The Nude Beaches of Corsica

Bodri is the most talked-about clothes-free beach in the north of Corsica, a wide stretch of white sand between Île-Rousse and Algajola. The entrance area is mostly bathing suits, but nude beachgoers gather further along, mainly toward the more sheltered north end. Dunes at the back give some shelter from the wind, though the sea itself can turn rough depending on conditions.

Lozari is a large sandy bay at the entrance to the Balagne region, with a relaxed, quiet character rather than a lively one. The nude beachgoers crowd gathers at the far end near a cluster of rocks, away from the main stretch of the beach.

Linguizzetta is widely considered the most famous clothes-free beach in Corsica, and one of the best known in France. The designated nude zone runs for about five kilometres along the coast, backed by Bagheera Naturist Resort and several other clothes-free properties. Beach bars are dotted along the shore, the water is warm, and nudity isn’t confined to a quiet corner. It’s the norm along the whole stretch.

The beach in front of Riva Bella clothes-free resort is clearly marked and unofficially continues along the stretch next to the neighbouring military zone. It’s a long, warm-water beach that gets busy near the resort on popular days, though walking further opens up plenty of space. The adjoining resort covers 79 hectares, with a thalasso spa, camping-to-villa accommodation, and around 70 llamas and donkeys that graze the grounds. Flamingos are often seen on the resort’s lakes.

La Chiappa is a clothes-free resort at the southern tip of Corsica, in a region that’s mostly rocky coastline. The resort is set inside a sheltered bay with two long sandy beaches, and because of the bay’s shape, the water stays calm here even when it’s windy elsewhere on the island, an advantage that’s hard to find elsewhere in Corsica.

Officially named Plage de Carataggio but better known as Tahiti Beach, this spot has white sand, very shallow blue water and a striking setting. It used to be one of the most popular nude beaches on the island, but clothes-free use has become far less reliable since local authorities began cracking down and an unauthorised beach bar moved in. It’s worth visiting for the scenery, but go in with realistic expectations about finding other nude beachgoers.

Villata was part of a clothes-free campground for years, but the campground closed long ago and is now little more than ruins. The beach itself is still there and still partly clothes-free, with roughly half reserved for nude beachgoers and the other half for bathing suits. Shady spots under nearby trees are a welcome bonus on hot days, though the sea here can turn rough when the wind picks up.

Stagnolu is a wide, sheltered cove with white sand and clear water a short drive from Bonifacio, and one of the more spectacular beaches on this list. The clothes-free crowd gathers toward the southern end, with the rest of the beach more mixed. Getting there involves a walk in through dunes that’s a pleasant part of the visit in its own right.

Portigliolo runs for several kilometres along the Gulf of Valinco, south of Propriano, and the sheer size of the beach keeps it from ever feeling crowded. The nude section is toward the dunes, away from the main access points, and stays relatively unspoilt even in the height of summer.

Olmeto is located right next to Portigliolo and shares a similar character: a long stretch of white sand and the clear blue water found throughout the south of Corsica. The nude section is near where the river meets the sea, and conditions depend heavily on the wind, so it’s worth picking a calm day.

Liamone gives the most remote feel of any beach on this list, with a clothes-free zone near the mouth of the river of the same name. Conditions here depend heavily on the wind, and the sea can turn rough quickly, so this is best visited on a calm day for a proper sense of how uncrowded and natural it can feel. Currents near the river mouth can be dangerous, and there’s no lifeguard.

Capitello is the closest nude beach to Ajaccio and one of the most charming on the island, a hidden cove of about 100 metres tucked behind rocks and a Genoese tower, sheltered from the wind and out of sight from the main beach. It shares its stretch of coast with Ricanto beach to the north. Look for the driftwood sign carved with the word nudist, about as DIY as beach signage gets.

Ricanto is the three kilometre stretch of sand that runs from north of Ajaccio’s airport down to the Capitello tower at its southern end, and is sometimes listed under the Capitello name for that reason. It’s the largest sandbank around Ajaccio, bordered by the mouths of the Gravona and Prunelli rivers. The clothes-free zone is concentrated toward the southern end, near the tower.