Ile Rousse: Desert of the Agriates: Saleccia - Lotu

Nestled in the rugged region of Corsica lies a captivating contrast – the desert-like landscapes of the Agriates and the pristine turquoise waters of the Saleccia and Lotu beaches. Accessible only by boat, these stunning shores showcase the power of nature, with dramatic mountain backdrops, serene sand dunes, and the presence of wandering wild cows. While the Saleccia beach blends sand and desert rocks, the Lotu beach’s calm waters and sun-kissed sand create a serene atmosphere perfect for swimming and relaxation. But what truly sets this remote paradise apart is the sheer beauty that awaits those willing to make the journey.

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9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The tour explores the remote beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, accessible only by boat, surrounded by a dramatic desert landscape.
Lotu beach features calm turquoise waters and sun-kissed sand, while Saleccia beach offers a 1 km stretch of sand dunes and desert rocks.
The beaches are home to wild cows that contribute to the untamed, natural atmosphere of the region.
The tour offers a refreshing swimming break, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and soothing on-board music.
The boat excursion departs from the town of Île Rousse, and the scenic 30-minute ride allows travelers to admire the desert landscape from the sea.

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Tour Overview

The tour lasts 2.5 hours and is offered in both French and English.

It’s a guided tour that allows visitors to explore the beautiful beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, which are surrounded by the desert. These beaches are only accessible by boat, offering a unique opportunity to witness the stunning turquoise waters, white sand, and scenic mountain views.

The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can expect to enjoy a swimming break, snorkeling equipment, and on-board music during the tour, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in L Ile Rousse.

Highlights

Stunning beaches of Lotu and Saleccia, surrounded by the desert, captivate visitors with their turquoise waters, white sand, and scenic mountain backdrops. These beaches are only accessible by boat, making them a unique and secluded getaway.

Feature	Lotu Beach	Saleccia Beach
Length	One of the most protected beaches	1 km long stretch
Sand	Calm waters flowing over sunny sand	Fascinating mix of sand dunes, desert rocks
Scenery	Turquoise waters	Turquoise waters
Wildlife	Wild cows wandering or resting	Wild cows wandering or resting

The stunning natural beauty and seclusion of these beaches offer visitors a truly memorable desert beach experience.

Saleccia Beach

Stretching a kilometer along the coastline, Saleccia beach captivates visitors with its fascinating blend of sand dunes, desert rocks, and shimmering turquoise waters.

This pristine beach is one of the highlights of the desert tour, offering a breathtaking contrast between the arid landscape and the pristine marine environment.

Visitors can explore the unique geological formations, wander along the soft white sand, and take a refreshing swim in the calm, inviting waters.

The beach’s remote location, accessible only by boat, adds to its sense of seclusion and natural beauty.

With its striking visual appeal and tranquil atmosphere, Saleccia beach is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the stunning Desert of the Agriates.

Lotu Beach

Nestled within the dramatic desert landscape, Lotu beach is one of the most protected beaches in the region, its calm waters gently flowing over the sun-kissed sand.

Visitors are captivated by the serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty of this secluded oasis. The beach’s calm, turquoise waters provide an ideal spot for swimming and relaxation, while the surrounding desert scenery offers breathtaking vistas.

Lotu’s pristine environment is a testament to its isolation, with few human footprints marring the pristine landscape.

Whether seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to take in the region’s untamed beauty, Lotu beach is a must-visit destination along the Agriates Desert coastline.

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Wildlife

Wild cows can often be spotted wandering along the beaches or resting in the shade of the desert landscape. These majestic animals contribute to the untamed, natural atmosphere that pervades the Agriates Desert region.

While their presence may surprise some visitors, the wild cows are a testament to the pristine, untouched nature of this remote corner of Corsica. They graze peacefully, seemingly undisturbed by the occasional boat that arrives to drop off travelers for a day of beach-going and exploration.

These free-roaming bovines add an extra touch of rustic charm to the already breathtaking scenery, making the Saleccia and Lotu beaches even more captivating and memorable for those who visit.

Inclusions

The guided tour typically includes a refreshing swimming break, as well as complimentary snorkeling equipment for visitors to explore the turquoise waters up close.

Plus, soothing on-board music accompanies the boat ride, enhancing the serene ambiance of the excursion. This allows guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Agriates Desert, taking in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

The inclusion of these elements ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants, allowing them to make the most of their time on the beautiful beaches of Saleccia and Lotu. The tour’s comprehensive offerings cater to the diverse interests and needs of its guests.

Directions

To reach the Agriates Desert‘s picturesque beaches of Saleccia and Lotu, visitors must embark on a boat excursion from the town of Île Rousse.

Accessible only by water, these remote coastal havens can be conveniently accessed through various tour operators offering regular departures from the island’s main harbor.

The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing travelers to admire the stunning desert landscape from the sea.

Once at the beaches, visitors can explore the unique blend of sand dunes, desert rocks, and turquoise waters, as well as encounter the wild cows that roam the area.

The tour includes opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the serene ambiance of these remote, yet captivating, paradise-like destinations.

Boat Excursion

How does one embark on the boat excursion to the stunning beaches of Saleccia and Lotu in the Agriates Desert?

Regular departures from the main harbor in Île Rousse offer visitors convenient access to these remote coastal havens.

The 2.5-hour guided tour is available in both French and English, perfect for exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Guests can look forward to swimming breaks, snorkeling equipment, and onboard music as they take in the idyllic turquoise waters, white sands, and dramatic mountain scenery.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the excursion offers an unbeatable opportunity to discover the desert-meets-beach landscape of this captivating region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes a swimming break, but does not provide any meals or refreshments, so bringing personal provisions is recommended.

Is There Any Shade Available on the Beaches?

The beaches have minimal natural shade, consisting primarily of desert rocks and dunes. Visitors should bring their own sun protection, such as umbrellas or canopies, to ensure comfort during their time on the beaches.

Are There Any Restrooms or Changing Facilities on the Beaches?

There are no restrooms or changing facilities on the remote Saleccia and Lotu beaches. Visitors should come prepared, as the tour only provides a swimming break and snorkeling equipment. The beaches are accessible only by boat.

Can We Rent Kayaks or Paddleboards at the Beaches?

Kayaks and paddleboards are not available for rent at the beaches. The tour focuses on the natural beauty of the beaches, with swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the desert landscapes as the main activities.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour, making it suitable for families. Children can participate and enjoy the scenic beaches, swimming, and snorkeling activities under the supervision of their parents or guardians.