Are you looking for a family beach near Bastia to enjoy the Corsican sun?
The Arinella beach unfurls itslong 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, it will appeal to young and old alike with its many facilities!
In this article, you’ll find our photos and advice on how to make the most of a lazy day on Bastia’s Arinella beach.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Arinella beach worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit. A haven of relaxation for families, the Arinella beach boasts a wide range of facilities and a pleasant setting. Handi-Plage certified and proud of its non-smoking status, it guarantees an inclusive environment for all visitors.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The ground on the Arinella beach is made up of fine sand with a few pebbles in places.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The water on the Arinella beach is transparent, offering perfect visibility for observing the seabed. However, we would like to point out that the slope is steep and the depth becomes significant fairly quickly. The rapid descent requires the ability to swim, so take particular care with children.
The good news is that the beach is supervised during the season, ensuring the safety of bathers.
Installations
The Arinella beach offers a wide range of facilities to ensure your comfort. We found public showers and toilets right on the beach, perfect for rinsing off after a swim. The beach also offers a parasol and deckchair rental service for those wishing to enjoy the sun in the best possible conditions. Last but not least, the beach has a yacht club for sailing and kayaking enthusiasts, ideal for a sporty afternoon!
Access to the Arinella beach in Bastia
Where to find Arinella beach
- 3.5km south of Bastia
- 8 minutes by car from Bastia’s Old Port
Here’s a map to help you find your way from Bastia:
Access by car and parking
The Arinella beach can be reached from the center of Bastia in about 8 minutes by car. We were pleasantly surprised to find several parking lots on site, offering ample parking even in the height of the summer season.
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.
Access from the parking lot
Access to the beach from the parking lots is direct and easy. We appreciated this proximity, which meant we didn’t have to walk far with all the beach equipment, particularly convenient for families. You’ll also love the waterfront promenade, perfect for kids on scooters!
Public transport access
If you prefer to avoid the car, you can take the bus (line 1) from downtown Bastia and get off at the Montesoru stop, which is close to the beach.
THINGS TO DO AROUND Bastia
Discover all our articles on the region:
Special features
Dog
We haven’t found any verified information on whether dogs are allowed on Arinella beach. As a precaution, we advise you to check with the Bastia tourist office before bringing your four-legged friend.
Reduced mobility access
The Arinella beach has been awarded the Handiplage label, guaranteeing accessibility for people with reduced mobility. We found that special facilities had been put in place to facilitate access to the beach and water.
With children
Arinella beach is a real children’s paradise! We were impressed by the numerous play areas with slides, swings and other facilities such as volleyball courts and table tennis tables.
Older children will also appreciate the nearby skate park. To top it all off, there’s an amusement park nearby to keep the kids busy all day long.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Eating out
For a bite to eat, we recommend the..:
- Restaurant L’art Lequin for a quick break. We opted for a tomato-mozarella salad, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
- The Sole Meo Restaurant is the place to go for a more refined break, still with your feet in the sand, to enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
If you prefer an impromptu picnic, there’s a supermarket on Avenue Sampiero Corso where you can stock up.
Hotels
If you want to stay close to the Arinella beach, we recommend the Hotel Ostella Spa & Resort. This 4-star establishment is just a 4-minute drive from the beach and offers excellent facilities.
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
