Plage de Carataggio (Tahiti Beach)

A hidden cove east of Porto-Vecchio

Nicknamed Tahiti Beach by the regulars, Carataggio beach is a small fine-sand cove tucked between the rocks, well away from the main tourist routes of Porto-Vecchio. No road leading to it, no parking in sight: that's exactly what has kept it safe from the urbanization that has taken over other stretches of the Corsican coast.

A naturist campsite used to sit nearby. It's gone now, but the spirit of the place has stayed tied to that history.

An access route that filters out the crowds

You can only reach Carataggio on foot, via a hiking trail that starts from the hamlet of Piccovaggia. Count on fifteen to twenty minutes of walking, on a path that's not built for strollers or wheeled suitcases.

That walk acts as a natural sorting system: it discourages the crowds and keeps the beach fairly quiet, even at the height of summer. It's also why it stays open all year, with no set hours or particular supervision.

Nudity tolerated, not guaranteed

No official sign allows nudity at Carataggio. But the calm of the place and its isolation have long attracted a naturist crowd, to the point that the beach built itself a reputation in that world, passed on by word of mouth more than by any signage.

Those who show up barely dressed today cross paths with couples and hikers in regular swimwear. The two crowds mix without tension, but it has changed the character of the place: die hard naturists are fewer than they were a few years ago.

What visitors say about it

The reviews agree on one point: the raw beauty of the site, its clear water and fine sand are well worth the walk. The isolation feels like a real plus to those looking to escape the crowded beaches.

On the other hand, some regret that the naturist dimension is fading over time, replaced by a more conventional crowd. Others point to the difficult access as a drawback, especially with beach gear to carry along a trail that isn't always easy under the Corsican heat.