The Agriates Desert

Camping holiday in Haute-Corse, don’t miss the Agriates Desert

Northern Corsica under the Mediterranean sun with paradise-like panoramas, its beaches and turquoise waters, its wild coves and its superb unspoiled natural spots can only win over tourists from around the world. Among the natural wonders of its territory is, of course, the Agriates Desert, in the north-east of Corsica, a small, hostile and wild desert that so perfectly embodies the full extent of Corsican beauty!

Located between Saint-Florent and the Ostriconi Valley, the Désert des Agriates offers a nearly desert-like expanse of 16,000 hectares and 35 km of coastline. In its wild environment, Mediterranean plants and trees stretch as far as the eye can see, as do the craters and valleys. In the distance, you can enjoy the view of snow-capped peaks in winter, with the blue sea and Cap Corse in the background. Breathtaking scenery complemented by immaculate white sand beaches. Among the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, 2 are located in this region; Lotu beach and Saleccia. Stretches of fine sand with turquoise water, making the Désert des Agriates one of the most beautiful places in Corsica.

In the Désert des Agriates, expect:

• A very wild territory: vast dry maquis, hills, dusty tracks. It’s not a sand desert, but raw, sparsely inhabited nature.
• Exceptional beaches at the end: especially Saleccia and Lotu, white sand and turquoise water, “end of the world” atmosphere. Discover the most beautiful beaches in Corsica!
• Very few services: almost no shade except pine groves, few or no water points, no shops. You have to bring everything.
• Often adventurous access: either by boat, or by a bumpy 4×4 track, or on foot for hikers.
• Strong heat and sunshine in summer: arid terrain, heat haze, and possible crowds on the beaches in July-August.
• Silence and disconnection: patchy mobile signal, just the sea, the wind and the maquis.

In short: a “total nature” day + dream swimming, but self-sufficient.

While it boasts some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, incredible views and preserved Corsican maquis, the Désert des Agriates will reveal its most secret treasures in various ways: on foot, by bike, by 4×4, by boat.

However, the easiest way to get to this area remains by boat, with regular departures aboard small shuttles from Saint-Florent. You will also have the option of getting to the Désert des Agriates by 4×4 for a more active excursion.

For the Agriates, plan a fully self-sufficient outing: it is mainly reached by boat from Saint-Florent (20–30 min, seasonal shuttles to book early) or via the Casta track, long and rocky, which is bumpy and requires driving slowly (allow 45 min to 1h+ depending on the vehicle, SUV/4×4 recommended). On site there are very few services, almost no shade and no reliable water point, so bring at least 1.5–2 L of water per person, a picnic, sun protection and good shoes if you walk. The best periods are May-June and September; in July-August it is superb but hot and busier, and mobile coverage can be patchy.

To do that, nothing could be simpler: choose a Corsica campsite from the independent group Corsica Camping to enjoy an authentic, friendly form of accommodation deeply rooted in the local area, where every stay supports a living, preserved Corsica.