Plage de Rondinara: the perfect half-moon bay
Rondinara has been voted the most beautiful beach in France on multiple occasions, and the moment you first see the bay, you immediately understand why. The almost perfectly semicircular shape resembles a seashell: two headlands embrace a calm lagoon of turquoise water and fine white sand. It's a beach you recognise from aerial photos, because they appear on virtually every Corsican postcard.
What makes Rondinara so appealing isn't just the shape. The two headlands nearly enclose the bay completely, keeping the water remarkably calm. The slope is gentle, the water shallow and warm. That makes it an ideal spot for families with young children. The wide strip of sand also provides plenty of space, even in high season.
The drive there
The bay is located exactly halfway between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, about 18 to 20 kilometres from both towns. From Bonifacio, take the T10 towards Bastia and turn right after 16 kilometres onto the D158, towards Suartone/Rondinara. This narrow mountain road winds 3 kilometres through the interior before descending to the coast. The drive is spectacular: the moment you see the bay from above is unforgettable.
The car park has space for several hundred cars. In summer you pay 5 euros for a day ticket at the wooden kiosk at the entrance. After 6 pm, parking is usually free. The beach is a short walk from the car park.
Two beaches in one
Besides the main beach, there's a second, much less crowded crescent-shaped beach on the right side. You reach it via a path through the maquis. The sand is coarser and the sea slightly less calm, but it's much more peaceful. From this path you can also take short walks in the surrounding hills.
Tip Turn right at the kiosk for the second, quieter beach. Turn left for the well-known main beach. On busy days, the difference is striking.
Facilities
On the beach you can hire pedalos and there's a pontoon for boats. Right next to the beach is Restaurant de la Plage (also known as Chez Ange), which is open from mid-May to late September. During the day you can get crepes, paninis, and grilled meat, and in the evening there's a more extensive fish menu with views over the bay. Booking is recommended, as tables fill up quickly in season.
Cows on the beach
A quirky sight: a small herd of cows regularly wanders along the beach. Mainly outside peak season, but also in summer. It's an amusing spectacle, but keep your distance and watch out with children.
Best time to visit
As with all popular beaches in the south: avoid the midday crowds in July and August. Outside peak season, you may have this bay entirely to yourself. The water is warm enough for swimming from June through October.