Famed as the birth place of French revolutionist Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as a picture postcard paradise with 1,000km of coastline and countless unspoiled beaches, Corsica should be on your bucket list of holiday destinations this summer.
This compact French island of coastal walks, water and wind sports is positioned between Italy and France in crystal clear Mediterranean waters. But the biggest attraction by far is its dozens of beaches, so hiring a car in Corsica is an absolute must for those who want to get the most out of beach life. We have explored to find our top five beaches and bays to visit:
Roccapina Beach
Known for its white sand and shallow, clear waters, this beach is the perfect place for a family outing. Overlooked by the “Lion of Roccapina”, this waterfront area is a popular location to explore. Tucked away to the south of Sartene, visitors should make sure to pack parasols, towels, food and drink and any other beach necessities they may need as amenities are far and few between.
When hiring a car from Bastia-Poretta Airport follow the N198 due south along the eastern side of the island. Look out for the D859, and head cross-country until you reach the other side where you pick up the N196 and head north. Access to the beach is via a 2.5km dirt road located 32km west of Bonifacio, on route to Sartene.
Pertusato /Saint Antoine Beach
Located below the beautiful Pertusato Lighthouse, the quaint beach located in Saint Antoine is well known locally for the boat-like rock formation that sits out to sea on the edge of the bay. Whether you want to relax,take a stroll or play pirate ship, this area is magnificent.
From the Airport follow the N198 south and then the N196 south to Bonifacio. From here follow the D58 east bound for 500m until turning onto the D260 South bound. After 1.4km turn right towards Pertusato. Follow this road for 1km where the road will come to an end. From here follow the path until you are 400m from the lighthouse where you can follow the path to the right leading to the beach.
Sperone Beach
This pristine area of pearl-white sand and turquoise water is popular amongst tourists. With calmer waters and a gentle cove, this beach is a remote paradise– even if you do need to walk a while to get here.
From the pick-up location of Poretta Airport, follow the N198 south and then the N196 south to Bonifacio. From here follow the D260 towards the Golfe de Sperone. This road will end at the waterfront. Once parked walk through the car park south and cross the Piantrella beach and the Piantrella ruins. Behind you will find the small Sperone Beach. To gain access to the big Sperone Beach walk across the small beach and walk up stairs found towards the south. You will find yourself by the 14th hole of the Sperone golf course. A sign post will indicate the direction to the “Plage du grand Sperone” found between holes 14 and 15 of the golf course.
Rondinara Beach
The horseshoe-shaped Rondinara beach is incredibly unspoilt with soft sand and clear blue water. Protected by a nature reserve, it provides a great spot for families thanks to the shallow waters and the gentle slope.
Situated half way between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio is Rondinara Beach. Take the N198 southbound from the Poretta Airport for 140km.Turn left at Chiova D’Asinu onto the D158. The narrow road will take you past the Santa Monica Residence and all the way to the beach front where you will find a car park just by the beach.
Erbaju beach
If you are in search of somewhere off the beaten track, this well-kept secret is the place for you. Again this is a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle so remember to pack everything you need. Caution is advised when accessing this beach due to the stony path which leads you to it.
Erbaju beach is a 30 minute walk from Roccapina beach – just head for the striking Lion of Roccapina rock formation.
Corsica is home to many more beaches which are waiting to be explore, and many can be accessed by car or by foot. If you want to explore these unspoilt beach locations, you must be prepared to drive or walk in order to reach them. While the roads in Corsica are not dangerous, they do have lots of twists and turns to watch out for.