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A Guide to the Best Corsica Beaches – Loto and Saleccia Beach

On the edge of the Désert des Agriates lies a secret known only to locals and savvy visitors. This rocky and wild, yet surprisingly lush landscape gives way to two of the most beautiful Corsica beaches.

These impossibly perfect shorelines are those of Saleccia beach and Loto beach (also spelt Lotu). Their remoteness and relative inaccessibility mean they remain mercifully unspoiled – giving them a rare charm that is hard to come by elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Related Reading: Best Places to Stay in Corsica


The Best Beaches in Corsica, France

I know what you’re thinking. Yes, on an island known as l’Île de beauté (the island of beauty), it’s incredibly hard to make the call about Corsica’s best beaches! But trust me, you won’t want to miss these unspoilt gems.

They may take a little more work to get to (more on that later), but the reward is oh so worth it. Let me introduce you to Loto and Saleccia beaches in Corsica.

Saleccia Beach

Plage de Saleccia was once the landing spot for submarines feeding the Resistance with supplies during the war – its concealed location perfect for clandestine operations.

These days the 1km long stretch of fine white sand is only home to intrepid visitors and the occasional chocolate coloured cow napping contentedly.

Walk the beaten path through the pines near the northern end of the beach (look for the pole rising out above the trees) and you’ll find a small rustic looking snack bar.

Plage de Saleccia, Corsica, France. How to get to Saleccia Beach
Getting to Saleccia Beach in Corsica with Saleccia Off Road

Lotu/Loto Beach

Plage de Loto lies around the headland to the east of Saleccia beach. The water that gently laps the sunkissed sand is some of the purest in Corsica.

Low hills swathed in heavily scented maquis surround the beach offering shelter from the sometimes strong winds. More wild than Saleccia beach, there are no snack bars or camping areas to be found near Loto beach. The bay is completely devoid of human touch, save for a track extending from the bush to the beach.

Loto Beach in Corsica. Getting to Lotu Beach.
Plage de Loto, Corse. Visiting Corsicas best beaches in the North

Exploring Corsica’s Best Beaches

“There aren’t any ferries running today – the seas are too rough”

Needless to say, after lusting over images of Corsica’s beaches for the best part of a week, these were not the words I wanted to hear. The abject disappointment was written all over my face, prompting my husband to pick up his phone again in search of a solution.

It was our last full day on Corsica and I was determined to make it to Saleccia beach. Even if it meant tramping there on foot! As luck would have it, the boat ban was actually a blessing! We found our way to the beaches via the fantastic team at Saleccia Off Road and enjoyed an afternoon exploring in near solitude.

Corsicas best beaches for kids, Saleccia and Loto

How to get to Loto and Saleccia Beach

The quickest and easiest way to get to Saleccia and Loto Beach is via ferry. These ‘Taxi-Boats‘ depart the port at Saint-Florent and deposit you at Saleccia about 20 minutes later. The ferries run hourly during the quieter months of May, June, September and October. This increases to half-hourly during the peak months of July & August. You can jump off the ferry at one beach, walk to the other and catch the ferry back to Saint-Florent at the end of the day.

Another option is to take a 4×4 tour to the beaches. Granted this wasn’t our first choice, but in hindsight, I’d highly recommend travelling this way!

Instead of being ferried into and out of Saleccia with no knowledge of what lies beyond the scenic shores, the tour allowed us to get to know the vast area known (somewhat deceivingly) as the desert. Our tour driver was brilliant at educating us about the history and heritage of the area. From the individual scents of the maquis, to learning about the crumbling former shepherds’ settlements.

Off-roading to Saleccia and Loto Beach. Driving to Saleccia and Loto in a 4x4

If you want to DIY it – you can hire a 4X4 vehicle or quad bike and drive to the beach yourself. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re an experienced off-roader! The track down is hazardous and unforgiving. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to take your own car down to the beach.

We naively tried this on our first day on the island and swiftly realised that if we continued the only way we’d be getting out was with the help of a tow truck! FYI – if you do get stuck on the track, it’ll set you back a cool €1,000 to get towed out – and it’s unlikely to be refunded by your insurance company.

The last option is to walk to the beach. While this would no doubt be a rewarding experience, it takes approx 3-4 hours each way so doesn’t allow much time to enjoy the reward at the other end.

Walking Between Saleccia and Loto Beaches

There are two tracks connecting Saleccia and Loto beach in Corsica. A small coastal path, and the broader 4×4 track. The latter cuts across the headland and will take you around 45 mins to walk. The coastal path is the scenic option – it takes slightly longer at around 1 hour 15, but with time to enjoy the view on the way.

We chose the coastal path which was an easy walk (even with a 20kg preschooler catching a ride!) through a diverse landscape of tree-topped canopies and grassy plains. It winds its way past petite beaches wedged between promontories that resemble mini Calanques. Don’t bother packing your hiking shoes for this walk – your flip-flops will suffice!

Best beaches in Corsica, Loto and Saleccia Beach in northern Corsica/.

Final Tips for Visiting Loto and Saleccia Beach

You’re going to want to spend the better part of a day exploring Corsica’s best beaches, so pack accordingly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, food, water, a good book, towel – and of course, your swimmers!

There isn’t anywhere to seek shade under a harsh midday sun. So if you can, consider also bringing a small sun umbrella (or pop-up tent for smaller explorers).


There’s no doubt the trip to Saleccia and Loto Beaches was one of the highlights of our time in Corsica. My only regret is not going earlier so we could have had more time to relax in the exquisite surroundings! Maybe next time…

Psst… If you’re looking for other amazing and unique things to do in Corsica, read my post on Cruising to Corsica’s Calanques de Piana with Corse Emotion!

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Corsica has many beautiful beaches. But two of the most exquisite are hidden behind the wilderness of the Desert des Agriates. Find out how to visit Saleccia and Loto beaches in Corsica!
A guide to Corsica's best beaches. Find out where they are and how to get to Saleccia & Loto beaches. #france #corsica #beaches
Corsica has many beautiful beaches. But two of the most exquisite are hidden behind the wilderness of the Desert des Agriates. Find out how to visit Saleccia and Loto beaches in Corsica!

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Jeremy

Sunday 27th of June 2021

We actually took the rental car down that hellish road and although we made it, it sure was a stressful experience.

There's a camping by the beach and we were told it's the only road available, so all camping guests with cars similar to ours took that road.

Nadine Maffre

Saturday 17th of July 2021

Good to know, thanks. Not a road I would have enjoyed driving!

Steven

Monday 30th of September 2019

Thanks for this. Very useful. Off to both tomorrow.

Nadine Maffre

Thursday 3rd of October 2019

Have an amazing time!

Ben

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Brilliant Nadine - thank you for writing this blog/website! We're leaving in 2 days and will definitely head down there! Might even brave the roads ourselves. Will also give Corse Emotion a shout for Calanques de Piana :)

Nadine Maffre

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Hi Ben, you're most welcome :-) I'm glad you found it useful and I hope you have an amazing time in Corsica!

GGG

Wednesday 12th of July 2017

Great article! Nice idea to take 4x4, I know my car struggled on many of the tiny windy roads leading to the off the beaten track beaches - thanks :)

Nadine Maffre

Sunday 16th of July 2017

It's always a bit disconcerting off-roading in a car that's not made for it! ;-)

Phoebe | Lou Messugo

Sunday 4th of June 2017

I'm always bowled over by Corsica's beauty. I've only been once and loved it, swearing to go back soon, and that was about 8 years ago. Where does time go? These 2 beaches look amazing, thanks for sharing your lovely photos and tips on how to get there. The 4x4 safari sounds great fun. Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance

Nadine Maffre

Sunday 16th of July 2017

Yes time flies doesn't it! I'd love to get back sometime soon too, as we only had a short time to explore... But there's always 'life' getting in the way ;-)

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