Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Caspiu's smooth cobbles slope gently into water that stays turquoise and calm most mornings, protected by the curve of the headland to the north. Families colonize the flatter sections with beach umbrellas and coolers, while couples wade out to the deeper blue where the bottom disappears. The pebbles here are smaller than at neighboring beaches, almost gravel-fine near the waterline, easier on tender feet. The backdrop is pure Corsica: granite bluffs streaked with iron oxide, their surfaces fractured into blocks that glow salmon-pink at sunset. Maquis spills down the slopes in a tangle of cistus, juniper, and wild olive, releasing its herbal scent when the afternoon breeze kicks up from the west. A seasonal snack shack operates in July and August, selling panini and Pietra beer, but outside peak weeks you're on your own for provisions. The western exposure means you get the full arc of afternoon light, the sun tracking across the Gulf of Porto and finally dropping behind the Capo Rosso peninsula. Locals arrive around five with folding chairs and pastis, claiming the best sight lines for the show. By the time the light fades to purple, the pebbles have released the day's heat and the first stars appear over the Scandola silhouette to the north.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Caspiu.
Photos
Plage de Caspiu offers swimming opportunities though the pebble beach means no sandy shallows for very young children. Water entry is typically gradual, but the rocky seabed makes water shoes advisable for comfort. Swimming conditions depend heavily on weather; calm days provide excellent, clear water while wind can create waves and currents. The beach is less developed than major resorts, so formal lifeguard services may not be present—always exercise caution and assess conditions before entering. Families visit for the scenery and swimming, but this beach suits those comfortable with more natural, less supervised beach environments.
The optimal visiting period for Plage de Caspiu runs from June through September when weather is warmest and water temperatures are comfortable for swimming. This beach particularly shines during good weather conditions when its west coast scenery is fully appreciated and the sea is calm. Morning visits often provide the calmest water before afternoon winds develop, common along Corsica's west coast. Summer months offer the best facilities and warmest swimming, though the beach never becomes as crowded as more famous nearby beaches. Spring and autumn suit visitors interested in coastal walks and photography more than swimming.
Plage de Caspiu is accessed via the coastal road D81 in the Partinello area, between the villages along the Scandola-Porto coast. The beach requires driving along Corsica's winding coastal routes, with the nearest major towns being Porto to the south and Galéria to the north. Parking is available near the beach, though facilities are more limited than at major resort beaches. The access road is paved but features typical Corsican mountain-coastal driving with curves and elevation changes. Public transport is minimal in this area, so a rental car is practically essential for visiting.
Plage de Caspiu has limited on-site facilities, reflecting its more natural character compared to developed resort beaches. Seasonal beach services may operate during summer, but permanent restaurants and shops are not located directly at the beach. Visitors often bring picnics and supplies. Accommodation and dining options are found in nearby villages along the coast, including small hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties. The closest services depend on which direction you approach from—Porto and surrounding villages to the south offer more options. This beach suits visitors who prefer natural settings over extensive facilities.
Plage de Caspiu offers dramatic west coast Corsican scenery characteristic of the region between Scandola Nature Reserve and Porto. The beach sits amid rugged coastal landscapes with rock formations, maquis vegetation, and striking views across the Mediterranean. Its position along this spectacular coastline provides the wild beauty typical of western Corsica without the crowds of the most famous beaches. The pebble beach and clear water are framed by natural surroundings that feel more remote than developed resort areas. For visitors seeking authentic Corsican coastal scenery with real swimming opportunities, Caspiu delivers memorable west-coast character.
