TAFANELLI JOURNALS | PLACES THAT DEFINE US

U Paradisu in Tamarone: the beach shack that shaped our vision of Cap Corse

At the end of the dirt track from Macinaggio, on one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful wild beaches, there is a beach shack called U Paradisu. Its name is not a marketing promise: it is a description. Tamarone and U Paradisu are the soul of Cap Corse, and they have been at the heart of the TAFANELLI imagination since our very first photos. Here is why this place tells the story of what we try to embody with our brand better than any other.

Tamarone, the most beautiful wild beach in Cap Corse

Tamarone beach is located on the east coast of Cap Corse, about three kilometers north of Macinaggio, in the commune of Rogliano. It is a fine golden sand beach, about one kilometer long, bordered by dense maquis and low dunes, with no buildings, no rows of sun loungers, and no concrete.

Tamarone is part of the Capandula classified site, a protected area that stretches across the northeastern tip of Cap Corse up to the Capu Biancu lighthouse. It is this protected status that ensures the beach remains preserved from the massive tourist developments that have disfigured other Mediterranean coasts. Here, it is 2026 just as it was in 1970: with footprints in the sand, the sound of the surf, and the scent of the maquis drifting down from the hills.

The beach offers strikingly transparent water, in shades ranging from pale turquoise near the shore to deep blue offshore. On a clear day, you can see the silhouette of the Italian island of Capraia on the horizon, sometimes even Elba, reminding us that Cap Corse is closer to Italy than to the rest of mainland France.

The seabed consists of sand and a few patches of posidonia, the protected Mediterranean seagrass that supports rich biodiversity. Swimming here is safe, the slope is gentle, and the current is minimal. It is a perfect beach for families, but also for swimmers who want to rack up laps in crystal-clear water.

U Paradisu, the beach shack that defines the Tamarone spirit

On the southern part of the beach, almost hidden in the vegetation, lies U Paradisu. The name is Corsican: "the paradise." It is a beach shack, but that term is almost too modest to describe what this place has become over the decades.

U Paradisu is a cultural institution of Cap Corse. A family has ensured its continuity for several generations. People come here to have lunch with their toes in the sand, under a pergola made of wood weathered by sea salt, sometimes in the shade of a tamarisk or eucalyptus tree. The menu is intentionally short, faithful to local resources: grilled fish according to the day's catch, Corsican charcuterie, fresh salads, goat and sheep cheese, and carafe wine from Cap Corse.

What sets U Paradisu apart from other Mediterranean shacks is the unique balance between rustic simplicity and genuine quality. No marble tables, no trendy Saint-Tropez-style service, no DJ. But impeccable dishes, warm family service, and a setting that no architect could replicate in a studio.

It is this rare equation that brings discerning enthusiasts (chefs, photographers, models, restaurateurs) here, favoring U Paradisu over more publicized shacks in Southern Corsica. At Tamarone, you don't pay to be seen. You come to experience something that cannot be found elsewhere.

"Luxury in Tamarone is simplicity made impossible to replicate. Everything is just right; nothing is too much."
— A U Paradisu regular

How to get to Tamarone and U Paradisu

Tamarone is not a beach you arrive at by chance. Its intentionally preserved access is what contributes to its magic. Here are the two main options.

By the dirt track from Macinaggio

From the port of Macinaggio, follow the road to the Capandula parking lot, then take a drivable dirt track for about three kilometers. The track is passable by a standard car if you drive carefully, but a higher-clearance vehicle (light 4x4, crossover) is more comfortable. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the journey from Macinaggio.

You arrive at a shaded parking lot near the beach. From there, you have about a 200-meter walk to reach the sand and U Paradisu.

On foot via the customs officer's path

The customs officer's path (coastal trail) also starts from Macinaggio and runs along the coast to Tamarone, then continues further north towards Cala Genovese beach and beyond to Centuri. Allow about an hour of walking from Macinaggio to reach Tamarone, on an easy to moderate trail that is exposed to the sun. Bring water, a TAFA Marine cap, and good shoes.

This option is the most beautiful: you walk along the coves, traverse the maquis, and discover small secret beaches before arriving at Tamarone. It is also the most authentic: those who make the effort doubly earn their lunch at U Paradisu.

By boat

Tamarone is also accessible by sea. Several boat rental companies in Macinaggio (at Macinaggio Boat, for example) offer rigid-hull inflatables for the day. Allow about 15 minutes of sailing between Macinaggio and Tamarone in calm conditions. You can anchor in the bay and reach the beach by dinghy or by swimming. It is the most glamorous version, and the one that allows you to combine Tamarone with other nearby coves during the day.

What to order at U Paradisu

The U Paradisu menu changes according to the season and the day's catch, but here are the tried-and-true classics that have made the place's reputation.

Starters

A plate of Corsican charcuterie (coppa, lonzu, figatellu, dry-cured ham) with a slice of country bread. Some heirloom tomatoes in a salad when in season, drizzled with olive oil from the Cap. A board of Corsican cheeses (fresh brocciu when available, sheep's milk tomme, goat cheese).

Main courses

A fresh grilled fish of the day depending on the catch: sea bream, dentex, sea bass, sometimes a beautiful sea bream. Served with a "vierge" sauce made with olive oil and Centuri lemon, and seasonal vegetables. This is undoubtedly the most honest dish one can eat in Tamarone: what the sea offers in the morning, served at noon just a few meters from that very sea.

For pasta lovers, tagliatelle with sea urchins or seafood are regularly on the menu in season. It is the Corsican version of a great Italian classic, with an admitted rusticity that makes all the difference.

Desserts

A homemade fiadone (traditional Corsican cheesecake with brocciu and lemon), or brocciu cream drizzled with maquis honey. Some fresh fruit depending on the season. And always a strong coffee, sometimes followed by a white spirit from Cap Corse for those who want to linger.

Wine selection

U Paradisu serves mainly wines from Cap Corse, the neighboring Patrimonio AOC, and the renowned Muscat du Cap Corse as an aperitif or dessert. Ask the server for advice: the selection is precise and reflects the local viticultural ecosystem.

Our tip

Book in high season (July-August). U Paradisu cannot expand, and the crowds can be large on weekends and sunny days. A call a few days in advance avoids disappointment. For lunches from Thursday to Sunday in season, plan to book a week in advance.

The best time to visit Tamarone

Tamarone is experienced at different rhythms depending on the time of day. Here are the three highlights.

Early morning (7am–10am)

This is the most magical time. The beach is practically deserted, the water is like a mirror, and the low-angled sun gives the dunes golden hues. If you are staying in Macinaggio or Rogliano, set off on foot along the customs officer's path around 7 am. You arrive at Tamarone around 8 am for a solitary swim and a coffee before the official opening of U Paradisu. It is the purest experience of the place.

Lunchtime (12:30pm–2:30pm)

This is the social moment. The first boats have anchored in the bay. Families are settled in. U Paradisu serves its finest plates. The atmosphere is relaxed, convivial, and bright. This is where Corsican conviviality is best experienced—the art of taking your time around a shared table.

Sunset (7pm–9pm)

The sun does not set directly over the sea at Tamarone (the beach faces east-northeast), but the end-of-day lighting transforms everything. The dunes take on pink tints, the water turns purple in places, and the maquis exhales its strongest perfumes (wild lavender, immortelle, cistus). It is the ideal time for a final swim and an aperitif before heading back.

Note: U Paradisu generally serves lunch only. For sunset, plan to return to Macinaggio for dinner. There are several good addresses at the port (U Spuntinu, A Cantina di l'Orriu, or Le Pirate, depending on the season).

Why Tamarone inspires us at TAFANELLI

Tamarone is one of the foundational places of the TAFANELLI imagination. Not just because the beach is beautiful (it is), but because it precisely embodies what we try to put into our pieces.

Hidden elegance

Tamarone and U Paradisu do not seek the spotlight. No flashy signs. No roaring marketing. Yet, those who know, come and return. This is exactly our TAFA approach: making pieces that don't shout but leave a mark. A discreet embroidered cap. A t-shirt with an illustration on the back rather than a logo on the heart. A cut that stands out without imposing itself.

Quality over quantity

U Paradisu serves a short but precise menu. No 60-dish menu. No disguised fast food. What is on the table is good and is served because it is in season. At TAFANELLI, we apply the same logic: few pieces, but each one thought out, manufactured, and designed with care. 280 gsm cotton instead of disposable 140 gsm. Careful screen printing rather than low-end digital printing. High-end embroidery rather than iron-on patches.

Local anchoring

U Paradisu serves what the Cap Corse catch offers and drinks what the Patrimonio vineyards produce. It is a place that belongs to its territory. At TAFANELLI, every piece tells the story of a specific Corsican place. "Le Plongeur de Calvi" for the coves of the west coast. "La Pêche aux Oursins" for the pastoral tradition. "Roccapina" for the mythical rock in the south. The "Île de Beauté" t-shirt for the entire soul of the island, with the phrase "le ciel, la mer et la Corse" as a subtitle.

Art of living as a philosophy

Going to Tamarone and having lunch at U Paradisu is an experience that goes beyond the meal. It is a moment of presence to the landscape, to the light, to the people around. This is what we call the insular art of living. Our pieces are designed to accompany this type of day. Not for fashion shows, not for air-conditioned offices. For walks in the maquis, lunches facing the sea, and drinks at the port.

Our first TAFANELLI photo shoots were actually carried out in this spirit, in places reminiscent of Tamarone: golden sand, pure sky, maquis in the background, sea as far as the eye can see. It is this visual palette that defines our current artistic direction in Kodak grainy black and white, with GPS coordinates on the visuals.

Other places in Cap Corse to discover around Tamarone

Tamarone is exceptional, but Cap Corse is full of other places that beautifully complete a day or a stay in the area. Here are our recommendations.

Macinaggio, the port

The port village from which you access Tamarone. Macinaggio is a protected marina with several good restaurants, fine grocers, and an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. It is also the departure point for boat excursions to the Finocchiarola islands, which are a protected nature reserve.

Rogliano, the hilltop village

Five kilometers above Macinaggio, Rogliano is one of the most beautiful villages in Cap Corse. Medieval towers, paved alleys, Romanesque chapels: it is a place to wander off-season like an open-air museum.

Nonza and its tower, on the west coast

On the other side of the Cap, on the west coast, Nonza is a hilltop village built on a cliff above a long black pebble beach. It is one of the most photogenic sites in Corsica. To discover Nonza and La Sassa, read our article Nonza and La Sassa: complete guide to Cap Corse.

Capu Biancu lighthouse

At the end of the customs officer's path, beyond Tamarone, is the Capu Biancu lighthouse, the northernmost point of Cap Corse. The walk is demanding (allow 2 hours from Tamarone) but offers spectacular views of the tip and the islands of Capraia and Elba.

Centuri, the fishing port

On the other side of Cap Corse, about 30 minutes by car, Centuri is a small fishing port famous for its spiny lobsters (the port produces one of the best Mediterranean catches of this kind). Sunsets are exceptional there (the coast faces west). Several good addresses on the port for dinner.

Patrimonio, the vineyards

Heading back south, you pass through the Patrimonio appellation, one of the most recognized in Corsica for its white (Vermentino) and red (Niellucciu) wines. Several estates open their doors for tastings: Antoine Arena, Yves Leccia, Domaine Orenga de Gaffory, among others.

How to dress for a day in Tamarone

Tamarone requires a specific wardrobe. The beach is wild, the sun is intense, the maquis is present, and a table at U Paradisu requires a minimum level of attire. Here is the ideal composition.

For the morning and the walk from Macinaggio

A breathable 280 gsm TAFA t-shirt (Le Plongeur de Calvi, La Pêche aux Oursins, or an écru Île de Beauté)
Linen or lightweight cotton shorts in sand or khaki tones
Walking sneakers or high-top espadrilles
A TAFA Marine cap for sun protection
A water bottle and sunscreen

For lunch at U Paradisu

Keep it simple, but pay attention to details. A clean white or écru t-shirt, swim shorts that are still damp are no problem (they are even welcome), or linen shorts if you stay dry. A lightweight linen shirt on top if you want to dress it up a notch. Above all: no heels, no cocktail dresses, no formal wear. Tamarone is not Saint-Tropez. Here, you came to eat fish, not to strut on a catwalk.

For sunset and the return

A lightweight linen shirt or fine cotton shirt (long-sleeved) to protect yourself from the late afternoon sun and the chill when the Mistral wind picks up. A Corsican bandana around the neck is perfect for that moment. If your evening extends into Macinaggio or Rogliano, you'll be all set.

For a complete guide on how to dress in Corsica this summer, check out our article What to wear in Corsica this summer 2026: the complete style guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to Tamarone beach?

Three main options: by car via the track from Macinaggio (about 15-20 minutes over 3 km of track, parking nearby), on foot via the customs officers' path from Macinaggio (about a 1-hour walk along the coast), or by boat from Macinaggio (about 15 minutes by sea, anchoring in the bay is possible). Walking is the most authentic and beautiful way for landscape lovers.

Is U Paradisu open all year round?

U Paradisu operates mainly during the summer season, from May to September, with maximum availability in July and August. Off-season, the establishment is generally closed. For visits in April, May, June, or September, verify opening days by calling in advance, as some weekdays may be closed depending on foot traffic.

Is it necessary to book at U Paradisu?

Yes, highly recommended in high season (July-August), especially for weekend lunches and beautiful days. The beach hut has limited seating and can be very busy. Booking a few days in advance avoids disappointment. For lunches from Thursday to Sunday in peak season, plan to book a week ahead.

What is the average price for a lunch at U Paradisu?

Expect to pay between 40 and 70 euros per person for a complete lunch (starter, main course, dessert, wine) depending on the dishes chosen. The fresh grilled fish of the day is generally sold by weight and prices may vary according to the species. It is excellent value for money given the quality of the products, the exceptional setting, and the rarity of the experience.

Is Tamarone beach accessible for families with children?

Yes, Tamarone is very well-suited for families: fine sand, safe swimming, shallow water near the shore, gentle slope, and no strong currents. Just plan for the walk to get there (200 meters from the parking lot) and bring sun protection, as the beach is fully exposed to the sun without sufficient natural shade during the middle of the day.

Are there deckchairs and parasols for rent at Tamarone?

A limited part of the beach offers deckchair and parasol rentals through U Paradisu, but the majority of the sand remains free and wild. If you want more comfort, bring your own towel or beach mat and a folding parasol. This lack of mass development is one of Tamarone's strengths: here, the beach belongs to everyone.

What other restaurants are near Tamarone?

U Paradisu is the only establishment on Tamarone beach. For alternatives in the area, you will find several great restaurants in Macinaggio (on the port), in Rogliano (a hilltop village 5 km away), in Centuri (a fishing port famous for its lobsters), and further south in Erbalunga or Pino. The Cap Corse is full of authentic addresses for those who take the time to look for them.

Why does TAFANELLI refer to Tamarone in its brand universe?

Tamarone perfectly embodies the TAFANELLI aesthetic and philosophy: wild elegance, quality without ostentation, deep Corsican roots, and an authentic Mediterranean art of living. The location inspires our artistic direction, our photoshoots, and our approach to products (few pieces, but each one designed, manufactured, and crafted with high standards). It is also where our first brand visuals were born, in that unique tension between the maquis and the sea that defines Cap Corse.

To go further into the Cap Corse universe

Tamarone and U Paradisu are a gateway into the world of Cap Corse. To extend this discovery and prepare for your next Corsican explorations, here are some complementary articles from our TAFANELLI Notebooks:

And to discover the TAFANELLI wardrobe that accompanies these days at Tamarone and elsewhere, browse our complete collection. Free delivery in mainland France, same-day shipping for any order placed before 2:00 PM.

Tamarone is not just any beach. It is a place that changes those who take the time to go there. See you there soon, perhaps.

A PRESTU,
TAFA