Location
France
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Plage de Portigliolo
Portigliolo is a long sandy beach on the southern shore of the Gulf of Valinco in south-west Corsica, a few minutes' drive south of Propriano towards Belvédère-Campomoro. The beach runs for roughly 2 to 4 km (sources differ) from the hamlet of Portigliolo north to the mouth of the Rizzanese river, with Propriano's small airfield just inland. The southern end, near the sailing centre, is a family beach with shallow, gently shelving water and summer lifeguards. Towards the north the beach becomes wilder, bordered by several ponds, and the last stretch near the Rizzanese mouth is used by naturists; across the river lies the undeveloped Capu Laurosu beach. The sand is mostly fine and pale, though some visitors found patches of small stones. It can be windy, and in bad weather the surf becomes dangerous. Naturists walk roughly a kilometre north from the main parking; outside July and August the beach is almost empty. Belvédère-Campomoro also has two remote naturist coves, Agulia and Canusellu, reached by the coastal path.
Getting there
From Propriano take the D121 towards Belvédère-Campomoro. Park at the exit of Portigliolo hamlet (towards Propriano) and take the path beside the U'Livanti residence to the sailing centre, then walk north along the beach about 1 km towards the Rizzanese. Some visitors park in lay-bys along the D121; a roughly 200 m path crosses a sometimes-flooded wet area. One visitor reports free parking just above the Rizzanese giving easier access to the naturist end. Facilities are at the southern, family end only.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a beautiful long beach with soft sand and clear water, and say the naturist area by the Rizzanese is easy to reach on foot and quiet, with the nearby airfield not a nuisance. Outside high season it is nearly deserted. Some note the access road and paths are in poor shape, that the wind can be strong, and that a few stony patches break up the sand. Strong waves in bad weather call for caution.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
No municipal authorisation was found; Corsica has very few official naturist beaches and the official Visit Corsica page for Portigliolo does not mention naturism. Nude use at the northern end is a long-standing tolerated practice reported from 2015 to 2025. In France simple nudity is not itself an offence, but 'exhibition sexuelle' (Penal Code art. 222-32) can be charged where nudity is imposed on others, so nudity is safest on beaches authorised or tolerated by the commune.
Naturism at Plage de Portigliolo sits under France's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: France public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.6611, 8.8793
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in France
Frequently asked questions
Where is the naturist part of Portigliolo beach?
At the northern end near the Rizzanese river mouth, about a kilometre's walk north of the sailing centre.
Is it an official naturist beach?
No. Nudity at the northern end is tolerated by custom, not authorised.
Is it safe for swimming?
Usually, with a gentle slope, but strong waves in bad weather can make the sea dangerous.
Are there facilities?
Lifeguards, a sailing centre and food are at the southern end; the naturist end has none.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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