Ready for a day by the sea? I wrote this short guide after a west-side road trip and a lot of local tips. It points you to the quiet coves and wild bays that feel like a private find.
The island rewards curiosity with clear water, wide sands, pebbled coves, and dramatic limestone cliffs. You’ll read how to reach each spot, the time it takes, and which side of the coast shines at sunset.
Expect practical notes on parking, simple accommodations, boat links, and short walks that lead to tree-lined coves. I also mark which beach is calmer for families and which one pairs best with a golden-hour view.
In short: this article maps gems you can string into one smooth trip so you spend less time searching and more time soaking up the view.
Key Takeaways
- Learn which coves and bays stay quiet and why they feel special.
- Find out the best way to combine walks, boats, and short drives.
- See practical tips on parking, food, and nearby accommodations.
- Pick the right time of day for west-side views and sunsets.
- Plan a family-friendly or rugged-escape day with clear guidance.
Why these beaches made our list of Corsica’s best-kept coastal gems
We picked spots where the shore feels intact, the crowd is small, and the surrounding maquis sets the mood. These places reward a little planning with big calm.
What “hidden” means here: access, crowds, and setting
Hidden often means limited entry: a short path through scented scrub, a taxi-boat from Saint-Florent, or a rough 4×4 track. That gentle screening keeps crowds low and the area feeling wild.
How to plan your day: walk, boat, or 4×4
Decide by time and comfort. A boat saves minutes and boosts beach time. A walk adds views and quiet. A 4×4 can reach farther spots but needs caution.
“Book a taxi-boat when seas are calm, allow extra time for the path, and bring a picnic.”
- We note which part of each shore is calmer for families.
- You’ll get simple tips to balance comfort and solitude.
Corsica hidden beaches: the unspoiled shores locals love
Walk, boat, or drive a rough track and you’ll find a mix of wide sand, red rock coves, and tree-lined inlets that locals keep to themselves. Each place has a distinct mood—some are pine-fringed and calm, others raw and wind-sheltered.
Saleccia Beach (Désert des Agriates)
One kilometre of powdery sand, pines at the back, a rustic snack shack, and a wartime past as a Resistance landing. Occasional cows graze near the north end.
Loto/Lotu
A wind-sheltered bay with maquis on the hills, no facilities, and water so pure it feels otherworldly on a calm morning.
Cupabia, D’Arone, Menasina and beyond
Cupabia offers crystal-clear water, roomy sandy arc, parking, and a restaurant. D’Arone faces west for golden sunsets and has pizza near the dune. Menasina is a small, tree-lined cove reached by a short foot path from the road.
Grand Sperone, Chevanu, Saint-Antoine, Stagnolu
Grand Sperone sits beyond busier sands and rewards persistence with calmer water. Chevanu shows red rocks and shallow bays with no services. Saint-Antoine drops from pale cliffs into a sea cave. Stagnolu is a short walk from Tonnara and feels like a private find.
- Tip: Bring supplies where there are no cafés and respect the natural setting.
Getting there: the best ways to reach each hidden beach
From a 20–30 min taxi-boat to a scenic one‑hour coastal walk, each route sets the pace for your day.
Taxi‑boats and ferries from Saint‑Florent
The simplest way is the taxi‑boat from Saint‑Florent. Expect roughly 20–30 min from dock to shore when seas are calm.
Services run hourly in May, June, Sept and Oct, and every 30 min in July–August. You can disembark at one beach and catch a ferry back from the other.
Walk or take the 4×4 track
The coastal path links Saleccia and Loto in about 1 hour 15 min. The broader 4×4 track cuts the walk to roughly 45 min on foot.
If you enjoy views, plan the walk; if you want a quicker way, the track is more direct.
4×4 tours and road warnings
Guided 4×4 tours are a great way to learn local stories while avoiding hazards. Do not take a standard car down the Agriates track.
“Towing can cost around €1,000 — often not covered by insurance.”
Parking notes for Cupabia, D’Arone and Menasina
| Spot | Access | Parking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cupabia | Road | Parking spaces & roadside | Manageable in high season |
| D’Arone | Road | Roadside | Pizza near back of the beach |
| Menasina | Road + short path | Roadside (potholes) | Short walk through trees to cove |
- Arrive early — parking, boats, and paths are easier at the start of the day.
- Always check morning sea state; if boats pause, the walk or a guided tour keeps your plan intact.
West coast wonders: beaches Corsica’s road trippers would recommend
Drive the winding west coast and you’ll find long, calm shores that suit a slow afternoon and a sunset pizza. These stops work well on a short road trip and are easy to fold into a longer day along the coast.
Plage D’Arone: pizza at the back of the beach and golden-hour views
Plage D’Arone is wide, quiet, and clean. It faces west, so the light at golden hour is excellent for photos and small groups.
Grab pizza from the simple spot behind the sand and stay to watch the sun. Camping d’Arone and other simple accommodations sit nearby if you want more time.
The beach is calm, with room to spread out, some short hiking trails, and clear coastline views for a late-afternoon stroll.
Plage d’Aregno: wide sands, rocks, and nesting cliffs on the side
Aregno is the sort of beach Corsica drivers pull over for: very wide sands flanked by low green scrub and a rocky side with photogenic houses.
Birds sometimes nest in the cliffs, so keep a respectful distance and enjoy the quiet. Parking and parking spaces are straightforward here, which keeps the fuss to a minimum.
Both spots usually avoid heavy crowds, so your time goes to swimming, strolling, and small bay stops along the road. With a car you can link them in one day and still have moments to pause for the best beaches we would recommend.
“Arrive late afternoon for quiet sands and the best light.”
Bonifacio and the south: bays, cliffs, and quiet sands
The southern headland rewards a bit of effort. Walks and short tracks lead to cliffs, small bays, and beaches that feel calmer than the port side.
Grand Sperone vs Petite Sperone and Piantarella: if you want to avoid crowds, keep going past Piantarella and Petite Sperone. Grand Sperone opens into a wider bay with calm, clear water and more elbow room on the sand.
Saint-Antoine and Chevanu: wild, beautiful places best reached on foot
Saint-Antoine sits beneath white limestone cliffs with a sea-facing cave. The final approach is on foot, so expect a short descent that makes the arrival feel earned.
Chevanu is about texture: red rocks, glassy shallows, dense maquis, and zero facilities. It’s a places-first experience—no cafés, no loungers—so bring water and a light pack.
- Road access gets you near each start point; a car will take you close but the last stretch is by track or foot.
- Timing matters: light changes the views by the hour, so plan an end-of-day return walk if you can.
- For families, pick the beach with fewer steps; Grand Sperone’s route is longer but manageable with breaks.
These southern gems are part of the best beaches corsica has to offer. A little planning—simple accommodations on the southern edge and light bags—lets geology, silence, and water take the lead.
What to pack and timing tips for a perfect beach day
Pack light but smart: the right kit makes a long coastal day feel effortless. Bring high‑SPF sunscreen, a hat, ample water, towels, and a small sun umbrella or pop‑up tent—I would recommend that for Saleccia and Loto where shade is scarce.
Footwear depends on the path. Flip‑flops suit an easy coastal track and short walk. If you plan rocky steps or a rough road approach, take sneakers for safer footing.
Simple timing helps: start early for easier parking and cooler air. Leave late afternoon if you want softer light and fewer people. If the boat service pauses, pivot to a shore with direct road access—this way your day still works.
| Item | Why | Where useful |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrella / pop‑up | Sun and wind shelter | Saleccia, Loto, exposed bays |
| Shoes | Protect feet on rocks/track | 4×4 tracks, rocky coves |
| Snorkel mask | See clear water | Cupabia—good option for snorkeling |
| Cooler & snacks | Skip lines and relax | Any beach with limited services |
For families, plan short breaks by trees or rock outcrops and time swims around the warmest hours. Carry a trash bag and cash for the snack bar near the northern pines. A light windbreaker is handy if breezes pick up.
Final tip: keep your kit ready in the car each morning. A small change in weather or sea state can turn a single day into one of the best days of your trip.
Sample Corsica beach road trip: 3 relaxing days off the beaten path
Plan three easy days that mix short drives, a ferry-style boat ride, and quiet coastal walks. This simple loop is a gentle road trip for people who want calm water, photogenic rocks, and time to breathe.
Day one: Saint-Florent to Loto and Saleccia
From Saint-Florent take a ferry-style taxi-boat to Loto (about 20 min). Swim, then follow the coastal path to Saleccia—roughly 1 hour 15 on the foot trail or 45 minutes via the broader 4×4 track.
Bring sun protection and lunch; shade is scarce and the reward is two contrasting beaches in one day.
Day two: West coast loop to Cupabia and D’Arone
Drive a little inland to Cupabia for a calm morning in a wide bay with clear water and easy parking. If spaces fill by midday, park farther back and enjoy the walk down.
Continue to D’Arone on the west side, grab pizza at the back of the sand, and stay for sunset.
Day three: Bonifacio area — Grand Sperone and Saint-Antoine
Head south and walk past Piantarella and Petite Sperone to reach Grand Sperone for more elbow room on the sand. Finish at Saint-Antoine, which drops beneath white limestone cliffs into a bay with a sea-facing cave.
Expect some uneven track and rocks near the end; allow extra time and wear secure shoes.
- Accommodations: night 1 in Saint-Florent; night 2 near D’Arone; night 3 near Bonifacio to cut backtracking.
- Sprinkle photo stops by overlooks; the light changes by the hour so short pauses add big rewards.
- If seas are rough on day one, swap a land plan first—this trip is built to flex as an option.
Conclusion
Close your loop by choosing bays that match your pace—easy road stops or short walk‑in rewards. This article maps the best beaches corsica offers so you can pair a few gems into one relaxed trip.
Pick a mix: D’Arone and Aregno for west‑facing sand and sunset views; Cupabia for clear water and parking; Grand Sperone and Saint‑Antoine for dramatic cliffs and quiet bays.
With simple planning for parking and accommodations, you keep each day open for the best light and quick dinners. Come back once, then again—the island reveals fresh details in rocks, sand, and light each visit.