The joy of the sea in the Balagne – the most beautiful beaches in Calvi
The All-rounder: Plage de Calvi (Plage de la Pinède)
The Plage de Calvi stretches all the way to Lumio and stands out for its crystal-clear waters, fine sand and views of the citadel and mountains. The beach is shallow with low waves, so it is ideal for families with children, and in the summer there are also lifeguards on site. The area is also very popular with water sports enthusiasts and athletes. It borders a pine forest on one side, earning it the nickname “Plage de la Pinède”. Our tip: If you want to stay right by the beach, you can do so in the very well-equipped camping village of La Pinède, which is also just a few minutes’ walk from the city – the perfect combination of nature and city life.
Close to Nature: Plage de Bodri
If you’re looking for a quieter beach that’s easy to get to, you should visit the beach at Bodri. It’s located near L’Île-Rousse, about a 30-minute drive from Calvi, and has parking. The beach is surrounded by hills with the typical maquis shrubland and offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling city beaches. The water here is also wonderfully clear and the sand is fine. Our tip: Combine a trip to the beach with an excursion to L’Île-Rousse, visit one of the many cafés or restaurants in the harbour or take a stroll to the La Pietra lighthouse.
Sporty: Plage d’Aregno
The ideal beach for water sports enthusiasts is the Plage d’Aregno, a sandy beach stretching for 2.5 kilometres near the charming village of Algajola. The water here gets deep quickly, and the frequently strong winds provide ideal conditions for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Whilst on one side of the bay, Algajola provides infrastructure with its fortress (well worth a visit), the other side consists of a natural rocky landscape.
Rocky Coves: Punta di Spanu
Along the rocky peninsula halfway between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse, there are several small bays to discover. This place is ideal for holidaymakers who prefer to keep active instead of lying on the beach, as there is only a small stretch of sandy beach here. At Punta di Spanu, you can climb over fascinating rock formations or walk to the Genoese Tower. The bays are also ideal for snorkelling or as a starting point for diving.
Small and Perfectly Formed: Plage de l’Arinella
This sandy beach is near the town of Lumio in Calvi Bay, but is less busy than the main beach. Here, the sand is fine and the water is clear too, so it is great for snorkelling. There are parasols and loungers to rent, and the space is ideal for anyone who wants a quiet day on the beach. The beach faces westward, so you can enjoy a stunning sunset from here! You can also enjoy a bit of variety with a short walk around the top of Caldanu with its rock formations or a visit to the church in Lumio. Note: not to be confused with Plage de l’Arinella near Bastia!
Bringer of Happiness: Plage de Sainte Restitude
Look out, treasure seekers: this picturesque sandy beach, framed by rocks, near the town of Lumio has a lot of “eyes of Saint Lucia” – with a bit of luck you can discover one in the sand. This lucky charm is actually the lid (or “operculum”) of a turban shell and can be found in souvenir shops and jewellery pieces throughout the island. With its calm, clear seas, the beach at Sainte Restitude is also a great choice for children and snorkellers. You can reach it easily by car or train. In the summer, there are parasols and sun loungers for rental as well as lifeguards on the beach.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Plage de l’Ostriconi
If you are looking for a more remote and natural bay with beautiful dunes, or if you want to combine your beach visit with a hike or mountain bike tour in the nature reserve, the beach at Ostriconi is the one for you. It is located at the mouth of the river of the same name and on the edge of the Désert des Agriates: an impressive nature reserve that runs for more than 40 kilometres along the north coast of Corsica. If you want to hike, you can use the coastal hiking trail “Sentier des Douaniers” – once a patrol route for customs officers. Alternatively, you can drive along the old main road to very close by and then walk the small sand path to the beach
Eye-catching: the black beach at Nonza
What many consider the most striking beach in northern Corsica is not volcanic in origin: its colour is due to the residues of a mine that has since been closed. Visitors love leaving symbols or messages with white stones on the dark sand and photographing them from above. The path down to the beach stretches over 150 steep steps. Due to the currents, bathing here is recommended only for experienced swimmers. The beautiful play of colours is best observed from above anyway – without any effort. Other nearby attractions include the cave paintings at Grotta Scritta and the ruins of the San Francescu di Nonza monastery.
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