San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) is a low-profile, wide sandy beach on Corsica’s northeast coast known for crystal-clear water and choppy conditions with small waves. The beach is large enough to spread out gear and lines, and the area is described as easy for launching and landing. For wind sports, the spot is centered on NE to SE winds, with a summer pattern that becomes more consistent due to thermal effects. The thermal influence is described as an afternoon sea breeze that typically develops and holds during summer months (with a typical window from early afternoon into late afternoon). Wind reliability is therefore highest in summer. Kitesurfing is the best-matching activity: the mix of chop and small waves supports freeride and wave-focused riding, while the sandy bottom and the open beach layout also make it workable for foil sessions once riders clear the shore break. The spot is commonly characterized as suitable for beginners to intermediate riders for practice and progression, though the shore break remains the main practical consideration. Safety and logistics are especially important in summer. The main hazards are the shore break and swimmers during peak months, and riders are advised to respect marked swimming zones and use designated channels. Lifeguards are seasonal and rescue availability is described as limited; in an emergency, the recommended step is to call 112 and seek care via facilities in Bastia.
- Wide sandy strip for easy layout and launching
- Summer NE–SE wind with afternoon timing
- Clear water and choppy/small-wave conditions
- Very wide sandy beach with room to rig and launch
- Crystal-clear water and good visibility
- Reliable summer afternoon sea-breeze conditions for kitesurfing
- Choppy water with small waves suitable for freeride/wave sessions
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, SE, E
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Thermal and frontal influences (spot-seasonal: afternoon sea breeze with additional wind when frontal patterns pass).
- Reliability
- high in summer (thermal-driven)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Wind described as steady during summer thermal conditions.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves with generally choppy water.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is a defining characteristic of the water.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide and spacious sandy beach with plenty of room to lay out lines.
Through the year
Can be busy in July and August with holidaymakers, though the beach remains large.
Autumn and winter months see the most rainfall and stronger frontal winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A wide, sandy beach with choppy conditions and small waves; the setup is suited to freeride and wave riding, and also to foiling for riders who can get past the shore break.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Open sea layout supports reaching across the bay; described as suitable for freeride and slalom.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
Foil-friendly once beyond the shore break, with a sandy bottom and sufficient depth.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) in the full forecast view.
San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–10 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- WNW286°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.4 m3s period
- Temperature
- 12–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.1–0.4 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- shore break
- swimmers in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal at major beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; local monitoring may occur during lessons.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Bastia; call 112 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism friction indicated for this spot.
Rules of the spot
During the summer season (June to September), respect marked swimming zones and use designated channels for water sports.
- navigation zones in summer
- The NE wind is the most common thermal and typically provides the steadiest conditions.
- Watch out for the shore break when the wind is strong from the East.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bastia
- Nearest Town
- Penta-di-Casinca
- Nearest Airport
- Bastia-Poretta (BIA)
- Parking
- Large parking areas are available near the beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus service; car rental is highly recommended for coastal access.
- Access
- From Bastia drive south on N198. In Folelli drive eastwards to San Pellegrino.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Camping San Pellegrino and various holiday residences are located directly by the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Beach bars and restaurants are available on-site during the summer season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at the local kite school.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by local schools for students/members (typically seasonally).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can be handled by local schools; broader/official repair may require travel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends coastal relaxation with quick access to rugged mountain exploration.
A botanical and cultural park offering insight into Corsican heritage and nature.
Historic hill towns and chestnut forests in the nearby mountains.
Water activities and exploration in the local mountain rivers.
Various seasonal waterfront restaurants serving local seafood and Corsican specialties.
Flat, family-friendly routes along the sandy coastline.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca)?
The best overall months at San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca)?
San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) works with NE, SE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca)?
Recommended equipment sizes at San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) suitable for?
San Pellegrino (Penta-di-Casinca) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.