Plage de la Pinède (Calvi): 4km of sand beneath parasol pines facing the Citadelle

The setting: 4km of sand, citadelle in the background

The beach extends for approximately 4km between Calvi’s marina and the mouth of the Figarella. It is lined with a pinewood of century-old parasol pines, which provides rare shade on Corsican beaches, particularly valued in summer.

The sand is white and fine, the seabed descends on a very gentle slope (ideal for children and occasional swimmers), and the water has remarkable transparency in calm conditions. The panorama from the beach is unique: the Citadelle de Calvi to the south-west rising on its rocky outcrop, and beyond it the chain of the interior Balagne.

Access: marina, train, free parking

Three access options, to be chosen according to your stay:

The Pinède car park, with direct access, free, beneath the parasol pines. This is the most straightforward option. Well-sized, it reaches capacity during peak season around 11am.

The pedestrian path from Calvi harbour, approximately 10 minutes’ walk along the marina. Ideal for visitors staying in the upper town or citadelle.

The beach train (« Tramway de la Balagne »), which serves several stops along the gulf between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse. Several departures daily in season, modest fare.

When to visit

The advantage of the beach’s length is that it absorbs visitor numbers without becoming overwhelming: even at peak August, one can move a few hundred metres away to find more space.

The best times:

Before 11am: soft light, calmer water, easy parking.

After 5pm: fewer visitors, shade from the pines lengthening, golden light on the citadelle.

In June and September, optimal conditions (water still warm at 22-24°C, modest visitor numbers).

In low season, the beach remains very beautiful for strolling and photography, cooler water but the beach near deserted.

Dining on site

Several beach shacks and restaurants are scattered along the shoreline, from the simplest to gastronomic establishments. The classics:

Tao Beach, lounge atmosphere, Mediterranean cuisine.

L’Acqua Vita, restaurant with sand underfoot, fish and grilled meats.

Several snack bars more reasonably priced along the promenade, perfect for a quick sandwich.

Reservation recommended at midday in July-August, particularly at the most popular beach shacks.

Water sports

The Pinède is one of Corsica’s best-equipped beaches for water sports:

Paddle, kayak and pedalo rentals at several points along the shoreline.

Sailing schools and windsurfing, ideal for beginners thanks to the gulf’s moderate winds.

Scuba diving, with several clubs based at the harbour offering excursions to the rocky seabeds nearby.

Water-skiing and towed buoys in season.

The Citadelle just above

The geographical advantage of the Pinède is that it is directly connected to the foot of the Citadelle. A twenty-minute climb from the beach allows one to visit the Genoese Citadelle (13th-16th century), the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and to return via the marina. A half-day outing that combines beach, heritage and dining at the harbour.

Planning a stay in Calvi

AEC Collection selects and represents premium villas and apartments in Calvi and Balagne. Plage de la Pinède is accessible on foot from most Calvi properties, and remains one of the leading references for seaside stays in Upper Corsica.