The Agriates desert and its beaches

Located in the north-east of Corsica, between the Balagne and Nebbio regions, the Agriates Desert is a small desert 40 kilometres long that, despite its small size, harbours landscapes of great beauty. Although the area is now deserted, it was once the island's granary, as its cultivated land long fed the Corsicans.

The few dwellings are located along the road. For the rest, the desert seems impenetrable, with dense Mediterranean vegetation stretching as far as the eye can see. The only people who brave this arid zone are Corsican shepherds, accompanied by their pigs or goats. And of course, travellers, who come to explore this wild, raw nature. Along the coast, too, the eyes are rewarded with breathtaking scenery and dreamy beaches.

Lotu beach is a must-see when visiting this desert unspoilt by mass tourism. To lay your towel on the sand of this charming beach, visitors will have to walk several kilometres along the coast from the nearest tourist town of Saint-Florent.

But it's well worth the effort: after several minutes, hikers come face to face with a picture-postcard backdrop of a deserted beach surrounded by rocks, against a backdrop of the Corsican maquis and its fragrant plants. Not to mention the warm, translucent, shallow sea, sheltered from the winds by the Cap Corse mountains, ideal for an afternoon out with the family! It's not impossible to come across a few wild cows basking in the sun!

Where to stay near Lotu beach?

From €98 per night for two people, the 3-star Hôtel Dolce Notte is less than 7 kilometres from Lotu beach and just a few metres from Saint-Florent fishing port. Guests particularly appreciate the spacious terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, and the location close to good restaurants.

Just a few metres away is Saleccia beach, often compared to the Caribbean, one of the most beautiful on the island but also one of the least accessible, with almost an hour's walk required before you can lay down your towel. Shaded by Aleppo pines, this vast expanse of white sand is what the Agriates Desert and its natural landscapes are famous for.

The two beaches are joined by a picturesque coastal path offering incredible views of the mini-calanques. The best way to get there is from the sea, where you can see the kilometre-long strip of white sand silhouetted against the sea. The closer the boat gets, the more you can make out the juniper dunes on the wild beach. As you moor up, the turquoise water invites you to take a dip.

Where to stay near Saleccia beach?

The 3-star Hôtel Flor is ideal for a romantic break. Its refined decor, its location in the heart of Saint-Florent and its spacious communal terrace are attractions that appeal to visitors from far and wide. From €105 per night for two people.

👉 There are several options for discovering the Agriates Desert, depending on what you want to do and how much time you have. You can, of course, opt to hike along some of Corsica's legendary footpaths. The best-known and most accessible is the Sentier Littoral, which runs from Saint-Florent to Ostriconi.