Visit the beach of Palombaggia

Did you plan to travel to Corsica? We take you to the beach of Palombaggia, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe!

A turquoise water, fine sand and some parasol pines... Do you dream? Then head south of Corsica, a dozen kilometers from Porto-Vecchio, to enjoy this postcard decor.

You can discover the entire surrounding peninsula and enjoy the 2 kilometers of stretch of sand. This wonderful Corsican beach has more surprises with its nautical activities and spots to eat or drink a drink in the water.

Let's go together to visit the beach of Palombaggia!

History of the peninsula

If you have already started research on the island of beauty, the name of Palombaggia has necessarily attracted your attention. And for cause: the beach was elected among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe!

But before being a beach, Palombaggia made more reference to a peninsula formed by the Monte del Cerchio. Infested by mosquitoes carrying malaria, this peninsula has been deserted for many centuries.

Only hunters, in search of “palombs”, frequent the island. It is also its types of birds that will give its name to the beach of Palombaggia.

Finally, it is necessary to wait until the 1940s to see malaria disappear, then the 1970s to see the installation of inhabitants. The place is connected to running water and electricity.

It also becomes better served by road, and thus more accessible. Secondary residences bloom, as well as small bungalows: the place attracts a lot of curious.

Palombaggia officially becomes a high-end and ultra-prised tourist resort with the installation of Figari-Sud-Corse airport in 1975.

Today, Palombaggia is one of the most frequented beaches in Corsica and welcomes tourists coming to enjoy an incredible view of the islands of the Cerbicale Islands.

A protected natural site

Palombaggia is a protected natural site, where the environment is particularly pleasant.

Indeed, the beach is located on the mountainside, and populated by many pine parasols. You can hear the song of birds, and maybe even see a cow lost in this coastal forest.

Aquatic fauna also makes the name of Palombaggia, as the spot is particularly fishy. The water being translucent, you can admire many multicolored fish that sneak between the rocks.

As you walk from the coast, you can also see silvered fish benches, saupes, and some sea stars. And if you like the challenges, go in search of the siphonostoma: a submarine species that camouflages!

What to see and what to do in Palombaggia?

Walking on the coast

Long 2 km, the beach of Palombaggia offers a very pleasant ride, feet in the water. You can walk along the coast to the south, to reach Punta de Colombara.

There, rocks replace the fine sand, and offer a unique panorama.

During this walk you will also cross Tamaricciu, a beautiful white sand beach. The southern part is wilder, and therefore ideal in high frequency times.

After your health walk, you will have the leisure of sunbathing for a fierce afternoon. Don’t forget your sun cream because even if the beach is shaded, the sun sometimes hits very hard! Close your eyes, then let yourself be rocked by the noise of the water...

Swim in turquoise water

During a visit to Palombaggia, you will enjoy swimming in its paradise water. The sea is usually very quiet: so you can swim safely and observe, without necessarily mask, the fish around you.

The color of the water is particularly pleasant, and worthy of the most beautiful island scenery. Take with you a waterproof camera to make impressive submarine clichés!

Snorkeling or diving

If you like underwater adventure, then you fell to the right place.

Indeed, the beach of Palombaggia is ideal for practicing snorkeling. This practice allows to admire aquatic flora and fauna.

Under water, with your mask and tuba, you will see fish benches, including particularly colorful species. In rocky areas, submarine activity is intensifying.

Also, do not hesitate to practice snorkeling near the Cerbicale Islands Archipelago! These islands are uninhabited and are therefore a natural reserve not to be missed during a visit to the beach of Palombaggia. They have the finest fish species in the area.

In addition, to avoid accidents, we recommend snorkeling via a local agency or a private guide.

Go on adventure in jet-ski

We warned you: nautical activities are important on the side of Palombaggia. You can enjoy a calm sea to make jet-ski and experience incredible sensations!

If you have never handled such a vehicle, many agencies offer initiations to familiarize yourself with this sea scooter. The important thing is to enjoy safely.

If you are adventurous and that time allows, it is also possible for you to make real water hikes in jet-ski to discover Palombaggia and the surrounding spots.

Indeed, you can discover the spots near Palombaggia like Santa Giulia, and discover the Cerbicale Islands or Tahiti Beach and Porto Novo. Some hikes last between 3 and 4 hours and are ideal to familiarize yourself with the southern Corsican coast.

When to visit Palombaggia?

May to September

The most popular period of tourists ranges from May to September. Indeed, the summer period is ideal for refreshing bathing and intensive tanning sessions. This is the season where the beach of Palombaggia is the most populous.

Don’t hesitate to book your accommodation in advance. Also, walk a few meters to explore quieter corners of Palombaggia.

October to April

You want to enjoy this postcard decor in the off-season? Then go, you won't regret it! The beach of Palombaggia is quieter during this period. So you can enjoy a quiet and zen environment.

The temperature is still clement enough to bathe and enjoy filling vitamin D.

How to access the beach of Palombaggia?

By car

You can reach Palombaggia from Porto-Vecchio by car. The journey is 12 km and hard about 20 minutes . From Bonifaccio, located in 36 km from the place 36 minutes without jam .

Once on site, you can park your vehicle in one free parking and shaded Near the north side. On the other hand, the latter is very quickly filled in high season. If you don’t find a place, you will have the opportunity to park nearby, in a Pay area .

Note also that some private paid parking lots offer purchase vouchers in restaurants and bars for the price. They are therefore a costly alternative but sometimes profitable if you want to consume.

By bus

If the car is not an option to go to the beach of Palombaggia, opt for an equally functional plan B: the bus! There are indeed buses from Porto-Vecchio to reach Palombaggia.

You'll pay about 6 € the simple journey , and several shuttles make the trip every day. To learn more about this option, visit the website corsicar .

Are there combined visits?

You can discover the beach of Santa Giulia which is located at a 15 minutes by car from Palombaggia. A second beach, Cala Rossa , is also accessible from the Palombaggia Peninsula. We have to count about 30 minutes to reach it.

Also, Palombaggia allows you to discover the islands of the Cerbicale by taking a jet-ski or by boating. As we mentioned, they are home to an incredible fauna and flora.

We invite you to navigate around these six islands that are part of a protected nature reserve. Maybe you'll even see a lizard or a turtle?

Finally, you can combine a visit of Palombaggia with a discovery of the city of Porto-Vecchio. The “city of salt” is the third most populous commune of the island. It is obviously a must-see place in Corsica.

Porto-Vecchio is a particularly rich heritage city, with a citadel and prehistoric sites that are worth one or more days' visit.

In addition, if you spend a day in Palombaggia, you can then reach Porto-Vecchio at nightfall to enjoy its nightclub Via Notte and chill your stay.

The right addresses

Se loger

There are several options to stay close to the beach of Palombaggia. First, you can choose to stay in a hotel, such as Ambassador Palombaggia .

The latter is located in 340 meters from the beach and is faithful to local architecture. However, there is a large budget to stay in this luxury hotel and enjoy its luxurious garden and pool.

If you have a lower budget, you can rent a villa near the beach. Some are available for rent on Airbnb or via Booking like the villa The Lofts which also offers access to a private pool.

Finally, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the campsites to stay in a natural and wild environment. You can, for example, discover the family camping U Pirellu located on the peninsula, 5 kilometres Palombaggia.

In the summer, warmth makes the campsite particularly pleasant.

Restaurants

If you want to eat the feet in the water, you will have several options around the beach of Palombaggia. For example, you can enjoy fish and seafood at the Cala di Lume .

A little further on the beach is Playa Baggia for lunch directly on the sand. Don’t hesitate to have dinner at sunset! Otherwise, several restaurants and bars will welcome you with pleasure to restore you.

Conquered by a visit to the beach of Palombaggia? On your sunglasses, ready, go!