How to get to the Agriates Desert: boat, 4x4 or on foot

There are three ways to reach the Agriates beaches. Boats leave Saint-Florent harbour and land at Lotu after a short crossing; a return shuttle cost €20 to €22 per adult depending on the season with Spassighj'Agriate. The 4x4 with driver leaves the hamlet of Casta on the D81 and reaches Saleccia along a 12 km track in about an hour, for €40 return. On foot, the coastal path links Saint-Florent to the Ostriconi in two to three days. The tracks need a real 4x4 and can be closed in summer when the fire risk is high.

The three ways in at a glance

2026 prices published by Spassighj’Agriate and by the Casta 4x4 operator. Walking time: Rectoverso itinerary.

By boat from Saint-Florent

This is the simplest way. Shuttles leave Saint-Florent harbour in the morning, land at the Lotu jetty and pick you up in the afternoon. Spassighj’Agriate ran the 60-seat Monte-Cristo there, with RIBs for Saleccia. Expect €20 to €22 return per adult for Lotu.

An important caveat: from April to September 2025, a series of arson attacks destroyed several boats in Saint-Florent harbour, including the Popeye and the Saleccia, two long-running Lotu shuttles (France 3 reported the ninth boat burned in a few months). In November 2026, Spassighj’Agriate’s website also showed a temporary closure. Check next season’s services at the harbour before planning your day. Details in the Agriates by boat.

By 4x4 from Casta

Casta is the only inhabited village in the Agriates, 12.5 km from Saint-Florent on the D81 (15 minutes according to OSRM). From there, a 12 km track runs down to Saleccia. It is bumpy and narrow at first, and the Corsican regional authority says an off-road vehicle is required. The usual solution is a 4x4 with driver: the Casta operator leaves every hour from 9 am, for €40 return per adult and €30 per child under 10. See the Agriates by 4x4.

Two other tracks exist: from the Bocca di Vezzu pass to Malfalcu and Ghignu (13 km), and the Terricce track from the Ostriconi (about 10 km). All can be damaged after heavy rain and closed by the prefecture in summer.

On foot

The coastal path, a former customs officers’ trail, runs along the whole coast from Roya (Saint-Florent) to the Ostriconi. It takes two to three days end to end. As a day walk, the most popular stretch links Lotu and Saleccia. Everything is in the coastal path.

Before you go

To reach Saint-Florent or Casta you need a car: see getting to northern Corsica. And read how to plan your day: water, heat, return times.