Southern Corsica is a treasure trove of breathtaking beaches, each offering its unique charm, pristine sands, and turquoise waters. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat, family-friendly shores, or adventure-packed destinations, this guide covers my favorite beaches in Southern Corsica. Let’s dive in!
N°1. Sant’Amanza Beach
Located approximately 6 kilometers from Bonifacio and 20 kilometers from Porto-Vecchio, Sant’Amanza is a serene cove nestled within the Gulf of Sant’Amanza. Renowned for its natural beauty, the area is characterized by limestone cliffs and granite rocks, offering a unique and picturesque setting. The beach is known for its steady winds, making it a hotspot for windsurfing enthusiasts.
Travel Tip: I recommend this awesome boat trip around Sant’Amanza where you can take relaxing swimming and snorkeling breaks.
N°2. Rondinara Beach
This Corsican beach, located exactly in the middle of Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, is truly unique and absolutely stunning. Sheltered from the wind, the transparent blue waters are calm and make la Plage de Rodinara an ideal location for a family getaway.
Travel Tip: As a peninsula, Rondinara has two bays, one with fine sand and the other with multicolored pebbles. The first, the most secluded is also the busiest, so keep that in mind because it does get incredibly busy.
N°3. Cala Rossa Beach
Located approximately 10 kilometers north of Porto-Vecchio, Plage de Cala Rossa is a picturesque beach nestled in the commune of Lecci. Renowned for its upscale ambiance, the area is a prominent destination for luxury tourism. The beach features a unique blend of reddish sand and glistening turquoise waters, set against a verdant hillside adorned with prestigious villas.
Travel Tip: Consider booking a table at one of the beachfront restaurants for a sunset dinner. Many offer fresh seafood and Corsican specialties, perfectly paired with a glass of local wine.
N°4. Pinarellu Beach
Nestled along the captivating coastline of Corsica, Plage de Pinarellu stands as a testament to the island’s unrivaled natural beauty. Renowned for its pristine sands, crystalline waters, and picturesque surroundings, this beach enchants literally everyone that goes there, I was in awe!
Travel Tip: You can do a fun kayaking excursion in Pinarellu to visit this beautiful bay.
N°5. Piantarella Beach
Plage de Piantarella, located near Bonifacio, is renowned for its vibrant windsurfing scene and shallow, lagoon-like waters, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts. An insider tip to enhance your visit is to take advantage of the various water activities available beyond windsurfing! The beach offers opportunities for sea kayaking and snorkeling, allowing you to explore the incredible seabed within the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve.
Travel Tip: A fun thing to do is to go on a catamaran cruise and half a day observing the Bonifacio nature reserve and the Lavezzi archipelago from Piantarella.
N°6. Îles Lavezzi
If you are traveling to Bonifacio, you have to go to the Îles Lavezzi (the Lavezzi islands). From the city, you can take a boat every hour directly to them. I advise you to go to the coves farthest from where the boat leaves you because it will be more private and less busy. The îles are made up of rocks and are surrounded by turquoise water (once again!). This snorkeling paradise is also teeming with sea life. Also, it is worth mentioning that there are no facilities, so it is a good idea to bring water and some food.
Travel Tip: Taking a private boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands is a wonderful way to explore the area.
N°7. San Giovanni Beach
Plage de San Giovanni, nestled between the Caldarello Tower and Capineru Point, is a hidden gem in Corsica, offering golden sands and calm waters for those seeking a peaceful retreat. To fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of Plage de San Giovanni, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Travel Tip: A leisurely walk along the beach leads to the historic Caldarello Tower, providing panoramic views of the coastline.
N°8. Plage de la Petite Spérone
The beach of Petite Spérone is located close to Bonifacio. It is a quite narrow and isolated place bordered by two strips of land. The water is of course turquoise, like probably most beaches in Corsica, and the sand is incredibly fine and white. It’s more remote, but this beautiful beach truly is worth every effort!
Travel Tip: Note that it is a nature reserve, so like for the Îles Lavezzi, do not forget to bring water and food.
N°9. Roccapina Beach
Plage de Roccapina, located in southern Corsica, is renowned for its iconic lion-shaped rock formation, “Lion de Roccapina,” and its pristine turquoise waters and golden sands. I advise you to take the time to hike up to the lion since the trail offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a worthwhile endeavor!
Getting There: The road leading to the beach can be quite rough and challenging for standard vehicles. It’s advisable to drive cautiously or consider using a vehicle suited for uneven terrains. Alternatively, you can park your car at a designated area and hike down to the beach.
N°10. Palombaggia Beach
As an incredibly famous spot in Corsica, Palombaggia’s reputation for being one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world is fully justified by its stunning beauty. The white sand contrasting with the gorgeous blue water makes you want to take a dip right away! Bordered with pine trees, this little slice of paradise is one of the busiest beaches in the South. So head there early or off-season. But this is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Corsica.
Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
N°11. Cupabia Beach
If tranquility is what you seek, Plage de Cupabia is the answer. This serene beach is surrounded by nature and offers shallow, calm waters. The area around Plage de Cupabia also features remarkable Variscan granitoids visible in the cliffs and outcrops along the beach. These geological formations add to the beach’s natural beauty and are worth exploring during your visit.
Getting Around: The beach is accessible by car, with parking available close to the shore. However, during peak tourist seasons, the area can become quite busy, so arriving early is recommended to secure a convenient parking spot.
N°12. Santa Giulia Bleach
Crystal clear turquoise water, fine white sand… No, you are not in the Caribbean, you are in Corsica! Located south of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, la Plage de Santa Giulia is a paradisiacal beach with a mountain backdrop that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Santa Giulia Bay is formed by miles of silky, powder-white sand and has shallow and calm waters that are perfect for swimming. You’ll also find a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars if you feel like staying longer to enjoy this gorgeous beach. It’s definitely one of my favorites!
Getting Around: Renting a car is the best way to explore multiple beaches at your own pace.
N°13. Plage de Tonnara
Plage de la Tonnara, situated south of Bonifacio, is a favored spot among surfers and kiteboarders due to its favorable wind conditions. The beach’s rugged beauty and captivating sunsets make it a must-visit destination. Adjacent to the parking area, there are a few seasonal restaurants offering typical Corsican dishes, primarily focusing on seafood. It’s advisable to check their operating hours, especially outside the peak season.
Travel Tip: The beach is renowned for its dramatic sunsets. Plan to stay until evening to witness the sky’s vibrant colors over the Mediterranean — a perfect way to conclude your visit.
Southern Corsica’s beaches are a true Mediterranean paradise, offering something for everyone. From family-friendly shores to adventurous spots, this guide ensures you won’t miss any highlights. Start planning your Corsican escape today and discover why this island is a top destination for beach lovers worldwide.
