Palombaggia Beach

Palombaggia runs in a series of linked crescents south of Porto-Vecchio, with fine pale sand, red granite outcrops breaking the shoreline into separate bays and a fringe of umbrella pines giving the only shade. The water shelves gently and stays shallow and clear a long way out, which is why it appears on so many lists of European beaches. The Iles Cerbicale lie offshore as a bird reserve. It is heavily used: beach clubs and restaurants occupy stretches of it in season, and the approach road and parking fill by mid-morning through July and August.

What you actually see

• The linked crescents - bays separated by red granite outcrops.
• The pine fringe - umbrella pines giving shade at the back of the sand.
• The shallow water - clear shelving water a long way out.
• The Cerbicale islands - a bird reserve offshore.

When to go

May to June and September for space and warm water; July and August are extremely crowded with parking full by mid-morning. The sea is warmest in September.

Honest expectations

Parking is charged, limited and full early in season. Much of the frontage is taken by beach clubs. Shade is only under the pines and disappears as the sun moves.

Nearby

Porto-Vecchio lies north; Bonifacio is south.