Crystalline interlude at Roccapina
Roccapina is one of the legendary beaches on Corsica’s west and south coasts. Famous for the incredible color of its water, visible from the main road, and for the famous Lion of Roccapina who watches over it, it has remained wild and unspoiled for years.
The Roccapina beach is located in the commune of Sartène, in Corse-du-Sud.
Yet it’s very close to the village of Pianottoli Caldarello and the Le Damier campsite.
Just 15 km separate the beach from the campsite.
To reach the beach, join the junction of a small carriage road and follow it for 4 km before arriving at organized parking areas. The beach is just a few more meters away.
White sand and turquoise waters, head for the beach
10 km further north of Pianottoli Caldarello, access to Roccapina beach is very easy. A wide carriageway leads to the valley floor and the untamed beach of Roccapina (several free parking lots). It’s a beach with extremely fine white sand and incredible colors. It’s also one of the best places to swim with younger children, as the bottom sinks very slowly.
The beach is very safe, with little swell and no wind, but it is not supervised. Roccapina beach is a large white sandy beach on the west coast of the island. Situated in the commune of Sartène, it lies between the Gulf of Propriano, the beach at Tizzano and the beaches to the south, including those of the Bruzzi at Pianottoli.
Roccapina beach is an atypical beach, quite wide and long, with very little slope. It is sheltered from the swell. This makes it the perfect beach for families with young children, who can safely enjoy swimming in a heavenly setting. The beach is unsupervised.
Behind this dreamy beach, the tall scrubland and shrubs offer a few shady spots to take shelter from the summer sun and really enjoy the day.
Please note, however, that there are no water facilities or restaurants on the beach or in the immediate vicinity. For a full day at Roccapina, you’ll need to stock up on some essentials.
The Lion of Roccapina hike
The Roccapina area is well known for the beauty of its beach, but also for the famous Lion of Roccapina, enthroned on the rocky spur overlooking the beach. This is a very special geological formation. Here, the granite blocks of southern Corsica suggest the shape of an elongated lion, like a sphinx. This shape, easily recognizable from the roadside and the Roccapina inn, attracts many photographers.
It’s possible to take a short hike to reach the lion. The path starts from the track leading to the beach, almost at the end of it. The climb is steep but short, and sometimes requires a little balance.
On the summit of the rock (la tête du Lion) are the remains of a Genoese tower. It contributes to the impression of the “Lion’s mane”. On the rocky outcrop in front is another, much better-preserved Genoese tower.
Your campsite near Roccapina beach
Situated less than 25 minutes by car (including track), Le Damier campsite in Pianottoli is very close to Roccapina beach. Choosing a campsite near Roccapina allows you to take full advantage of this extraordinary beach, one of the most beautiful in the region with exceptionally fine sand, and of the quality of the bathing on this wild coast of Corse-du-Sud.
The beach is extremely easy to find. The trail branches off at the Auberge Coralie, on the national road between Sartène and Bonifacio. The most degraded part of this perfectly passable track is the high part. After that, it improves to become completely unproblematic.
Family outings
Beware, there’s no way to eat or drink on site, so remember to take everything with you… and bring it back!
Camping Le Damier, near Roccapina, offers all the services you need for your stay. In the heart of protected vegetation, close to the sea and beaches, your campsite a stone’s throw from Roccapina is a haven of peace for lovers of authentic Corsican camping holidays.
Camping le Damier is the ideal solution for discovering Roccapina and the most beautiful sites in Corse-du-Sud, such as the villages of Figari, Bonifacio and many others, not forgetting, of course, the heavenly beaches and must-see sites and activities around Panottoli!
