Are you planning to visit the Isle of Beauty soon? Then be sure to visit the Agriates Desert!
A wild island paradise, Corsica seduces visitors with its sunny climate, secret coves, dreamy beaches and jagged rocks. Among the wonders of this Mediterranean island is, of course, the Agriates Desert, an expanse almost hostile to man. This wild, untamed little desert sums up the beauty of Corsica. It boasts some of the island’s finest beaches, incredible scenery and unspoilt scrubland.
Located in the north-east of the island of Beauty, the Désert des Agriates can be discovered in a thousand ways: on foot, by bike, by 4×4, by boat. Most travellers will flock here for its immaculate stretches of sand. Others will want to discover the natural treasures hidden in its heart. To help you on your adventures, Generation Voyage has put together a comprehensive guide to the Agriates Desert.
The Agriates Desert in a nutshell
Located in the north-east of Corsica, between the micro-regions of Balagne to the west and Nebbio, the Désert des Agriates is a small desert 40 kilometers long. Once the breadbasket of Corsica, as its cultivated land long fed the locals, the land is now deserted. There is almost no sign of habitation or agriculture.
Dwellings are mainly concentrated along the road. This desert offers an impenetrable environment. Mediterranean plants and trees stretch as far as the eye can see in a wild setting. You can also see craters and valleys, as well as snow-capped peaks in winter, with the blue sea and Cap Corse in the background.
In this Agriates Desert, the only humans who usually brave the arid climate are Corsican shepherds, accompanied by their goats or pigs. But adventurous travelers will be rewarded with wild, raw and surprising landscapes. Off the beaten track, you’ll discover a unique and unspoilt natural environment. The coast also offers breathtaking scenery and dream beaches.
1. Walking tours
To visit the Désert des Agriates, you can of course take the legendary hiking trails. The best-known and most practical is the Sentier Littoral, which runs from Saint-Florent to Ostriconi via Ghignu and Saleccia. Along the way, you’ll discover the sublime, indented coastline of the Agriates.
Beware, however, that it’s a long way. For example, it takes 5h30 to walk from Saint-Florent to Saleccia. So before you set off, take the time to visit a tourist office, find out how long it will take and bring an up-to-date map.
Some trails are steeper than others. You also need to be well equipped to visit the Agriates Desert on foot. Even along the coast, the climate is harsh. So don’t forget good shoes and plenty of water. And don’t forget a hat, sun cream and sunglasses.
Tracks crossing the desert itself join the coastal track here and there. This gives you the opportunity to explore the interior of the desert, with its abundance of superb small areas and extraordinary sites. In the heart of the Agriates Desert, the wild, inhospitable, raw scenery is bound to leave you pensi-fs-ves and amazed.
2. Mountain bike tours
As with walking, cycling is an excellent way to visit the Agriates Desert. You can bring your own vehicle, or rent one on site. As with hiking, you’ll need to take into account distances, water and the right equipment, as well as a map. The Tourist Office is your best ally in this adventure.
However, we recommend that you opt for a guided tour. If you’d like to learn more about the desert’s ecosystem and special features, a guided mountain bike tour is obviously a superb option. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit the Agriates Desert in complete safety – and in a sporty way!
Terms and rates
For a mountain bike tour, expect to pay an average of €40 per person. These excursions are often combined with transport or part of the tour by 4×4. Mountain bike tours can last froman hour and a half to half a day. For more information, please contact the various organizations.
For an electric mountain bike rental, expect to pay €40 per day and €30 per half-day. For a standard mountain bike, rates are usually around €18 per person.
Whether you’re looking for a rental or an excursion, it’s best to book well in advance. That way, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises.
3. 4×4 excursions
For a more leisurely tour of the Agriates Desert, you can also opt for a 4×4 excursion. This is definitely one of the best options for discovering all the wonders of the desert. Along the way, you’ll admire the incredible landscapes of the heart of the Agriates. Your guide may even tell you the story of this unique place, and tell you more about its particular features.
You’ll then arrive at the dreamy beaches of the Agriates. Here you can swim, enjoy spectacular views and relax on the immaculate sand. The main reason to visit the Désert des Agriates is, of course, its beaches, some of the most spectacular and beautiful on the Isle of Beauty. Almost wild, some of them totally unspoiled, they’re sure to seduce you with their extraordinary settings.
The main ones are Fiume Santo beach, Lotu beach and Saleccia beach. For easy access to these pristine shores, a 4×4 is one of the best options.
Terms and rates
To visit the Désert des Agriates and its beautiful beaches, there are several formulas on offer, depending on the company. You can opt for a simple round-trip shuttle to Saleccia beach, for example. On the way, you’ll admire the desert landscape, but you won’t have to stop there. For a simple round trip, fares are generally €25 per adult, €20 per child. Shuttles run from morning to evening.
You can also opt for an excursion to several beaches. These usually include a bit of hiking along the Sentier Littoral.
Other excursions focus solely on the interior. Others combine boat and 4×4. So take the time to find out more before choosing your tour. Don’t hesitate to approach several organizations, and remember to book for the most comprehensive excursions.
4. Boat excursions
To reach the sublime beaches of the Désert des Agriates, but also to admire its indented coastline, you can of course opt for a boat trip. As with the 4×4, several options are available: arrival at one beach, hike and departure from another, for example. Departures are daily from the port of Saint-Florent. Several companies and all-day boat shuttles operate all day and almost all year round.
Terms and rates
Trips are made either on a large boat, or with inflatable boats that can accommodate a dozen passengers. The average trip takes 20 to 30 minutes to the beaches of the Agriates Desert. Prices generally range from €18 to €30 per person, depending on the boat, the beach and the time of year.
5. Discoveries by kayak or paddle
To visit the Agriates Desert, you can also opt for a guided tour by stand-up paddle or kayak. These excursions generally leave from the beach at Lozari and go as far as the Agriates reserve. Others leave from the Saint-Florent side and go as far as the paradisiacal beaches north of the desert. You can also rent your own kayak or paddle, but this option is for the more experienced.
Terms and rates
For prices, it’s best to check with your local club or tourist office.
6. Crossings by car
The only road that crosses this desert is the D81. Passing to the south of this extraordinary natural site, the desert offers a view of one of its highest peaks, culminating at less than 500 meters. From this road, of course, you’ll find several smaller trails leading to the Agriates coast to the north. These trails are reserved exclusively for 4×4 vehicles.
However, the D81 is a beautiful road to travel. You’ll find a few places to park along the way. At these spots, you can admire the rocky edges of the desert and its valleys.
7. A night in the Agriates Desert
To visit the Agriates Desert and enjoy its unique atmosphere, you can also choose to sleep there. One of the most highly recommended establishments is Camping U Paradisu, located near the Plage de Saleccia. This 2-star campsite is designed for lovers of unspoilt nature. Here, you can enjoy the atmosphere and wild scenery of the Désert des Agriates.
To be closer to civilization, you can also stay near the Plage de l’Ostriconi, just at the entrance to the desert. This magnificent beach is an argument in itself. It’s wild and offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. But above all, it’s home to many charming establishments. You’ll be spoilt for choice for a charming night’s sleep at the gateway to the desert.
You’ve reached the end of the article. From now on, you can organize your visit without a hitch!