🏖️ Where is Roccapina located? 🌿 Is the site protected?

Roccapina is located in southern Corsica, between Sartène and Bonifacio. It’s a protected natural site, famous for its beach and the ‘lion of Roccapina’, a rock formation that dominates the coast. Yes, Roccapina is one of the Remarkable and Protected Areas of the Corsican coast, managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is preserved for its biodiversity, its landscapes and its heritage.

🦁 Why are we talking about the "lion of Roccapina"?

The “lion” is a natural rock formation, sculpted by erosion. It resembles a reclining lion, watching over the bay. It is one of Corsica’s best-known visual emblems.

🚫 Are there any restrictions?

Yes, to preserve this fragile site: Unauthorised camping and fires are strictly forbidden Rubbish must be taken away Dogs must be kept on a lead

🚗 Is it easy to get to?

Access to Roccapina beach is via a dirt track from the RT 40 , to the right of the Coralli hostel, which is passable with a fairly high car (except in the event of heavy rain). Viewpoints for photographing the Lion of Roccapina and its bay are located a little further along the RT 40 than the access to the beach.

I TaffoniRoccapina natural site

Lion of Roccapina

Marvel at the natural site of Roccapina in the commune of Sartène: its famous natural lion shaped by nature, its beach of fine sand, its preserved coastline and its museum “A casa di Roccapina. Come and discover this magical place in the Sartenais Valinco Taravo in southern Corsica.

Getting there

The emblematic

Lion Rock

When nature is at its most beautiful, some astonishing rocks with original shapes offer breathtaking panoramas. Halfway between Sartène and Bonifacio, a pleasant surprise awaits you! First of all, the legendary, famous and emblematic Lion of Roccapina rock emerges from the Corsican mountains, a place steeped in history.

A protector of the site, it has lain naturally for thousands of years, keeping watch over the horizon and any invasions that might have emerged from the sea! Just next door is the Genoese tower, built on a rocky spur to defend against barbarian attacks. This sculpted animal is nothing more than the result of erosion between the sun, which crystallises the salt, the wind, which carries the sea spray, and the rain. This phenomenon is known as ” I taffoni“.

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The beach and the Lion of Roccapina
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OTI SVT

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The beach of Roccapina, its Lion and the wild coasts of Sartenais
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OTI SVT

A dream beach!

The bay of Roccapina

Next, the sumptuous sandy beach below and its turquoise waters will have you dreaming from the road. There’s not a house near this beach, just unspoilt nature. In fact, even though it’s very popular during the summer months, it has to be said that the bay of Roccapina is truly fabulous.

An ideal place to recharge your batteries! It’s accessible via a fairly long dirt track, which is a little chaotic , but any dream beach has to be earned. One thing’s for sure, you’ll find a car park nearby so you can put your towel down on the warm sand straight away!

I want to dive into the turquoise water!

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Roccapina beach
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T. Dini - Corse des origines

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Lion of Roccapina
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©S.Leroy-Corse des origines

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Casa di Roccapina interpretation centre
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OTI SVT

A casa di Roccapina

The interpretation centre

Finally, at the pass, don’t miss the “A Casa di Roccapina” interpretation centre, a former roadhouse converted into a museum. Themed exhibition rooms and a film projection provide a highly successful setting.

Discover the island’s tormented past, its life and its history with the help of an audio guide. Learn about rock erosion. Head outside for a walk where you’ll see the island’s emblematic flora and fauna, and a panoramic view of this famous rock and its beach. A panoramic view of the Mediterranean, stretching from the wild coastline of the Sarten region on one side to that of the far south as far as Bonifacio on the other, and in fine weather as far as the coast of Sardinia.

Discovering this place

Questions about the Lion?

🏖️ Where is Roccapina located? 🌿 Is the site protected?
Roccapina is located in southern Corsica, between Sartène and Bonifacio. It’s a protected natural site, famous for its beach and the ‘lion of Roccapina’, a rock formation that dominates the coast.
Yes, Roccapina is one of the Remarkable and Protected Areas of the Corsican coast, managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is preserved for its biodiversity, its landscapes and its heritage.
🦁 Why are we talking about the "lion of Roccapina"?
The “lion” is a natural rock formation, sculpted by erosion. It resembles a reclining lion, watching over the bay. It is one of Corsica’s best-known visual emblems.
🚫 Are there any restrictions?
Yes, to preserve this fragile site:
- Unauthorised camping and fires are strictly forbidden
- Rubbish must be taken away
- Dogs must be kept on a lead
🚗 Is it easy to get to?
Access to Roccapina beach is via a dirt track from the RT 40, to the right of the Coralli hostel, which is passable with a fairly high car (except in the event of heavy rain).
Viewpoints for photographing the Lion of Roccapina and its bay are located a little further along the RT 40 than the access to the beach.

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Corsica's origins