Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Families recognize value here: the sand slopes so gradually that parents can read while children explore tide pools twenty meters out, still visible in the clarity. A seasonal beach club operates at the southern end, renting loungers and serving passable salads, but the northern two-thirds remain open territory where you can plant an umbrella in sand that's fine-grained enough to shake out of towels easily. The tamarisk shade shifts through the day, creating a slow-moving refuge from peak heat. The water holds fewer rocks than Pero to the south, making this the preferred choice for tentative swimmers and anyone nursing sunburned feet. By late morning a gentle current runs north to south along the beach; strong swimmers ride it down and walk back, repeating the loop. Snorkelers work the margins where boulders create habitat for wrasse and serran. The scent of immortelle—the yellow curry plant that carpets the dunes—intensifies in afternoon heat, mixing with salt and the occasional drift of grilled merguez from the beach club. Resort development flanks the beach access roads, but the buildings step back far enough that the strand itself retains breathing room. Sunset faces aren't ideal here—the beach curves northeast—but the compensating morning light is exceptional, the offshore islands emerging from dawn haze as precise silhouettes. By eight a.m. in summer you'll have warm sand and cool water, with the day's heat still gathering offshore.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Chiuni.
Photos
Plage de Chiuni is highly regarded as a family-friendly beach with a broad sandy shore and generally gentle entry into the water. The sandy bottom and spacious beach provide safe conditions for children to play and wade. During summer months, the beach typically has lifeguard supervision, though you should always verify current safety provisions. The beach's popularity with families is due to its manageable waves and clear water that allows easy supervision. As with all Mediterranean beaches, afternoon winds can create choppier conditions, so morning swimming is often calmest for young children.
Plage de Chiuni is best visited from late May through September when weather is warm and all beach facilities operate fully. July and August bring the warmest water and liveliest atmosphere but also the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. June and September offer pleasant swimming conditions with fewer visitors and more relaxed beach space. The beach's west-facing orientation makes it ideal for afternoon and evening visits, with beautiful light for photography. Spring and autumn visits are possible for coastal walks, though water is too cool for most swimmers and facilities may be closed.
Plage de Chiuni is located about 3 kilometers north of Cargèse town center, easily reached by car via the coastal road. The drive takes roughly 5-10 minutes, and the beach is well-signposted from Cargèse. Parking areas are available near the beach, though they fill quickly during peak summer hours; arriving before 10am is advisable. Some visitors walk or cycle from Cargèse, though the route involves hills. During summer, occasional shuttle services may operate from Cargèse. The beach access is straightforward with a short walk from the parking area to the sand.
Plage de Chiuni typically has a seasonal beach bar or restaurant operating during summer months, offering refreshments and light meals. For more extensive dining and shopping, Cargèse town (3km away) provides numerous restaurants serving Corsican and seafood cuisine, along with supermarkets for picnic supplies. Accommodation is primarily found in Cargèse itself, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to vacation rentals and campsites. Many lodgings offer sea views and are within a short drive of Chiuni beach. Sunbed and parasol rentals are usually available at the beach during peak season.
Plage de Chiuni distinguishes itself as one of the larger sandy beaches in the Cargèse area, offering more space than many west Corsican beaches. Its broad expanse of sand makes it particularly appealing for families and sunbathers who want room to spread out, especially compared to smaller coves along this coast. The beach combines accessibility with scenic west coast beauty, providing views across the Mediterranean without requiring difficult access. Its popularity reflects the combination of good facilities, sandy terrain (not pebbles), and proximity to Cargèse town, making it a practical choice for resort-style beach holidays.
