There are still beaches in Southern Corsica that feel as though they have escaped the passage of time. Balistra Beach, located just a few minutes from Bonifacio, is one of these precious places. What touches us here is the immediate sense of freedom, reinforced by a raw, unspoiled environment. When we chose Bella Sotta as a villa rental in Southern Corsica, we were looking precisely for this balance between well-known beaches and more untouched spots. Balistra embodies this harmony perfectly. It is a beach discovered after a small effort, rewarded by a rare sense of calm, even at the height of summer.
Access to Balistra Beach must be earned. After leaving the main road, you follow a 2.5-kilometre dirt track winding through the maquis. This track plays an essential role: it naturally limits visitor numbers and preserves the beach’s wild character. Upon arrival, a wide, open shoreline reveals itself, free from buildings and intrusive tourist facilities. Even in August, the feeling of space remains intact. The beach is also well sheltered from the wind, making it pleasant throughout the seasons, from spring to the last beautiful days of autumn. This is exactly the kind of place you appreciate when staying in a seasonal rental in Southern Corsica, far from constant crowds.
Our advice is simple and always the same: do not stop near the entrance. Walk east along the shore, pass the first more frequented areas. With each step, the calm deepens. After a few minutes, you reach the far end of the beach, where you truly feel alone facing the sea. Even on busy days, this part remains surprisingly peaceful. We have often found absolute quiet here, sometimes accompanied by a few calm cows wandering across the sand, indifferent to visitors. The water is clear, the light sharp and bright, and the atmosphere naturally invites you to slow down. It is a beach to be fully experienced, without constraints, far from the usual rhythms of the tourist beaches of Porto-Vecchio.
From Bella Sotta, take the D59 down to the RT10 linking Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Turn right, then leave the main road to follow a dirt track that marks a natural transition into a wilder landscape. The best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon, when the light becomes softer. Thanks to its ideal location, Bella Sotta allows you to enjoy this beach with ease, before returning effortlessly to the calm of a villa rental in Southern Corsica.