring everything you need.

16. Beach of Chiappa (100% naturist)

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 25min
To the west of Porto-Vecchio.

Beach and naturist camping with transparent waters.

Plan your trip to Corsica!

→ Inspiration destinations

Best things to do in Corsica

Ajaccio or Bastia?

Planning a road trip in Corsica

Itinerary: 3 days – 4 or 5 days

→ 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

→ Practice

Where to sleep in Corsica

Which ferry to Corsica

How to get to Corsica

Renting a car in Corsica


See all our tips for a successful trip to Corsica arrow

17. Carataggio Beach or Tahiti Beach

turquoise water in Corsica

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 20min + walk
To the west of Porto-Vecchio.

Only accessible by foot or by boat, it is a very beautiful beach which is nicknamed Tahiti Beach.
Small wild cove, where naturism is tolerated.
Restaurant in the back, open in season.

It can be reached by various footpaths: from the road through the scrub or from the beaches of Palombaggia or Chiappa.

18. Beach of Benedettu

At the end of the peninsula of Benedettu, not far from the beach of Cala Rossa.
This beach offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
She is a little less popular than her neighbor.

19. Beach of Cala Verde

The closest beach to the center of Porto-Vecchio. Not very big, not as heavenly as the others.

20. Marina di Fiori Beach

One of the closest beaches to Porto-Vecchio after Cala Verde; but in the same way, it does not have the charm of the others.

And the beaches near Bonifacio

Saint John Beach
Saint John Beach

And if you want even more options, the most beautiful beaches around Bonifacio are also easily accessible (45min to 1h15 drive)

  • Beach of Pinatarella
  • Beach of Sperone
  • Saint-Antoine Beach
  • Beach of La Tonnara
  • Saint-Jean Beach
  • …

Learn more in our article on the most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio.

How to get to Corsica

Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy – see all options in our article
or directly compare schedules, prices and availability
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 prices and availability ofairline tickets
And then rent a car: see our favorite comparator

If you are traveling in the summer, remember to book early to get the best prices and choices!


Need more help choosing?
See our advice on how to go to Corsica


Frequently asked questions

beach of palombaggia: rocks roads and shrubs

Palombaggia or Santa Giulia: which is the most beautiful beach

This is a very difficult question. Especially since the feelings on these beaches depend on the light, the weather, the world, the conditions of the seaweed.
Both have restaurants, water activities, sand, rocks, turquoise waters…
Palombaggia has its umbrella pines along the beach while Santa Giulia has its lagoon aspect.
In our opinion Palombaggia transports us more into another world than Santa Giulia.

About the bloggers…

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A sister with a passion for travel, an epicurean brother, strong family values... blogs that we have built in our image and at the service of travellers from all over the world.
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