Anchorage

Cala di Palu

4.2FranceCorsica

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Shelter: N, NE, E, NW
Seabed: sand, rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Cove on the west coast of Corsica, between Cargèse and the Gulf of Porto, over sand and rock.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the west in settled weather. Sand patches between rocky outcrops, the sand starts around 10 metres so boats can stand fairly close in, drop on clear sand in 6 to 8 metres for good holding, or take a stern line to the rocks. Room for only about 5 to 8 boats, so arrive early. Protection from N, NE, E and NW, open to the SW where swell can work in and the libeccio makes it untenable. Busy with tourist boats by day, quiet at night.

Practical

No services. Porto-Ota 6.2 NM E at the mouth of the Spelunca gorge. Cargèse 6.2 NM S for shelter, water and shops.

Ashore

A footpath climbs from the beach to the Capu Rossu headland and its Genoese tower, a walk of about an hour, watch for wasps ashore. Ospreys nest on the cliffs and the environmental office asks that they not be disturbed. Snorkelling is good along the rock, with rays and fish and a pink quartz cave around the point to the north. The Scandola nature reserve begins north of this coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site reached only by sea and with anchoring restrictions inside.