Plage de Pinarellu occupies a curved sandy bay on the eastern coast of Corsica, approximately 40 kilometres north of Porto-Vecchio in the commune of Zonza, Corse-du-Sud. The beach is one of the most distinctive on the east coast, defined by the profile of a 16th-century Genoese watchtower that rises on the low rocky promontory at the northern end of the bay. The tower, known as the Torre di Pinarello, creates an instantly recognisable skyline that sets Pinarellu apart from the longer, more anonymous stretches of eastern Corsican sand.
The sand at Pinarellu is moderately fine, pale cream in colour, and the beach stretches for approximately 700 metres in a gentle arc. The east-facing aspect means the beach catches morning sun and loses direct light in the late afternoon. The water is clear and turquoise close to shore, sheltered by the headland to the north; conditions are generally calm and suitable for swimming and paddleboarding. The prevailing winds on the east coast — Tramontane from the north, Scirocco from the south — can produce choppy conditions, but the headland provides moderate shelter. The bay is well known for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with reliable onshore breeze conditions typical of the eastern Corsican seaboard.
A small resort village of villas, a café, and a restaurant cluster at the back of the beach and along the lane from the D68 road. Watersports hire operators are present in season, offering kayaks, SUPs, and windsurfing equipment. A lifeguard post is active in July and August. Parking is available in the village and at the beach access point with no charge in most areas. There is no regular bus service to the beach; a hire car from Porto-Vecchio, 35 minutes on the N198 then D68, is the standard approach.
The Genoese tower is visible from the water and provides a natural landmark for swimmers. Short walks around the rocky promontory north of the tower reveal small coves and excellent snorkelling terrain over rock and sea grass habitat.
Amenities
- Small resort village with restaurants and a café
- Water sports hire
- Genoan tower backdrop
- Good windsurfing conditions
- Lifeguard July–August
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, windsurfers, couples, swimmers, snorkellers
Location
20144 Zonza (Pinarellu bay, east coast)
41.6450, 9.3840 View on map
Highlights
- 16th-century Genoese watchtower on the northern promontory — one of Corsica's most photogenic beach landmarks
- Reliable onshore breeze and east-facing exposure makes the bay a favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Clear turquoise water sheltered by the northern headland — suitable for swimming and paddleboarding in most conditions
- Small resort village with café, restaurant, and watersports hire in season
- Snorkelling terrain around the Genoese tower promontory in 1–4 m of clear water over rock and sea grass
Tips for visiting
- The best photography of the Genoese tower is from the water — swim or paddle out 50–100 m for the iconic framing angle
- Windsurfers and kitesurfers tend to use the southern section of the beach; swimmers and families should stay near the tower headland to the north
- The small café at the village entrance is typically open from 08:00 — worth arriving early for coffee before claiming a spot
- Snorkelling around the base of the Genoese promontory rocks reveals sea urchins, moray eels, and wrasse — wear reef shoes as the rock entry is rough
- The D68 access road from the N198 is narrow but sealed; the journey from Porto-Vecchio takes approximately 35 minutes
When to visit
June to September; the beach is at its best in the morning when direct sun falls on the eastern shoreline. The Genoese tower is particularly photogenic in early morning light from the water.
Accessibility
The beach access from the village lane is on flat sand with no steps. No dedicated beach wheelchair hire is available, but the gentle sandy slope and calm water make physical access relatively straightforward for most visitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Genoese tower at Pinarellu?
The Torre di Pinarello is a 16th-century watchtower built by the Republic of Genoa as part of a coastal defence network to warn communities of pirate raids. The tower is privately maintained and cannot be entered by visitors, but it is well preserved and prominently visible from the beach and water.
Is Pinarellu a good beach for windsurfing?
Yes — the east-facing exposure and reliable onshore breeze typical of the eastern Corsican coast make Pinarellu one of the better windsurfing beaches on the island. Windsurfing equipment hire is available from operators on the beach in season. The bay is also suitable for kitesurfing in appropriate wind conditions.
Are there restaurants at the beach?
The small resort village behind the beach has at least one restaurant serving local Corsican dishes alongside standard beach food, and a café near the village entrance provides morning coffee and snacks. Both operate seasonally, typically from June to September.
How does Pinarellu compare with the beaches south of Porto-Vecchio?
Pinarellu is less crowded and more low-key than the famous beaches around Porto-Vecchio such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. The water and sand quality are comparable, but the beach's main distinctions are the Genoese tower landmark and the reliable windsurfing conditions. Visitors seeking lively beach clubs should head further south.
Is there parking at Plage de Pinarellu?
Informal parking is available in the village and along the beach access lane at no charge in most areas. The beach is smaller and less visited than the major Porto-Vecchio beaches, so parking is rarely as difficult, although early arrival is advisable in July–August.