Travel book · Corse

Plage de la Viva in Porticcio: 2km of golden sand facing the Sanguinaires

Updated on 5 October 2026 3 min read

The Plage de la Viva is the main beach of Porticcio, stretching through the heart of the resort over nearly 2 kilometres, from Porticcio’s centre to the Torre di Capitello and the mouth of the Prunelli river. It is the longest and most visited beach on the southern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio.

Its distinction lies in a rare combination of elements: fine golden sand in abundance, crystalline turquoise water, easy access from the road, and, most crucially, a direct view towards Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires islands that transforms each sunset into spectacle.

Access and parking

The beach is open to the public and is organised from the road that runs alongside it. Several access points are arranged along the road. It is one of Corsica’s most accessible beaches, with no steep descent or complicated paths; the sand begins immediately beyond the road.

The organisation therefore differs markedly from Palombaggia or Cupabia (where more difficult access acts as a natural filter for visitors). The Viva is democratic, accessible, frequented by families from Ajaccio at weekends and holiday-makers during the week.

The atmosphere: seaside resort and water sports

Porticcio is above all a lively seaside resort. The beach is punctuated with restaurants, ice-cream parlours, cafés and souvenir shops. On the water sports side, the offering is comprehensive: sailing school, diving club, pedalo, jet-ski, kayak and paddle-board hire, and for the sporty, beach-volleyball courts along the sand’s edge.

The water remains shallow for a considerable distance, which reassures swimmers and allows supervised activities to be organised. It is one of Corsica’s most suitable beaches for children.

The sunset: signature of the place

The Viva, on the southern shore of the gulf, faces Ajaccio and the open sea. Every evening, the sunset unfolds along the Ajaccio skyline with, in the distance, the Sanguinaires islands, rocky islets that take their name from the blood-red colour they assume at dusk.

The moment has become a local ritual: residents come for an aperitif on the sand, restaurants fill from 7pm onwards, and the relative quiet of the evening (the Viva empties early in the evening) transforms the beach into a natural theatre. It is one of the great moments not to be missed during a stay in Porticcio.

Porticcio

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Torre di Capitello, at the northern end

The northern end of the beach is marked by the Torre di Capitello, a Genoese tower whose construction began in 1552, standing at the mouth of the Prunelli.

When to go

The Viva, owing to its accessibility, remains very busy in July and August, particularly between 11am and 5pm. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy the sand without crowds. May, June and September, October offer exceptional beach conditions with very manageable visitor numbers; the water maintains swimming temperature into mid-October in some years.

Planning a stay in Porticcio

AEC Collection selects and represents quality villas and homes in Porticcio and around the Gulf of Ajaccio. The beach may be discovered independently.

By the AEC Collection team