The Agriates desert: a small paradise of beaches and nature

Corsica is a land of wonderful beaches and cities to visit. But in the heart of the north coast of the island of beauty there is also a desert. Made of bare rocky heights and Mediterranean scrub. With the sea that is the background to a unique panorama. This is the desert of the Agriates.

Désert des Agriates

The désert des Agriates, in Corsair l‘Agriate, is located in the northern part of Corsica, between the inhabited centers of Ile-Rousse and Saint Florent. Mediterranean scrub, small shrubs that dry out in summer and rocky outcrops are the masters. In a scenario that does not seem to have anything to do with Corsica.

And the desert of the Agriates is also the only, large area of ​​Corsica where there are no coastal roads. In other words, the bays and beaches of this area, many of which are simply dreamlike, can be reached either by sea or through winding dirt roads.

If you are looking for uncrowded beaches and enchanting landscapes, this is the destination for you. Beaches that you will reach after crossing an area full of mountains and streams. There are also several inhabited centers, such as Ile-Rousse, Saint Florent, Palasca, Belgodere, Ogliastro.

By motorbike

The best way to visit the Agriates desert? It is definitely the motorbike, which will allow you to move with maximum freedom in this part of northern Corsica. The paths and roads that cross the desert are tortuous, often unpaved, often immersed in total nothingness: there will be only you and the surrounding nature. Routes that, in principle, are always well signposted but always better equipped with a navigator or a map.

Beaches

This is one of the main reasons for visiting this area. The beaches of the Agriates desert are spectacular and, under many points of view, practically wild. Plage de Fiume Santo, Plage de Loto and Plage de Saleccia are some of the main ones but the coast will be a succession of bays and paradisiac beaches.

How to get

The motorbike, as mentioned, is the best way to visit the desert of Corsica. Motorbikes that you can embark on one of the ferries to Corsica that always bring many visitors to Bastia. From Bastia, to get to the desert of the Agriate just drive along the D81 and follow the signs.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/paspog