Saleccia & Lotu: Best Beaches of Corsica’s Agriates Desert

Introduction

After an amazing time road-tripping the Cap Corse, we found ourselves in Saint-Florent, the perfect base to explore the Agriates Desert, especially the secluded beaches of Saleccia and Lotu.

As we were visiting Corsica off-season, in September, it was relaxing and we didn’t need to book anything in advance but if you travel during July or August, be sure to plan.

Saleccia and Lotu beaches are amongst the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen, and if you are traveling to France and Corsica, visiting them is a must.

In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know to visit the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu, including various options for getting there, where to eat, and so on. Whether you are planning a trip or simply dreaming of your next adventure, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide

Good to know

The Agriates Desert is a unique and rugged region located in northern Corsica, offering a striking contrast to the island’s more populated areas. Known for its dramatic landscapes and Mediterranean scrubland. The region remains largely unexplored, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience Corsica’s wilderness up close.

Among the highlights of the Agriates Desert are the stunning Saleccia Beach and Lotu Beach, both renowned for their crystal-clear waters and pristine sands. Saleccia Beach, in particular, is a serene escape, famous for its white sand and untouched beauty. Its remote location, accessible only by foot or boat, ensures a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind in a natural paradise.

Similarly, Lotu Beach, located near Saleccia, offers another quiet refuge, surrounded by lush landscapes and the calm Mediterranean Sea. This beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in solitude, making it one of the best-kept secrets of Corsica.

Both beaches, nestled in the heart of the Agriates Desert, provide a perfect escape into nature, offering unparalleled tranquility away from the crowds.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Getting to Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent is the best starting point to visit the Agriates Desert, Saleccia Beach, and Lotu Beach.

Driving is one of the most convenient ways to reach Saint-Florent. It is located about 25 km northwest of Bastia, Corsica’s second-largest city. You can drive from Bastia to Saint-Florent in around 30-40 minutes.

The road is well-maintained, offering scenic views of the coast along the way. Or you can do a road trip around the Cap Corse the day before which will be unforgettable.

In both cases, you will need to rent a car which you can take directly from the main airports.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Where to Stay in Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent, often referred to as Corsica’s “Little Saint-Tropez is the closest town and we would recommend staying there:

• (€):  Mulinu Biancu: A simple and budget-friendly stay, perfect if you’re looking for a base without breaking the bank.
• (€€): Résidence San Roccu: A comfortable mid-range option with more space and amenities, great for longer stays.
• (€€€): Hôtel Flor: A higher-end choice offering more comfort and services, ideal if you want to treat yourself.

Here are all your accommodation options in Saint-Florent

How to get to Saleccia and Lotu in the Agriates Desert

There are multiple ways to visit Saleccia and Lotu in the Agriates Desert. You can visit each beach separately, or together:

1. The Lotu: Return ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu beach
2. Saleccia – Dinghy: Return speedboat from Saint-Florent to Saleccia Beach
3. Ship & Jeep: Return ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach with a 4×4 trip to a restaurant
4. Dolce vita on a Dinghy: Ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach, speedboat to Saleccia and return to Saint-Florent by speedboat.
5. Dolce vita on foot: Ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach, hike to Saleccia, speedboat back to Saint-Florent
6. Dolce Vita via Jeep: Ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach, 4×4 to Saleccia, speedboat back to Saint-Florent
7. Complete tour of the Agriate: Ferry from Saint-Florent to Lotu Beach, hike to Saleccia, 4×4 back to Saint-Florent
8. Hike from Saint-Florent (Around 22km, one-way)

We would recommend the “Dolce Vita on foot”, that’s the option we chose, and we loved it. Only, we did it backward. We started with a speedboat from Saint-Florent to Saleccia, then hiked to Lotu, and finally took the ferry back to Saint-Florent.

In any case, we would recommend using the company “Le Popeye” based in Saint Florent. That’s the one we used, and everything was great. You can get your ticket online directly or at their booth located to “La maison des Pizzas” restaurant in Saint-Florent.

Also, we recommend that you get an eSIM to stay connected, use your GPS and Google map all along your trip. In France, you can get an Airalo eSim of 5GB for 13,5€ or 10GB for 22€.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

When to Visit

The best time to visit those secluded beaches depends on the type of experience you’re looking for:

• Spring (March to May): This is a fantastic time to visit Saleccia Beach, as the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15–22°C (59–72°F). The surrounding Agriates Desert comes alive with wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy the beach and the surrounding natural beauty in peace. Spring is also a great time for hiking and exploring the area around the beach.
• Summer (June to August): Summer at Saleccia Beach is perfect for beach lovers, with warm temperatures (25–30°C / 77–86°F) ideal for swimming in the crystal-clear waters. This is the peak season, so the beach can get crowded, and you may experience higher prices and busier roads. However, the long days allow for more time to relax on the beach and explore the area. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, but also be prepared for the crowds.
• Autumn (September to October): Autumn is a great time to visit Saleccia Beach. The weather remains warm enough for swimming (20–27°C / 68–81°F), and the beach is less crowded compared to summer. The surrounding landscape takes on beautiful autumn colors, making it an excellent time for both beach days and scenic walks. The relaxed atmosphere and quieter surroundings make it an ideal time for a more peaceful experience.
• Winter (November to February): Winter at Saleccia Beach offers a more tranquil and authentic Corsican experience. With cooler temperatures (10–15°C / 50–59°F), the beach is less suited for swimming, but it’s an ideal time for those who enjoy quieter, less touristy destinations. Many services may be closed, but if you’re looking for solitude and a peaceful getaway, winter can be a great time to visit Saleccia Beach.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Where to eat

You have 3 options to eat while visiting those secluded beaches:

• Saleccia: Restaurant A Piniccia di Saleccia
• Lotu: Restaurant Cabane du Lodu
• Our recommendation: bring a picnic

Those restaurants operate seasonally, typically in the Summer. Specifically. Late September, the A Piniccia di Saleccia was already closed.

So, if you plan on eating there, be sure to make a reservation to validate that they are open.

Here are all your accommodation options in Saint-Florent

Step-by-Step

Speedboat

As mentioned earlier, we recommend the “Dolce Vita on foot” starting in Saleccia, the reason is that Saleccia is bigger, wilder, and is our favorite beach in Corsica. So, to start the day, take a 20 to 30-minute speedboat to Saleccia.

Subject to change: Daily departures starting at 9 AM, returns every hour starting at 10:30 AM, up until 7:30 PM. Departures every 30 minutes in August, from 8:15 AM up until 8:15 PM.

We recommend taking the 9 am speedboat

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Saleccia Beach

Once on the beach, take your time to walk along it, and be sure not to stay too close to the speedboat drop-off area. Once you have found a cozy spot, set the sun umbrella up (be sure to have one with you; most of the accommodations in Saint-Florent offer or rent them).

Then, you can start enjoying this paradise. Relax, go to the sea, swim a bit, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Agriates

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk behind the beach to uncover even more of the stunning Agriates Desert. As you wander through this untamed landscape, you’ll be surrounded by its unique flora and fauna, with the jagged terrain and distant hills offering breathtaking views.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

Lunch

Around noon, enjoy your picnic on the beach or go to the restaurant behind the beach. Be sure to have plenty of water with you and remember that those are secluded beaches with almost no infrastructure.

Here are all your accommodation options in Saint-Florent

Hike to Lotu Beach

Two trails connect Saleccia and Lotu:

• Coastal Trail: Also known as the Customs Officer Trail (Sentier des douaniers). Takes about 1h15 to hike, easy and flat.
• Inland Trail: Takes only 45 minutes but is more demanding

Here is a map of all your options

We opted for the coastal trail and started hiking it around 1 PM. It was amazing, the views of the Corsican coast are stunning, and the trail is flat and breathtaking all the way.

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide

Lotu beach

At the end of the trail, you will reach the pier and arrive at Lotu Beach. While it’s slightly smaller than Saleccia, measuring about 1km in length compared to Saleccia’s 1.5km, Lotu is equally beautiful.

However, it tends to be a bit more crowded, especially during peak hours. This is why we recommend ending your day here, as you can enjoy the serene atmosphere in the earlier part of the day at Saleccia and then head to Lotu for a more lively vibe to round out your visit

Ferry back

Once you’ve had enough of the beautiful Lotu Beach and feel ready to head back to Saint-Florent, take the 20-minute ferry ride back. Be sure to check the schedule for the latest return ferry, especially if you’re visiting during the off-season, as the timetables may vary. T

This scenic boat ride offers another chance to admire the stunning coastline before returning to the comfort of Saint-Florent.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

Saint-Florent

In the evening, take the time to explore the charming town of Saint-Florent. Stroll through its streets, enjoy the quaint boutiques, or stop at a local café to relax and soak in the atmosphere. The harbor is particularly lovely at sunset, with the colors of the sky reflecting off the water and boats gently bobbing in the marina.

Here are all your accommodation options in Saint-Florent