The most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio stretch from the gulf of Pinarello, to the north, down to Rondinara, already in the municipality of Bonifacio. Pale sand, turquoise water, umbrella pines or red rocks: each has its own character, access conditions and best time of day. Here is a practical overview, beach by beach, with journey times from Pinarello.
North of the gulf: Pinarello, Fautea and Saint-Cyprien
Pinarello, the pine-wood beach
Fringed by a large maritime pine wood, Pinarello beach offers fine sand and shallow water stretching far out, making it very popular with families. Opposite, a square Genoese tower, a rare silhouette in Corsica, stands on the island of Pinarellu. Free parking spaces line the pine wood. To find out all about access, the tower and village life, read our complete guide to Pinarello beach.
Fautea, two beaches and a round tower
About 9 km north of Pinarello (11 minutes’ drive), Fautea has two beaches: the northern one, with more facilities, and the southern one, wilder. A round 16th-century Genoese tower overlooks the site. From the south beach, a waymarked path follows the coast to the wild beach of Lavu Santu in about thirty minutes, according to the Zonza tourist office.
Saint-Cyprien and Cala Rossa
About 8 km from Pinarello (12 minutes), Saint-Cyprien beach, in the municipality of Lecci, combines white sand, turquoise water and red rock, with a gentle slope that children love. A little further on, about 10 km away, Cala Rossa bay marks the northern entrance to the gulf of Porto-Vecchio, with the Aiguilles de Bavella as a backdrop.
South of Porto-Vecchio: Palombaggia and its neighbours
Palombaggia is undoubtedly the most photographed beach in the region. The Conservatoire du littoral, which protects part of the site, describes its tall, century-old umbrella pines, its pale granite rounded by erosion and, offshore, the Cerbicale islands, part of the Bouches de Bonifacio nature reserve. The peninsula actually has several beaches: I Pini, Cala di Lume, Tamaricciu and Acciaghju further south, with fine sand, dunes and porphyry rocks.
Allow about 28 km and 40 minutes from Pinarello, via Porto-Vecchio. Cala di Lume beach has a lifeguard post in July and August.
Santa Giulia and Rondinara, on the road to Bonifacio
South of the gulf, the round bay of Santa Giulia opens to the east, at the foot of the San Rafaellu massif. Its calm, shallow water forms a true lagoon, ideal for a gentle swim, and the beach is one of the busiest water-sports hubs in the area. It is about 25 km from Pinarello, or 35 minutes by road without traffic jams.
Further on, about 37 km away (50 minutes), Rondinara forms a rounded, shell-shaped cove whose two points almost seem to touch. The water is calm and the sand slopes gently. The last stretch, narrow and winding, is about 7 km from the main road, and the car park is paying.
Which Porto-Vecchio beach should you choose?
- With young children: Pinarello, Santa Giulia and Saint-Cyprien, for their shallow water and gentle slope.
- For shade: the Pinarello pine wood, or the umbrella pines lining Palombaggia.
- For supervised swimming: Santa Giulia and Cala di Lume (Palombaggia) in July and August, from 11:30 to 18:00 according to the Porto-Vecchio tourist office, as well as Saint-Cyprien, where the municipality of Lecci reports a lifeguard post with a lifeguard in July and August.
- For walking: the coastal path between Fautea and Lavu Santu.
- For accessibility: several beaches have access mats and beach wheelchairs, notably Ruscana in Pinarello and Saint-Cyprien (“Una Piaghja per Tutti” scheme), Santa Giulia and Cala di Lume.
Practical tips for the beaches in summer
The Porto-Vecchio tourist office points out that some beaches have paying car parks in high season and advises arriving before 9:30 in July and August. Prices and periods change from year to year: check them on site. Summer shuttles also link Porto-Vecchio bus station to Palombaggia and Santa Giulia in July and August; their timetables are published each season on the tourist office website.
- Swim in the areas marked by buoys, during supervised hours where there are any.
- Respect the posidonia banks: these washed-up dead leaves protect the beaches from erosion.
- On Conservatoire du littoral land, camping, bivouacking, fires and motor vehicles are prohibited.
- Rules for dogs vary: allowed on a lead on Porto-Vecchio’s beaches, they are banned from 1 May to 30 September on those of Zonza, including Pinarello.
- Take water, sun protection, shoes for the rocks and a bag for your rubbish.
In July and August, all the journey times given increase considerably, especially around Porto-Vecchio. If you are also visiting the town, our article on things to do in Porto-Vecchio will help you combine beach and old town in the same day.
Staying at Le Petit Pinarello to explore the beaches
In the hamlet of Pinarello, our 200 m² villa is about 200 m from the beach, within walking distance. Come back from Palombaggia or Santa Giulia to the heated saltwater pool of about 50 m², the jacuzzi and the Mediterranean garden with summer kitchen and OFYR brazier. Its five bedrooms, including two master suites, sleep up to 10 guests; if you are travelling as a group, see our guide to planning a stay for 10 in South Corsica.
Discover the villa and its bedrooms, take a look at our rates (from 650 € per night), then check availability and book your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Which Porto-Vecchio beaches have lifeguards in summer?
According to the Porto-Vecchio tourist office, Santa Giulia and Cala di Lume (Palombaggia) beaches have a lifeguard post from 1 July to 31 August, with supervision from 11:30 to 18:00. The municipality of Lecci also reports a lifeguard post with a lifeguard at Saint-Cyprien in July and August.
Which is the best beach in Porto-Vecchio for children?
Pinarello, Santa Giulia and Saint-Cyprien are often recommended for families for their shallow water and gentle slope. Pinarello also offers the shade of its pine wood.
Do you have to pay to park at Porto-Vecchio’s beaches?
Some beaches have paying car parks in high season, while others, such as along the Pinarello pine wood, offer free parking. Prices change every year: in July and August, the tourist office advises arriving before 9:30.
