Oletta Beaches

Overview

Oletta offers a unique Corsican beach holiday from its charming position as a hilltop village, not a coastal town. It provides spectacular views over the Gulf of Saint-Florent, with the nearby port of Saint-Florent acting as the main gateway to the region's coastal treasures. The area is most famous for the wild beaches of the Agriates Desert, renowned for their pristine white sand and brilliant turquoise waters, offering a true escape into nature.

Among the area's essential beaches is the celebrated Saleccia, a stunning stretch of sand that is one of Corsica's most famous. Arriving at the beautiful Lotu Beach by boat is a classic local adventure. For those seeking convenience, Plage de la Roya is the accessible, family-friendly beach of Saint-Florent. For a more rugged experience, the scenic drive to the untamed Plage de l'Ostriconi at the edge of the desert is well worth the effort.

Visiting the region's most iconic beaches is an adventure, as the remote shores of Saleccia and Lotu Beach are protected and inaccessible by regular car. Reaching them requires a memorable boat trip or a 4x4 journey from Saint-Florent. While these destinations define the wild spirit of the area, other beautiful spots are easily reached by car. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches of the region.

Top Beaches

FAQ

What are the best beaches to visit from Oletta?

The most renowned beaches near Oletta are Plage de Saleccia and Plage du Lotu, located in the protected Agriates Desert (Désert des Agriates). These beaches are famous for their pristine white sand, incredibly clear turquoise waters, and wild, unspoiled natural surroundings.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

How do you get to Saleccia and Lotu beaches?

Access to Saleccia and Lotu is an adventure in itself as they are not reachable by regular cars. The most common way is to first drive from Oletta to the port of Saint-Florent. From there, you can take a maritime shuttle (boat taxi) which takes about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a 4x4 off-road tour that drives you through the rugged tracks of the Agriates Desert.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

Is it better to stay in Oletta or Saint-Florent for a beach holiday?

The choice depends on your holiday style. Stay in Saint-Florent if you want direct access to the port for boat trips, more restaurants, and a bustling harbour town vibe. Choose Oletta for a more authentic, quiet, and charming village experience with stunning views, nestled among vineyards, but be prepared to drive to Saint-Florent for all beach excursions.

Can you swim at the beaches near Oletta and what is the water like?

Yes, swimming is exceptional. The waters at Plage de Saleccia and Plage du Lotu are famous for being crystal-clear, calm, and relatively shallow near the shore, making them perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water often has a stunning turquoise color, frequently compared to the Caribbean.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

Is Oletta directly on the beach?

No, Oletta is a charming hilltop village located inland, not directly on the coast. It is situated in the Conca d'Oro region, offering spectacular views over the Gulf of Saint-Florent. The nearest coastal town, Saint-Florent, is about a 10 to 15-minute drive away, and it serves as the main departure point for the area's most famous beaches.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are the Agriates Desert beaches (Saleccia/Lotu) good for families?

Yes, the beaches themselves are excellent for families due to their fine sand and calm, shallow waters. However, parents should consider the logistics; the journey by boat or bumpy 4x4 might be challenging for very young children, and you must bring all your own supplies like water, food, and sun protection as facilities are limited.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

Are there facilities like restaurants or toilets on Saleccia and Lotu beaches?

Facilities are very limited, which is part of their wild charm. Plage de Saleccia has a small snack bar located in the pine forest behind the beach, which also has basic toilet facilities. Plage du Lotu is more wild, with just one small restaurant near the pier. It is highly recommended to bring your own water, food, and sun protection for the day.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

Do you need to book the boat or 4x4 to the beaches in advance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to book your boat or 4x4 transfer in advance, especially during the peak season of July and August. These excursions are very popular and can sell out quickly. Booking ahead ensures you get a spot and can plan your day effectively.

People Also Ask

Are there really cows on the beach at Saleccia?

Yes, it's a well-known and authentic local quirk! It is very common to see cows roaming freely and relaxing on the white sands of Plage de Saleccia. They are part of the landscape, but remember they are wild animals and it's best to keep a respectful distance.

Saleccia

What is the best time of year to visit the beaches near Oletta?

The best time for a beach holiday is from late May to June and in September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak months of July and August. This allows for a more relaxed experience.

Are there any free beaches near Oletta you can drive to?

Yes. While Saleccia and Lotu require a boat or 4x4, you can easily drive to Plage de la Roya in Saint-Florent. It's a large, sandy beach with shallow water, free parking, and numerous facilities, making it a convenient and popular choice, especially for families.

Plage de la Roya

Saleccia

Lotu Beach

Can you walk between Lotu and Saleccia beach?

Yes, many visitors choose to do this. There is a well-marked coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) that connects the two beaches. The scenic walk takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes and offers beautiful views of the coastline. A slightly quicker, less scenic inland track is also available.

Lotu Beach

Saleccia

Is Oletta a good destination for nightlife and parties?

No, Oletta is not a party destination. It is a tranquil, historic village known for its peaceful atmosphere, authentic charm, and surrounding vineyards. For more lively evenings with bars and restaurants, the nearby port town of Saint-Florent is the better option, though it is also more family- and couple-oriented than a dedicated party town.

Do I need to rent a car if I'm staying in Oletta?

Yes, renting a car is essential when staying in Oletta. The village is inland, and a car is necessary to travel to Saint-Florent for beach access, visit local vineyards, explore other parts of Corsica, and for basic errands like grocery shopping. Public transport is very limited.

Are there hotels with direct beach access near Oletta?

Because Oletta is an inland village, there are no hotels with direct beach access within the village itself. The most famous beaches, Saleccia and Lotu, are in a protected natural area with no hotels on them. For beachfront or harbourfront accommodation, you would need to look for hotels in the nearby coastal town of Saint-Florent.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Saleccia

Lotu Beach