Plage de Tamarone

Plage de Tamarone is a fine-sand beach about 500 m long just north of Macinaggio, in the commune of Rogliano on Cap Corse, the peninsula at the northern tip of Corsica. It marks the entrance to the protected Capandula natural site and is the first stop on the Sentier des Douaniers, so it suits walkers and swimmers who want an undeveloped beach with clear water.

Fine sand, clear water and no buildings on the shore

Fine sand is unusual on the mostly rocky Cap, and nothing is built on the shore, only maquis and small rocky coves at the edges, most of them on the side nearest the car park. The water is clear and deepens fairly quickly. Posidonia seagrass often collects on the sand, especially outside summer, and is partly cleared each season. Offshore you look out to the Finocchiarola islands, about 3 km away.

Capandula and the islands

The beach sits within the Capandula natural site, part of the Natura 2000 network, which also takes in the Finocchiarola islands. The islands have been a nature reserve since 1987, and landing on them is forbidden, though boat trips from Macinaggio go close. No fires, no camping and no litter are allowed on the beach, and on days of high fire risk the paths can be closed, so check before setting out in midsummer.

Walking in on the Sentier des Douaniers

From the car park at the end of Macinaggio harbour, the old customs officers' path runs about 2 km along the shore to Tamarone. It takes about 45 minutes and is often called the shortest and most scenic section of the path. Beyond Tamarone it continues through Capandula toward Santa Maria and Barcaggio, about three hours further on; the next stretch reaches the beach opposite the Finocchiarola islands in under half an hour. There is little shade and nothing to buy along the way, so carry water and walk in the morning before the heat.

A rough 1.5 km track off the D80 to a free car park

An unpaved track of about 1.5 km leaves the D80 after Macinaggio and ends at a free car park. It is rough and not recommended for low cars, and motorhomes are banned. Walking from Macinaggio avoids the track altogether. Bastia is about 40 km away by road.