Are you coming to discover the Island of Beauty? So don't miss visiting the Desert of Agriates!
On the island of paradisiacal and wild, Corsica seduces its visits by its sunny climate, its secret coves, its beaches of dreams and its shredded rocks. Among the wonders of this Mediterranean island obviously stands the Desert of the Agriates, spread almost hostile to Man. This small, indomitable desert summarizes the beauty of Corsica. One of the most beautiful beaches of the island, unbelievable decors and a preserved maquis.
Located northeast of the island of Beauty, the Desert of Agriates is discovered in a thousand ways: on foot, by bike, in 4×4, by boat. Most travelu·rs·ses will rush for its immaculate sand. Others will want to discover the natural treasures hidden in their hearts. So to help you in your adventures, Wanderlix offers you a complete guide to visit the Desert of Agriates as it should be.
The Desert of Agriates in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Ingall
Located northeast of Corsica, between the Balagne microregions to the west and the Nebbio, the Desert of the Agriates is a small desert of 40 kilometers. Once attic of Corsica, since its cultivated lands have long fed the premises, the lands are now deserted. There are almost no signs of habitat or agriculture.
Housing is concentrated mainly along the road. This desert has an impenetrable environment. Mediterranean plants and trees extend here to a loss of sight in a wild setting. There are also craters and vallons, as well as some snowy peaks in winter, with the blue sea and the Cap Corse in the background.
In this Desert of the Agriates, the only humans who usually brave the arid climate are the Corsican shepherds, accompanied by their goats or pigs. But the adventureu·rses adventureu·x·ses will be rewarded with wild, raw and surprising landscapes. Outside the beaten paths, one discovers a unique and preserved nature during walks. The coast also features breathtaking scenery and dreamy beaches.
1. Walking tours
Photo credit: Flickr – fabcom
To visit the Desert des Agriates, you can obviously take mythical hiking trails. The best known and practical is obviously the Littoral Trail , which goes from Saint-Florent to Ostriconi via Ghignu and Saleccia. You will discover through this hike the entire coast cut and sublime of the Agriates.
Attention, however, the path is long. For example, 5h30 walk to make Saint-Florent in Saleccia on foot. Before leaving, take the time to visit a Tourist Office, to find out about the time and to have an updated map.
Some tracks are more steep than others. We also have to get together to visit the Desert of Agriates on foot. Even along the coast, the climate is harsh. So plan good shoes, as well as water in quantity. Also think about wearing a hat, sun cream and sunglasses.
Paths through the desert in itself join the coastal track. You will thus have the opportunity to explore the interior of the desert, with its abundance of superb small areas and extraordinary sites. In the heart of the Desert of the Agriates, the wild, inhospital, raw decors will only allow you to think and stupef.
2. VTT visits
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Giuma
As with walking, the bike is an excellent way to visit the Desert of Agriates. You can choose to come with your own vehicle, or rent it on site. As for a hike, think about distances, predict water and good equipment, as well as a map. The Tourist Office remains your best ally in this adventure.
However, we recommend you go for a guided tour. If you want to learn more about the ecosystem and the peculiarities of the desert, a guided mountain biking is obviously a great option. In addition, you can visit the Desert of Agriates safely and sportily!
Terms and conditions and rates
For mountain biking, count on average 40€ per person. These excursions are often combined with a transport or part of the visit in 4×4. The mountain bike hike can last an hour and a half a day . Please do not hesitate to contact different organizations.
For an electric mountain bike rental, usually count 40€ day and day 30€ Half day. For a standard ATV, prices usually oscillate around 18€ per person.
Whether for rental or for a trip, it is recommended to book well in advance. You will thus avoid the unpleasant surprises.
3. Excursions in 4×4
Photo credit: Facebook – Natura Corsa, Discovery and Excursion in 4×4
To visit the Desert of Agriates more quietly, you can also opt for a 4×4 excursion. This option is certainly one of the best to discover all the wonders of the desert. On the way, you will admire the incredible landscapes of the heart of the Agriates. Your guide may tell you the history of this unique place on occasion, and will teach you more about its particularities.
You will then arrive at the dream beaches of the Agriates. There you can swim, enjoy spectacular views and rest on this immaculate sand. Because the main reason to visit the Desert of Agriates is obviously its beaches, among the most spectacular and most beautiful of the Island of Beauty. Almost wild, totally for some, they will seduce you with their extraordinary frames.
The main ones are the beach Fiume Santo , the beach of Lotu and the beach Saleccia . To access its immaculate shores easily, the 4×4 is one of the best options.
Terms and conditions and rates
To visit the Desert of Agriates and its beautiful beaches, there are several formulas proposed according to the companies. You can opt for a simple round-trip shuttle to Saleccia Beach for example. You will admire the desert landscape on the way, but you will not stop there. For a simple return trip, the rates are usually 25€ by adult, 20€ by child. The shuttles are running from morning to night.
You can also opt for a trip to several beaches. These usually include a hike through the Littoral Trail.
Other excursions focus only on the interior of the land. Others also combine the boat and the 4×4. So take the time to find out before choosing your trip. Don’t hesitate to approach several organizations, and also think about booking for the most complete excursions.
4. Boat trips
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Photoprofi30
To reach the sublime beaches of the Desert of Agriates, but also admire its cut-off coast, you can obviously opt for the boat. As with the 4×4, several formulas are possible: arrival on a beach, hike then departure from a second, for example. Departures are made every day from the port of Saint-Florent. Several shipping companies and shuttles all day are operating all day and almost all year round.
Terms and conditions and rates
The routes are either on a big boat or with pneumatic boats that can accommodate a dozen passengers. The journey lasts on average 20 to 30 minutes to the beaches of the desert of Agriates. For rates, usually count 18€ to 30€ per person depending on the boat and the chosen beach, as well as the period of the year.
5. Discoveries by kayak or paddle
Photo credit: Facebook – Agriates KAYAK
To visit the Desert des Agriates, you can also opt for a guided tour in stand-up paddle or kayak. These excursions usually depart from the beach of Lozari and go to the reserve of the Agriates. Others leave on the side of Saint-Florent and go to the heavenly beaches of the north of the desert. You can also rent your own kayak or paddle, however this option is for the most experienced.
Terms and conditions and rates
For prices, it is better information on site , with the various clubs or with the Office of Local Tourism.
6. Car crossings
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Ingall
The only way through this desert is the D81. Turning south of this extraordinary natural site, the desert offers a view of one of its highest peaks, culminating at less than 500 metres. From this road you will obviously find several smaller tracks that lead to the Agriates coast, north. These tracks are only available for 4×4 vehicles.
However, the D81 is a great road to go. You will find some places to park on the way. In these places you can admire the rocky edges of the desert and its valleys.
7. One night in the Desert of Agriates
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Ingall
To visit the Desert of Agriates and enjoy its unique atmosphere, you can also choose to sleep there. One of the most recommended establishments is Camping U Paradisu, located near Saleccia Beach. This 2-star campsite is intended for preserved nature lovers. Here you can enjoy more of the atmosphere and wild scenery of the Desert of Agriates.
To be closer to civilization, you can also stay near the Ostriconi Beach, just at the entrance of the desert. This beautiful beach is already an argument in itself. Wild, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets. But above all, many charming establishments are in this place. You will then have only the embarrassment of choice for a charming night at the gates of the Desert.
You have arrived at the end of the article. From now on, the organization of your visit can be done without congestion!
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