Everyone in the Ajaccio region knows it, and yet it generally attracts fewer visitors than its counterparts at Les Sanguinaires or Porticcio. It’s worth noting that it’s located about thirty minutes from the imperial capital, in the direction of Sagone and Cargèse. This beach is Liamone Beach. Its name comes from the river that winds its way through the undulating sand to flow into the Mediterranean Sea.
We headed to Tiuccia, a small—but well-equipped—seaside town, for a family afternoon.
A long, uncrowded beach between Tiuccia and Sagone
The beautiful stretch of sand begins just outside Tiuccia and curves in a semicircle toward Sagone, in the heart of the gulf of the same name. There you’ll find the large “Liamone Beach” parking lot, just before the blue-and-white bridge that spans the mouth of the Liamone River. This is where I recommend you stop.
Even during peak season, you’ll find plenty of room to lay out your towels on the sand, since the area is less crowded and mostly frequented by travelers—mostly families, in fact.
Here, the beach undulates slightly, forming dunes separated by a narrow branch of the river, creating what looks like a sandy island all the way to the point where the fresh water meets the salt water—which is a few degrees cooler.
A very pleasant view and a true oasis for the little ones, who rush as fast as they can into the shallow pools. As an adult, you can actually walk right through them without getting your swim shorts wet… Or almost not.
Swimming and water activities, from the river to the sea
If you’re lucky enough, like my brother, to have an inflatable paddleboard and beach gear, there’s plenty of fun to be had between the river and the sea. My 8-year-old daughter has totally mastered stand-up paddleboarding thanks to a day—a somewhat strenuous one—on the calm waters of the Liamone.
For everyone else, Sagone Glisse offers classic beach activities for rent right on the water: stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats—for the enjoyment of young and old alike. This water sports center is also located on Santana Beach in Sagone.
Part of the beach is suitable for naturism
A word of caution if you’re traveling with children or would rather avoid any surprises… Beyond the mouth of the Liamone River and heading north toward Sagone, you may come across naturists. The sand dunes and cabanas that dot this stretch of the beach allow naturists to sunbathe in their birthday suits, somewhat more secluded from prying eyes.
Personally, I haven’t come across any, but it’s common knowledge around here that naturists gather there. You’ve been warned.
Dining and ice cream breaks near Liamone
Whether you’re feeling a little hungry, want a simple “merenda” (snack), or are craving some artisanal ice cream, everything is right at your fingertips or just a few minutes away by car.
Of course, there’s the Liamone Beach beach bar, which features a terrace right by the estuary: it serves drinks, ice cream, and classic beach fare.
A little further on, heading back up toward Sagone, you’ll find the unmissable ice cream from master ice cream maker Geronimi, whose reputation extends far beyond the island’s natural borders. The ice creams served there are unique both in their flavors and their visual presentation. As for the price, be prepared to pay a premium for these creations.
Otherwise, right across from Geronimi, the Bowling—which is a bowling alley in name only—welcomes passing tourists and locals alike with delicious ice cream sundaes and cold drinks. This is where my family usually stops by after an afternoon of swimming.
