The Ostriconi

TheOstriconi site revealsitself discreetly to those who take the time to immerse themselves in the landscape. Situated some fifteen kilometres from L’Isula – L’Ile-Rousse, the Ostriconi site, in the municipality of Palasca, marks the entrance to the Agriate. The river, the ponds, the dunes and the beach make up a vast landscape, cut off from the rest of the world. Protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral and forming part of the Parcu naturale marinu di u Capicorsu è di l’Agriate – the Cap Corse and Agriate Marine Park – this site is best explored with a light touch amidst its unspoilt natural surroundings.

Getting there

A valley that opens out towards the sea

The River Ostriconi risesin the hills of Pieve del Canale before flowing for more than twenty kilometres towards the Mediterranean, passing through the Ostriconi valley. At its mouth, the valley widens to reveal a landscape where fresh water meets the sea. The beach, with its immaculate white sand and stretching for around 800 metres, borders a wide plain crossed by the river and dotted with wetlands. Behind it, the hills covered in scrub already herald the arid expanses of the Agriate. This contrast between the river, the beach and the surrounding hills opens the door to a vast, timeless landscape.

Lagoons, dunes and wildlife

The Ostriconi site is home to several remarkable natural habitats listed in the National Natural Heritage Register: Cannuta Pond, Foce Pond and the coastal dunes. These wetland and sandy areas are home to numerous species of migratory and breeding birds, drawn by the diversity of habitats. Passerines, waders and birds of prey frequent these areas, where the vegetation has adapted to the sometimes harsh coastal conditions. The prevailing westerly winds shape the dunes and carry sand as far as the slopes of Punta Liatoghja, which rises to a height of nearly 220 metres, transforming the landscape as the seasons change.

A discovery that has to be earned

To reach Ostriconi Beach, you need to leave the road and walk for a few minutes. The path first crosses the wetland and leads to a wooden footbridge spanning the Foce pond. All around, the reeds sway in the wind and birds find refuge in the reed beds. Gradually, the landscape opens up to reveal the beach and the sea on the horizon. This walk is part of the experience of the place: it serves as a reminder that Ostriconi remains a fragile area, very busy in summer, where everyone is asked to observe and move about with care to preserve the balance of these habitats.