Planning your day in the Agriates Desert: water, heat, return, rules

The Agriates Desert has no paved road, no village on the coast and no permanent shop: you go self-sufficient. Bring plenty of water, a hat, some shade and shoes that stay on your feet for the path between Lotu and Saleccia. Note the time of the last shuttle or 4x4 and be at the pick-up point early. The site is protected: fires, camping, wild camping and vehicles off the open tracks are banned. In case of fire, call 18 or 112.

The list

The way back

This is what spoils the most days. Note the time of the last shuttle from Lotu, or the 4x4 pick-up time at Saleccia, and leave a margin for the walk between the two beaches. Spassighj’Agriate asks you to be at the jetty 10 minutes early and may change times depending on the weather.

What is banned

The site largely belongs to the Conservatoire du littoral and has several layers of protection (listed site, Natura 2000, Cap Corse and Agriate marine nature park). According to the Corsican regional authority:

• camping and wild camping are banned on the beaches and Conservatoire land;
• motor traffic is banned outside the routes open to it;
• fires are banned, as are barbecues; in summer the prefecture also reminds visitors that smoking in or near wooded areas is banned.

Closure days

On days of very severe fire risk, the Haute-Corse prefecture can close the Agriates tracks, and during weather alerts, access to the massifs and trails. Check the announcements the day before. In case of fire, call 18 or 112. See when to go.