Where to Stay on Corsica: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide [MAP INCLUDED]

Planning a trip to Corsica? Here’s where to stay on this beautiful French island. Town or beach? Luxury or budget? Here’s a comprehensive overview of where to stay on Corsica – including its beach resorts, cities, medieval towns and sandy beaches. This resort guide will cover:

- which part of Corsica to stay in – north or south?
- where to stay in the cities of Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi
- Corsica’s main beach resorts; the best places to stay for nightlife, families, sandy beaches

a rundown of Corsica’s best quiet resorts and unspoilt coastlines

Shortlist – Best Places to Stay on Corsica

- BEST LUXURY HOTELS: La Villa Calvi, Hotel Casadelmar
- BEST HOTELS ON THE BEACH: Grand Hotel Cala Rossa & Spa NUCCA, La Plage Casadelmar, Marinca Hotel & Spa
- BEST BOUTIQUE BEACH HOTEL: Santa Giulia Palace
- SWANKIEST VILLAS: Villa A Nepita, Villa Calvi
- BEST INFINITY POOL: La Villa Calvi
- BEST RESORT COMPLEX FOR FAMILIES: Langely Resort Napoleon Bonaparte Camping Arinella Bianca, Club Med Cargese
- BEST CHIC RURAL ESCAPE: Hotel Minera
- BEST PLACE FOR NIGHTLIFE: Ajaccio, Calvi
- BEST ALL ROUNDER BEACH RESORTS: Calvi, Porticcio
- BEST QUIET BEACH RESORTS: Algajola, Erbalunga, St-Florent, anywhere on the SW coast

Corsica – A Quick Overview

Corsica is wild and simple. Known as ‘the beautiful island’, tourism in Corsica is surprisingly low-key given its obvious charms (white sand beaches, dramatic mountains, charming historic towns and villages, excellent food and wine). It’s mainly visited by the French and some Italians, and mainly in the summer high season of July and August. As such, the coastline not overdeveloped. It’s one of the most unspoiled islands in the Mediterranean. Over 1/3 of Corsica is protected from development. It has over 1000km of coastline and more than 200 beaches.

Corsica is a green and mountainous island and the roads are not for the faint-hearted. Hikers come for the notoriously difficult GR20 long-distance path. The lowland areas are covered in maquis – a fragrant herby shrub, and the beaches are fringed with pines.

It’s an island which has seen many occupations and settlements – Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Vandals, Moors, Genoese, Aragonese – leaving a string of medieval villages, intriguing prehistoric sites, golden Baroque churches, and fortified coastal towns. There are very few purpose-built beach resort areas. The liveliest have grown up around harbour villages and towns, and nightlife tends to be concentrated where the yachting fraternity arrive. The northern towns have a hint of the French Riviera about them, whereas the southern end has an Italian influence. Up in the mountains you’ll find small traditional villages with artisan crafts. Most beaches and resort villages are family-friendly in a carefree and low-key way and there are plenty of watersports on offer.

The overwhelming majority of visitors stay in self-catered accommodation and rent a car. A popular type of accommodation is called ‘residences’, usually a complex of studios or small villas with shared access to facilities such as a pool. They are often in pleasant shady grounds. Self-contained villas and rentals are also available and sometimes referred to as ‘gites‘ (this term encompasses a range of standards). The hotels are also a good standard – with a mix of traditional family-run seasonal hotels and stylish boutique and luxury hotels. Camping is also very popular on Corsica and most campsites are very well equipped.

In July and August Corsica is very busy with French and Italian holidaymakers, the towns and cities become party central and it’s difficult to find a hotel room, taxi, or rental car. Outside the high season it’s very quiet. Sometimes too quiet – you may struggle to find open restaurants, cafes, shops.

Which Part of Corsica to Choose?

NORTH: Scenic and popular, the north coast is home to pretty resorts with historic centres and sandy beaches, as well as the wild Cap Corse.
SOUTH: The south is the most touristy part of Corsica – it has some of the most beautiful beaches on the island – white and sandy with distinctive granite boulders – as well as the photogenic town Bonifacio and the swanky Porto Vecchio.
EAST: The east is quiet, with fertile valleys and flat coastal plains, interrupted by mountains in the middle.
WEST: Rugged coastal landscape in the north west and beautiful untouched bays in the south west, with appealing capital city Ajaccio in the middle.

GETTING AROUND

Airports:

Corsica has 4 international airports:-

Driving: Don’t underestimate how difficult the driving is or how long journeys can take due to narrow mountain roads. If you’re planning to rent a car then it’s best to book in advance, especially if travelling in July or August or if you want an automatic. Taxis are rare and expensive.

Bus: Public transport on Corsica is generally poor. Tracking down reliable information can be difficult. The main cities are linked by bus but if you want to visit smaller places, especially outside the high summer, then you’ll need to rent a car. Beach buses tend to only run in July and August. Check Corsica Bus for an overview and links to timetables.

Train: A train line connects Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, Corte, and a branch runs down the east coast.

Ferry: Corsica has ferry connections to Sardinia and the French and Italian mainlands. See Ferries Direct for more information.

South East Corsica

Also known as L’Extrême Sud, the coastline in the south east of Corsica – between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio – is upmarket and home to the island’s most famous and beautiful (but also family-friendly) beaches. The waters here are Caribbean-esque and scattered with its characteristic boulders. Physically it’s a mirror of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda to its south, only quieter and less showy. But if you require a superyacht marina, chic boutiques, and high-end dining then the area around Porto Vecchio is the part of Corsica for you. Inland you’ll find several megalithic and ancient sites.

Bonifacio

With its golden-hued citadel perilously atop limestone cliffs, the city of Bonifacio is one of Corsica’s most iconic and spectacular sites. It’s located close to the southern tip of the island, just 16km across the Strait of Bonifacio from Sardinia. This proximity lends City of Cliffs an Italian feel. It’s is one of the more touristy and commercial places on Corsica, and many visit as a day trip rather than choosing to stay here.

The fortified old town (or haute ville) occupies a long peninsula which protects the ideal natural harbour behind it from both pirates and weather. The citadel was built by the Genoese. If you haven’t arrived by sea then don’t miss a boat trip – it simply must be seen from the sea.

The harbour is perfect for people-watching with a glass of wine.

Bonifacio is also a popular cruise port so there are plenty of amenities catering to daytripper crowds. And it’s the quickest ferry link to Sardinia, taking just 50 minutes to reach Santa Teresa Gallura, making a day trip possible.

West of Bonifacio, the coastal scenery is ragged with quieter beaches.

To get between the citadel and the port area you can either hop on the tourist train or take the stairs. The steps of Montee Rastello connect the harbour with the old town, and the eye-watering 187 steps of the King of Aragon Staircase lead down from the citadel to the sea.

The citadel is quieter at night than the harbour.

Hotel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle (5-star, outside town)
Hotel Cala di Greco (4-star, outside town)
Hotel Genovese (4-star, Citadel – has a pool)
A Cheda (4-star, near Maora Beach)
U Capu Biancu (4-star, private beach)

Stylish 3-star hotels:

Solemare (harbour, has a pool)
Hotel Royal (Citadel)
Santateresa (Citadel)
Hotel A Madonetta (harbour)
Best Western Hotel du Roy d’Aragon (harbour)
Residence Casarina (near Maora Beach)

The nearest decent sandy beaches are a 15 minute drive away at Sperone, Maora, Sant’Amanza, and Piantarella . It’s worth renting a car to explore the areas many coves and bays. If you can’t rent a car then the boat trips stop at some equally amazing beaches.

Cavallo and the Lavezzi Archipelago

The seductively exclusive private island of Cavallo sits off the south east coast of Bonifacio, between Corsica and Sardinia. It’s the only inhabited island in the Lavezzi Archipelago which is part of the Bonifacio Marine Park . Tiny Cavalli attracted a hedonistic set during the 70s until it descended into notoriety. It was reclaimed by locals and today belongs to a syndicate and is ‘the Mustique of the Med’.

Cavallo is a classier quieter counterpart to Costa Smeralda. To get here it helps to have contacts and/or a lot of money. Think boho chic, pristine beaches, huge granite boulders, and fantastic diving. There are no parasols or sunloungers on the beach, and just one beach bar. Tourist boats are banned so there is no influx of daytrippers. New building is banned too, as are vehicles – except the electric golf buggies to shuttle the guests around. Discrete and languorous.

Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs is Italian-run and has a spa and 50 rooms. The only other option is private villas. Some are reminiscent of earthships with their organic shapes cut into the landscape and sell for millions. To enquire about renting one, visit cavalloisland.com.

The uninhabited and undeveloped Lavezzi islands can be visited on boat trips from Bonifacio. These are water taxis which drop you off at one of the islands, be aware that there are no amenities so bring your own food. Ile Piana is the nearest to Bonifacio and is worth the trip for its stunning shallow sands and jagged rocks.

Rondinara

The immaculate horseshoe-shaped bay at Rondinara is definitely worth a visit. There’s not much development around here, but you can stay nearby at the popular campsite Camping Rondinara.

Santa Giulia

Santa Giulia is one of Corsica’s poster-child beaches, with sand as fine as chalk and a long expanse of shallow turquoise sea. There’s a cluster of accommodation, mostly in complexes of self-catered studios with shared facilities, and accompanying facilities such as watersports. Standout is the the stylish 4-star Santa Giulia Palace which features minimalist boho interiors with touches such as Balinese outdoor showers.

4-star Hotel Moby Dick has the best location – tucked away in trees directly behind the beach. You’re paying a premium for the location though.

Palombaggia

Palombaggia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in France. The powdery sands and shallow waters are dotted with the granite boulders typical to the area, and the beach is framed with towering umbrella pines. There are several smaller beaches to the south worth checking out if it gets busy – Tamarriciu, Acciaju, and Plage De La Folaca.

There are a few restaurants close to the beach along with a large car park (though it fills early with daytrippers).

Best places to stay in Palombaggia include:

There are also many villas in the area (like this fab 3 bed villa with pool) as well as campsites in the north of the peninsula.

Porto Vecchio

Porto Vecchio is one of the most popular and developed resort towns on Corsica, attracting a ritzy Italians and the megayacht crowd. It boasts a swanky yacht marina and buzzing nightlife in the summer. This is not a cheap town. Many of Corsica’s best beaches are within a short drive (buses run to the most popular beaches in July and August).

In town, the stylish serviced apartments at Citta de Lume Suites are worth checking out. The loft suite with swimming pool is particularly lustworthy. Le Goéland has a central location and a small private beach but no pool.

The standout resort hotels in the area are the 5-star Hotel Casadelmar and its sister hotel La Plage Casadelmar on the other side of the bay at resort outpost Cala Rossa, where you’ll also find the luxury beachfront Grand Hotel Cala Rossa & Spa NUCCA.

There are a number of 4-star hotels south of Porto Vecchio close to the main road. Most have pools, restaurants, and also run shuttles into town. Isulella and Mariosa are hotels right by the beach, whereas Residence Belvedere is further back but has an infinity pool, lush gardens, and maisonettes decorated in a very Mediterranean blue and white theme.

Just around the corner from Cala Rossa is the crescent bay of San Ciprianu (pictured above), a laid-back family beach resort with amenities like low-key watersports.

East Corsica

The east coast can be divided into 3 sections: the La Côte des Nacres north of Porto-Vecchio, the Costa Serena in the middle (north of Solenzara), and the family-friendly Costa Verde up towards the north of the island. It has a mountainous middle with long stretches of flat coast and river deltas on either side. The beaches aren’t dazzlingly white, but they are wide and sandy and often flanked with forest.

Pinarellu

North of Porto Vecchio things get quieter but the beaches aren’t quite as stunning. Pinarellu is the last of the showstoppers on this stretch of coast. And what a beach it is – long and sandy, with several beachfront hotels and plenty of space for sunloungers.

Stay at 4-star Le Pinarello which is right on the beach and has a heated rooftop pool. The main beach is to the south of the village, with a campsite at either end.

Solenzara

In the middle of the east coast is Solenzara, set in a nature reserve with a feeling of wilderness. It’s located at the end of a gorge and marks the boundary between north and south Corsica. There are waterfalls and forests inland. Solenzara a natural playground and perfect for adventure-lovers, with activities such as canyoning, via ferrata, sailing, and windsurfing on offer.

Stay at the Hotel Restaurant La Caravelle in town or La Solenzara Hotel which is by the beach.

Up at Sari-Solenzara, the Camping Village Sole di Sari is a large eco-friendly resort by the river in a woodland setting.

Ghisonaccia

Ghisonaccia is an estuary area on the Costa Serena with a wide sandy beach and spacious family-friendly holiday villages set in pine forest, such as the Camping Arinella Bianca and Marina d’Oru.

Costa Verde

The landscape around here is flat fertile plains with mountains in the background and long child-friendly beaches. It’s punctuated with self-contained holiday parks such as the Residence Marea Resort and Levolle Marine. It’s much less busy than the south part of the east coast but you’ll find all you need for an unfussy family holiday.

North Corsica

The north coast is stunning and understandably popular. It has sandy crescent beaches, appealing resorts, postcard-worthy fishing villages and coastal towns with Genoese fortifications and golden stone houses with coloured shutters – all the typical features of Corsica with added pops of the French and Italian rivieras. Uphill are the mountain villages of the Haute Balagne – follow the Artisan’s route for mountain crafts and good food. The region is well-connected – it has two airports – and relatively easy to get around. There’s lots to do, but do it in a leisurely manner.

The downside is the July/August crowds.

Bastia

The port town of Bastia is one of the most hustling and bustling on the island, so if you’re looking to experience a slice of local life, lively bars, and an array of seafood restaurants then it’s a good choice. Bastia is colourful, unpolished, and a bit gritty..

It has a pedestrianised careworn old town area called Terra Vecchia, where a tangle of dense and tall historic buildings encircles its busy harbour, Vieux Port.

But, unlike Bonifacio, Bastia is more than just a tourist town. It’s a busy working hub with an industrial and commercial presence – and the ensuing sprawl of concrete apartment blocks.

It has that slightly shabby feel common to Europe’s big port towns, especially compared to the more manicured resorts. And beyond the harbour restaurants and shore excursions, there’s not much in the way of tourist infrastructure here.

The main cultural sights are the Musée de Bastia, the Oratory of Monserato with its replica of Rome’s Scala Santa, St. Nicholas Square, and the town’s many churches – notably the Cathedral and the Church of St. Jean-Baptiste which dominates the skyline of the old town.

Bastia has an international airport that is served by European airlines and is the gateway to north and central Corsica and the Cap Corse peninsula. Shuttle buses connect the town and the airport. Most visitors stay for a day at most, to enjoy the harbour views and restaurants and then move on. Bastia is also the main ferry hub for connections to mainland France and is also a cruise ship port. Cruises and ferries dock at the larger New Port which is a 30-minute walk north of the old harbour.

The best hotel in town is the 4-star Hôtel Des Gouverneurs which is on the waterfront and has views across the sea and old harbour, an indoor pool, and a rooftop bar.

Most of the cheaper options are in the new town. For modern rooms on a budget check out Hotel Le Bastia Adonis or A Storia.

Cap Corse

A long spindly peninsula on the the north east coast, Cap Corse is home to wild and rocky coastal scenery, quiet unspoiled villages, and notorious roads. It was only fairly recently connected by road to the rest of the mainland, and it still retains a remote and traditional feel.

It’s ideal for a short self-contained road trip with lots of interesting villages and vineyards to stop. As you can land at Bastia airport, rent a car, and then drive a loop of the peninsula. Most like to drive clockwise to limit being out the outside on unprotected corners.

Most of the higher end hotels are found on the east coast – or tucked inland like La Dimora – but all around the peninsula is a smattering of unassuming guesthouses, functional hotels, and gîtes.

The small and charming village of Erbalunga is one of the prettiest villages in Corsica. It has some excellent (and Michelin-starred) dining and attracts an upmarket arty clientele thanks to its cultural calendar and beautiful coloured houses right on the water’s edge. The Demeure Castel Brando Hotel & Spa is the place to stay.

Further north at the pretty Port de Porticcioli, the 5-star Misincu Hotel is overlooking the sea and has a spa and elegant neutral vibes. Or you can take a simple room at the Hotel U Patriarcu.

Up in the hills, the Hotel Le Tomino has incredible views and comfortable rooms with a natural design.

Saint-Florent

St-Florent is small and picturesque coastal town in Corsica’s green-hilled Nebbio region, at the southern end of the Cap Corse.

St-Florent has a gentle buzz with good dining focused around the main square and waterfront. In July and August the yacht fraternity fill the marina. This is wine country and the eating is good. There are beaches a short walk away on either side of town. They may not be best beaches in the area but there are many quiet coves tucked away in the surrounding countryside – the best (Saleccia and Loto) are reached by off-road trail or boat trip.

It’s a 30-minute drive from Bastia and the airport and makes a genial base for a relaxed vacation.

The high-end hotels here are not great value but there are plenty of apartments and villas with great views and/or fab pools such as the stylish Villa Standing Architect. If you prefer a hotel then the pebbly eastern beach is lined with seasonal 3-star hotels right on the water such as the Hotel Dolce Notte. The western beach – La Roya – is sandier but narrow, and this is where you’ll find the campsites.

L’Ile Rousse

The section of coast from L’Ile Rousse westwards to Calvi is the tourist heartland of the north coast. This area is known as the Balagne and is busier than St-Florent and the Cap Corse.

L’Ile Rousse means ‘the russet island’ and is so named for the red granite islets just offshore which are now linked by a causeway. You can walk along the path to a Genoese tower and lighthouse at the end of the islet.

With its palm-lined seafront promenade, shady squares cafe scene, souvenir shops, food market, tourist train, good climate, and turquoise waters, L’Ile Rousse feels every inch the quintessential Mediterranean seaside resort. But it’s not tacky or commercial, rather low-key and family-friendly.

The beaches around here are sandy and fabulous. You’ll be able to find all manner of amenities and watersports. There are two town beaches, but the best are out of town at Bodri , Ostricioni, and Lozari.

Up in the mountains behind L’Ile Rousse is the pretty village of Monticello.

There is a tram line along the coast to Calvi- you can get off at a number of beach stops. This makes it the best part of Corsica for those without a car. There are also lots of campsites along this stretch of coastline.

There’s a better selection of hotels here than in St-Florent. Highlights include:

4-star Hotel Liberata & Spa is in a converted Corsican mansion right on the beach
3-star Hotel Restaurant La Pietra & Spa has a unique location out on an islet.
The 4-star Best Western Hotel Santa Maria has a large pool and a private beach.
Residence Dary is an aparthotel with great facilities and close to the beach.
Langely Resort Napoleon Bonaparte is close to the beach is great for families – it has a children’s pool, kid’s club, tennis courts, and can organise adventure activities.

Algajola

Algajola is a pretty village with stone half way between L’Ile Rousse and Calvi. It’s a good respite if you fancy a quieter alternative, especially in the high summer when the larger resorts get very busy. Algajola is a scenic fishing village with stone houses right by the waterfront, some old fortifications, and a fine sweep of sandy beach.

There are several unfussy 2 and 3-star hotels right on the beach – the Hotel De La Plage Santa Vittoria is perfect placed between the historic area and the beach.

Calvi

One of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beach towns, Calvi has something for everyone. The walled citadel overlooks a buzzing harbour and old town segueing into large half-moon crescent beach of fine white sands backed by shady pines. The colourful houses are reminiscient of Liguria.

It is touristy but checks plenty of culture boxes too – a cathedral, twisty turny backstreets, polyphony concerts, a jazz festival, and art exhibitions. And it’s one of the better places on Corsica for summer nightlife. And the stunning coastal landscape to the south west of Calvi is one of Corsica’s highlights.

Calvi has an international airport which is south of town – there are no buses so you’ll have to shell out for a taxi.

Luxury lovers should check in to the 5-star Hotel La Signoria which is located just outside town in charming landscaped grounds.

Closer to town, 5-star La Villa Calvi is a large contemporary resort with 5 pools – one of them an epic covered infinity pool – and chic design, plus a reserved section of sunbeds on the beach.

Looking for something less fancy? 3-star Hotel Le Mariana has a central location with outdoor pool and sauna, and Hotel La Caravelle is right on the beach.

4-star Hostellerie De L’Abbaye has cool neutral rooms in a converted abbey.

West Coast of Corsica

The most rugged scenery and best sunsets are found on the west coast. It’s also the windiest and waviest part of the island – a boon for watersports fans.

The west coast has 4 main bays: Porto, Sagone, Ajaccio, and Valinco. Look around and you’ll find jaw-dropping mountain scenery, impeccable sandy beaches, and charming hilltop villages. Much of it feels very off-the-beaten-track. This is prime villa-hunting territory – as long as you’re prepared to tackle the hair-raising drives.

Scandola and Porto

One of the wildest parts of Corsica is the Scandola Nature Reserve, one of Corsica’s natural highlights. Its USP is the ancient red porphyry granite, a volcanic rock which has been battered away by rough waves leaving dramatic dark red cliffs and rock formations. The effect turns the sea a midnight-dark. It’s a striking contrast to the blues, greens, and golds of the rest of Corsica. Scandola is also a marine park and a big conservation success story.

Boat trips are available from Calvi and also from Porto (pictured above), a small coastal village to the south of the park. The park is not accessible by road. Trips often include a stop at the tiny village and beaches of Girolata (pictured below).

Porto itself it equally scenic and surrounded by incredible dramatic scenery – to its south are the the Calanches de Piana. The whole area is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is popular with hikers.

The village of Porto is at a river mouth at the end of gorge. There are plenty of 3-star hotels in Porto overlooking the river, many with pools and excellent views. Le Mediterranee is at the beach end of the river. There is similar scenery at the small village of Galeria to the north of Scandola however it is more isolated and has a grittier beach.

The best accommodation in the area is the 4-star Hotel Capo Rosso located in the inland village of Piana.

Cargese

The coast between Porto and Ajaccio known as the Sagone Gulf and is hilly, forested, and undeveloped – ideal for hikers. If you’re driving around here it’s worth checking out the sleepy village of Cargese which has an intriguing Greek heritage. There are a few long sandy beaches in the area such as Chiuni and Pero.

There’s a large all-inclusive Club Med Resort at Chiuni with sports facilities on site. Clustered around Cargese village and Pero beach are plenty of traditional family-run hotels and aparthotels. Ta Kladia has basic rooms and studios right by the beach.

Sagone

The quiet village of Sagone has a wide beach of course golden sand and a handful of amenities. The simple Hotel Cyrnos is right on the beach, or check Booking.com for rentals in the area.

Ajaccio

Chic and charming, the west coast city of Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica. And it has everything you’d expect from a Corsican city – a golden walled citadel, a marina packed with yachts, the pastels and tall palms of the riviera, fine sands, and an attractive promenade. Brightly coloured fishing boats bob in Tino Rossi harbour. It’s much more built up than Calvi and more elegant than Bastia, and is the island’s most obvious city break destination.

This is Napoleon’s birthplace so expect to see many mentions of Ajaccio’s most famous son. His family home – Maison Bonaparte – is now a museum.

Ajaccio sits in a bay that’s fringed with lovely beaches, and at the north end lies the desolate and uninhabited Iles Sanguinaires – the Bloody Islands, so named because the red rocks appear to bleed at sunset.

Ajaccio Campo dell’Oro international airport is 5km to the west of Ajaccio and divides the city from the beach resort Porticcio. The beaches to the south of Ajaccio are fabulous.

The town beach continues west out of town and it’s here you’ll find most of the city’s beach hotels including:

If you’d rather be in the old town check out the classy 4-star Palazzu U Domu or the modern 3-star Hotel Fesch & Spa with its rooftop plunge pool. Need to be near the port? Mercure Ajaccio is a boutique 4-star with a pool.

Porticcio

Porticcio is laid back beach resort with beautiful coastal scenery and soft sands. Porticcio is spread out over several beaches. The longest beaches are Viva and Agosta – one to the north and one to the south.

Hotels and amenities are spread out the length of the main coastal road. If you’re looking for somewhere with more of a centre then try Propriano instead.

If you’re planning a fly-and-flop holiday with minimal driving and day trips then Porticcio is a good option. In high season boats run over the bay to Ajaccio. Watersports are popular on the beach. If you do have wheels, check out Mare e Sole beach to the south of Porticcio.

The top 5-star hotels in the area are located in Porticcio:

There’s also the 4-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa.

For something simpler, try the studios at La Bella Vista Residence. There are also many villas tucked away in the hills and by the beaches – check VRBO for rentals.

Propriano and the Valinco Bay

The Valinco Bay is one of the most scenic beach areas in Corsica. Sumptuously sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and the distinctive granite boulders of the south. The surrounding scenery is green and serene, some of the nicest on the island. It’s ideal for a tranquil beach vacation.

But the main beach resort itself – the town of Propriano – has a lively buzz centred around its cafe life and harbour restaurants. Although a popular resort it still retains a strong authentic identity and hasn’t been taken over by souvenir shops and the like.

Stay at the plush Hotel Bartaccia or the Miramar Corsica, or comfortable modern rooms at the beachfront Le Lido.

Around Propriano, there are some beautiful quiet villages and bays worth exploring. Highlights include:

Capicciolo
Mancinu
Portigliolo
Porto Pollo
Olmeto

For day trips you can drive to the atmospheric inland town of Sartene and its nearby prehistoric site Filitosa. And don’t miss the great beaches at Cu Laurosu, Campomoro, and Cupabia.

For a local stay, the gorgeous 5-star Marinca Hotel & Spa has a chic whitewashed style and a private beach.

South of the Valinco Bay the coast is jagged and undeveloped, with some pristine beaches tucked away in coves – Roccapina is one of the best beaches on Corsica.

Read more:

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Corsica

Where to Stay on Sardinia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Sicily: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Malta: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay in Greece: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Cyprus: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Enjoyed this post? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Click to save to Pinterest: