Looking for an unspoilt sandy cove between Calvi and Lumio, far from the hustle and bustle of Corsica’s big beaches? The Plage de Sainte Restitude offers a natural, tranquil setting in the Gulf of Calvi. We were seduced by the view of the Balagne mountains and the beautiful rocks that frame this confidential cove. In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Plage de Sainte Restitude.
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 Sainte Restitude Beach worth it?
Yes, it’s a beautiful beach and well worth a visit. Just a few kilometers from Calvi and Lumio, this little cove won us over with its natural atmosphere and lack of urbanized waterfront: just the sea, rocks and mountains of the Balagne region in the background. We particularly appreciated the striking contrast between the rock formations lining the beach and the deep blue of the Gulf of Calvi. The view of Caldanu Point and the bay adds a panoramic dimension.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Calvi area and a must for travelers in search of an unspoilt atmosphere.
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.
Beach type: sandy, supervised…
Sand or no sand?
The soil at Plage de Sainte Restitude is mostly sand, with some pebbles in certain areas. The cove is about 100 to 150m long. We’d also like to point out an unusual detail: this beach is famous for the presence of Saint Lucia’s eyes, small orange pearly capsules considered to be good luck charms and often used in jewelry. Keep your eyes peeled for a walk on the sand!
Swimming conditions and supervision
The slope is gentle, making entry into the water gradual and accessible to families and children alike. However, the beach is not recommended in rough seas: swells can become heavy if the wind picks up, and the cove is not large enough to offer sufficient natural protection in these conditions. We recommend quiet days, especially if you’re bringing young children.
The water is transparent and magnificent, making you want to go for a swim. The area also lends itself to snorkeling, thanks to the interesting seabed near the rocks.
Un poste de surveillance est installé en surplomb du restaurant en juillet et août.
Installations
On the right-hand side of the beach, the Pain de Sucre straw hut restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and seasonal drinks, as well as rental of mattresses, deckchairs and parasols. The rest of the beach is open access, with no fixed installations. There are no showers or toilets in the public area. Moreover, natural shade is almost non-existent: we advise you to come equipped with an umbrella, sun cream and plenty of water if you don’t want to depend solely on the straw hut.
Access to Sainte Restitude Beach
Where is Sainte Restitude Beach?
- In the commune of Lumio, Haute-Corse
- On the coast between Calvi and Lumio, in the Gulf of Calvi
- About 1.5km after the Pinède beach from Calvi
Access by car and parking
From Calvi, take the T30 towards L’Île-Rousse and Lumio. Drive past La Pinède beach and continue for about 1.5 km. On your left, look out for the “Pain de Sucre” restaurant sign, then “Petra Mola”, the beach’s nickname. Turn left just after and follow the track to the dirt parking lot. We advise you to take note of these markers: the beach is quite poorly signposted and it’s easy to miss the way on the first pass.
Access from the parking lot
The dirt parking area is reserved for restaurant guests. In high season, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to find a seat. The beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot. The path is steep and stony. Please note: camper vans are not allowed on site.
Public transport access
Sainte Restitude beach is also accessible by train. The “beach streetcar” serves the Santa Restituda stop, located just above the beach. It’s a practical and pleasant option for avoiding parking constraints in July and August.
Special features
Dog
Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Reduced mobility access
The beach is not wheelchair-accessible due to its natural access via paths and tracks. However, the terrace of the straw hut-restaurant is accessible.
With children
The gentle slope of the beach is ideal for families. However, we recommend choosing a day with no wind: swell can make swimming unsuitable for younger children if conditions deteriorate. For a quiet outing, bring water, snacks and a parasol, as facilities are limited outside the straw hut.
Naturism
It is not possible to practice naturism on this beach.
Other restrictions: camping, fire
Several restrictions are in force on the site: motorhomes, picnics and smoking are prohibited. We invite you to respect these rules to preserve this natural setting.
Nautical activities
Plage de Sainte Restitude is a great snorkeling spot. The rocks lining the cove are home to clear seabeds where you can spot a few fish on a snorkeling trip. We recommend that you pack a mask and snorkel: the transparency of the water around the rock formations is well worth the detour. In favorable conditions, the area can also be used as a surf spot.
Eating out
The straw hut on the right-hand side of the beach offers drinks and snacks in season. For more varied addresses, Calvi is just a few minutes away by car and offers a wide choice of restaurants. Find our best addresses here.
Hotels
The Plage de Sainte Restitude is located between Calvi and Lumio. Calvi, just a few minutes away by car, is home to the vast majority of the region’s accommodation. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Calvi
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option1: Around the citadel
Hotel Kasano with its modern decor and beautiful views – see photos and availability
Option 2: Beach side
Hotel Onda with its charming decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: on the heights and in the surrounding villages
Hotel La Villa Calvi, 5 stars – See prices, photos and availability
See all our reviews in our article on the best hotels in Calvi.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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Where to stay
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
