The best beaches for snorkelling in Corsica

Corsica doesn't just have beautiful beaches for lounging — it also has rich underwater life that you can discover with nothing more than a mask and snorkel. The secret lies in the combination of rocky coastlines, clear water, and protected nature reserves. Wherever rocks break through the sand, you'll find fish, sea urchins, and sometimes even small cuttlefish. Below are the best snorkelling spots, from north to south.

Northern Corsica

Plage de la Roya (Saint-Florent)

One of the best snorkelling spots in the north. In the middle of the bay sits a striking large rock, surrounded by a rare Posidonia barrier reef. Remarkably large fish swim around this rock. In calm weather you can easily spend an hour snorkelling here. The beach is easily accessible from the harbour of Saint-Florent. Avoid the height of summer though, as many boats anchor here.

Plage de Lotu (Agriates desert)

This wild beach on the coast of the Agriates desert is only accessible by boat (shuttle from Saint-Florent, 30 minutes) or via a long hike along the coastal path. Along the coast lie countless small rocks that are ideal for exploring with a snorkel. Bring water and food, as there are no facilities.

Punta di Spanu (Lumio)

Near this cape lie four small bays where you can snorkel superbly. The rocks have remarkable shapes and harbour many small fish. Watch out for sea urchins. The bays are little known and therefore wonderfully quiet. Park near the first two bays; you reach the other two via a short path along the coast.

Plage de Farinole (Cap Corse)

Facing the sea, head to the right, over the rocks. A bit further along you'll find a sheltered spot where you can leave your things in the shade. In the water, silvery fish of all shapes and sizes swim past. With a bit of luck you'll spot small cuttlefish.

Plage de Ghjunchitu (near Ile-Rousse)

On the south side of this beach, near the Junquidou restaurant, there's a stretch of rocks with small sandy bays. Among the rocks grows a dense underwater flora where all sorts of small fish swim about. Easy to access: you simply walk into the water from the beach.

Southern Corsica

Iles Lavezzi

The undisputed number one in Corsica. This archipelago of rocky islets between Corsica and Sardinia is teeming with underwater life. The name Lavezzi means "stone heap," and that explains everything: rocks everywhere, and fish everywhere that are used to humans. Accessible by boat from Bonifacio. Try the beach at Achiarina on the island of Lavezzu.

Plage de Palombaggia (Porto-Vecchio)

Near the rocky sections of this famous beach, especially on the north side, the snorkelling is surprisingly good. The clear water and varied seabed support a fine variety of fish species.

Plage de Rondinara

Along the two rocky headlands that enclose the semicircular bay, you can explore the coast underwater. Snorkelling opportunities within the bay itself are limited due to Posidonia grass and boat traffic, but along the edges it's well worth it.

Plage de Canella (near Favone)

An accessible sandy bay where you can snorkel along the rocks on the left side. Plenty of fish along the rocky seabed. Suitable for all ages.

Plage de Roccapina

Sheltered by two rock walls that plunge into the sea. It's along these very rocks that snorkelling is a delight. The beach is less crowded than other spots, partly due to the somewhat trickier access. Combine it with a visit to the Torra di Roccapina.

Tip Bring water shoes. Many snorkelling spots have rocky entries and sea urchins are common. A simple mask and snorkel is all you need — you don't have to go deep to see plenty.