Visiting the Agriates desert: our guide
Camping corse / The Agriates desert
The Agriates Desert owes its name to its arid climate, very different from the rest of Corsica. It consists of 40 kilometres of sandy expanse bordered by a coastline with unspoilt vegetation. Rocky cliffs break through the sand in places, and small ponds can be seen scattered all around. The desert is uninhabited (except along the road), but in the 20th century it was planted with heather, rockrose, myrtle, olive trees, oak and maritime pines. Naturally enough, many species have found refuge in this preserved natural environment. During a stay in Corsica, we recommend discovering the site to immerse yourself in the wild side of the Isle of Beauty. To visit the Agriates Desert, our guide will come in handy.
Discover the Agriates desert
The Agriates Desert lies in the north of the island and covers a total area of 15,000 hectares, ideally set between sea and mountains. It is a wild, natural landscape mixing maquis, streams and rocky ridges. Once cultivated and used for transhumance, it is now deserted and has been protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral since 1979. Today the Agriates Desert is one of the highlights of tourism in Corsica, and there are several ways to visit it.
The village of Casta, in the Agriates Desert, is the only inhabited one: 22 kilometres of wild beaches and no tarmac roads for a total, magical immersion. To cross the site, we recommend taking the “sentier des douaniers” (the old customs officers' coastal path). The Agriates Desert is also home to the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, including Saleccia. Here are the different ways to visit the area.
Visit the Agriates desert by road
It is possible to visit the Agriates desert by car, motorbike or 4×4 by taking the only road that crosses the site. This is the D81 which will take you to discover its high peaks. A beautiful road on which it is pleasant to drive and where you can easily park in places to admire a viewpoint or take photos.
On a motorbike you will have even more freedom, as you are less affected by traffic. A memorable one-to-one between you and the site's natural surroundings. However, if you are travelling alone, we advise you to take a GPS so you don't get lost along the isolated, winding tracks. A 4×4 can be a good option for a group excursion, as this type of vehicle lets you leave the main road.
Explore the Agriates desert on foot
Many hikers choose Corsica as their destination. No surprise, since the island is renowned for having the most beautiful panoramas and hiking trails in France. You can explore the Agriates Desert on foot along the inland or coastal path, a chance to go from beach to beach (Lotu, Saleccia, Roya or Ostriconi beaches).
You can also stop near the old sheepfolds, of which there are many in the area. There are plenty of hiking routes, and you will easily find one to suit your expectations in terms of length and difficulty. Shade, however, is scarce: in summer, remember to set off early in the morning and take enough water to avoid feeling unwell.
Access the Agriates desert by sea
The Agriates Desert is best known for its breathtaking beaches. So what could be better than reaching them by sea? You can hire a boat to visit the most beautiful beaches in the area: Fiume Santo, Lotu and Saleccia. Boats depart from the port of Saint-Florent.
This can be done in a group of 12 on an inflatable boat, and it takes less than half an hour to reach the beaches of the Agriates Desert by sea. You can also book a sailing boat for the trip, with a meal on board and several stops so you can relax and swim in the turquoise waters this excursion is famous for. It's up to you to choose the means of transport that best suits your wishes and circumstances!
