Plage de Pinarellu

Plage de Pinarellu (Pinarello in French) is a curve of white sand nearly 2 km long at the small fishing port of Pinarellu, in the commune of Zonza on the east coast of Corse-du-Sud, about 15 km north of Porto-Vecchio. A pine wood gives shade behind the beach and the water stays shallow near the shore, so it suits families and anyone who wants a calm swim with a view of a Genoese tower.

Pine shade and a sheltered, shallow bay

About 10 hectares of pine forest run along the back of the beach, which gives real shade during the hottest hours, something many Corsican beaches lack in summer. The bay is sheltered, the sea usually calm and clear, and the water shallow for some distance out. The northern end, close to the village, is the busiest; walk south along the sand for more space.

The square tower on Isula di Corsi

Just offshore, the Île de Pinarellu, also called Isula di Corsi, carries a Genoese watchtower from the end of the 16th century. Unusually for Corsica it is square, and it formed part of a coastal defence system against pirates, with the towers of Fautea, Benedettu and San Ciprianu guarding the same stretch of coast. It has been a listed monument since 1992. Reaching it is hard: you follow the old customs path and then cross an arm of the sea.

Opposite the village lies a second islet, Ruscana, which is a bird refuge and a Natura 2000 site. Landing there is forbidden.

Boat hire, paddling to the islet and the coastal trail

The port has a jetty with boat hire, and sailing, kayak, paddleboard, jet-ski and diving outings run in season. Paddling out toward the tower islet is popular on calm days. On foot, a marked 2 km coastal trail runs from Capu di Fora to Villata, and a longer round trip of about 12 km leads to the bay of Vardiola. The Chapelle Sainte-Barbe is about 700 m from the beach.