Fine sand, scrubland, umbrella pines, rock formations and turquoise waters… Southern Corsica is rich in heavenly 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.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR GOOD PLACES IN South 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 unforgettable outdoor activity: Canyoning
Our favorite towns to stay in:
- Bonifacio near the citadel – see the best rated accommodations
- Porto-Vecchio near the beaches – see top-rated accommodations
- Ajaccio – 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 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’re magnificent, but you should know that they’re not in the city itself, but in the surrounding area.
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 of the town center or surrounding hotels.
The only one is called Cala Verde and is not very inspiring.
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.
Map
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.
We strongly recommend renting a car if you want to explore them.
Only a few have bus access 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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. Beach of Palombaggia (20min)
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.
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
2. Beach of Tamaricciu / Folaca (20min)
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!
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
3. Beach of Santa Giulia (15min)
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!
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)
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.
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
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 and granite rocks… it has all the assets of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches.
It 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)
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.
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
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
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- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
7. Pinarellu Bay (25min)
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.
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)
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.
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 the magnificent beaches, it’s best to spend one or more nights here!
Our suggestions:
Option 1: around the citadel
For easy access to bars, cafés, restaurants and the port, choose to sleep in Porto-Vecchio’s town center.
- Hotel-restaurant Casa Santini feet in the water
– see prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the south shore of the Gulf
For waterfront accommodation, some with their own beaches, choose the south shore of the bay.
- Hotel Mariosa with beach, pool, restaurant…
– see prices, pictures and availability - Maranatha Hotel for families – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: on the north shore of the Gulf
In the luxury of the beaches on the north shore of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio
- Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa (5 stars) with beach, swimming pool, restaurant… – see prices, photos and availability
Option 4: on the south coast, near well-known beaches
Around Corsica’s best-known beaches, for quick access: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia…
- Hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia (5 stars) blends into its surroundings – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Ambassador Palombaggia surrounded by nature – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel L’Alivi Santa Giulia with beautiful views over the bay – see prices, photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Porto-Vecchio, with our reviews
9. Beach of Favona (30min)
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.
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
- More on the beach
10. Beach of Canella Solenzara (35min)
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.
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 Southern Corsica
Discover our articles on the region:
Discover our articles on Bonifacio:
Discover our articles on Porto-Vecchio
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
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
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
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EN South Corsica
- Introduction to canyoning at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Complete canyoning experience at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto-Vecchio – see photos + availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see photos + availability
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 of
Practice
17. Carataggio Beach or Tahiti Beach
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
And if you want even more options, the most beautiful beaches around Bonifacio are also within easy reach (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 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!
Frequently asked questions
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.
