15 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Corsica
If you’re planning on visiting an island in the Mediterranean Sea, you may have some high expectations when it comes to beaches. Only searching for the best of the best for you and your dog?
The beaches of Corsica are absolutely divine. We’ve been to our fair share of European beaches and Corse beaches are some of the best in all of Europe.
The quality and allure of beaches on Corsica is one thing but when you combine it with the number of beaches to choose from and how dog friendly they are, there really is no better island destination in Europe.
In this guide, is a list of the most beautiful dog friendly Corsica beaches with a few maps on how to reach them.
It’s easy to find a beach on Corsica that will have you head over heels in love. Whether you’re looking for a beach town favourite or secluded beach you have to hike to, Corsica has a beach for you.
Still deciding on which area to stay in Corsica for the best dog friendly beaches? Discover which parts of Corsica are most ideal for the ultimate beach holiday.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick List: Best Dog Friendly Corsica Beaches by Area
Best Beaches in Balagne
- Plage de Ghjunchitu
- Plage de Bodri
- Beach Sant Ambroggio
- Plage de Losari
Best Beaches in South Corsica
- Plage de Palombaggia
- Plage de La Folaca
- Plage de Rondinara
- Santa Giulia Beach (Plage de Santa Giulia)
Best Beaches Near Bastia
- Plage de Pietracorbara
- Plage Cala Genovese
- Plage d’Aliso
- Plage de Saleccia (Saleccia Beach)
Best Beaches Near Ajaccio
- Plage de Porticcio
- Plage de I’Isolella
- Capo di Feno
Does Corsica Have Sandy Beaches?
Yes! You will find tons of idyllic sandy beaches in Corsica. Many will agree that this aspect alone is one of the main reasons why Corsica has some of the best beaches in all of Europe.
Sandy beaches found on Corsica also make it absolutely ideal for people travelling with children or anyone who doesn’t want to navigate jagged and rocky coastlines. Not only will you find sandy beaches but also sought after white sand beaches.
Corsica Dog Friendly Beaches on a Map
Best Beaches in Balagne
1. Plage de Ghjunchitu
Best For: Windsurfing on breezy days or kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling on calmer days.
Type of Beach: Despite it not being reachable by car, this is a relatively well serviced beach. There are two restaurants nearby and water sport rentals available.
Getting There: From the T30 main road, you’ll turn down Barangone road and park in this parking lot. This paid lot actually gives you access to two main beaches.
From the lot, you’ll walk down the hill on a dirt path, cross the train tracks, veer left and access the trail to Plage De Ghjunchitu here. If in doubt, follow the signs with beach names and arrows.
You should pop out on the beach near U Sbirru Beach Restaurant. The entire walk from the parking lot to the beach should take around 10 minutes and is not difficult. There is an additional parking lot here and equally as far of a walk from the beach.
2. Plage de Bodri
Best For: People with dogs! The beach doesn’t get too crowded and there are places along the trees with natural shade, ideal for humans and their dogs.
It’s an all around better experience for you, your pup and other beachgoers when a beach isn’t packed with people. This is an ideal spot to lay out on the beach and go swimming with your dog on Corsica.
Type of Beach: A wide mouth of fine sand with one beach bar on site. Water is frequently calm and always of turquoise hue. Also includes a nude beach section which are popular in Corsica.
Getting There: The main parking lot is here from which you will walk down the hill from and stay right after you cross the train tracks. Once you arrive on the path along the beach, it’s recommended to keep going for another few minutes until you start to see some dunes on your left.
There is an entrance through the dunes to reach a part of the beach that is much quieter than the left side of the beach.
3. Beach Sant Ambroggio
Best For: A laid back beach day with occasional snorkeling. The water here is normally still, but if there are any waves present, they’re very minimal. Many underwater rock formations hug the shore which make for some eventful sightings when snorkeling.
Type of Beach: On the smaller side with a sandy bay and a couple of pine tree sections for shade. No beach shack or cafes directly on site but the port is within a two minute walk where you’ll find a bakery and restaurant.
This beach is unfortunately only dog friendly during the shoulder season and you’ll likely be among an older crowd when visiting.
Getting There: There is no apparent sign for this beach from the main road so you’ll need to know to turn right onto Av. des Oliviers from the T30. Stay on the curvy paved road until you reach the port.
Parking for the beach is available on the side of the street but make sure you are not parking in reserved spots. There is also a small dirt lot here with no “no parking” signs.
4. Plage de Losari
Best For: Laying out all day. The beach is ideal for sticking an umbrella in the ground to either read a book underneath or bake in the sun. Along the beach, there is a small fence convenient for hanging up wet clothes or even tying your dog’s leash to.
If you fancy a stroll, there is a short hiking path from the beach which leads to a viewpoint here.
Type of Beach: Persistently blue clear water with yellow soft sand and a shallow entrance. There are a couple of restaurants located on the beach but the town of Lozari is only one minute away by car.
Getting There: The large and free parking lot here is within a 2 minute walk to the beach. This path from this parking lot will spit you out in the middle of the beach which is quite large.
If you prefer to be on the edge of the beach where it’s likely to be more private, park in this lot instead. The beach is easily accessible by any car as all the roads which lead there are paved.
Best Beaches in South Corsica
5. Plage de Palombaggia
Best For: A variety of interests in one place. The Palombaggia beach pavilion is massive and although narrow, it’s an idyllic piece of paradise for many different types of beach visitors.
There is a diving centre, a handful of beach restaurants, loungers for rent, sufficient amount of space to find privacy and gigantic rocks to jump off.
For us, this beach was best for snorkeling without a crowd. If you walk beyond the long stretch of beach and climb over a small rock cliff, you’ll find a private inlet with maybe one or two other people.
This secluded area does not have the same soft sand as the main part of Palombaggia Beach. The entrance into the water is rocky and the beach has small pebbles instead. This makes the beach not the best choice for laying out all day but it is undoubtedly the best area for snorkelling.
See the map below to find the exact location to one of the best Corsica beaches.
🤿 Snorkel Tip: In order to attract many fish at once, begin flipping over rocks to uncover new food opportunities for the fish. This trick is guaranteed to get fish to flock around you.
Type of Beach: The main stretches of the beach are sandy with easy access to the water. Many different types of restaurant options ranging from bars to high end eateries are found directly on the beach.
Getting There: We recommend parking near La Paillote where you’ll find a huge free parking lot. Once you hit the restaurant, keep left and continue walking beyond the end of the sandy part of the beach.
You’ll come across a little cliff you need to overcome but once you get to the other side, you’ll find a more private inlet. Parking along the street here will shoot you on in the middle of the biggest section of Palombaggia Beach.
6. Plage De La Folaca
Getting There: We recommend parking near Dolfinu Biancu in a small dirt lot which is further from the pack of restaurants. Keep walking to the right end of the beach and you’re bound to find a quiet spot for yourself.
Best For: Relaxing in the water. The sea is so unbelievably calm and clear that you’ll feel like you’re in a pool instead of the sea. It is the perfect place to enjoy the water without having to swim one bit. This is by far one of the best beaches in Porto Vecchio.
Type of Beach: Plage De La Folaca is a white sand beach which is typical in southern Corsica. The beach also comes with endless views of the gorgeous blue water that goes on and on into the distance.
The water is incredibly shallow for quite a while which also makes this a great option for visitors with kids. It’s an easy spot to pitch an umbrella for shade as there is no natural shade from trees nearby.
There are many restaurants, bars and loungers for rent on this beach which means it is a well populated beach. Worth it? Absolutely in this case.
7. Plage de Rondinara
Best For: A paradise like feel. In an attempt to stay impartial, it’s difficult to not deem Plage de Rondinara my favourite beach in all of Corsica. The water is shallow, implausibly clear and the snorkeling here is divine. This beach is best for anyone looking to experience heaven on earth!
Type of Beach: Rondinara Beach can get a little touristy so it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or during lunch when people vacate to go eat. There is a seafront restaurant with umbrellas to rent as well as massages on the beach. Rental pedal boats and a small dock are also present.
Getting There: About 30 minutes from Porto Vecchio, you’ll find the main parking lot to Plage De Rondinara here. The parking lot is large but paid (around €5 for the day). It’s a short 200 meter walk to the beach from this lot but there are other options.
If your car can handle a dirt road, you can continue until you reach an area to leave your car for free here. The most beautiful section of the beach can be found here. With glorious snorkeling, no crowds and a sandy beach, you cannot ask for anything better!
To find the precise location of the most private area at one of the best Corsica beaches, reference the map below.
8. Santa Giulia Beach (Plage de Santa Giulia)
Best For: Vacation photos. If you’re looking for the most picturesque beaches in Corsica, Santa Giulia Beach tops the list. It is one of those utopian style beaches that can easily be mistaken for the Maldives or Seychelles. Just one picture in front of this beach will have all of your friends back home wishing they were there too.
Type of Beach: A curvy stretch of white fine sand with restaurants and rental equipment available. Given the water sports present, there are sectioned off and designated areas for swimming which makes this a well suited beach for children.
Getting There: Plage de Santa Giulia is quite possibly the most famous beach on Corsica which means if you don’t want to be surrounded by other tourists, get here early. It’s also possible that all of the main parking lots will be full and you’ll end up walking 10-15 minutes to the beach.
Part of the reason why this beach is so frequented is its easy access from many nearby hotels. It is closely located off the T10 road which runs directly to Porto Vecchio.
Best Beaches Near Bastia
9. Plage De Pietracorbara
Best For: Escaping the crowds with a no frills beach day. Pietracorbara Beach is one of the best unassuming yet stunning beaches to enjoy in Corse for its local and unspoiled feel.
Type of Beach: It is a beach for anyone and everyone. You’ll see dogs joining their humans for a swim, in addition to young families and older couples strolling the beach. The yellow sand is not as fine as the sand you’ll find in southern Corsica but still comfortable to lay on.
Umbrellas are also available for rent from one of the few restaurants and bars on site. We recommend a nicer lunch or dinner at La Paillote de Pietracorbara or picking up a pizza at the Titi Pizza food truck in the parking lot.
Getting There: Pietracorbara is one of the few beaches in Corsica where you’re able to see your car in the parking lot from the beach. This means it’s incredibly easy to access and requires no walking or hiking to get to.
10. Plage Cala Genovese
Best For: Remote beach seekers looking for a reward after a short hike. Most Corse beaches are quite accessible by anyone but there are many which remain undisturbed by tourism. Plage Cala Genovese is one of these gems and should be enjoyed respectfully.
Type of Beach: Plage Cala Genovese is an untouched beach with fine sand, shallow and calm water. The small cove is the perfect shade of turquoise and is a pristine example of a wild beach. There are no facilities nearby and can be reached by hiking or by boat. It can also some times be occupied by cows but there’s no predicting their schedule.
Getting There: Once you hit the town of Macinaggio, you’ll need to venture off the main road and follow signs for Plage de Tamarone. This is not a paved road but it is doable even if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle as long as you drive slowly.
You’ll reach a parking lot near a restaurant named U Paradisu which sits overlooking Tamarone Beach. Tamarone is also a nice place to enjoy but if you want to reach Cala Genovese, you’ll need to continue on foot.
From the parking lot, walk to the far side of the beach where you’ll find a trailhead to your left. Once you hit a gate (it’s not private property so go on through), you’ll know you’re on the correct path.
Continue up and down until you reach a small church on your right side. From the beach, walk down towards the water and continue left along the coastline. To your right, you’ll see a ruin of a Genoese tower.
Plage Cala Genovese is just around the corner from this tower and the entire walk should take you around 20-30 minutes (one way). This Corsica beach should not be missed and to make it easier to reach, a map of the walking path is below!
11. Plage d’Aliso
Best For: A scenic road trip. The route to get here requires some light travel from Bastia but you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful drive. If time permits, take your time and indulge in the coastline of Corsica’s north peninsula.
Type of Beach: The deliciously blue cove is filled with fine sand and boasts a backdrop of the lush greenery from the mountains. It’s a popular stopover for boats but infrequently visited by tourists compared to beaches much closer to the main city of Bastia. There is one seasonal bar on site.
Getting There: Plage d’Aliso is a bit of a trek from Bastia and will take you around 1.5 hours to get there. If you do have the time, we recommend taking this route and stopping at Plage Farinole and Plage d’Albo along the way before reaching Plage d’Aliso as the final destination.
Other than being lengthy, the journey is quite pleasant along the D80 with many gorgeous views and photo opportunities. Parking is also available practically on the beach at Plage d’Aliso.
12. Plage de Saleccia (Saleccia Beach)
Best For: Adventurers, mountain bikers or hikers. The multiple terrain paths to reach this beach are ideal for anyone looking to break a sweat and earn their day at the beach.
Type of Beach: The beaming white sand and transparent waters of Saleccia Beach make it one of the best beaches in Corsica. Although it can get full due to its paradise like status, it does remain a wild beach, meaning there are no facilities directly on site.
You’ll find two small eateries on opposite ends of the beach, but both are nestled in the trees along the path to get to the beach.
Getting There: Saleccia Beach can be difficult to reach by the average visitor. Once you drive through Casta on the paved main road of D81, you’ll need to take a right turn towards the dirt road which will lead you all the way to Saleccia.
This journey is around 14 km long and could take as long 35 minutes, assuming your car can handle it. If you are not traveling by car, it is still possible to reach Plage de Saleccia and Plage du Lotu other than hiking.
Tour groups and excursions are great options to look into if you’re interested in reaching this part of the island. If you opt for a boat tour or have rented your own boat, visiting Plage de Saleccia by sea is absolutely ideal.
Browse activities and ways to get to Plage de Saleccia with GetYourGuide!
Best Beaches Near Ajaccio
13. Plage de Porticcio
Best For: Beach town lovers. This beach is located in the middle of a smaller yet bustling town just under 20 minutes away from Ajaccio. Porticcio is ideal for the vacationer who wants to have amenities at their disposal during their holiday in addition to not having to travel far for a nice beach.
Type of Beach: A wide enough beach with nearly fine sand and see-through water. Along the edges of the beach, you’ll find rock formations which create tiny coves, perfect for snorkeling or hiding out from crowds.
The center of the beach holds everything and anything a tourist might be looking for, from boat tour agencies to gelato.
Getting There: Parking for quick access to Plage de Porticcio is possible with a few different lots within a one minute walk.
To avoid traffic jams, we recommend parking here which is away from the main area of the beach and closer to nicer areas of Porticcio such as Baia delle Sosse.
14. Plage de l’Isolella
Best For: Hidden gem seekers. For anyone who is not intrigued by visiting a beach mentioned on a number of “Best Beaches of Corsica” lists, this small corner of Ajaccio is for you.
Type of Beach: Both beaches named Plage de l’Isolella have golden fine sand and wondrous smooth boulders which complete the oasis like landscape. The beach also consists of many rock pools, perfect for kids to explore. Neither of these beaches have a commercial like feel and are instead surrounded by vacation homes.
Getting There: You’ll find two “Plage de l’Isolella” on Google Maps. They’re both near each other and both worthy of a visit if you’re in the Ajaccio area. The first area is located here and can be accessed by parking on the street that runs directly in parallel with the beach.
This street turns into a dead end which is the best place to get to the beach. The next location is only 1.5 km away and a 4 minute drive on the other side of the peninsula. There is a dirt parking lot located right above the beach.
15. Capo di Feno
Best For: Families and children. The fine light sand and a beach that’s easy to poke an umbrella into makes this a kid friendly spot to enjoy the day. The beach is very long which means endless amount of room to run around without bothering too many people (without kids).
The handful of restaurants along the beach also serve as an easy lunch time solution for a busy family.
Type of Beach: The water is easily accessible due to a gradual and shallow entrance. It can get wavy but not in an aggressive way and still manageable enough for kids to splash around in. Along the borders of the beach, you’ll find fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Getting There: It seems like it’s a bit out of the way but Capo di Feno is only 20 minutes from the center of Ajaccio. Nearly the entirety of the journey is on a paved road which can’t be said about too many of the best beaches on Corsica.
Parking is also free at this unfussy yet dependable beach option.
Getting to Corsica
Ferries to Corsica
Taking the ferry to Corsica is the favoured and most scenic way of getting to the French island. You’ll find ferry routes ending in major ports all over Corsica including Bastia, Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Propriano, L’Île-Rousse and Ajaccio.
That’s a lot of options for visitors coming in on ferries but it will heavily depend on where you’re traveling from.
→ ⛴ Compare routes and ferry prices to Corsica ←
The main ports on the east side of the island will primarily welcome travellers coming from different cities in Italy. The Rome to Corsica ferry for example only takes five hours! Bonifacio on the other hand, is the only port in Corsica which operates one route and connects Corsica to Sardinia.
The remainder of the many island’s ports take in routes from nearly all departure points on mainland France. If you are driving, you’ll be glad to know that a majority of ferries traveling to Corsica accommodate vehicles.
If you are flying in or a ferry passenger on foot, renting a car for your Corsica trip is highly recommended. Corsica is one of those destinations that simply cannot be explored to its fullest without a car. A rental car in Corsica doesn’t have to be expensive, just functional!
→ 🚗 Find a cheap rental car for exploring Corsica ←
Flights to Corsica
For an island, Corsica has a large number of airports. The multiple airports in Corsica can often cause confusion as they’re not all equally accessible.
For a typical commercial flight to Corsica, you’ll only need to pay attention to Airport of Bastia Poretta (near Bastia), Figari-Sud Corse Airport (near Bonifacio) and Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (near Ajaccio).
The other smaller airports in Corsica are functional but mainly used for private and local flights. All three major airports accommodate major European airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, AirFrance and the most popular Air Corsica.
Finding direct flights can be a bit tricky, even for visitors coming from European countries. Direct flights tend to only be available on certain days of the week which is something to keep in mind when planning your itinerary.
Flying from anywhere in France such as Paris will guarantee a direct flight to Corsica.
→ ✈️ Find flights to Corsica ←
Where to Stay in Corsica for Beaches
There are a couple of main towns on Corsica which permit a short travel time to a number of beautiful beaches. For the easiest access to the most quantity of beaches located within 15-20 minutes by car, it’s recommended to stay in or near Porto-Vecchio.
The selection of apartments, hotels, villas and even campsites are vast since Porto-Vecchio is one of the bigger cities on the island. Beaches near Porto-Vecchio are often considered to be the best on the island so being close to them is beneficial to anyone looking to maximize their beach time!
Bastia is the second-largest city on Corsica and also a great choice for where to stay. The old town and port are particularly charming with endless restaurants and cafes for travellers who enjoy the complete holiday experience.
Bastia is also home to where ferries arrive primarily from Italy which is something to keep in mind as a convenience factor when choosing where to stay.
As the largest city in Corsica, Ajaccio is the more obvious choice for any visitors looking to stay at some of the island’s top hotels and enjoy the best restaurants. The bigger city is also within close proximity to many stunning beaches, most with long stretches of sand compared to the smaller bays found on the southern part of the island.
For a quieter stay, staying in the Balagne region in the north part of the island is recommended. This area is wonderful for any traveller not looking to be in the middle of it all and prefers nature over the hustle and bustle of bigger towns.
Balagne is also equipped with many great campsites which is something to keep in mind if camping on Corsica is part of your plans.
→ 🛌 Find a beautiful place to stay in Porto-Vecchio ←
Which Part of Corsica Has the Best Beaches?
For many island destinations, there seems to be a clear answer to where one can find the region with the best beaches. In the case of Corsica, it’s not that easy to choose just one best area for beaches.
The main reason for this is because there are just so many great beaches spread out all over the island! If it came down to absolutely having to make a decision, we’d recommend staying in the Balagne region of Corsica or south Corsica.
Both areas are well stocked with gorgeous beaches for your choosing and make a good home base for exploring a new nearby beach every day. In these regions, you’ll also find some of the most popular Corscia beaches such as Plage de Santa Giulia (or Santa Giulia Beach in English).
If you are travelling with young children, southern Corsica will be more suitable. The beaches in the south are more protected by coves which allows for extremely still waters.
On the northern side of the island, it’s possible to experience waves and sometimes unexpectedly. If you want the consistency of calm and crystal clear water, Corse-du-Sud is the better choice.
→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in South Corsica ←
When Is the Best Time for Swimming in Corsica?
It’s safe to assume the average visitor will likely prefer the warmest sea temperatures for swimming. Fortunately, the climate in Corsica is rather warm all year round. Corsica sea temperatures can reach up to 24°C / 75°F by August, making it absolutely lovely for visiting the Corsica beaches.
The only downside of this is that you’d be visiting Corsica in peak season and crowds will be apparent.
If you’re not completely deterred by cooler waters, visiting as early as late May or early June is a feasible compromise for anyone looking to get a head start on summer. By the middle of June, sea temperatures can reach up to 21°C / 71°F which means beach days without a swarm of tourists is a possibility.
The summer season also ends a lot later than one would think! Planning your holiday for after August is probably the best Corsica travel hack there is.
It is not uncommon for water temperatures to still sit around 24°C / 75.2°F in September and even remain near 21°C / 71°F in October. Visiting Corse beaches during these shoulder months ensures a much more enjoyable experience.
Travel Resources for Visiting Corsica Beaches
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
