
Tamarone Sandy Beach
Tamarone Sandy Beach
Located 2.5 km north of Macinaggio, Tamarone Beach stretches 500 meters of sand within the protected Capandula site, at the entrance to the Finocchiarola Islands reserve.
The Tamarone Beach extends for approximately 500 meters of sand in the northeastern Cape Corse, in the municipality of Rogliano, 2.5 km north of Macinaggio. Located between Punta di a Coscia and Monte di a Guardia, it marks the entrance to the protected natural site of Capandula and the reserve encompassing the Finocchiarola Islands.
Why visit Tamarone Beach
Tamarone appeals through its unspoiled character: no seafront buildings, limited access via an unpaved track, and integration within a protected natural zone. The beach also serves as a departure point toward more secluded coves of Cape Corse and toward Finocchiarola Islands Beach, accessible via the customs officers' trail.
Shallow waters are ideal for family swimming. The presence of posidonia seagrass meadows, sometimes washed ashore in the form of dark deposits along the beach, testify to a healthy marine ecosystem—even if the appearance may surprise visitors accustomed to entirely cleaned beaches.
What to see and do
The beach and its coves
The main sandy expanse stretches approximately 500 meters long. Following the coastal path northward, you will discover several small rocky coves, more secluded, separated by rock outcrops.
Posidonia seagrass
Contrary to popular belief, posidonia is not an algae but a flowering plant endemic to the Mediterranean. It forms underwater meadows that are essential:
- spawning and nursery ground for numerous fish species,
- atmospheric carbon storage,
- oxygenation of coastal waters,
- protection of shorelines against erosion.
The brown pellets washed ashore on the sand, sometimes compacted into deposits, are natural fragments of these meadows and not waste.
The U Paradisu beach bar
On the right side of the beach, near the parking area, the U Paradisu beach bar operates during the summer season. Cooking is done over a wood fire, using local products. In July and August, Corsican singing evenings are organized there. Reservation is advised during peak season.
Finocchiarola Islands Beach
From the northern end of Tamarone, the customs officers' trail leads in approximately 25 minutes of walking to Finocchiarola Islands Beach, made of sand and pebbles, facing the archipelago of the same name (natural reserve, regulated landing).
Practical information
Facilities available on site:
- free and paid parking at the end of the track,
- showers, restrooms,
- lifeguarded beach during summer season,
- restaurant (U Paradisu beach bar) during season,
- accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility.
No motorized water activities are offered on the site, in keeping with its protected zone status.
When to visit
The beach is accessible year-round, but attendance and services vary significantly by season:
- July–August: beach bar open, lifeguarded beach, Corsican singing evenings, but significant crowds and parking saturated midday.
- May–June and September: calmer conditions, pleasant water, favorable light for hiking the customs officers' trail.
- Off-season: deserted site, beach bar closed, no lifeguard; interesting for walking, less so for swimming.
Posidonia deposits are more visible after autumn and winter storms; in summer, the sand is generally clear.
How to get there
On foot from Macinaggio
From Macinaggio harbor, the customs officers' trail reaches Tamarone in approximately 2 km, about 45 minutes of walking. The route crosses Macinaggio Beach, climbs over a first headland, then follows a coastal path with no technical difficulty. Well-marked trail, bring water and hat, little shade.
By car
From Macinaggio, take the northern road toward the U Libecciu hotel, then follow signs for "camping, Tamarone, Santa Maria". After the U Stazzu campground, the road becomes an unpaved track closed to motorhomes. Drive slowly to the Tamarone parking area.
By bus from Bastia
A bus line connects Bastia bus station to Macinaggio. It is the most economical option for travelers without a car; you must then finish on foot via the customs officers' trail or by taxi.
What to see nearby
- Macinaggio: harbor, shops, starting point for trails and maritime shuttles around Cape Corse.
- Capandula natural site: protected zone encompassing Tamarone and the northern tip of Cape Corse.
- Finocchiarola Islands: natural reserve visible from the neighboring beach, regulated access.
- San Rinieru Romanesque Chapel and Ospédale Forest to further explore Corse's heritage and natural sides.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Extend your visit
Tamarone is part of a larger itinerary around Cape Corse and the Island of Beauty, between coastal hikes, hilltop villages and religious heritage such as the San Rinieru Romanesque Chapel.
Interested in this visit?
We can include it in your personalised itinerary.