Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The access road cuts between low-rise villas with shuttered windows and small gardens planted with oleander and rosemary. You emerge onto a beach that runs north and south without interruption, its sand the color of weathered stone, dotted with the occasional plastic lounger or faded parasol left by an early arrival. A lifeguard tower stands unoccupied; a wooden walkway crosses the upper beach, its planks warm under your feet. You spread your towel and wade into water that feels tepid even in early June, its temperature moderated by the shallow continental shelf. Small waves lap at your knees, leaving foam lines on the sand that dissolve as quickly as they form. Offshore, the sea is a flat expanse of blue-gray, hazy at the horizon where Elba rises on clear days. The beach slopes so gently that children can play twenty meters out, their shouts carrying back to shore. By late afternoon, the villas begin to show signs of life—shutters opened, laundry hung, the smell of grilled merguez drifting from a terrace. You rinse sand from your feet at a public spigot and walk back up the lane, salt-sticky and sun-slowed, past hedges of tamarisk and the occasional fig tree heavy with green fruit.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage de Santa Lucia di Moriani Sud.
Photos
This beach generally offers safe swimming conditions typical of the Costa Verde coastline. The sandy bottom and gradual slope make it accessible for most swimmers and families. The Moriani sector is relatively developed, which means more people nearby, though lifeguard presence varies seasonally. East-coast Corsican beaches typically have moderate wave action, calmer than the west coast. Always check daily conditions, observe any posted warnings, and be aware that services may be reduced outside peak summer months.
The beach is accessible year-round, though swimming season runs from late May through September. July and August offer the warmest water and most services but also peak crowds in the Moriani resort area. For a balance of good weather and fewer visitors, consider June or early September. The beach's location in a more developed sector means some facilities remain open longer than at isolated beaches. Even in shoulder seasons, the beach can provide pleasant walks and sunbathing opportunities.
The beach is part of the Moriani-Plage resort area along the RT10 coastal road in Haute-Corse. From Bastia, drive south on the RT10 for about 35 kilometers until you reach the San-Nicolao/Moriani sector. Look for access roads leading to the Santa Lucia di Moriani Sud area. Parking is available along the beachfront road or in designated areas, which may be easier to find than at more crowded central Moriani sections. A personal vehicle is recommended for exploring this coast.
Being part of the Moriani resort strip, this area has more amenities than isolated beaches. You'll find beach restaurants, cafés, and snack bars along the coast, especially during summer season. The broader Moriani-Plage area offers hotels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and residences. Nearby San-Nicolao village inland has additional dining options. Supermarkets and shops are available in the resort zone for self-catering. The developed nature of this coast means services are more readily accessible than at hidden beaches.
This beach offers a convenient option within the Moriani resort area for visitors seeking a slightly quieter spot than the main central beaches while still having access to nearby amenities. It's useful for those staying in the area who want to explore different sections of the long Moriani coastline. The beach maintains the typical Costa Verde character of long sandy stretches with mountain backdrop views, but with the convenience of nearby services and accommodations. It's particularly suitable for families wanting facilities close at hand.
