Nestled between two rocky capes, Portigliolo Beach is an unspoilt cove, far from the most famous beaches and summer crowds. We loved this haven of peace, its turquoise waters and white sand. We think this beautiful beach is a must if you’re exploring the north-west of the island.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Plage de Portigilolo, near Ajaccio in southern Corsica.
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 Portigilolo Beach worth it?
Absolutely! With its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, this beach is a true jewel of southern Corsica. We loved its unspoilt natural setting, nestled between two rocky capes. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of a water sports center. Even in high season, its somewhat isolated access retains a wild, peaceful charm.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Corsica.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach floor is adorned with fine white sand. We loved lounging there.
Swimming conditions and supervision
The slope to enter the water is gentle, but the beach is unsupervised. If you’re coming with your family, you’ll need to be vigilant. You can also enjoy snorkelling, as Corsica is well known for its rich marine fauna.
Installations
We didn’t see any showers or toilets on the beach. However, you’ll find a yacht club offering activities such as surfing, sailing, pedal-boating and more. Something to keep you busy during your day at the beach.
Portigilolo beach in Ajaccio: how to get there
Where is Portigilolo Beach?
- South ofAjaccio
- Ajaccio to Portigilolo Beach = 45min drive
- Propriano to Portigilolo Beach = 1h drive
Access by car and parking
To reach Portigliolo Beach by car:
- From Ajaccio, follow signs for Propriano
- From Propriano, follow signs for Ajaccio
- Then follow the signs to the beach
Once you have arrived, you will come across a paying parking lot on the right-hand side of the beach. Alternatively, you can park your car on the road in the hamlet of Portigliolo.
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
To get to Portigliolo Beach, access roads are limited and a little difficult to find. If you’re parked just outside the hamlet of Portigliolo, we recommend taking the path on the left, near the U’Livanti residence. You’ll arrive directly at the nautical center, in the middle of the beach.
THINGS TO DO AROUND ajaccio
Discover all our articles on the region:
- Best things to do in Ajaccio
- Where to stay in Ajaccio
- Luxury hotels in Ajaccio
- Seaside Hotels
- Best restaurants in Ajaccio
- Visit the Palais Fesch (coming soon)
- Visit the Maison Bonaparte (coming soon)
- Best excursions from Ajaccio (coming soon)
- Ajaccio’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
- Discover the Sanguinaires Islands (coming soon)
- Rent a car at Ajaccio airport
Special features
Dog
We didn’t see any signs about the regulations concerning dog access to the beach.
Reduced mobility access
There are no facilities for disabled access to this beach.
With children
The slope is gentle and ideal for a visit with children. You can also enjoy family activities at the water sports center. The fine sand is also great for building castles!
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach. On the right, however, you’ll find a naturist area near the Rizzanese, a river that runs alongside the beach.
Eating out
We noticed that there’s a restaurant on the beach where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea: Paillote Mico Beach.
With the exception of this establishment, the offer around the beach is limited. We therefore recommend you bring your own picnic if you don’t want to eat there. You could also go to Ajaccio, home to some very fine restaurants, and take the opportunity to visit this beautiful town. We’ve put together a list of our favorite restaurants in Ajaccio.
Hotels
The nearest large town is Ajaccio. Discover our selection of hotels in the seaside city:
WHERE TO STAY IN Ajaccio
In the city center:
Hotel San Carlu and its panoramic view – see photos and availability
On the western seafront:
Hôtel Les Mouettes and its very pleasant terrace – see photos and availability
Marina side:
Best Western Amirauté Hotel, very practical – see photos and availability
In Porticcio:
Suite Home Hotel near the beach – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Ajaccio, with our reviews
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
