Bastia and Cap Corse: a paradise of wild coves waiting to be discovered
Le nord de la Corse est une promesse d’évasion simple et forte. Entre routes panoramiques, tours génoises et villages serrés contre la montagne, le Cap Corse cache ce que l’île a de plus précieux : des criques sauvages, des plages secrètes et une mer limpide. Ce guide réunit l’inspiration, les infos pratiques et les meilleurs campings aux alentours des plages, dans le Cap corse, au sud de Bastia ou à proximité de la partie nord de l’île de Beauté !
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
Plage de Saleccia — le paradis isolé
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
Anse plus intime, idéale pour le snorkeling, reliée à Saleccia par un sentier du littoral
Temps de trajet pour s’y rendre :
Saint-Florent → Lotu en navette : environ 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
Plage Corse à l’eau claire et criques alentours, Parfait pour une journée au calme avec la famille.
Temps de trajet pour s’y rendre :
Bastia → Pietracorbara : 20 à 30 minutes en voiture
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:
Oublions les amoureux. L’eau est claire, les fonds peu profonds selon les plages où vous vous rendez. Ce sont de superbes endroits pour que les enfants jouent, pendant que vous choisissez soit de partager leurs jeux, soit de vous laisser bronzer sous le soleil corse. Dans les deux cas, vous et vos enfants rentrerez satisfaits d’une belle journée à la mer.
N’oubliez pas le matériel de plongée pour le snorkeling. En Corse, c’est l’assurance de vivre de très beaux moments en observant, sous cette eau limpide, la vie marine et la chance d’approcher des coraux. Mais attention : toujours dans le respect de la faune et de la flore aquatiques.
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?
Nombreuses sont les activités nautiques que vous pouvez pratiquer sur l’île de Beauté, allant du Snorkeling, en passant par le jet-ski en Corse ou même le parachute ascensionnel. Je vous invite à vous rendre sur l’article suivant pour consulter ce que les campings peuvent vous proposer , mais aussi les différentes activités présentées par les professionnels de l’île !
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 ★★★★
Un camping Corse en bord de mer 4 étoiles, avec accès direct à la plage et à un parc aquatique à 45 minutes au sud de Bastia, découvrez de nouvelles plages :
À proximité :
– Plage de Moriani (sur place)
– Plage de Poggio-Mezzana (5 min en voiture)
– Plage de Prunete (15 min en voiture)
→ Idéal pour les familles qui veulent tout sur place : mer, piscine et animations.
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
