Nonza Black Beach
Corsica's dramatic black pebble beach, offering a striking contrast with vibrant turquoise waters and stunning village views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Nonza Black Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Corsica's dramatic black pebble beach, offering a striking contrast with vibrant turquoise waters and stunning village views.
"Amazing beach with amazing colours. What is truly special about this place is the black rocks on the beach."
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Pebbles get hot on sunny days; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
🚗 Park Smartly
A small car park is on the north side, but the path to the beach is rugged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Striking Black Beach
Nonza
Dramatic black pebbles meet vibrant turquoise waters for a truly unique coastal spectacle.
Village of Nonza Views
Above the beach
Spectacular panoramic views of the black beach and coastline from the charming hilltop village.
Church of Sainte Julie
Nonza village
An iconic landmark offering historical charm and a picturesque setting overlooking the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unique Black Sands
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Pebbles get hot on sunny days; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
🚗 Park Smartly
A small car park is on the north side, but the path to the beach is rugged.
📸 Capture from Above
The most stunning views of the black beach are from the village above.
💧 Swim Safely
While some mention past asbestos concerns, many locals and visitors find it safe to swim.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Pebbles get hot on sunny days; water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
🚗 Park Smartly
A small car park is on the north side, but the path to the beach is rugged.
📸 Capture from Above
The most stunning views of the black beach are from the village above.
💧 Swim Safely
While some mention past asbestos concerns, many locals and visitors find it safe to swim.
🚶♀️ Prepare for Steps
Accessing the beach from the village involves a significant number of steps.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique beauty of Nonza's black pebble beach, praising its dramatic contrast with the turquoise sea and its less crowded atmosphere. While some express concerns about historical asbestos mining, many find the beach safe and enjoyable, particularly appreciating the stunning views from the village above.
"Amazing beach with amazing colours. What is truly special about this place is the black rocks on the beach. Not very frequented as people think it's dangerous for health ( there was a asbestos mine in the area). Personally when we went in July we didn't see anybody on the beach. It is very easy to see it from the village of Nonza which is definitely worth a visit."
Daniela Telehuz
"The best beach on the north coast of Corsica, to my opinion. Not crowded, vast and clean, with small greenish black pebbles, surrounded with green hills. We asked locals about asbestos issues there, and they told us it was all a myth and it was perfectly safe to swim there (also, there were no any warning signs at the beach). There’s a small car park on the north side of the beach with a rugged natural path to the sea (not push chair friendly)."
Alexandra Makarenko
"The village above is definitely worth a stop for the totally stunning view and to visit the interesting church. But better not sit on the beach or get in the water (it's a long way down anyway), you can see it's clouded with dust from a disused asbestos mine at the northern end."
Niamh Heusaff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nonza Black Beach is located in the north of Corsica. It's best accessed by car, with a scenic drive along the coast. There's a small car park on the north side of the beach, but be aware the path down can be rugged and not suitable for strollers.
Public transport options to Nonza are limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Cap Corse region and reaching the beach conveniently.
Many visitors find the most spectacular views of Nonza Black Beach are from the village of Nonza itself, perched on the cliffs above. You can also get great aerial perspectives with a drone. 
Absolutely! The village of Nonza is highly recommended for its stunning views of the black beach and the surrounding coastline. It also features the interesting Church of Sainte Julie. +1
The roads leading to Nonza, especially in the Cap Corse region, can be winding and narrow. Drive cautiously and enjoy the scenic routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nonza Black Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy its unique landscape freely.
As a natural beach, Nonza Black Beach is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms or showers is scarce. It's advisable to come prepared with your own supplies, especially water and snacks.
Yes, there is access from the village, but be prepared for a steep descent, with one mention of approximately 500 steps.
Due to the rugged terrain and steep access paths, Nonza Black Beach is generally not considered suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The beach is famous for its striking black pebbles, a result of its geological makeup, which create a dramatic contrast with the clear blue sea.
While there are historical concerns about an abandoned asbestos mine nearby, many locals and visitors report it as safe for swimming. There are no warning signs present.
Comfortable footwear is recommended, especially water shoes, as the black pebbles can get very hot under the sun.
Compared to other popular beaches, Nonza Black Beach is often described as less frequented, offering a more peaceful experience.
The primary activities are swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the unique scenery. The dramatic waves can also be captivating to watch.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the contrast between the black pebbles and the sea. Drone photography provides stunning aerial views.
The stark contrast between the dark, volcanic pebbles and the vibrant turquoise Mediterranean waters is incredibly photogenic. The dramatic waves also add to the visual appeal.
The village of Nonza offers elevated viewpoints that capture the entire sweep of the black beach. Drone shots are also very popular for unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and sea. If you have a drone, it's ideal for aerial shots. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
Yes, drone footage is very popular and captures the unique beauty of Nonza Black Beach from above. Ensure you are aware of any local drone regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
+1 The village of Nonza provides stunning elevated viewpoints, perfect for capturing the sweep of the coastline. +1 Drone pilots will find this location incredibly rewarding, with aerial footage showcasing the unique texture and color of the beach from above. +2 Remember to be mindful of any local drone regulations. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water.🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Black Pebbles
+2While the visual appeal is undeniable, it's worth noting the beach's history. An abandoned asbestos mine is located at the northern end, leading to some past concerns about health risks. However, many locals and visitors report that the beach is safe for swimming and sunbathing, with no warning signs present. The unique texture of the pebbles also means less sand gets everywhere, which some visitors appreciate.
For photographers, the black beach offers incredible opportunities. The contrast is dramatic, and the textures are fascinating. Visiting during the golden hour can further enhance the visual appeal, casting a warm glow over the dark pebbles and vibrant sea.
+1Exploring Nonza Village and Its History
+2The village is home to the Church of Sainte Julie, a significant historical and religious site. The church, with its distinctive architecture, adds to the charm of the village and provides a picturesque backdrop. Another notable landmark is the Tour Paoline, a Genoese tower that stands as a testament to the region's historical past.
Accessing the beach from the village involves a steep descent, with one account mentioning around 500 steps. While this can be a challenge, the reward is the unique experience of the black pebble beach below. The village itself is a delightful place to wander, offering a glimpse into traditional Corsican life and stunning vistas at every turn.
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