Nonza Corsica: Cap Corse´s Clifftop Village

Nonza is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica and is spectacularly situated on a cliff high above the black pebble beach on the west coast of Cap Corse, just a few minutes’ drive from Albo. We visited this little village one weekend in September with our camper, walked up through the narrow alleys to the tower, and then treated ourselves to a delicious pizza at a restaurant with a view.

Because the village is so small and has very few parking spots, it was already quite crowded in some areas by mid-morning. Here, we’ll show you what there is to see in Nonza and what you absolutely need to keep in mind when parking.

Last updated: September 2026.

Parking in Nonza

Parking in Nonza is really very difficult, since the town is nestled between the mountains and the sea, meaning there are very few parking spots available.

It’s best to arrive in the morning or late afternoon to have a chance of finding an open spot.

We were there around 10:30 a.m. on a weekend and already had trouble finding an open spot on the street. At lunchtime during peak season, there’s often hardly anything left.

In that case, your only option is to continue along the coastal road to find a spot in a pull-off and then walk to Nonza.

The Path to the Tower

From the small village square, a narrow path leads through the village up to the watchtower, the landmark of Nonza. The square tower was built in 1760 on the orders of General Pascal Paoli on the ruins of the castle of the Lords of Avogadori.

From up there, you’ll have a truly beautiful view of Nonza’s black beach and the coastline all the way to Albo, where you can even make out the Genoese tower in the distance.

Restaurant by the Tower

Just below the tower is the restaurant La Sassa, where you can enjoy a cocktail or a meal while taking in a view that’s definitely worth the price.

Church of Sainte-Julie

Right on the small village square stands the 14th-century Church of Sainte-Julie, which was built on the site of a 9th-century predecessor.

Inside, you’ll find a colorful marble altar from 1694, which originally came from a Franciscan monastery.

Nonza Beach and Hike

A rugged path leads down from the village to the famous black pebble beach at Nonza.

From there, you can also take a short coastal hike of about 1.5 kilometers, for which you should plan about an hour.

We didn’t do this hike ourselves, but a stop in Nonza is definitely worth it even without the extra loop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonza

Is it hard to find parking in Nonza?

Yes, there are very few parking spots in town. It’s best to arrive in the morning or late afternoon; around noon, especially during peak season, it’s often already full.

Where can larger RVs park near Nonza?

In Albo, about a 10-minute drive away, there’s a free municipal parking lot right on the beach.

When was the Nonza Tower built?

In 1760, on the orders of General Pascal Paoli, on the ruins of the former castle of the Lords of Avogadori.

How long is the coastal hike starting from Nonza Beach in Corsica?

The hike is about 1.5 kilometers long; you should plan on spending about an hour on it.

Is there a restaurant with a view in Nonza?

Yes, the restaurant La Sassa is located directly below the tower and is a great spot for a cocktail or a meal with a view of the coast.

Is the black beach at Nonza dangerous because of asbestos?

The dark color of the pebbles comes from the tailings piles of the former asbestos mine in nearby Canari, which closed in 1965. Health authorities have tested the beach and, after decades of being washed away by the sea, no longer see it as a health risk; the asbestos fibers are bound within the rock and sediment and are not released. Swimming is nevertheless not recommended, but because of strong currents and the steeply sloping coastline—not because of the asbestos. There are also no lifeguards on site.