Bastia and Cap Corse: a paradise of wild coves waiting to be discovered
Northern Corsica promises a simple yet powerful escape. With its scenic roads, Genoese towers and villages nestled against the mountains, Cap Corse hides the island’s most precious treasures: wild coves, secret beaches and crystal-clear sea. This guide brings together inspiration, practical information and the best campsites near the beaches, in Cap Corse, south of Bastia or near the northern part of the Isle of Beauty!
Background and origins
Cap Corse, ‘the island within the island’, juts out into the sea north of Bastia. Its rugged terrain has carved the coastline into secluded coves, cliffs and small pebble or sandy beaches. For a long time, these coves were used as shelters by fishermen. Their secluded location explains why they have remained unspoilt. The ideal season is May to June and September to October for tranquillity, warm water and intense colours.
Key coves and beaches around Bastia
Saleccia Beach — the secluded paradise
White sand, pine forest, turquoise water. Access by 4×4 track or by boat from Saint-Florent
Travel time to get there:
Bastia → Saint-Florent: 35 to 45 minutes by car
Saint-Florent → Saleccia by shuttle bus: 20 to 25 minutes
Bastia → Agriates access road: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes depending on the entry point and road conditions
Lotu Beach — the wild sister
A more secluded cove, ideal for snorkelling, connected to Saleccia by a coastal path.
Travel time to get there:
Saint-Florent → Lotu by shuttle bus: approximately 20 minutes.
Nonza Beach — the mineral shock
Large black pebble beach at the foot of a hilltop village in Corsica. Spectacular views
Travel time to get there:
Bastia → Nonza: About 1 hour by car
Pietracorbara Beach — The discreet family beach
Beach with clear water and surrounding coves, perfect for a quiet day with the family.
Travel time to get there:
Bastia → Pietracorbara: 20 to 30 minutes by car
Erbalunga Beach — a living postcard
Small harbour, Genoese tower, narrow streets and cafés. Swimming possible in small rocky coves.
Travel time to get there:
Bastia → Erbalunga: 15 to 20 minutes by car
Tamarone Beach (Macinaggio) — entrance to the Customs Officers’ Path
Large wild bay in the north-east. An ideal starting point for walking along the coves to Barcaggio.
Travel time to get there:
Bastia → Tamarone: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car
The village of Saint-Florent in Cap Corse
What you could do during your getaway
As a couple:
Sunrise over a deserted cove, picnic in the scrubland, return to the campsite for dinner overlooking the sea. No need to say more, you get the picture: these are perfect places for a romantic getaway. I’ll leave you to organise this wonderful day. Don’t forget to take some Corsican charcuterie with you for your picnic, accompanied by a good glass of red or rosé wine, depending on your preference.
With the family:
Forget about lovers. The water is clear and shallow depending on which beach you visit. These are great places for children to play, while you choose to either join in their games or sunbathe under the Corsican sun. Either way, you and your children will return home satisfied after a wonderful day at the beach.
Don’t forget your snorkelling gear. In Corsica, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time observing marine life and getting up close to corals in the crystal-clear water. But please remember to always respect the aquatic flora and fauna.
Among friends:
Snorkelling in Lotu, a beautiful underwater immersion to discover Corsican nature, followed by a magnificent coastal hike on the Douaniers trail, then a sunset in Nonza before ending with an evening in Bastia. Everything you need to fully enjoy the charm and atmosphere of Corsica with friends.
In short, wonderful opportunities to get out, chat about this and that, go for a drink… a truly convivial moment that does you good, especially when on holiday with friends.
Key points to remember
- Tamarone: wild + scenic hiking
- Saleccia and Lotu: Caribbean duo from the Agriates
- Nonza: unique mineral landscape
- Erbalunga and Pietracorbara: gentle, close by and easy
What water sports can you do in Corsica?
There are many water sports you can enjoy on the Isle of Beauty, ranging from snorkelling to jet skiing and even parasailing. I invite you to read the following article to find out what the campsites have to offer, as well as the various activities available from the island’s professionals!
How about enjoying the sea just a stone’s throw from your accommodation?
These are fragile areas. Choose sea shuttles to visit the Agriates, take your rubbish away with you, stay on the paths and avoid lighting fires. Aim for the late season for a gentler impact and a more peaceful experience.
Merendella Campsite — Moriani-Plage ★★★★
A 4-star campsite by the sea, with direct access to the beach and a water park 45 minutes south of Bastia. Discover new beaches:
Nearby:
– Moriani Beach (on site)
– Poggio-Mezzana Beach (5 minutes by car)
– Prunete Beach (15 minutes by car)
→ Ideal for families who want everything on site: sea, swimming pool and entertainment.
FAQ about the wild coves of Cap Corse
Conclusion
Cap Corse offers a rare density of unspoilt landscapes and coves. By setting up your base camp at one of CorsicaCamping.com’s partner campsites, you’ll save time on travel, simplify access to shuttle buses and enjoy the sea as soon as you wake up. For a smooth stay: book your accommodation on CorsicaCamping.com, then organise two key days, Agriates by boat and D80 to Nonza. Looking for a comfortable seaside location with direct beach access and activities: Book your stay at Camping Merendella in Moriani-Plage. Then let Corsica do the rest. .
Do you know why Corsica is called the Isle of Beauty?
Corsica has been nicknamed the Isle of Beauty since the 19th century, due to the richness and diversity of its landscapes. Nowhere else in the Mediterranean can you find such a concentration of idyllic beaches, wild mountains, unspoilt forests, fragrant scrubland and secluded coves.
It is also an easily accessible destination: from mainland Britain, there are several means of transport that allow you to get there quickly and cheaply, whether by ferry or plane. In just a few hours, you can leave everyday life behind for a complete change of scenery, with no language barriers or complicated formalities, but with that special charm for which Corsica is renowned.
If this article has made you want to find out more, feel free to check out the website’s blog: Head to the Blog to plan your trip! You’ll find ideas, advice and inspiration for organising your next holiday in Corsica, close to unspoilt nature, and enjoying everything this island has to offer.
Appendix and source:
- Photo credit and sources:
Municipality of Pietracorbara
Wikipedia
France 3 Corse ViaStella
