Tamaricciu BeachFrance Beach Guide
Wild white sand cove reached only on foot or by boat
About
Plage de Tamaricciu sits on the Île de la Folaca near Porto-Vecchio, on Corsica's eastern coast, and it earns its reputation for wildness honestly. Around 849 metres of pale white sand curve between granite boulders that frame the shoreline like natural sculpture, while a canopy of tamarisk trees throws dappled shade across the beach. The water is turquoise and the swimming is safe. There are no permanent facilities here — no beach bars, no sunbed rentals, nothing — and that absence is precisely the point. You reach it on foot or by boat, which keeps the atmosphere quiet and the sand relatively uncrowded even in high summer.
How to get there
You can reach Tamaricciu by car and a short walk — roadside parking or paid car parks are available nearby, and it's roughly a 5-minute walk to the beach from there. Alternatively, hike the 20-minute trail from the Palombaggia car park (paid), which is a satisfying approach through the maquis. A seasonal bus stops at Palombaggia, also about 20 minutes on foot from the beach. There is no road access onto the beach itself, and no facilities once you arrive — boat access is another option for those arriving from the water.
Who it's for
For couples
The walk-in-only access and quiet atmosphere make Tamaricciu one of the more genuinely private stretches of sand near Porto-Vecchio — find a spot under the tamarisk shade and the granite boulders do the rest of the work.
For families
Safe swimming and a long stretch of pale sand give families plenty of room, but come fully prepared: there are no facilities, no snack bars, and no lifeguard, so this suits families who are comfortable being self-sufficient for the day.
Our take
Tamaricciu is the beach you come to Porto-Vecchio for and then quietly keep to yourself. The walk-in-only access filters out anyone unwilling to make a small effort, and the reward is pale white sand, turquoise water, and granite scenery that feels genuinely wild. There is no lifeguard, so treat the water with respect — conditions are generally safe, but you are on your own out here. Bring everything you need and take everything back with you; the beach has no facilities and its character depends entirely on visitors respecting that. June through September is the window for reliable warm weather. Worth every step of the walk.
What to do
The walk from Plage de Palombaggia — about 1 km away — is the classic approach to Tamaricciu and worth doing in its own right. From there you can explore the Îles Cerbicale Nature Reserve, a protected offshore archipelago accessible by boat tour roughly 4 km away. Porto-Vecchio's Old Town, with its Genoese citadel, ramparts, restaurants and artisan shops, is about 16 km away and makes a rewarding half-day excursion.
The granite boulders at the water's edge are the signature shot — position yourself low on the sand to frame the turquoise water between the rocks.
The tamarisk grove canopy looking back from the shoreline gives a second strong frame, especially in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.
Where to eat
There are no food or drink options on the beach itself, so pack a proper picnic. Back near the Palombaggia area you'll find several options within easy reach: Tamaricciu, Costa Marina (Italian), and Playa Baggia are all around 0.4 km away, while Sea Lounge is about 0.5 km and Le Petit Chose roughly 0.6 km.
Where to stay
The closest options sit within the Palombaggia area: Résidence Belvédère de Palombaggia is about 1.5 km away, and Les Bergeries de Palombaggia is around 1.9 km. Further options include Littariccia at 2.2 km and both La Palombaggia and Ambassador at around 2.3 km.
Photography
The best shots combine the granite boulders in the foreground with the turquoise water behind — arrive early in the morning when the light is soft and the beach is at its quietest. The tamarisk canopy filtering afternoon light onto the pale sand is another strong composition, especially when the trees frame a view out to sea.
Good to know
There is no lifeguard on this beach, so swim within your comfort level and keep an eye on children in the water. The beach has absolutely no permanent facilities — bring everything you need, including food, water, and sun protection. Pack out all your waste; the beach's wild character depends on every visitor leaving it as they found it. The footpath through the maquis is not accessible by wheelchair.
Map
Nearby places
Costa Marina
Playa Baggia
Tamaricciu
Sea Lounge
Le Petit Chose
Résidence Belvédère de Palombaggia
Les Bergeries de Palombaggia
Littariccia
La Palombaggia
Ambassador
Plage de Posidonie
Plage de Palombaggia
Îles Cerbicale Nature Reserve
Porto-Vecchio Old Town
Things to see around Porto-Vecchio
Plage de Palombaggia
Iconic pink-sand pine-backed beach, starting point for the walk to Tamaricciu.
Îles Cerbicale Nature Reserve
Protected offshore archipelago accessible by boat tour.
Porto-Vecchio Old Town
Genoese citadel with ramparts, restaurants and artisan shops.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other wild beaches in France
More beaches in Corsica
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.