The 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in Bastia and the Surrounding Area

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Bastia boasts a unique natural setting where the turquoise waters contrast with the rugged landscape of Cap Corse. The surrounding area offers a wide variety of beaches, ranging from long stretches of fine sand to secluded coves.
Here is a selection of the 5 most beautiful beaches in Bastia and the surrounding area, perfect for a swim or a seaside getaway.

Lido de la Marana Beach

South of Bastia, this large sandy beach is located on a lagoon spit that separates the Bigulia Lagoon from the coastline. This 16-kilometer-long sandbar offers a landscape unique to Corsica. With its large pine forest bordering the beach and the unspoiled landscapes of the lagoon, La Marana is home to a wild and enchanting ecosystem. The beach is also appealing for its accessibility, close to the city, and the feeling of space even during the summer. It is a beach that has always been loved and frequented by families from Bastia, whether for the simple pleasures of relaxing by the sea or strolling along the shore, for family outings featuring a “merendella”—the picnic beloved by Corsicans—or for outdoor sports activities. Here, there’s something for everyone: beach bars where you can enjoy a drink with music while your feet dangle in the water, or, conversely, peace and quiet for those seeking contemplation and tranquility.

The beaches of Cap Corse

A few miles north of Bastia, the charming village of Erbalunga is home to a small pebble beach at the foot of its Genoese tower. The atmosphere here is authentic and intimate, ideal for enjoying the charm of Cap Corse in a picturesque setting. The site has always been appreciated for its timeless atmosphere, the clarity of its waters, and its light. Many painters and artists have found a refuge here to capture inspiration. A true gateway to Cap Corse, Erbalunga is a stop that won’t disappoint you; the beach and the village blend seamlessly, and you can easily go for a swim followed by a stroll through the narrow streets to relax in the shade of an ice cream shop’s terrace.
Still on the east coast of Cap Corse, as you continue north, you’ll discover the hilltop village of Pietracorbara, home to one of the region’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Its clear water, peaceful atmosphere, and expansive shoreline make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike—perfect for a day by the sea. You can gaze out at the Tuscan Archipelago offshore, and on a clear day, all the way to the Italian coast.
Exploring the beaches of Cap Corse also means enjoying this coastal road, where the sea is always right there, and every village or hamlet has its own marina or small port… You can choose to stop whenever you see a spot that catches your eye.

The beaches of Saint-Florent

About 30 minutes from Bastia, the seaside resort of Saint-Florent is renowned for its idyllic beaches. Among them, Saleccia and Le Lotu—accessible by boat or 4×4—rank among the natural gems of the Mediterranean, with their white sand and crystal-clear water.

Nonza Beach

Famous for its black volcanic pebbles, the expansive Nonza Beach, located north of Saint-Florent, offers a spectacular view of the Gulf. Overlooked by the village of the same name, perched on the hillside and protected by its Pauline tower, this beach is unique in Corsica and attracts lovers of extraordinary landscapes. From the village, you can reach the beach via a path that winds along the hillside to the ruins of the old naval base along the coast, from where boats once set sail for Agriate. There you will also find a fountain dedicated to Saint Julie, the patron saint of Corsica.
Nonza Beach is a must-see destination for lovers of unique sites and history buffs, an unmissable stop at the entrance to the west coast of Cap Corse.

With its golden sand, pebbles, and secluded coves, the Bastia region is home to beaches with a variety of atmospheres that appeal to those seeking relaxation, sports enthusiasts, and lovers of unspoiled landscapes alike.
Are you planning to settle in Bastia or the surrounding area? If you’re looking for a home that suits your lifestyle, our real estate agency in Bastia welcomes you, and our team will be happy to assist you with every step of the process.