Anchorage

Golfe de Pinarellu

Shelter: NW, W, SW, S
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sandy bay on the east coast of southern Corsica, north of Porto-Vecchio, with a small wooded islet at its centre.

Pontoon
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the east, leaving the Île de Pinarellu and its off-lying rocks to starboard when entering from the north. Sand bottom, good holding. Large yellow buoys now enclose a swimming zone off the beach, so boats anchor outside them in at least 7 metres on sand. Shelter from the W quadrant and from the S, exposed to the E and NE where the tramontane can build a steep chop.

Practical

Anchor only, no services at the beach, and rangers may check that the anchor is set on sand clear of the posidonia. Marina di Fiori at Porto-Vecchio is 5.5 NM SW for fuel, water and berths. Beyond the village shop, a grocery at the California campsite about 1 km inland, a 15 to 20 minute walk, sells fresh produce.

Ashore

Beach of Pinarellu runs for 2 km along the back of the bay. Landing a tender on the beach is barred by the buoys, but the sailing-school and rental pontoons will take one. Beach-hut restaurants line the back of the bay, among them Jean-Luc's. The 16th-century Genoese watchtower on the headland at the south end is classified a historic monument. Short swim or tender ride to the Île de Pinarellu.