Nonza is a small yet remarkably picturesque village perched on a steep rocky cliff along the western coast of the Cap Corse peninsula, the northern extension of the island of Corsica. Thanks to its elevated position above the sea, the village appears almost suspended over the landscape—its narrow lanes, stone houses, and remnants of fortifications blend seamlessly with the dramatic cliffs that descend toward one of the island’s most unusual beaches.
The black beach of Nonza – beauty with a troubling past
Below the village stretches a roughly 1.4‑kilometre‑long black‑grey beach, visually striking and highly photogenic at first glance. Its dark colour comes from finely ground stone material deposited by the sea—yet this material carries a heavy ecological legacy.
About 15 kilometres to the north, in the village of Canari, a large asbestos quarry operated between 1941 and 1965. For decades, waste rock, asbestos dust, debris, and unusable processing residues were dumped directly into the sea, without any environmental oversight. Ocean currents gradually transported this material southward along the coast, depositing it on the shores of Nonza and forming the dark beach seen today.
Environmental consequences
Due to this historical contamination, the beach’s sand still contains elevated concentrations of heavy metals, particularly chromium and nickel, which can be harmful with prolonged exposure. Although the beach is visually impressive, swimming and lingering on it are officially prohibited. Nevertheless, the only warning for visitors is a single faded French-language sign, which many overlook or do not understand.
The beach has thus become a paradoxical symbol—naturally beautiful, yet a stark reminder of industrial activity that left lasting scars on the local environment.
The clifftop village
Nonza itself is architecturally and historically fascinating. Its stone houses are arranged along narrow terraces rising above the sea, and above the village stands the Paoline Tower, built in the 18th century as part of a defensive system against pirate attacks. From the viewpoints around the tower, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the black beach, the cliffs of Cap Corse, and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean.
Despite its small size, the village is lively—especially in summer, when hikers, photographers, and travellers climb the steep steps to the Sainte‑Julie church or stop in one of the small local cafés.
Nonza today
Today, Nonza is one of the most distinctive places on Cap Corse—a location where dramatic nature, historical architecture, and environmental heritage intertwine into a unique whole. Visitors come for the views, the history, and the atmosphere, yet Nonza also stands as a reminder of how profoundly industrial activity can shape and burden a natural landscape.