top places to visit in corsica

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Corsica

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With its stunning seaside scenery, expanses of pristine forests, and soaring snowcapped mountains, Corsica lives up to the label, "Island of Beauty." Along the coast are attractive port towns, and the hillsides are dotted with picturesque villages.

Corsica offers no shortage of things to do. This idyllic island is a paradise for beach lovers , hikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The island boasts some of Europe's most inspiring rugged landscapes and a 1,000-kilometer shoreline with translucent waters, perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Although Corsica has been part of France since 1769, the island has its own culture. Donkeys still roam the countryside; the music is unique; and the cuisine features distinctive specialties, such as strong spicy cheeses, chestnut polenta, and chestnut cookies.

Discover the best places to visit on this enchanting island with our list of the top tourist attractions in Corsica.

2. Bonifacio

5. cap corse, 6. sant'antonino, 8. beaches near porto vecchio, 9. village of piana and calanques de piana, 10. castagniccia region, 11. réserve naturelle des bouches de bonifacio, 12. belgodère, 13. réserve naturelle de scandola, 14. désert des agriates, 15. extreme hiking on the gr20 trail, 16. col de bavella, 17. forêt de valdo niello, map of attractions & places to visit in corsica.

Corsica's most famous native son, Napoléon Bonaparte, was born in this bustling capital city, pleasantly situated on the Gulf of Ajaccio. Sensational views of the sea can be admired from various spots throughout the town.

At the center of Ajaccio is the Place de Gaulle , a grand square with an equestrian statue of Napoléon I (created in 1865 by Viollet le-Duc).

Next, visit the Musée National de la Maison Bonaparte (Rue Saint-Charles) to see the house where Napoléon I was born. The Bonaparte family lived here in the late 17th century and the 18th century. In the 19th century, Napoléon III inherited the house and refurbished the decor. Today, the Maison Bonaparte is classified as a Monument Historique and presents portraits, memorabilia, and family documents.

Continue your discovery of the Napoleonic era at the Palais Fesch (Musée des Beaux-Arts). The Collection Napoléonienne galleries display imperial portraits of Napoléon I and Napoléon III (both were titled "Emperor of the French") as well as medallions and coins that depict Napoléon I and Napoléon III.

The old town of Ajaccio is also worth exploring. Spend some time wandering around to discover the historic charm within its maze of winding, narrow streets.

Not to be missed in the old town is the 16th-century Cathédrale d'Ajaccio (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption), where Napoléon Bonaparte was baptized in 1771. The cathedral's most noteworthy work of art is the La Vierge au Sacré Côur painting by Eugène Delacroix.

Bonifacio is a well-preserved fortified town perched on a steep limestone cliff with stunning sea views. Brimming with old-world ambience, the town is a jumble of medieval lanes and narrow alleyways.

At its heart is the 12th- to 13th-century Eglise Sainte-Marie-Majeure , a Romanesque church with early Gothic elements. Also worth visiting is the 13th-century Eglise Saint-Dominique, which has an austere facade and a simple interior.

Bonifacio is found within Corsica's largest nature reserve, the Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, which encompasses limestone cliffs, seaside grottos, and the Lavezzi Islands.

Near the town are numerous beautiful beaches. Another destination within easy reach of Bonifacio is the port of Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardini, just a one-hour ferry ride away.

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Corsica is the ultimate destination for lovers of the outdoors © Gary Yeowell / Getty Images

Close your right fist, with your thumb over your fingers. Now point your index finger and you have an almost perfect representation of the island of Corsica – essentially a mountain range jutting out of the Mediterranean, whose highest peaks remain snow-capped well into the spring.

Its people are proud of their island: many consider themselves to be Corsican first and (reluctantly) French second, even though the island’s most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, became emperor of France! You’ll see graffiti – usually in Corsican, which is closer to Italian than it is to French – calling for independence in the most unexpected places. The Corsican flag (known locally as A bandera testa mora ) is everywhere: a black profile facing left with a white bandana knotted at the back. Why? Nobody is really sure and there are many legends, but the latest academic hypothesis is that the head belonged to Black Egyptian Christian martyr Saint Maurice d’Aguane, whose Latin name Mauritius led to confusion that this was the head of a Moor.

This stunning island has few museums, art galleries, cinemas or theaters. Instead, Corsica is a destination for those who love outdoor activities: hiking, swimming, sailing, kayaking, diving and great food at the end of it all.

Traditional Corsican food is more mountain than maritime. As chestnut trees and wild pigs abound, you’ll find both these ingredients in many a hearty Corsican dish such as wild boar stew or the different varieties of cold meats such as figatellu . You’ll also find chestnuts in many forms in Corsican deserts and pastries. Cheese runs the gamut from mild ( brocciu which is the basis for a variety of both savory and sweet dishes) to extremely strong ( casgiu merzu or rotten cheese). And you can wash it all down with one of the local wines, which are closer in taste to Italian wines than continental French ones.

Around every corner is another jaw-dropping landscape: a stone chapel perched atop a small hill with sheep-studded fields at its feet and snow-capped mountains behind, or a steep ravine of pink granite with a fast-running river at the bottom. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Trekking on the GR20 trail in Corsica near the Aiguilles de Bavella hiking towards Refuge d'Asinao

1. Hike the GR20 (aka Fra li Monti)

This is the mythical 200km-long (124 miles) hiking route, mostly along mountain ridges, from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south, that most French people associate with Corsica (along with the beaches of course).

Reputed as one of the toughest hikes in Europe, it will take an experienced hiker 16 days to complete with every night spent in a refuge. Of course, you don’t need to hike the whole length of it. You can just do a small segment in a day and get a taxi to pick you up or end (or start) your hike at Vizzavona where you can get a train. The northern section is the hardest as the path can be steep and rocky – in the south, the path is smoother and a bit flatter.

It's unwise to do this hike unless you are well prepared and it should not be attempted by any child under 12. You should only undertake it between June and the end of August. Earlier in the year you may find sections of the path blocked by snow and the refuges, although open, have no guardians. Later the streams you can drink from might be dry. Detailed information and instructions can be found on this dedicated website .

2. Drive from Francardo to Porto

The narrow D84 road from Francardo to Porto is only 78.6km (48.8 miles) long but driving it non-stop would take two hours – "twisty" doesn’t even begin to describe it. But this road is so spectacular that you’ll make multiple stops, not only to admire the landscape of giant granite fingers, deep gorges, Alpine meadows and lakes but also because you’ll be competing for road space with Corsica’s wild black pigs, cows and other vehicles, particularly in the summer months.

Detour: The road climbs up past the village of Calacuccia and its eponymous lake – a hydroelectric reservoir – to the col de Vergio (Vergio pass) at 1467m (4812ft), where you’ll see an abandoned ski-lift, the only remains of the island’s biggest ski resort before it was shut in 2007. As you head down towards the sea through the pine forest of Aïtone, and before you reach the village of Évisa, you can stop and walk about 600m (1968ft) to some small waterfalls and natural pools that are safe to swim in.

3. Explore the island by train

If the thought of driving along Corsica’s vertiginous roads or hiking the GR20 doesn’t appeal, then the train is the answer. The line heads north from Ajaccio to the central Corsican town of Ponte Leccia (2hrs 40mins), where it branches west to Calvi (1hr 50mins) or east to Bastia (1hr 45mins).

The train winds its way through the mountains giving you wonderful views of Corsica’s highest peak, the Monte Cinto (2706m/8878ft,), stone villages seemingly grown out of granite rocks, fields dotted with sheep and goats whose milk is turned into pungent Corsican cheeses, and across rivers and gorges, sometimes winding back on itself so you can look down and see the railway line below you.

Amusingly some of the stops are optional, so if you want to get off the train at any of these, push the button next to the train door. If you’re at the optional station and want to get on the train, wave at the train driver.

Planning tip: You can buy a €50 Pass Libertà which allows you to travel wherever and whenever you want for 7 consecutive days. Timetables and fares can be found on the official website (in French and Corsican only).

A paved street surrounded by old buildings in Bastia's old town bathed in late afternoon sunshine

4. Find Bastia’s historic heart

Bastia , Corsica’s economic capital, tends to get overlooked by tourists. And that’s a shame because it's a town designed for its 52,000 inhabitants rather than tourists and has plenty to keep you entertained for at least a day.

Terra Vecchia , the historic heart of the city, brackets the old port. Its landmark building is the church of Saint John the Baptist , the biggest in Corsica and built in the 1600s, although the facade and identical bell towers on either side were added in the 1860s. This part of town is small, so don’t hesitate to turn into the narrow streets to explore and wonder how some of the grey-and-beige crumbling buildings that crowd in on each other are still standing. Look for the small niches in the facades that hold a painted statue of a saint and question the safety of a tangle of electrical wires as you make your way past the vast church and onto the southern side, then up the beautiful imperial staircase known as the Falata à a Gabella into the Terra Nova (there’s also a lift about 150m/492ft beyond the staircase if you prefer).

Planning tip: There’s a bustling market – the locals call it u mercà – just north of the old port on the Place de l’hôtel de ville. Open from 8am to 1pm every day except Monday, it gets particularly animated at the weekend with many Bastiais (residents of Bastia) meeting at the cafes after their shopping for a chat and a drink.

5. Discover seven centuries of island history

The upper part of the city of Bastia, or Terra Nova, with its straight streets and well-kept colored facades, clusters around the Genoese citadel or bastiglia which is where the town got its name. The Governors’ Palace, built in 1530, hosts the lovely city museum covering seven centuries of the city and the island’s history. There’s enough here to keep you busy for about two hours. On a clear day in the terraced gardens, you can see the Italian island of Elba 57km (35 miles) away where Napoleon spent his first exile, and the old port and the city spread out below you like a map.

Planning tip: If you’re in Bastia on the second or third Saturday of July, don’t miss the A Notte di a Memoria (the Night of Memory) , a historical reconstruction of the Middle Ages ceremony signaling a change of Genoese governor. It involves a lot of drums and flag throwing and some 200 or so Bastiais in period costume parading from the citadel down to the old port, so you can stand anywhere along the route and watch.

The calanques of Piana, amazing rock formations colored red at sunset in Corsic

6. Don’t miss Les Calanques de Piana

These red-and-pink calanques (narrow, steep-sided granite valleys or inlets) are part of a Unesco World Heritage site on the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio and are unmissable. The best approach is from Piana. As you drive carefully north along the narrow road winding its way through rocks and scrub bushes, the rocks will start getting bigger, fashioned into fantastic shapes that every person interprets in their own way: where one will see a lion, another will see a human or yet another a strange gargoyle. You’ll get tantalizing glimpses of the sea far below. In the summer the road gets quite busy, so don’t stop on a bend to admire the view.

Detour: There are a few car parks along the route, notably at La tête du chien (dog’s head) from which there is a 1.2km (0.7 miles) easy path to a rocky platform that provides a prodigious view of the calanques and the Gulf of Porto. There are four other hiking paths through the Calanques – ask the Piana tourist office for a map.

7. Explore the ancient churches of Cargèse

This village, south of Porto, is home to one of Corsica’s most beautiful churches, which also happens to be the only Greek Orthodox church on the island. Saint Spyridon was built by the Greek descendants of the 600 who fled the Ottomans in the 17th century and settled in this coastal village.

The community originally built a small church but by the mid-19th century, they'd outgrown their original place of worship and began the construction of Saint Spyridon in a neo-gothic style. In accordance with Byzantine rite, the altar is hidden from the nave by a wooden partition (an iconostasis). This one is beautifully decorated with icons (some of which were brought by the first Greek inhabitants and date back to the 13th century) of saints and angels on a gold background. The church walls are covered with frescoes and the ceiling is painted dark blue dotted with gold stars – all illuminated by several large, multi-layered brass chandeliers.

What makes Cargèse remarkable is that just across a small gully from Saint Spyridon is the pale yellow facade of the neo-Baroque Roman Catholic church, the Assumption, built in the 1800s. The richly-decorated, colorful interior, recently restored, is also neo-Baroque.

From the photogenic shaded little square in front of this church, there are lovely views of the sea. Take the path that leads down to the port and enjoy lunch at one of the lovely restaurants that are crowded with locals even during the off-season.

8. Get to know Napoleon in Ajaccio

You cannot escape Napoleon Bonaparte in his birthplace. Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica because he decided it should be, switching it from Bastia in 1811. He’s everywhere, in street names and museums and watching mournfully over the pétanques players from atop his pedestal in the Place d’Austerlitz.

The Palais Fesch , so named as it exhibits the art collection of Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon’s maternal uncle, is the island’s major art museum. Fesch began his collection whilst accompanying his nephew on the two-week Italian campaign in 1796. By the time he died in 1839, he had accumulated more than 16,000 works of art. They’re not all on show but the permanent exhibition has some exceptional works by Renaissance artists such as Bellini, Botticelli, Titian and Veronese, as well as 17th-century artists Poussin and Van Dyck.

Napoleon’s parents, Charles and Letizia Bonaparte, are buried in the imperial chapel in the right wing of the palace.

Detour: A five-minute walk from the art museum will take you to Maison Bonaparte , where Napoleon was born on 15 August 1769 but only resided in until he was nine years old. The house has undergone multiple changes since then and only became a museum in 1967. Written explanations are only in French – use the audio guide for English descriptions.

Houses clustered together on the edge of a cliff in Bonifacio, Corsica

9. View the clifftop beauty of Bonifacio from the sea

Bonifacio is not only the oldest town in Corsica (founded in about 830 CE), it's also the most spectacular. Perched atop 100m-high, layered white limestone and sandstone cliffs, it boasts phenomenal views south across to Sardinia (only 13km/8 miles away).

For first-time visitors the element of surprise is huge – when you arrive by road, all you can see of Bonifacio are enormous, imposing ramparts and fortifications on a hill to the west of a 1.5km sea inlet. The only way to view the imposing cliffs, and the town's tall houses tethered at the very edge of the escarpments, is from the sea – boat tours depart regularly from the port at the end of the inlet.

When you return from your maritime expedition, wind your way past the restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops that line the port and go up the Rastello ramp ending at the foot of the citadel . There you'll find the much-photographed, white, roofless Saint Roch chapel with its single bell cut out against the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, with Sardinia glistening on the horizon.

You can then turn into the old town through the labyrinth of tight, paved streets lined with ancient, narrow six- or seven-story buildings nestled against each other. Note the aqueducts above the streets connecting the houses and look out for the stone plaque on n°7 rue des Deux Empereurs detailing that Napoleon Bonaparte (of course, who else?!) lived there from 22 January to 3 March 1793 and that it belonged to his ancestors until May 1721.

If you don’t feel like walking from the port to the old town, you can join the families (it's free for under-fives) on the little tourist train.

Planning tip: In summer, Bonifacio gets extremely crowded – you should plan to get here before 10am or you won’t be able to park. Leave your car in one of the two car parks at the port (about €20/ day) or in one of the two (Monte Leone and Valli) on the outskirts of the town (about €5/day). A free shuttle operates to the port from the Monte Leone car park.

If you have a campervan, you can only park at the Monte Leone or Valli car parks and note that the latter is only open in summer. Don’t be tempted to try your luck with the car parks at the top – in summer the town’s population rises from just over 3000 to 15,000, so walking will be quicker! In any case, the old town is mostly pedestrianized. There is also a little road train that goes from the port to the old town, departing every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 9:45pm July to August, 5:45pm in September. Tickets are €5 return, free for children under five.

10. Create rock art on the black sand beach of Nonza

About a third of the way up the eastern coast of the Cap Corse lies the village of Nonza, planted on the edge of a sheer cliff on the northern side. There are dramatic views of the 150m (492ft) drop to the black beach below, one of the few in Corsica that is never crowded in the summer – probably because there are more than 500 steps to reach it! A few hardy souls make the descent to create patterns with the light grey pebbles on the black sand, which you can admire from the top.

There’s a delightful little village square where you can sit under the shade of the plane trees and unwind to the tinkling sound of a fountain, a cool drink in hand as you nibble some delicious Corsican charcuterie .

Planning tip: If you visit Nonza in the summer, it'll be almost impossible to park in the village – leave your car on either side of the village and walk.

A woman hiker smiling in the sunshine in northern Corsica

11. Follow in the footsteps of the customs officers

If you’d like to hike but find the GR20 intimidating, then try the 25km-long (15.5 miles) Sentiers des Douaniers (customs officers’ path) that runs around the very tip of Corsica’s index finger (Cap Corse) from Macinaggio on the east coast to Centuri on the west. During this eight-hour hike (or you can break it up and do it over two days) you’ll go from sandy beaches and dunes on the eastern coast to the wilder, rockier landscapes of the western coast. Along the way, you’ll see marks of human habitation: old limestone ovens, windmills, and the ruins of 16th - century Genoese towers.

The section between Macinaggio and Barcaggio (a three-hour walk) tends to be more crowded than the section between Barcaggio and Centuri (five hours). From Macinaggio you’ll go across Tamarone beach and have a view of the dust-speck islands of Finocchiarola topped by a ruined Genoese tower. A bit further along you’ll see the picturesque ruin of a tower right on the beach, sometimes surrounded by the sea. When you reach Barcaggio, climb up the dunes for a fabulous view. On a clear day, you can see the coastline of Italy from up there! Come back down for a swim off the lovely beach – you may share the sand with some wild cows. The fully automated lighthouse on the island of Giraglia lies just off the coast – it's one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean.

You can either return to Macinaggio by boat or stay overnight in Barcaggio and carry on the next day to Centuri. This next section is wilder and windier as it's along the very northernmost tip of Corsica and some parts of the path are quite steep and rocky. Look out for the wide variety of seabirds and you may very well spot some dolphins swimming nearby. This part of the hike goes through a lot of maquis and can be a bit scratchy on your legs. Best to wear trousers rather than shorts.

The hike from Macinaggio to Barcaggio is shorter and easier, and many casual hikers generally find it more pleasant than the second section to Centuri, which is more suited to serious hikers.

Planning tip: This is not a particularly difficult hike, and it’s mostly clearly signposted, but you do need a decent level of fitness and there isn't much shade. Don’t attempt it in the height of summer or on very windy days, as there's a greater risk of fires. Spring is the optimum time when the maquis is in full flower and its colors and very particular perfume are at their best. Bonaparte used to say that he could recognize Corsica just by the smell of its maquis !

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Visit Corsica: Top 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 35 best things to do in corsica (bucket list).

You’re planning to visit Corsica, this beautiful island in the South of France during your next holidays? You want to know more about the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 35 best things to do in Corsica , with all the must-see attractions of the island.

I will tell you everything about the most famous cities such as Bastia , Calvi , Ajaccio and Bonifacio , the world famous Scandola Nature Reserve , the best beaches and many more amazing secret places to visit during your trip 😉.

And at the end of the article, I will also give you detailed itineraries to plan your visit depending on the duration of your stay.

So, where to go in Corsica? What are the best points of interest?

Let’s find out!

2. Cap Corse

3. saint florent, 4. agriates desert, 5. l’île rousse, 7. the perched villages of balagne, 8. the revellata peninsula and our lady of the serra, 9. the fango valley, 10. scandola nature reserve and girolata – porto, 11. the calanques de piana, 12. hiking in corsica, 13. the gr 20, 14. corsica’s best beaches, 15. spelunca gorge, 16. the forest of aïtone, 17. cargese, 18. ajaccio and the sanguinaires islands, 19. propriano, 20. sartene, 21. bonifacio, 22. the lavezzi islands, 23. porto-vecchio, 24. the ospedale, 25. the aiguilles de bavella, 27. the asco valley and monte cinto, 28. restonica gorge, 29. visit east corsica, 30. diving in corsica, 31. the other outdoor activities in corsica, 32. take the trinicellu, the corsican train, 33. discover corsica’s gastronomy, 34. the wine route, 35. the “route des sens authentiques”, corsica tours, tourist map of corsica, by ferry boat, renting a boat in corsica, you’re traveling to corsica these articles will help you , visit corsica: the 35 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Corsica, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Corsica – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Corsica
Itinerary: 1 week in Corsica – The best Itinerary to visit Southern Corsica
Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Corsica – The definitive guide to visit Northern Corsica in 1 week
Itinerary: 10 days in Corsica – The best 10 days itinerary in Corsica
Itinerary: 2 weeks in Corsica – How to visit Corsica in 14, 15 or 16 days.

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Let’s start this Corsica travel guide with B astia, t he island’s economic capital.

Located in the north , the city is a good starting point for a trip to Corsica. With its port and international airport, you can easily get there by plane or with the ferries from France (from Nice and Toulon for example) or Italy .

Here are the best places to see in Bastia :

St. Nicholas Square and its many restaurants and cafés
Napoleon Street, a lovely pedestrian street with many shops
The market which takes place every Saturday and Sunday morning
The church of St. John the Baptist and its 2 bell towers, in the Terra Vecchia district
The Old Port, the best place to have a drink on a sunny terrace !
The Romieu gardens and stairs
The citadel of Bastia where the Terra Nova neighborhood is located
The Governors’ Palace housing the Bastia History Museum
St. Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1619, where you can find masterpieces by Italian painters.

And if you want to take a dip, try one of Bastia’s most beautiful beaches :

Arinella beach, a large sandy beach where you can enjoy many nautical activities
The beaches of the Marana, located next to Arinella
The pebble beach of Toga , only a 5 minutes walk from the city centre
Ficaghjola cove, in the old Bastia

You can find detailed information about Bastia in my article: The 17 best things to do in Bastia.

Located North of Bastia, Cap Corse is among the best places to see in Corsica.

What are the best things to do in Cap Corse?

Take the customs officers’ Path (“Chemin des douaniers” in French) that connects the Macinaggio and Centuri villages. During this 19 km long walk along the coast, you will enjoy splendid views .

This trail is divided into 2 sections :

The most interesting part goes from Macinaggio to Barcaggio. This 3h30 walk along the seaside offers many beautiful beaches where you can stop for a swim.
The other part, from Barcaggio to Centuri, is a bit more difficult and takes about 4 hours . As the path is mainly overlooking the sea, it’s harder to find a beach to take a dip!
Do a 2-hour commented cruise departing from Macinaggio: you will discover the Cap Corse and its Genoese towers, the Finocchiarola archipelago and Barcaggio. You will also enjoy a short swimming stop. It’s the best way to discover Cap Corse if you don’t feel like walking! (Information available here)
Discover the beautiful villages of Cap Corse: Rogliano, Barrettali, Canari, Pietracorbara… From there, you can also enjoy many walking trails.
Visit Nonza and its famous black pebble beach.
Stop at the Mattei mill’s and enjoy a breathtaking view over most of Cap Corse.
Drive along the Patrimonio wine route (I will give you more information about it later in this article).

If you want to organise your visit to Cap Corse, have a look at my detailed article: Cap Corse : the 15 best things to do.

Saint Florent is the second largest marina in Corsica, after Ajaccio. Often compared to Saint-Tropez , this charming village welcomes many tourists every summer and even a few french and international stars!

Take a short walk along the port, and climb up to the citadel through the village’s beautiful small alleys. It won’t take long, and you will enjoy a beautiful panorama, overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Florent .

You should also take some time to visit Santa Maria Assunta cathedral, entirely built in white limestone.

Saint Florent is also the starting point for the Agriates desert boat tours . With its magnificent sand beaches and amazing preserved landscapes, it’s clearly one of Corsica’s must-see attractions !

For more information about Saint-Florent, you can read my detailed article: The 12 best things to do in Saint-Florent.

The fastest way to get to Agriates Desert is to take a boat from Saint-Florent .

Agriates Desert is mostly renowned for its 2 magnificent beaches , often ranked among Corsica’s most beautiful:

Saleccia, a splendid sandy beach with turquoise water, surrounded by a pine forest.
Lotu beach, another beautiful beach with translucent water.

If you wish to spend a whole day sunbathing and swimming during your holidays in Corsica, you’re in the right place!

You will find every information you need to visit the Agriates in my article: Visit the Agriates Desert: the definitive guide.

L’Île Rousse is a small seaside resort located between Saint-Florent and Calvi. It’s also a great starting point for an itinerary in Corsica, as you can get there with ferries from Nice, Toulon and Marseille .

Take a walk in the old town and discover the Place Paoli and the Port. From the port, you can also take the lighthouse road to reach Pietra peninsula and its lighthouse. There, you will enjoy a splendid view of L’Île Rousse and the perched villages of Balagne.

The city of Calvi is another place you should discover during your trip to Corsica.

Calvi must-see places are:

The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste
The former palace of the Genoese governors
Saint Anthony’s Oratory
The old town and its paved alleys with many shops and restaurants
The port and the Quai Landry, also with many restaurants!
Calvi Beach , a long sandy beach surrounded by a pine forest

And after your stroll, how about trying one of the many nautical activities?

In Calvi, you can choose between paddle, catamaran, windsurfing, kayaking or towed buoy. There are also several diving centres offering first dives.

And if you want more details about the best things to do in Calvi, you should read my article : Visit Calvi : the definitive guide.

If you want to enjoy something different than sunbathing all day at the beach, you should go to the forest of Bonifatu. Located a 30-minute drive from Calvi, this forest offers many beautiful walking trails and natural pools to swim in the river!

From Calvi, drive to the small village of Moncale, located only 20 minutes away. There, you will reach the beginning of the panoramic road that connects Balagne’s most beautiful villages.

During your tour, you should stop at:

Zilia, whose spring water is sold throughout the island
Montemaggiore and its view of the Calvi bay
Sant Antonio
The abandoned village of Occi: even if this village is in ruins, the place offers a splendid view of the mountains, Calvi Bay and the Revellata in the distance. You can access Occi by foot, from Lumio or from the “Panoramic Campsite” on the Lavatoggio Road. It’s a great place to enjoy the sunset, but don’t forget to walk down before dark!

Let’s stay in Calvi’s surroundings to visit a less known tourist site: the Revellata .

The Revellata peninsula is a rather wild area. With its many walking trails, small and quiet white sandy beach and many preserved coves, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day walking, sunbathing and swiming.

And if you want to discover the most beautiful point of view over Calvi bay , drive to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra , located only 5 minutes away from The Revellata.

Let’s continue this Corsica travel guide and discover the Fango valley, classified as a natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Located 40 minutes south of Calvi , the place is famous for its many natural pools where you can swim. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing family trip, as you can swim with children and picnic on the river’s shores .

From the valley, you can also enjoy many strolls and hikes of various difficulties.

Nearby, you can also go to the village of Galeria, located a 10-minutes drive from the Fango valley . From there, you can rent a canoe to explore the Fango Delta and discover its amazing wildlife!

The nature reserve of Scandola is one of Corsica’s must-see attractions.

Scandola reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts an exceptional and well-protected marine and terrestrial wildlife. The only way to reach Scandola is by boat , and it’s strictly forbidden to walk, hunt, fish or dive there.

If you wish to visit the reserve, you will need to go to the small port of Porto, in Corsica. (Not to be mistaken with Porto in Portugal!)

From there, you can choose between many different boat excursions.

All these tours also include a stop in Girolata, a former fishing village only accessible by boat or a hiking trail.

During your tour, you will discover magnificent red volcanic cliffs. Try to spot the ospreys living there!

Click on the button below to book your visit of Scandola and Girolata:

You will find every information you need to visit Scandola in my article Visit Scandola: the 12 best things to do.

The Calanques de Piana are clearly among Corsica’s most beautiful places .

Going on a boat trip (also departing from the port of Porto ), is the ideal to discover the sublime landscape. You will by amazed by the incredible shapes and colors of its red granite cliffs overlooking the sea!

For more information and to book your boat tour, simply click the button below:

Contrary to Scandola, hiking is allowed in the Calanques. You can choose one of the many walking trails to explore the place and discover the magnificent viewpoints over the Gulf of Porto.

If you want more information about the Calanques de Piana, you should read my detailed article: How to visit the Calanques de Piana?

If you wish to visit the Calanques de Piana and Scandola reserve on the same day, you will need to opt for a 4-hour boat tour.

You can book it right here:

During your trip to Corsica, you should really go on a few hikes! It’s clearly one the best things to do on the island, and the best way to discover the amazing natural landscapes.

There are many hiking trails all over Corsica. Whether you’re in the North, the South, the East or the West of the island, you will always find a trail that suits you!

Here is a short list of Corsica’s most renowned trails:

The GR 20 , (I’ll tell you more about it in the next paragraph)
Mare a Mare trails, crossing the island from East to West or vice versa.
Mare e Monti North, from Calenzana to Cargese
Mare e Monti South, from Porticcio to Burgu
The Cap Corse customs officers’ path ( already detailed at #2 )
Cuscionu Plateau to discover the pozzines
The many trails in the Calanques of Piana ( already detailed at #11 )
Lake Nino, starting from Vergio Pass
The “Cascades des Anglais” trail, where you can discover beautiful natural pools and waterfalls
Purcaraccia waterfalls
Spelunca gorge, connecting Ota to Evisa
Parata and the customs officers’ path leading to Saint Antoine’s beach
Piscia di Gallu waterfall, in the Ospedale forest
Bavella pass and the “trou de la Bombe” hike
Restonica valley to Melo Lake and Capitello.

The GR20 is Corsica’s mythical Hiking Trail .

This 200-km long trail crosses Corsica from North to South, between Calenzana and Conca. The road will take you through the mountains, inside Corsica’s Regional Natural Park.

The GR20 is divided in 16 stages (approximately lasting 1 day each). Be aware that this trek is for experienced hikers and requires a good physical condition.

It’s also very important to be well-prepared : study the different stages, book your accommodations and of course use adapted equipment and shoes. Don’t forget that the GR20 is considered as the most difficult hiking trail in Europe .

Where can you find Corsica’s most beautiful beaches?

Everywhere!

Corsica is the perfect place if you want to go sunbathing or swimming, as you will find magnificent sandy beaches and coves all around the island.

And even in the mountains, you can find many rivers featuring natural swimming pools to take a dip!

The most famous beaches in Corsica are:

Palombaggia, located close to Porto-Vecchio , regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Rondinara Bay, 20 km away from Porto-Vecchio
The beaches of Saleccia and Lotu in the Agriates Desert
Ostriconi Beach, between Saint-Florent and Calvi
Little Sperone Beach, close to Bonifacio
The Lavezzi Islands ‘ Beaches, accessible by boat from Bonifacio
Paragan Beach, also located near Bonifacio
Roccapina Beach in Sartene
Arone Beach, located close to the Calanques of Piana
Mare e Sole and the “Plage d’argent” (“Silver beach”), towards Ajaccio.

If you want to discover Corsica’s best places to swim, you should read my article: The 23 Best beaches in Corsica

The best way to discover Corsica’s most beautiful beaches ( Ostriconi, the Agriates Desert or the best beaches of southern Corsica) is to opt for a VIP boat trip, away from the other tourists!

You have 2 options:

1) Book a private boat trip in Corsica

In my opinion, this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Corsica!

You will rent a boat with an experienced skipper that will take care of showing you the most beautiful places of Corsica’s coast.

Motorboat, sailboat, catamaran or even yacht: choose the boat you want to spend a dream day!

As you can imagine, this type of VIP day at sea is extremely popular, so you should rent your boat with skipper as soon as possible. It would be a shame to miss this day because all boats are already rented!

You can find all boats with skipper in Corsica by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover the coast of Corsica

If you have a boat license, your second option for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

To do so, it’s very simple: you just have to click on the button below:

The Spelunca Gorge trail is among the Corsica’s most beautiful and popular walks.

This mule track connects the 2 small villages of Evisa and Ota, located near Porto and the Calanques of Piana.

It takes around 5 hours to do the whole hike: 2 hours down the Gorge from Evisa, and 3 hours to climb back up.

If you don’t feel like walking that much, you can always do the shorter and easier trail, starting from Ota . You’ll walk along the river, then climb up a bit and go down to reach the small stone bridge of Zaglia , classified as a historical monument.

This part of the trail is the most frequented. It takes about 1 hour to do it, if you don’t stop to take photos or for a dip in the river!

If you want to take a dip in a crystal clear river and enjoy a beautiful preserved nature, then you should definitely visit the forest of Aïtone.

Located only a 40-minute drive from Porto and close to Spelunca Gorge , this magnificent 4000-hectare forest is renowned for its huge hundred-year-old Laricio pines.

There, you can enjoy many walking trails. The easiest reaches the river in only 10 minutes and allows you to swim in beautiful natural pools!

If you want to enjoy a bit of fresh air and beautiful nature, it’s clearly a great place to visit during your holidays in Corsica.

As the place is often crowded, you should go there at the end of the day (around 4 or 5 p.m) to avoid the rush!

Cargese is a small Corsican village located between Porto and Ajaccio. The most interesting thing about this village is its particular history.

It was built in 1774 as a refuge for a Greek community, whose ancestors had left Greece and Peloponnese to escape the Ottoman domination. About a hundred houses were built for the Greeks, as well as the only Byzantine church in Corsica!

50 years later, as there were more and more Corsican people living in Cargese, a Latin Church was also built. Today, these 2 churches facing each other are the village’s landmark.

From Cargese, you can reach 5 beautiful beaches:

Chiuni beach
Menasina beach
Capizollu beach
Stagnoli beach

Ajaccio is the island’s biggest city and a must-see tourist attraction during your trip to Corsica.

Here are the best things to do in Ajaccio and its surroundings:

The traditional market, held every morning on Foch square
The Bonaparte house where Napoleon spent a part of his childhood
The Fesch Museum and its collection of Italian paintings
The cathedral, where Napoleon was baptized
Bonaparte cave and Austerlitz square
Parata Point , the best point of view on the Sanguinaires islands

And if you want to go swimming near Ajaccio, you can choose between:

Marinella beach: the closest beach to the city, always very crowded!
The beach of Terre Sacrée, a pretty beach with big rocks at the water’s edge
Capo di Feno beach, a large wild beach

You want to learn more about the best things to do in Ajaccio? Have a look at my article Ajaccio: the definitive guide.

Propriano is located between Ajaccio and Bonifacio .

In this famous seaside resort, you can enjoy many restaurants and shops. Propriano is also the starting point of many full-day boat trips to the Sanguinaires Islands, and even to Scandola nature reserve.

Close to Propriano, you can enjoy Portigliolo beach , a huge wild beach located at the mouth of a small river. You can also reach the unspoilt natural site of Campomoro .

There, you will find several marked trails along the seaside, as well as small wild coves for your swimming breaks!

And, if you’re looking for a thrilling experience, the skydiving school is waiting for you! Would you dare to jump from a plane flying at more than 4000 meters of altitude?

Let’s continue this Corsica travel guide with Sartene, a typical village with beautiful stone houses .

Start your tour at the central Liberation Square , where Sainte-Marie church is located, and walk down the paved alleys to discover the old town .

The village is rather small and often crowded (as many tourist buses stops here), but also very pretty!

And if you want to learn more about the village’s history, you can rent an audio guide for 5€ at the tourist office.

Bonifacio is clearly one of the must-see cities in Southern Corsica.

While preparing your trip to Corsica, you have probably seen the photo of Bonifacio houses, perched on top of a white cliff, overlooking the sea. It’s clearly one of the island’s most iconic picture.

Located in the extreme south of Corsica, Bonifacio and its surroundings offers splendid panoramas , and beaches ranked among Corsica’s most beautiful. That’s why you should definitely spend a few days in Bonifacio during your stay!

What are the best things to do in Bonifacio, Corsica?

Take a stroll in the Citadel
Visit the Fortress of the Standard
Go down King of Aragon’s staircase
Do a boat tour to see the city from the sea and discover the nearby marine caves
Follow the path from “Col Saint Roch”, the perfect spot if you want to take pictures of Bonifacio’s cliffs!
Enjoy a drink on a sunny café terrace on the port, and admire the yachts
Take a walk to Pertusato lighthouse and Saint-Antoine beach
Go to Lavezzi Islands
Enjoy the magnificent beaches of Petit and Grand Sperone , ranked among the island’s most beautiful.

You can find detailed information about Bonifacio in my article: The 20 best things to do in Bonifacio .

The Lavezzi Islands are clearly among the best places to see around Bonifacio.

It takes only 30 minutes by boat to reach the islands from the port of Bonifacio. There, you will enjoy splendid coves and beaches. The program of that day will be very simple: swimming, sunbathing and relaxing!

You can also walk all around the island.

Even if it’s supposed to last only 1 hour, you should count at least 2h30, as you will stop many times to take pictures and enjoy the panorama!

In my opinion, “Chiesa” is the island’s most beautiful beach . It offers a splendid scenery, with huge rocks and turquoise water. It’s also one of the quietest places on the Islands, as you can’t access it by boat.

You will find every information you need to visit the islands in my article: How to visit the Lavezzi Islands?

What are the best places to visit in Porto-Vecchio, in Southern Corsica?

I must warn you: the city itself isn’t that interesting. It has a pleasant but very tiny old town, and there isn’t much to do!

In fact, most people come to Porto-Vecchio to enjoy the sumptuous beaches of the surroundings.

Here are the 5 most beautiful beaches around the city:

Rondinara Beach
Santa Giulia Beach
Palombaggia Beach
Tamaricciu Beach
Pinarelllu Beach

It can be difficult to choose one, as they all offers white sand and crystal clear water. You will have to try all of them to make up your mind!

And if you want to enjoy something different, you should go to Cavu Valley.

The river offers beautiful natural swimming pools . It’s really a great spot if you’re visiting Corsica with children!

You will find every information you need to visit Porto-Vecchio area in my article: The 17 best things to do in Porto-Vecchio.

Located North of Porto-Vecchio , the Ospedale forest is another place you should visit during your trip to Corsica.

The road to get there offers beautiful views over the Porto-Vecchio Bay .

On the way, you will also discover the Ospedale Lake, located in the middle of the mountains. It reminded me a bit of Canada !

From the Ospedale, a 2-hour hike takes you to Corsica’s largest waterfall: the Piscia di Gallu. Be careful, as the last part of the trail is very steep.

The “ Aiguilles de Bavella” are another famous tourist site in Corsica, and one of the best places to hike on the island.

From the Bavella Pass, located in the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, you can choose between several marked trails. During your walk, you will enjoy beautiful panoramas over the rocky peaks.

The most famous hike is the “Trou de la bombe” (literally “Bomb Hole”).

This 2h30 easy hike in the shade of a pine forest takes you to a natural geological formation, a 8-meter diameter hole (named tafonu in Corsican) carved into the cliffs, overlooking a huge ravine.

Let’s continue this list of Corsica’s best points of interest with the city of Corte .

Located at the heart of the island , Corte is home to Corsica’s only university. It has therefore more students than inhabitants!

When visiting Corte , the main place to discover is its old town . Divided into an upper and a lower town, it’s definitely the most interesting part of the city!

During your visit, you should go to:

The belvedere dominating the city
The citadel, where you will find the Regional Museum of Anthropology . There, you will discover a collection of ancient objects, picturing the Corsican way of life through the ages.

You can find every information you need to visit Corte and its surroundings in my article: The 20 best things to do in Corte.

If you want to discover the Asco Valley, you first have to drive to Ponte-Leccia. There, take the D147 road and drive along the gorges for about 10 kilometers. As you drive along the river, you can stop for a swim whenever you want!

The Genoese Bridge , classified as a historic monument, is one of the Asco Valley’s most famous places.

This beautiful ancient bridge is located below the village of Asco. The place is also famous for its large natural swimming pool, perfect if you want to take a dip!

From the ski resort of Haut-Asco , you can also climb the 2,706 meter-high Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak. This hike is for experienced hikers.

The Restonica Gorge trail is among Corsica’s most famous hikes.

This trail starts at the “Bergeries de Grotelle” (“Grotelle Sheepfold”), located 16km away from Corte. There, follow the path to reach Melo Lake, at 1,711 meters of altitude. And if you’re still motivated, you can continue up to Capitello Lake, at 1,930 meters.

The round-trip to Melo Lake takes around 3 hours, and you can add 1.5 hour if you decide to go to Capitello.

After your hike, you can relax and swim in the many natural pools in the gorge!

Eastern Corsica is really less touristy than the rest of the island, as the main cities and tourist attractions are located on the West Coast and near the Cap Corse.

Howerver, there are still a few points of interest you can visit if you’re in the East:

The archeological museum and the ancient site of Aleria , Corsica’s first city, founded in the 6th century
The Pond of Diane, producing the island’s best oysters
Padulone beach (the side close to the Pond of Diane is wilder)
Pinia beach, located near Ghisonaccia
The Côte des Nacres, from Solenzara to Fautea, where you can enjoy many sandy beaches
The many hiking trails starting from Piedicroce

During your stay in Corsica, you should definitely go diving .

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are diving sites for everyone in Corsica!

Corsica’s most beautiful diving sites includes:

Revellata peninsula, next to Calvi
The wreckage of the B-17 bomber , an American plane shot down by the Germans, near the citadel of Calvi
The Gulf of Porto
The Cathedrals, towards Ajaccio
Punta Locca, near Liamone beach
Circus Marifaja
Pecorella Shipwreck, a small cargo that sank next to Porto-Vecchio
Merouville, in the Lavezzi Islands’ nature reserve

With its many beaches, mountains, canyons and rivers, Corsica is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities!

You should really try some of them during your stay.

Here is a list of the activities you can practice all over the island:

Canyoning: the most famous canyons are Richiusa canyon, Verghellu canyon and Zoïcu.
Quad biking in Calvi (click here to book) , in the Agriates desert or towards Bonifacio
Boat trips to Cap Corse, Saint-Florent, Porto, Bonifacio or the Lavezzi Islands
Tree climbing: the biggest adventure park is located in Vero, a small village on the heights of Ajaccio
Kayaking, for example at Pianterella beach, close to Bonifacio
Climbing: the most famous spots are in Balagne region + The Restonica Valley and the Aiguilles de Bavella
Paragliding, in Ajaccio, Calvi and Saint-Florent
Horseback riding

If you want to enjoy something different than visiting Corsica by car or motorcycle, you should definitely try a train ride.

The Corsican train, affectionately nicknamed the Trinichellu (“the little jiggling train”, literally) by the locals, is a unique experience. During your journey, you will discover beautiful landscapes you can’t access by car.

You can choose between 2 lines: from Bastia to Ajaccio and from Calvi to Ajaccio .

Both are crossing the regional natural park of Corsica. Don’t hesitate to stop whenever you want! The Trinichellu’s particularity is that you can get off at a stop, visit or take a stroll, then get back on the next train.

While visiting Corsica, you will have plenty of time to discover some of the best local specialties:

Brocciu, a local sheep or goat cheese. You should really try the cannelloni with brocciu, or the brocciu donuts, it’s delicious!
Figatellu, a fresh sausage made from pork liver
Lonzu, a pork-based delicatessen
Fiadone, the traditional Corsican dessert: a lemon-flavored brocciu flan
Pietra, the famous Corsican beer
Pulenta, the Corsican chestnut flour used in many traditional cakes and pancakes recipes
Canistrelli, small biscuits with a lemon, anise or hazelnut flavor (and you can find many more!)
Stir-fry veal with olives and pasta
Herb pie , a puff pastry filled with chard

If you are a wine enthusiast, you certainly know that Corsica produces excellent wines . There are 9 PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) on the island :

Coteaux-du-Cap-Corse
Muscat-du-Cap-Corse
Porto-Vecchio
Corsica (East Coast)

The island’s largest vineyards are often offering wine-tasting tours, and most of these wines are also available in the island’s restaurants. You will find every information you need about the different wineries in the tourist offices.

If you want to enjoy some excellent wine, don’t hesitate to visit vineyards during your itinerary in Corsica!

It’s now time to finish this list of the 35 best things to do in Corsica with the “Route des Sens Authentiques” .

While doing your road trip in Corsica , you will sometimes find blue “Route des Sens” road signs. You clearly can’t miss them!

They always indicates traditional workshops and farms you can visit to discover the Corsican craftsmen skills and the best local products.

And you, what do you plan to visit during your trip to Corsica?

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Corsica by yourself. (All my Corsica articles are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Corsica tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Corsica tours by clicking the button below:

I have made a tourist map of Corsica for you , to help you picture what the island looks like and where the best places to visit are located. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button (the one with a little arrow).

How to get to Corsica?

Corsica has 4 international airports :

Figari (near Porto-Vecchio)

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices. You have to know that the flight prices to Corsica can vary a lot throughout the year!

So to check the rates and schedules, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You can also take the Boat to Corsica from the French cities of Toulon, Nice and Marseille, or from Italy.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Corsica, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Corsica? 😊

Discover all my articles about Corsica : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Corsica are listed there.

Itinerary: 10 days in Corsica – The best 10 days itinerary in Corsica
Road trip in Corsica – The best itineraries for 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days
Ajaccio: The 20 Best things to do
Bastia: Top 17 places to visit
Bonifacio: Top 20 things to do and see
Calvi: The 15 things you must do!
Cap Corse: The 15 must-see attractions
Corte: 20 things to do and see
Porto: Top 12 things to discover
Porto-Vecchio: Top 17 things to do and must-see attractions
Saint-Florent: The 12 best things to do
Agriates Desert – The definitive guide
Calanques de Piana – How to visit the Calanques de Piana by boat, by car and on foot
Lavezzi Islands – Oganize your trip to the Lavezzi island easily!
Scandola Nature Reserve – All my best tips to visit Scandola
The 23 Best Beaches in Corsica : The definitive guide to the most beautiful beaches!
Where to stay in Corsica? My guide of the best hotels, ordered by cities and budget

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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18 Best Places to Visit in Corsica, France

Set within the shimmering azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is a beautiful island that offers plenty for the visitor.

Once ruled by the Greeks and Romans, the island is blessed with a rich history and culture. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as the former home of Christopher Columbus. So, numerous sites on the island reflect this legacy, including megalithic structures and medieval buildings that date back thousands of years.

However, Corsica is arguably best known for its fantastic white sandy beaches, which attract sunseekers from all over Europe. It also features a spectacular landscape that includes jagged mountains and lush forests. As well as plenty of pretty meadows, flowing rivers and a stunning coastline that is best explored on foot.

With so many places to visit in Corsica, it can be difficult to know what sites and destinations to prioritize viewing. For this reason, we’ve compiled this list of the island’s main highlights to provide you with the guidance you may need.

18. Speloncato

There are several villages in Corsica you can visit. But not many can match Speloncato for its sheer ambience, charm and aesthetic.

Situated within the Balagne region (more on that later), its most striking feature is that it is perched on a rocky outcrop some 570 meters above sea level. From afar, the contrast between its traditional houses and buildings and the granite rock they are set upon is very striking. But looking out from it, you also get to take in stunning views of the coastline and Reginu Valley.

The beautiful town features a labyrinth of tunnels, alleys and homes which are fun to explore. It is also far less touristy than other places, so you will be able to immerse yourself in an authentic slice of Corsica without the crowds.

17. Cap Corse

Cap Corse is a rugged and beautiful peninsula located in the northernmost part of Corsica. It is known for its stunning coastal views, picturesque villages, and unspoiled natural landscapes.

One of the main attractions of Cap Corse is its scenic coastal road. It winds its way along the cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape. The road is dotted with small villages and fishing ports, where visitors can stop and explore the local culture and cuisine.

If you only have time to stop at one of these villages, make sure it is Nonza. Situated on a hill overlooking the sea. It is known for its striking black sand beach and the ruins of a medieval tower that once protected the area from pirates.

16. Calanques de Piana

Calanques de Piana is one of our favorite natural sites in Corsica. Situated on the west coast, near the town of Porto, it is characterized by towering red granite cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters that captivate with their beauty.

One of the most stunning natural landscapes on the island, the UNESCO World Heritage site stretches for about five km along the coast. It consists of a series of narrow inlets or coves, which visitors can explore by taking a boat tour from Porto. Alternatively, they can drive along the scenic coastal road that winds its way through the cliffs.

What makes the area so appealing to us is that the cliffs are carved into unique shapes and formations. They include the famous ‘dog’s head’ and ‘heart’ geological formations, which add to the area’s overall mystique.

15. Filitosa

The Filitosa is one of Corsica’s most important archaeological sites. Situated near the town of Propriano, which resides on the southern coast, it contains several megalithic structures like standing stones and menhirs, as well as several ancient ruins.

The site dates back to the Bronze Age and is thought to have been inhabited by the Torréens, an ancient civilization that lived on Corsica between 2500 and 1000 BC. Believed to have been tombs or religious sites, the structures feature unique carvings and engravings that offer fascinating insights into their culture and beliefs.

One of the main attractions here is the row of standing stones known as the ‘menhirs of Filitosa’. They are impressive 3-meter tall stones that are carved with intricate patterns and symbols, including images of human faces and animals.

14. Propriano

Situated between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, Propriano is a famous seaside resort known for its spectacular beaches, gorgeous natural landscapes and azure waters.

Dating back to the Roman era, the town has a rich history as it was also an important trading port during the Middle Ages. Today, it is a lively and bustling town that offers excellent restaurants and a good mix of shops to explore.

If you are feeling energetic, you can choose to venture onto several marked trails that flank the shoreline and take you to wild coves where you can swim. You can also explore the historic architecture of its old town.

13. Hike the GR20

If you are a serious hiker, the GR20 is a must. One of the most popular and challenging hiking trails in Europe, it covers a distance of over 200 km. Starting in the northern town of Calenzana and ending in Conca in the south.

Along the way, it crosses the island’s mountainous spine, offering stunning views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful forests. The trail takes between 15 and 16 days to complete, and there are several campsites and refuges on the trail.

Overall it is well-marked and maintained, although it is notoriously challenging, with steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain and unpredictable weather. Therefore, it is only suitable for experienced hikers, as it requires you to be in good physical condition.

12. Spelunca Gorge

The Spelunca Gorge is a spectacular natural wonder located in the heart of Regional Natural Park. Also known as the Gorges de la Spelunca, it connects the villages of Ota and Evisa, and it is one of the most popular hiking destinations on the island.

Carved by the crystalline waters of the Fango River, the gorge features towering rock formations , narrow paths, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its hiking trail extends for 12 km and takes most people around four to five hours to complete, so it is a good alternative to the GR20.

Along the way, you will get to see several ancient stone bridges, including the famous Zaglia, which is classified as a historical monument. You can also swim at various points along the trail and spot wildflowers and a diverse range of wildlife.

11. Saint-Florent

Often compared to Saint-Tropez, Saint-Florent is Corsica’s second-largest marina after Ajaccio.

Sandwiched between the mountainous wilds of Cap Corse and the spectacular, untouched Désert des Agriates, the charming town is known for being the gateway to some outstanding beaches. They include Plage de la Roya, Plage du Loto and Plage de Saleccia. All of which are easy to get to on foot or by boat and provide excellent places to sunbathe, swim and relax.

When we don’t fancy a day at the beach, one of our favorite things to do here is to walk along the port. There, we can make our way to the citadel via the village’s charming, narrow alleys. It has some lovely shops and cafes on the ascent, and the views of the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Saint-Florent are always breathtaking.

The term ‘must-visit’ is often overused in travel writing, but when it comes to Calvi, it is quite apt.

Nestled on Corsica’s northwest coast, the town boasts a crescent-shaped bay and stunning beaches. It also features a dramatic medieval citadel which overlooks the marina from its western end.

You’ll want to spend the best part of a day there at least, as there is a lot to see. It includes the historic church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint Anthony’s Oratory, the former palace of the Genoese governors and a historic house that Christopher Columbus once lived in.

Another good sight to visit is the chapel of Notre Dame de la Serra, which is perched atop a hill and showcases splendid panoramic views. It is also worth dining in one of the fabulous restaurants that flank the harbor around Quai Landry Esplanade.

9. Agriates Desert

If you fancy a day of doing nothing more than swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on the beach, then pencil in a trip to the Agriates Desert.

Renowned for housing two fantastic beaches, the Plage de Saleccia and the Plage du Loto, they offer white sand, turquoise waters, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can easily get to them by boat from Saint-Florent and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Of the two, Saleccia is our favorite because it is flanked by a pine forest which creates a serene and tranquil setting.

As well as the beaches, the Agriates Desert is also steeped in history and culture. They are best discovered in traditional villages like Santo Pietro di Tenda and Olmeta di Tuda, which showcase the local way of life.

8. L’Ile-Rousse

Despite being a small seaside resort, L’Ile Rousse is many people’s first port of call when they arrive in Corsica, as there are regular ferries from Toulon, Nice and Marseille.

But rather than head straight to Calvi and Saint-Florent, which is either side of it, you should really take the time to explore it.

Founded in the 18th century by the Corsican revolutionary leader Pasquale Paoli (who aimed to create an independent Corsican state), the town has a lovely town center. It features narrow streets, traditional Corsican buildings, and a lively square which is a lovely place to people-watch.

What is nice about L’Ile Rousse is that it has several open-air markets where visitors can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local products. They are terrific places to experience the local culture and taste traditional Corsican delicacies.

Nestled in the heart of Corsica, the lively city of Corte is a fabulous place to visit. Home to the island’s only university, the town has a vibrance and sense of youthful energy that is not present elsewhere.

On any visit to Corte, you should head to its old town. It is divided into an upper and a lower town, which are both interesting places to explore. One of the most impressive sites to take in is the Regional Museum of Anthropology which is located in the citadel. There you will be able to see a fantastic collection of ancient artifacts and objects that date back hundreds of years.

Another notable sight to visit is The Belvedere. Situated just below the citadel, this wonderful viewing platform presents sensational views across the city to the surrounding mountains.

6. Beaches around Porto-Vecchio

Ok, so the tiny town of Porto-Vecchio is pleasant enough, although, truth be told, it is not the most interesting of places to visit in Corsia. But due to its gorgeous location in Southern Corsica, it does have one big drawcard. Or rather several, in the form of its fabulous beaches.

For most people, the main reason to come to Porto-Vecchio is that there are no less than five fantastic beaches within a short distance of it. They are Rondinara Beach, Santa Giulia Beach, Palombaggia Beach, Tamaricciu Beach and Pinarellu Beach.

All of them feature gorgeous white sand and crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. If you have overdosed on sightseeing, they are very good places to go for an afternoon of rest and recuperation.

5. Sant’Antonino

The region of Balagne comprises some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Corsica. Located in the northwest part of the island, it incorporates the cities of Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse, as well as plenty of idyllic beaches. Additionally, the area includes lush hinterland, jagged mountains and dense forest, which makes for spectacular terrain to explore by car.

Connected by a scenic drive, the panoramic road takes you through several quaint villages, including Calenzana, Pigna and Lumio. All of them are fabulous places to visit, with gorgeous architecture, friendly locals and delicious food. However, if you can only get to one, we recommend you make it Sant’Antonino.

Nestled on a hillside, the comely town showcases incredible views of Balagne and has some fabulous examples of medieval Corsican architecture. Whilst there, be sure to dine at the I Scalini restaurant – the aubergine tart is sensational!

Based near the northern tip of the island, Bastia makes an excellent starting point for any visit to Corsica. Serviced by an international airport and a port, you can easily get there by plane or ferry from other parts of France or Italy.

You will want to spend a good few days here as there are lots to see. One of the most notable sites to visit includes Napoleon Street, which is a delightful pedestrian street that has an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Similarly, the Romieu gardens and stairs are worth checking out for the wonderful floral display and stunning coastal views.

The church of St. John the Baptist, in the Terra Vecchia district, is a historic building with two impressive bell towers you should visit. While St. Mary’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1619, presents several masterpieces from Italian artists.

3. Scandola Nature Reserve

Considering Corsica has a huge list of stunning natural wonders, the fact that the Scandola Nature Reserve manages to stand out is a testament to its incredible beauty.

A World Heritage Site, it is best known for housing gigantic rock formations that defy belief. Set on an isolated peninsula, you need to take a boat tour from Ajaccio or Calvi to see it. Although it is worth the effort because you also might see pods of dolphins and colonies of seals as you enter the coastal park where they are located.

Once there, your boat will drop anchor, thus allowing you to swim around an inlet with the formations as a backdrop.

If you can, we recommend visiting it an hour before sunset, as you will get to see the rocks tinted a vivid shade of red by the descending sun.

2. Bonifacio

Tucked away on the southernmost part of the island, Bonifacio should be on every visitor’s list.

Featuring those iconic Bonifacio houses that are perched atop a dazzling white cliff that overlooks the water, it is a place where you’ll take plenty of photographs. One of the best places to do this is at the Col Saint Roch, which offers fantastic views of them.

Other landmarks to visit include the stately Pertusato lighthouse and the pristine Saint-Antoine beach, which has a lovely stretch of sand to walk on. The Fortress of the Standard is also an impressive structure to check out. While the chance to scale King of Aragon’s staircase should also appeal.

Once you’ve got your bearings around the city, you can also choose to take a boat to the nearby Lavezzi Islands. They are a spectacular collection of reefs and small granite islands, which will captivate you with their beauty.

Located on the west coast, Ajaccio is the capital city of Corsica. A beautiful city, it offers visitors the perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

We love coming to Ajaccio because of its historic city center, which is filled with charming streets, beautiful architecture, and fascinating museums. As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it also has many fascinating sites dedicated to the famous general. They include his childhood home, which is now a museum that offers an insight into his life.

Another reason to come to Ajaccio is that it has beautiful beaches that surround the city, such as the Plage du Trottel and the Plage de Capo di Feno.

Additionally, it is also a foodies paradise, accommodating several excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy delicious Corsican cuisines like wild boar stew and brocciu cheese.

Map of Places to Visit in Corsica, France

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An insider's guide to the best places in Corsica

By Charlotte Davey

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CORSICA?

‘This is where my roots are. My grandmother was born here and a lot of my family still lives in Venaco , a village in the mountains. My grandmother was one of seven, and one of her siblings had 10 children, so there are many cousins! Each family has their own house, with gardens full of vegetables. You see goats crossing the road. It’s authentic – a very social, simple place, where nothing is artificial and everything is in harmony with nature. Something speaks to me about this way of life. I feel most myself here.’

WHAT’S YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF THE ISLAND?

‘Stepping off the plane – I must have been about three years old. The airport then was just a strip in a field, so we landed straight in the heart of Corsica, right among the trees. What I remember most are the smells: the air was filled with them. It’s very different from the rest of France , there are plants that can only be found here: types of chamomile and orchid; wild eucalyptus, juniper, laurel, rosemary, sage and lavender. It’s such an evocative place for olfactory memory.’

WHERE DO YOU STAY?

‘I usually connect with my family in Venaco – I have my own home here and I can just open the front door and see my cousins – but I like to travel around and visit different spots, too. One of my favourites is L’Ile-Rousse on the north coast, with its pretty white beaches and cobbled streets. Villa Joséphine is a small boutique hotel set in the hills and Hôtel Minera , just outside of town, has stunning views across the sea. Both are quiet and completely immersed in nature, so I can just rest.’

MOST INTERESTING SPOT FOR A CULTURE FIX?

‘The Citadelle in Corte , with its 15th-century castle and barracks – it’s breathtaking because it’s so high up, sitting on a steep rock overlooking the town. It was built under Spanish rule and serves as an interesting reminder of the island’s political history. There’s also a wonderful museum that traces the traditions of Corsica, from arts and crafts to anthropology.’

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL DAY INCLUDE?

‘I’d spend it by a river, going swimming and having a picnic. There are lots of rivers all over Corsica; I often head to the Vecchio with my family and sit by the Pont de Noceta bridge in Venaco. It’s tranquil and beautiful, and you can go for ages without thinking about the time – you just watch the light changing as the sun moves through the sky.’

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT?

‘I like really fresh, healthy food. Corsican cooking is Mediterranean, with influences from Italy and France, and lots of regional dishes. I love beignets de poireaux , a leek pastry that’s similar to a doughnut. My grandmother used to make them but I can never get the recipe quite right, so I order them at U Campanile , a hotel and restaurant in the Vivario district, a little south of Venaco. It has incredible cannelloni. I prefer restaurants in the mountains to those by the sea – you get the best cheeses, such as brocciu, made with goat’s milk, and aromatic herbs and spices. The Ferme-Auberge de Campo di Monte , an old stone farmhouse in the countryside around Murato, is an exceptional showcase of local food including ham, cheese and savoury pastries with fresh tomato and wild herbs. I remember my aunt picking wild mint and oregano on the hillside – she knew exactly what she was looking for – then cooking them with vegetables and serving them on pastry with olive oil. A very simple dish, but all you need.’

ANY OTHER STOPS FOR A BITE?

‘ Patisserie Casanova , a bakery and pastry shop owned by my good friend Edmond Casanova, is great for snacks. It’s in a historic building on the main street in the town of Corte , in the middle of the island. Edmond makes ice cream from fresh fruit, which is always a hit with my daughters. Another must-try pudding is falculelle – little cakes made with cheese that are simply delicious.’

BEST PLACE FOR A DRINK?

‘It has to be Bar de la Place in Venaco. It’s busy at any time of day and the centre of village life. People come here for a coffee in the morning or have a drink and a pizza in the evening. In Corte, I have a virgin Mojito with fresh mint and lime at bar Le Rex , which is also amazing for tapas.’

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THE LOVELIEST STORES YOU HAVE DISCOVERED?

‘I’m very fond of Corsican products – I try to shop locally when I’m here. There’s IMIZA , a fantastic beauty brand with a store in Bastia , the port town on the northern peninsula. The oils are made with immortelle, a flower that soothes the skin and is especially good for after-sun rehydration. I’m also a fan of Casanera , an organic cosmetics company that works with plants found in the maquis, a shrubland of aromatic herbs that’s unique to the Mediterranean. There are many small markets around, with stalls selling various toiletries made from natural ingredients, where I pick up organic soap with patchouli. And I buy Kyrnella face cream, which you can only get in Corsican pharmacies.’

IS THIS WHERE YOU WERE FIRST INSPIRED TO MAKE PERFUME?

‘Corsica is definitely the place that awakened me to fragrance, where I discovered its pleasure. In every one of my scents I have kept that purity found in plants and flowers. Untouched nature – strong, rough, immediate – is something that is always there in my work.’

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France)

The cliffs, mountains, gorges and towering pinnacles in Corsica’s extraordinary landscapes can almost look impenetrable.

But if you’re persistent and love hiking rocky trails or driving precarious mountain roads your sense of adventure will lead you to some of the most beautiful locations imaginable.

You can hire a boat and set sail for tropical-style beaches with pure white sands and crystalline seas, or push yourself on treks to discover glittering highland lakes or the best views of the calanques, tormented rocky curtains that drop to the sea on the west coast.

Corsica’s coastal towns are sleepy old settlements, flaking in the sun and still dominated by Genoese fortresses from the 1500s.

Lets explore the best things to do in Corsica :

1. Calanques de Piana

On Corsica’s west coast the road from Calvi to Ajaccio will make you feel very small, in the best possible sense.

The most awe-inspiring part is when the D81 wends its way south towards Piana, and gnarled and warped spires of rock, some hundreds of metres in height, pitch down to the sea.

There are rest stops next to the road where you can step out for photos, but if this isn’t enough the tourist office in Piana will hand you a map with walking routes.

Sentier Muletier is a path that follows a ridge high above the D81, and a marvel in late-spring when the harsh landscape is flecked with wildflowers.

2. Calvi Citadel

Walking into Calvi’s walled Haute-Ville always feels like a momentous event: You have to pass below the imperious walls erected in the late-15th-century by the Republic of Genoa to ward off the fleets of the Franco-Ottoman alliance.

After making your way through a tunnel that was once defended by a drawbridge you’re free to potter around the cobblestone streets and get up to the ramparts for amazing panoramas of the bay.

The citadel is a proud symbol for Calvi with three bastions, an elegantly-weathered baroque cathedral and a historic house once occupied by Christopher Columbus.

3. Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio

Many people have Palombaggia down as the best beach on Corsica, and it has an alluring tropical quality to it: The sand is white and luxuriously soft, and the beach is on a very slight slope so even grown-ups will have to wade out a long way for the light blue waters to reach waist-height.

There are also hardly any signs of tourism apart from a few isolated beach bars.

This all comes at a price, as sun-seekers travel from far and white to unwind on Palombaggia, but the good news is that the beach is long enough to accommodate everyone, even in peak season.

4. Maison Bonaparte, Ajaccio

This house is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and was in the hands of the family from 1682 up to 1923. You can visit the room in which Napoleon was born in 1769 and get all sorts of snippets about the Bonaparte family and events during Napoleon’s youth.

Non-French speakers can make use of a multi-lingual audioguide, and although almost none of the house’s original furniture and art remains, the house presents a carefully-researched reproduction of how it would have been in the late-18th century.

5. Bonifacio Citadel

Close to southernmost Corsica, the small harbour town of Bonifacio was once a prized strategic location and in the late-middle ages it came under attack from the Kingdom of Aragon and Turkish corsairs.

In the mid-16th the Genoese took over and constructed this hardy walled quarter.

That the walls hardly seem to have aged is proof of the quality of Genoese engineering, and you can get up to the canon positions to look out towards Sardinia, which is just a few kilometres away.

These battlements envelop an imperfect grid of townhouses as tall as six high, on gorge-like streets so narrow you can hardly spread your arms.

6. Aiguilles de Bavella, Zonza

In the southern-central part of the island is another epic natural sight that can be appreciated from the road.

The D268 gives you comprehensive vistas of this mountain ridge with a kind of serrated spine of soaring limestone columns.

Once again fortune favours the brave, and the best scenery is reserved for those who take on the GR20 hiking trail, in particular the upper Variante Alpine that climbs through forest with lofty black pines, as well as orchids in spring.

The round-trip to Bocca Pargulu, at an elevation of more than 1660 metres will take about five hours, but will leave your camera full of photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

7. Plage de Saleccia, Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda

On the north coast of the island is a pristine bay with sugar white sand that uncurls for more than a kilometre and is hugged by dunes covered with dark green juniper bushes.

The thing that makes it so perfect is also the beach’s only drawback; Saleccia is so remote that you need to be prepared to pay a fair amount of money, or walk a long way to get there.

There’s a yacht service from the nearby ports and a 4×4 transfer, but both will set you back €50 or more for a family.

Another option would be to drive to the village of Casta on the D81 and then hit the hiking trail, which can take hours.

8. Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra

From Calvi take the D81B towards Galéria and follow the signs for this mountaintop chapel.

It’s a cute building with a statue of the Virgin Mary standing crowning a rocky outcrop facing the sea, but the reason to make the trip is for the outstanding vistas.

Look west and you’ll see the entire Bay of Calvi and even as far as Lumio, which is ten kilometres away.

If you’re up for a serious climb you can walk here from Calvi, and it will take around 45 minutes.

9. Gorges de la Restonica, Corte

Tourist Information will recommend that you wear walking shoes for this eight-kilometre walk, and it’s good advice as this trail meanders along a rocky riverbed and even includes a climb up a chain ladder.

You’ll be aiming for the source of the Restonica River, at Lake Melo and it’s a walk that you can attempt even in mid-summer because of the shade provided by the walls and woodland of the ravine, and all the places to dip your feet in the sparkling water or even swim.

If you’re really hardy you can then carry on to Lake Capitello at an elevation of almost 2,000 metres.

10. Scandola Reserve, Galéria

Even considering Corsica’s long list of natural wonders, this awesome coastal park to the southwest of Calvi is one that you needs to be in your plans.

It’s a World Heritage site with titanic, jagged rock formations of a size that has to be seen to be believed.

It’s all on a remote peninsula, and the simplest way to see it is with a boat tour from Calvi or Ajaccio.

If you’re fortunate the cruise will bring you close to the park’s wildlife, as there are colonies of seals and dolphins in these protected waters.

Overhead you can also spot ospreys, eagles and peregrine falcons, and the boat will drop anchor stop in an inlet for a swim in the crystal clear sea.

Try to see it in the late afternoon when the red-tinted rocks are caught by the sun.

11. Cavu River, Sainte Lucie De Porto Vecchio

In the Vallée de San Martinu the River Cavu bubbles between large granite boulders, cascading down small waterfalls and filling sets of clear pools.

If you’re holidaying with a young family, little ones can spend hours paddling in the waters and scrambling up the boulders, which form a natural adventure playground.

With black pines on the valley walls it’s a thoroughly idyllic place to spend time in the company of loved ones.

There’s a small visitor centre too, with a cafe and bikes for hire.

12. A Cupulatta, Ucciani

Ever been to a zoo dedicated solely to tortoises and turtles? Well here’s your chance! A Cupulatta is involved in worldwide research and breeding programs and has turtles and tortoises from five different continents, locations as far flung as the Galapagos Islands and Seychelles .

There are 3,000 animals from 170 species to see, some newborns as small as a fingertip and others, like the Giant Tortoise, decades old and more than a metre long.

You’ll love the hatchery, where if you’re lucky you’ll see a turtle emerging from its egg.

13. Cucuruzzu, Levie

The journey to this intriguing Bronze Age archaeological site in Corse-du-Sud is part of the appeal.

Most people will park in Levie and walk the trail across meadows with cattle and through woodland where semi-wild pigs forage.

Cucuruzzu is a fortified village with that was occupied until the 3rd century BC. It’s easy to make out the village’s buildings, made from granite stones and still in great shape.

There are also stairways carved into the granite boulders.

You can see finds discovered at this site and nearby Capula at the Musée de l’Alta Rocca in Levie.

14. Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio

These uninhabited granite islands off the south coast of Corsica have the southernmost point in all of Metropolitan France.

You can catch a boat down here from Bonifacio for a reasonable price, and you should bring a swimsuit as the waters are a dream.

The landscape is littered with natural piles of grey granite boulders, some poking out of the water and some as reefs below the surface, creating little pools of crystalline water on the highly-indented coastline.

These reefs have been a seafaring hazard for millennia, most notably causing the wreck of the frigate La Sémillante in 1855 with great loss of life.

There’s a cemetery for this tragedy on the main island, Lavezzo.

15. Water Sports

Corsica’s beguiling topography continues below the waves.

So at the many dive sites around the island, including the rich waters of the marine reserve at Scandola, you’ll encounter trenches, ridges, canyons, sea mounts and the kind of pinnacles visible above the surface in the calanques.

Sea temperatures in July, August and September are 23°C or higher, so you’ll be pushed to find a better dive destination in Europe.

On an island where water courses rumble down steep mountainsides, canyoning is a fun way to combine trekking, climbing and swimming.

The paddle-boarding trend has also arrived in Corsica, both on upland lakes and on the coast.

15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France):

Calanques de Piana
Calvi Citadel
Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio
Maison Bonaparte, Ajaccio
Bonifacio Citadel
Aiguilles de Bavella, Zonza
Plage de Saleccia, Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda
Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra
Gorges de la Restonica, Corte
Scandola Reserve, Galéria
Cavu River, Sainte Lucie De Porto Vecchio
A Cupulatta, Ucciani
Cucuruzzu, Levie
Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio
Water Sports

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Corsica Top 10 Places to go

Corsica is an island abounding in natural beauty and fascinating tradition, it’s incredible to think that even today Corsica can still feel like something of a hidden gem. Whether it’s a long sandy beach, a dramatic mountain pass or a beautiful hilltop village, Corsica holidays are packed full of rewarding things to do and see. The French know the island as Corse, sometimes they refer to Corsica as 'L'Ile de Beauté', when translated means The Island of Beauty.

The Beaches

With almost 200 beaches and 1000km of coastline, Corsica is a beach-lover’s dream. The island is blessed with an incredible diversity of beaches from intimate hidden coves to magnificent bays. The most renowned include the sweeping bays of Calvi and L’Ile Rousse in the north, and Palombaggia, Pinarello and San Ciprianu in the south.

Discover more about Corsica's beautiful coastline.

Perched villages of la Balagne

Time seems to be held in suspension in the hills of la Balagne and a visit to these beautiful villages is a must if you’re staying in the north. Clinging to mountains above the sea, they give a glimpse of the old days in Corsica and afford spectacular viewpoints.

View our walking tour, Villages of la Balagne to find out how you can discover these picturesque villages for yourself.

Ostriconi Sandy Beach - La Balagne - Corsica - Jon Ingall

Désert des Agriates

Situated between la Balagne and St Florent, the Désert des Agriates is an area of arid landscape and savage beauty. The highlights here include the deserted beaches of Saleccia and Loto – with their curves of pearl-white sand and crystal clear water, these are some of the finest beaches to visit during Corsica holidays, offering the perfect picture-postcard scenery.

Find out more about Corsica's beautiful north east here .

The history of Ajaccio

Famed as the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, it is safe to assume that Corsica's capital is a historically rich destination. From the house that the great man was born in to the beautiful architectural themes present throughout the city, Ajaccio is a fascinating location to explore.

Learn more about Ajaccio , and see our range of accommodation in Valinco and the west coast .

Scandola Nature Reserve

The coast of the Gulf of Porto is one of Corsica's most famous landscapes, and rightly so - with its dramatic sculpted red rock and sweeping bays it has to be seen to be believed. The pinnacles and ravines of the red granite Calanches soar out of beautiful blue seas framed by the jagged peaks of Paglia Orba. Best explored by foot or by boat, there are daily boat trips from Calvi and more locally, Porto that visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorges of Restonica & Tavignano

The region of Corte in the Interior offers beautiful rugged landscapes, two of which are the spectacular glacier-moulded gorges in the Mediterranean right on the town’s doorstep – the Restonica and the Tavignano valleys. These valleys echo with tumbling rivers and rock pools, and sharply sculptured slopes rear from forests of enormously tall Corsican pines, proving the perfect locations for outdoor adventure.

Find out more about Corsica's interior.

The rugged beauty of the south-west coast

Many of Corsica's beaches are hidden coves accessible only on foot or by boat – there's certainly something magical about exploring the coastal paths and stumbling across a deserted cove washed by the warm deep blue of the Mediterranean. Our favourite coastal stretches include the Gulf of the Valinco, Campomoro-Tizzano, and the Gulf of Roccapina further south.

Adventure along Cap Corse

The northeastern peninsula poking out to sea towards mainland France, Cap Corse is a rugged and adventurous part of Corsica. Driving along the winding roads here can be enough of a thrill for some, though others may be drawn further, visiting wonderfully wild beaches like that found at Nonza.

Want to know more about Cap Corse ?

Explore on foot with our Around Cap Corse walking holiday. It's an undiscovered walkers' dream, full of amazing scenery.

Fortress town of Bonifacio

This majestic old town sits on a limestone throne at the far south of the island and is one of the most spectacular towns in the Mediterranean. The citadel walls and ancient houses of Bonifacio appear to rise seamlessly out of sheer cliffs that have been hollowed and striated by the wind and waves. Beneath, an inlet about 100 metres wide forms a natural harbour and a series of grottoes and coves.

If you'd like to visit Bonifacio on a holiday to Corsica, visit our accommodation in L'Extreme Sud.

Lavezzi islands

Situated between Corsica and Sardinia, the archipelago of Lavezzi is a sublime sight and something of a paradise. The 10 small islands boast a number of secluded beaches, coves and naturally formed pools and the magnificent underwater offer opportunities for some of the best diving on the island. They’re the perfect destination for a day of blissful relaxation and are relatively easy to access by boat from Bonifacio.

We now visit Corsica every year as there is nothing that can beat it!

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The 21 Most Beautiful Towns And Villages To Visit In Corsica

Are you looking for the most beautiful towns or the absolute best villages to visit in Corsica? While this country is mostly known for its pristine beaches and mountainous landscapes it’s also home to incredible picturesque towns. So if you’re looking for something different then these pretty towns in Corsica are an excellent addition to your itinerary .

Corsica is a stunning island in the Mediterranean Sea and its spectacular landscapes will leave you breathless as soon as you jump in your rental car! That’s right, the best and pretty much the only way to discover Corsica is by car. I always choose for SunnyCars because of their reliable service and no hidden costs policy.

This list should give you all of the information on which village or town in Corsica to visit first . Most of these pretty towns are located in the Northern part of Corsica but if you stay on the island for at least 10 days you’ll have plenty of time to see all of them. Some of these are actually so small that it only takes a couple of minutes to take it all in.

The 21 Most Beautiful Towns And Villages To Visit In Corsica

The 21 Best Towns And Cities To Visit In Corsica

1. bonifacio, a beautiful coastal town in corsica.

Bonifacio is the most Southern town in entire Corsica and if there’s one coastal town you absolutely can’t miss it’s this one!

Bonifacio is the perfect starting point of your trip if you land in the airport of Figari, from there it’s only 30 minutes driving to this wonderful village. The roads inside the city itself are pretty narrow but there are plenty of parking lots. Two of them are located near the marine, the other two are closer to the old city.

The Old City of Bonifacio is located in a 9th century citadel and consists of a maze of small cobblestoned streets.

💡 TIP – Hike to the Phare de Pertusatu to get the best views over Bonifacio. It’s an easy hike which will take you alongside the cliffs.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Café Des Vestiges and try their Aubergines à la Bonifacienne, a lovely and typical vegetarian dish.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Hotel Spa Genovese for an unforgettable stay, a clifftop location and panoramic views.

Sartène is a beautiful town located on the South Western part of Corsica . And if you’re driving from Bonifacio towards Porto you’ll drive by it for sure.

The oldest part of Sartène was built in the mid-16th century by the Genoese rulers of Corsica. They wanted to build a safe haven away from the coastal raids of the Turks and the Barbary pirates. This is also one of the reasons why the meals in Corsica are mostly meat based. Due to all of the piracy the inhabitants never really learned how to fish cause they always have to seek refuge.

The city was built on several levels which are connected by secret stairs and small alleyways. On a clear day the town of Sartène offers stunning views over the mountainous area in the back.

💡 TIP – If you’re in the south of Corsica for Easter, head to Sartène on Good Friday to watch the historic Catenacciu procession, which sees a heavy cross and chain usually kept in the church of Sainte-Marie, dragged around town by a hooded penitent.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Eat at Le Jardin de l’echauguette , a French restaurant right in the old centre. The garden where you eat is part of the defensive wall, hence very picturesque.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Hôtel Marinca & Spa which is situated near local beaches and overlooks the Valinco Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s only a few 20 minute drive to Sartène and Propriano, another beautiful town in Corsica.

3. Zonza, a beautiful town high up in the mountains

Zonza is one of the most picturesque villages in Corsica. I know, my photo really doesn’t do it justice but in reality it’s surrounded by mountains, which aren’t normally covered in rainy clouds.

It’s a very small town with less than 3000 inhabitants but this has also allowed it to remain intact throughout the years.

Besides the beautiful town itself you really want to take out a couple of days to truly explore the beautiful nature around Zonza.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT AROUND ZONZA

Lac de l’Ospedale
Cascade de Piscia di Ghjaddu
Col de Bavella
Cascades de Purcaraccia
Bocca Di Larone

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Auberge du Col de Bavella and indulge in one of the typical Corsican dishes such as Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole) or Veau aux olives (Veal with olives).

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Grand Hôtel De Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca to fully relax after an adventurous day.

4. Corte, the cultural capital of Corsica

Corte is a historic town in the heart of Corsica as it was the capital of Corsica from 1755 until 1769 during the “government of the Corsican nation” of Pascal Paoli. And during World War I, German prisoners were held in the citadel on top of the hill.

These days Corte is a university town which houses a ton of students. The old city is perched on top of a hill but is also easy accessible. Don’t even bother trying to park your car on the side of the road, instead simply park it at the underground parking lot and you’ll arrive in the heart of the Old City.

There’s a ton of things to do in Corte but I’ve listed the best ones for you:

Visit the Citadel, Corte’s citadel is the only one located in the heart of the island.
Ghionga grocery store: discover one of Europe’s oldest grocery stores dating back to 1769.
Hike through the Restonica Gorge, one of Corsica’s most famous trails.
Hike through Tavignano Valley, located at the foothill of Corte’s citadel.
Discover the forest of Vizzavona, a 40 minute drive from Corte.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Restaurant La rivière des Vins for delicious meats cooked in a wood fire oven, accompanied by homemade french fries.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Dominique Colonna for a luxurious stay on the river’s edge.

Piana is a beautiful village set in and overlooking the fabulous Calanques de Piana, one of the most beautiful parts of Corsica. I’ll do you one vene better, Piana is even listed as one of the most beautiful villages in entire France . And since it’s pretty small it’s definitely worth the visit!

Its main attraction is the baroque church and the surrounding mountains! But I wouldn’t necessarily take this town as your base for exploring this wonderful region. Then you’re far better off chossing the small harbor town of Porto. But while driving there you’ll pass through the village of Piana, which is definitely worth the stop!

💡 TIP – The road between Piana and Porto takes you straight through the Calanques de Piana and is one of the most beautiful drives in entire France .

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Enjoy lunch at Les Roches Bleues or have dinner at the restaurant of Hotel Les Roches Rouges , both offering incredible panoramic vista’s.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Le Bella Vista for a 2 bedroom apartment that offers incredible panoramic views.

Ota is a small village surrounded by two chains of mountains and is just a short distance inland from the coastal town of Porto.

The main draw to Ota is its ideal position to explore the Spelunca Gorge. Here you can hike to the wonderful old stone bridge of Zaglia or continue your hike all the way to another stunning town called Evisa.

This walk is quite easy, and you can take a refreshing dip in the river once you’re at the bridge!

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Grab lunch at BAR HUNTERS – CHEZ MARIE .

7. Porto, the best town to discover the Calanques de Piana

Porto is a small coastal town right in the middle of the most beautiful part in Corsica. While the town itself doesn’t offer that much to see it does have some great restaurants, is the main starting point for all of the boat excursions to the Scandola Nature reserve and the perfect starting point to enjoy a ton of exciting activities!

Here you’ll find my top things to do in and around Porto:

Drive from Piana to Porto to enjoy one of the most scenic rides in all of France through the Calanques de Piana .
Hike to Capo Rosso , an intense but incredibly rewarding hike which offers amazing views.
Hike to the old stone bridge of Zaglia and visit the town of Ota.
Go on a boat excursion to the Scandola Nature Reserve .
Hike the Sentier de Facteur , an incredible hike that will take you to the small town of Girolata.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – You’ll probably stay here for a couple of days so I would recommend having dinner at Le Moulin and take their home made burger which comes with an incredible Corsican cheese sauce. Another day you should go eat at Le Maquis and order the Escaloppe Milanese! Both finger licking delicious!

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Hôtel Bella Vista . There aren’t any luxury hotels in the area but this one comes with incredible panoramic views, a modern bathroom and clean rooms.

8. Partinello

Partinello is a charming village that you’ll come across on your way from Porto to the start of the hike to Girolata.

Due to its idyllic location it’s becoming more and more popular with tourists every single year.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have a seat at the wonderful terrace of L’ Aria Marina , which offers stunning views of the gulf of Porto. Try their plate of local delicacies to recover after hiking the Girolata trail.

9. Montemaggiore, the most beautiful town in Corsica

Montemaggiore is a beautiful village in the Balagne region of north-west Corsica. Although it is only a small village, it has preserved a great deal of its historical charm and has impressive views across the region so a visit is recommended as part of your tour of the Balagne!

The view of Montemaggiore as you approach the village is one of the highlights – it appears very small compared to the dramatic scenery around the village, which includes the Monte Grosso mountain , and is perched on a ledge overlooking the valleys to the west.

Inside the village you discover narrow streets of stone houses as well as the main square in the village. As you explore the narrow streets you will see various doorways surrounded by their original stone sculptures.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – L’Altezza Restaurant is your best bet in the area and offers delicious food!

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Cas’Anna Lidia – Hôtel De Charme , a boutique hotel with an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub overlooking the surrounding mountains.

10. Girolata, a secluded town in Corsica

Girolata might be one of the most beautiful small villages in entire Corsica, but it’s also the most secluded one. The only way to reach the town of Girolata is either on foot or by boat.

My favorite way to see Girolate was definitely by going on foot. To do so you first have to drive to the Col de Croix and follow the hiking trail which says “ Sentier de Facteur “. It’s a 9.7km loop trail that offers amazing vista’s and you’ll even walk alongside a beach. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Make sure to bring enough water with you cause the sun is Corsica can be scorching hot!

🎒 BEST TOUR – Another way to visit Girolata is by going on a boat excursion . In doing so you won’t just visit the picturesque town but also the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Calanques de Piana.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – After reaching Girolata on foot you should have lunch at Restaurant Le Bon Espoir and try some of the best Corsican food you’ll have during your holiday!

11. Lunghignano

Lunghignano is a Medieval village with only 40 inhabitants and is located only a couple of minutes driving from Montemaggiore.

12. Sant’Antonino

Sant’Antonino is one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica and situated in the centre of the Balagne region of north-eastern Corsica. Because of its dramatic situation clinging around the top of a hill the village is sometimes referred to as the ‘ Eagles Nest ‘.

Sant’Antonino is officially classified as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’. It has a history dating back to the 9th century – the location was originally chosen because of its natural defences – making it one of the oldest villages in Corsica.

Much of the village is a warren of narrow lanes, steep pathways passing through vaulted passages, and ancient traditional houses, making Sant’Antonino a pleasure to explore.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Go to I Scalini for a Moroccan feel roof terrace with panoramic views over the city.

Aregno is another one of these beautiful mountain villages in the Balagne region. One of the highlights of a visit is exploring the perched villages of Balagne set in the hillsides to the east of Calvi and to the south of L’Ile-Rousse. There are dozens of these small villages and each has its own particular charm. Most also have their own little church.

💡 TIP – ‘Groups’ of these villages that can be visited together include:

Corbara, Pigna and Aregno, Sant’Antonino (classified as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France ) and Cateri in the northern part of the region;
Vallica, Olmi-Cappella, Mausoleo, Pioggiola further south-west again;
Calenzana, Lunghignano, Montemaggiore, Cassano and Zilia at the southern edge of the region

14. Speloncato, the best town to watch the sunset in Corsica

If there’s one town in Corsica that has to be on your must visit list it’s Speloncato. This is one of the most beautiful towns in the entire region and after about 10km driving through winding mountain roads you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over this picturesque town.

Speloncato is the perfect town to visit in the early evening, wander through the small alleys and sit down on one of the terraces on the main square. Afterwards you should definitely catch the sunset over the town which will be covered in a golden glow.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – U Sechju for a delicious lunch in a historical setting.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Hotel A Piattatella , which is set in gardens, overlooking the Reginu Valley.

15. Saint-Florent

St Florent lies on a sparkling bay, sheltered between the wild mountains of Cap Corse and the magnificent, untamed Désert des Agriates. It was originally founded by the Romans but quickly grew into a flourishing medieval port under the rule of Genoa and it has remained relatively unspoiled.

In the town centre a maze of narrow streets and passages fills the space between harbor and Citadel, and the town squares, encircled by cafés, looks towards the lively waterfront with its row of restaurants. It is a friendly town, and though similar in style, less pretentious and more intimate than St Tropez.

💡 TIP – Saint-Florent forms the perfect base to explore the area of Cap Corse . There aren’t many proper hotels in the other small towns but make sure to put the following activities on your list:

Behind St Florent, spreads the quiet attractive countryside of Conca D’Oro with Oletta village perched high above offering spectacular views over the gulf.
The Désert des Agriates is a landscape of wild maquis and rocky cliffs. Take a boat trip to one of its beaches, inaccessible by car, or rent a boat yourself to explore the hidden coastline around the town.
The Patrimonio region is most famous for its vineyards, much of Corsica’s best wine being produced in this area.
Visit Nonza , a flower-garnished slate roofed village, standing 150m above a blackened shingled beach offering a dramatic viewpoint across the sea.
Visit the Moulin Mattei near Rogliano, which was restored in the early 20th century.
Have lunch in Centuri and and watch the fishermen offload their catch.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Enjoy the fantastic view at La Crique and indulge in some seafood.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Demeure Loredana for the perfect beach holiday.

16. Erbalunga, a stunning coastal village in Corsica

Erbalunga was once the most important harbor on the Cap Corse , a fact supported by the magnificent houses that still stud the peninsula to this day.

There’s a small network of squares and streets which really give off that old city harbor vibe. There is a good range of facilities including shops, a cash dispenser machine, post office, bars and restaurants and a dive school at Sisco Marina, slightly further north.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Dine at Le Pirate for the most perfect setting and a Michelin star experience.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at the most stunning Misincu , a 5 star hotel that forms the perfect base for exploring the area of Cap Corse.

17. Nonza, the most colorful town in Corsica

Nonza has to be one of my favorite towns in Corsica and it’s also listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s colorful buildings make it stand out from all of the other picturesque towns and form a wonderful contrast to its black beach all the way down below.

Nonza is a rather small town and is best explored on foot once you’ve parked your car down.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at La Sassa for incredible views and the best food! This is also a wonderful restaurant to have a sunset dinner cause it overlooks the entire bay of Cap Corse. Just make sure to call ahead to make a reservation.

18. Centuri

Centuri is a beautiful coastal town that reaches all the way up into the mountains. Centuri port is the perfect place to indulge in some seafood cause the many restaurants will serve their catch of the day.

💡 TIP – Make sure to drive up to Moulin Mattei for one of the most stunning views over the village of Centuri and the Cap Corse coastline.

🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Indulge in some of the finest lobster on Cap Corse at Le Langoustier .

19. Barrettali, a hidden gem in Corsica

Barrettali is a small town on the Cap Corse peninsula but definitely worth the stop while you’re driving down the D80.

20. Porticiollo

Porticiollo is a small coastal town on the East side of Cap Corse. On this side you’ll find a lot more beaches so if you want to take it slow for a day or a couple of days this is the perfect destination for you.

Canari is one of the most unique and beautiful towns in Corsica but what’s really impressive is its old factory that is perched on the cliff sides and looks like an old Medieval town.

These towns and villages in Corsica are all beautiful and all of them offer something different. Visiting these small towns will improve any Corsica travel itinerary wether you’re going on a beach holiday or on a more adventurous trip.

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Vacation Corsica: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Idyllic French Mediterranean Island

Quick links, what to know of corsica: france's large, but forgotten, mediterranean island, corsica's napoleon connection, why everyone should visit the forgotten island of corsica.

Corsica is perhaps best known for being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. It is one of three large Mediterranean islands in the area (the other two being Sardinia and Sicily). Today it remains a part of France but has its own culture, heritage, and history. It retains many cultural links with Italy's Tuscany region.

There are many places to visit in Corsica , but it is a destination that few ever do. The island enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate and has forested mountains, timeless villages, and eye-watering beaches.

Corsica is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has long had a separate identity from the rest of mainland France, and it enjoys a great degree of autonomy than other regions of France.

The history of Corsica mirrors and yet is in stark contrast to Sicily. Like Sicily, it was occupied since Neolithic times and later by the Carthaginians, ancient Greeks, and Romans. But while Sicily seems to have always been at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Corsica has always been tucked away and largely forgotten about by history.

The Romans even considered Corsica as one of the most backward regions of the Roman world (again, in stark contrast with Sicily - Sicily was home to some of the most luxurious Roman villas ). Even the slaves from Corsica had a bad reputation in the Roman world for their fierce and rebellious character. In World War Two, Sicily was the site of a major Allied invasion that knocked Italy out of the war, while Corsica was again largely ignored.

Population: 350,000
Capital: Ajaccio

Corsica has only a small population (350,000) - by contrast, the island of Sicily has 5 million, and Sardinia has 1.6 million. Its capital and largest city is Ajaccio.

Related: From Normandy to Corsica: The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches In France

Napoleon was nearly born an Italian. Corsica was part of the Italian Republic of Genoa from 1284 to 1755, when it became an independent Italian-speaking Republic. It was ceded to France in 1768 and was made a province of France in 1770 (Napoleon was born in 1769). Indeed, his family were of Italian origin and were a minor Genose noble family.

Days Open: Every Day Except Mondays
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:15 pm to 5:30 pm (April to Sept)

Perhaps the most famous historic attraction in Corsica is the Maison Bonaparte - the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and his ancestral home. Today the Maison Bonaparte is a visitor attraction and a museum. Group tours of the house can be arranged.

The Maison Bonaparte is located in the capital on the Rue Saint-Charles.

Related: The Louvre Is Worth It For Napoleon's Apartment Tours Alone

Corsica is an overlooked part of France. While France is the most visited country in the world, most people just want to visit Paris - or other famous cities like Beaudoux and Nice. But there is much more to France (admittedly, it is simply not possible to see all of France in one trip).

Most people just don't know much about Corsica, and there is so much to see in mainland France. Corsica retains a culture distinct from that of mainland France.

Sites in Corsica include unique villages, Romanesque chapels, Baroque churches, the Citadel of Calvi, the birth house of Napoleon, festivals, beaches, and much more. Corsica can be regarded as an undiscovered gem of France (and a gem that it seems has never been discovered).

Bonifacio is an imposing seaside fortress to visit on the southern tip of the island. It is open every day and is a key attraction on the island. The bastion is impressive from the outside, and on the inside it has underground rooms. In those rooms, visitors can see an exhibition that explores 1,000 years of fortifications there.

Notable Attractions In Corsica:

The fortress town of Bonifacio
Gorges of Restonica & Tavignano
Scandola Nature Reserve
Historic Ajaccio
Désert des Agriates
Perched villages of la Balagne

The island is famous for its wine and its cuisine (which is distinct from mainland France). It is also a great place to explore the grand outdoors, with plenty of excellent hiking trails to explore. The mountain ranges are dramatic and eye-watering, and it arguably has some of the best hiking in France.

There are plenty of flights to Corsica from mainland France. Another of the great ways to get there is by taking a ferry. There are up to 30 ferry crossings to Corsica in a day from the French mainland and Italy (they depart from the southern cities of Nice, Savona, Toulon, and Livorno). Nice is another excellent destination to explore in France - including in the winter.

Vacation Corsica: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Idyllic French Mediterranean Island

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To awaken your senses in Corsica - Claire et Manu’s Blog

15 best things to do in North Corsica (with our photos)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | 1 May 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Looking for the best things to do in North Corsica? The region of Haute-Corse is full of beautiful landscapes! You won’t be bored. It’s more a question of being able to choose . So here is, in pictures, our selection of the most beautiful places of North Corsica: beaches, cities, villages… and also our favorite activities. Everything to help you plan a wonderful trip!

Note, there is no official region called North Corsica. The French department is called Haute-Corse. We speak here, geographically, of the north of Corsica.

What to do in North Corsica visit the most beautiful places

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.

1 – Admire the citadel of Calvi, a must in Northern Corsica

Why is this?

The citadel of Calvi is one of the most recognizable places in Northern Corsica. It was built under the Genoese government, between 1483 and the 17th century in order to have stronger defenses. There are impressive fortifications all around. The best thing to do is to admire it from the beach, on its peninsula, and then go and get lost. Read more

Our favorite activities in Calvi revolve around the Citadel:

Walk on the beach at sunset with a view of the citadel
Visit the cobbled streets of the citadel
Visit the MAMAC, museum of modern art
Admire the views from the walls with the port, the city and the mountains
Have fun getting lost in the stairs, tunnels and other buildings.
See our guide to visit Calvi

Practical advice

Bastia to Calvi = 2h
Ajaccio to Calvi = 3h
Wear walking shoes because the floors are old
You have to climb steps and slopes to explore the Citadel

2 – Explore the most beautiful villages of Balagne

Balagne is one of the most beautiful destinations to go to in Corsica. It combines beaches and charming villages. These villages of Balagnes are distributed on the hills between the mountain and the sea. Often installed on the summits to better protect themselves, they have managed to preserve their heritage and their atmosphere. These small “fortress villages” offer beautiful views and a long history. Among our favorites:

Pigna : built on top of a hill recognizable by its blue shutters. It has a lot of charm with its artists’ stores.
Speloncato : much less known, we loved it. You really feel like you’re traveling through time when you walk through it
Sant’Antonino : one of the highest and oldest
See our article on the most beautiful villages of Balagne

Around the cities of Calvi and Ile-Rousse
Very good choices of accommodations in Calvi and Ile-Rousse. If you hesitate between the 2, our preference is for Ile-Rousse
Beware, they are quite touristy and small. Parking in the middle of the day in summer is a challenge. Visit early.

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
There is a lot of demand, book it early .

We love places that are difficult to reach by car, to be surrounded by nature. And the Agriates desert is particularly fascinating because it combines: paradisiacal beaches of white sand, hikes in the Corsican maquis and views of the mountains of Cap Corse. This small corner of paradise is really worth the detour, if you pass by Saint-Florent. One of our favorite places to visit in Corsica .

Departure of the boats from Saint-Florent
Bastia to Saint-Florent = 40min
Calvi to Saint-Florent = 1h30
Ajaccio to Saint-Florent = 2h50

Our favorite way to explore the desert is to take the boat from Saint-Florent to Lotu beach. Admire this first beach, then take the easy 1 hour hike inland (or 1 hour 15 minutes along the coast), to reach the famous beach of Saleccia .

But there are also boat shuttles that take you directly to Saleccia, 4×4 tours in the desert and longer hikes. Learn more in our article on the desert .

4 – Enjoy the beaches of northern Corsica (white sand): Ostriconi, Bodri…

The south of Corsica is best known for its beaches, but the north also offers some very nice experiences. You can find, among others, beautiful white sand beaches, which are our favorites.

Among our favorites:

The beach of Ostriconi with its spectacular view from the access road
The beach of Bodri , accessible by train from Calvi and Ile-Rousse
The beach of Lozari , quiet and quite large
The beach of Saleccia in the desert of Agraites (see #3 of this list)

The beaches between Calvi and Ile-Rousse are crowded during the summer. If you move away a little towards Lozari or Ostriconi, you will have less crowd
Otherwise, go enjoy the beaches early.

WHERE TO STAY IN Northern Corsica

Option 1 : L’Île-Rousse

The bay of Saint-Florent is a treat for the eyes. A very nice place to stay!

The Flor hotel in the center – see pictures and availability
The Tetolla Hotel almost above the water – see pictures and availability
or See best hotel and rental offers

Option 2 : Saint Florent

We particularly like the small town of L’Île-Rousse, its relaxed atmosphere and the charm of its streets.

The Rocabella Hotel , ideal for relaxation – see photos and availability
The Liberata Hotel & Spa offers a colorful and fun, yet cozy experience – see photos and availability
see the best rated accommodations in L’Île-Rousse

Option 3 : Calvi

Calvi is the largest city in Balagne. It offers the most activities and options for your stay, especially with its long beach.

Hotel Casa Bianca around the port – see prices, photos and availability
Hotel Onda , to sleep almost with your feet in the water – see prices, photos and availability
see the best rated accommodations in Calvi

5 – Go around the Cap Corse

The Corsican Cape is very different from the rest of Corsica. Here, the wild landscapes show us mountains that flow into the sea: white sand or black pebble beaches, turquoise waters… The road along the west coast of Corsica is bewitching (but keep your eyes always on the road, be careful!).

You can simply do it all by car from the Cap Corse, the views are magnificent and already very pleasant. To make stops, we advise you:

Visit the charming village of Erbalunga with its small port and its ruined Genoese tower
Hike on the Sentier des Douaniers, to discover beautiful beaches and landscapes far from the cities
Admire the view from the Mattei Mill
To have the vertigo in the village of Nonza with its square tower and its black sand beach
see our complete article on the Cap Corse

Direct access from Bastia
From Bastia to Macinaggio (in the north) = 1 hour drive
We recommend that you visit Cap Corse in an anti-clockwise direction.
Allow at least 1 day, but if you are doing a road trip, you can stop 1 night in Macinaggio to do a can of walking.
For example, the Tominio Hotel has a breathtaking view of the northern tip – see prices, photos and availability

6 – See the sunset on the islands of Pietra, in Ile-Rousse

Île-Rousse is one of our favorite cities in Corsica (see our list ). The city is not located on an island. The city takes its name from the small islands of Pietra where the rocks turn red at sunset. Its original name was Isola Rossa, since Italian was the administrative language at the time. This is due to the ochre color of the islands that create a natural harbor.

The little town is full of charm, enjoy:

from the beach in the center of the city
colorful houses
of the market
the walk to the islands and the view from the lighthouse, especially at sunset when the colors of the rock stand out even more!

More details in our article about Ile-Rousse .

Bastia to Ile-Rousse = 1h30
Ajaccio to Ile-Rousse = 3h30
Very good choices of accommodations in Ile-Rousse. Charming hotels at 2 steps from the sea.
Tarred path to the lighthouse
During the day, the little tourist train allows you to go up more easily

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Corsica

All the information you need for your trip:

7 maps that make planning easier
130+ pre-selected locations
+ 220 photos to help you choose

7 – Take advantage of outdoor activities

The region offers many fun activities to discover nature in a different way. Here is our selection:

Diving and snorkeling – learn to dive in Calvi and discover the sea bed! – see program and availability
Quad between sea and mountain – see program and availability
Canyoning in beautiful valleys, including the Fango valley – see programs and availability
Via Ferrata to cling to the mountain walls with breathtaking views. There are different courses depending on your level (including juniors) – see programs and availability
Rafting with 2 levels of intensity depending on your adrenaline search (family or X-tra) – see programs and availability

8 – Admire Saint-Florent and its bay

Saint-Florent is also a beautiful little town. The view of the old center with the Cap Corse mountains behind is unforgettable! Start with the port, it has a vibrant life during the day and night. It is a great place to relax and refresh:

Stroll along the marina and admire the boats. Thanks to its location at the bottom of the gulf, the port offers a safe anchorage
Enjoy the view of the gulf: on one side the Cap Corse mountain and on the other the Agriates desert, in front of the city.
Don’t forget to try the delicious ice cream!

Then explore the city: Discover the narrow streets of the small peninsula with spectacular views at almost every turn. The historical center is organized around the Doria beach and its fountain. Find the church of St. Anne, the most remarkable with its pointed tower that overhangs the roofline. It dates from the 17th century.

The city is not big, half a day is enough – but it is a very nice and relaxing place, we advise you to spend a day there and slow down
And to take advantage of it to take the boat towards the desert of Agriates (#3 of this list)

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9 – Visit Bastia

Main city of the north of Corsica, Bastia goes back to the Roman time when it was called Cardo. Its historic center overlooks the old port with a fortified citadel. It is very pleasant to walk through the old streets and around the marina. The atmosphere is lively.

There are many things to discover in the city of Bastia, for example:

Explore the city on foot with its narrow streets and fortifications
Walk around the small port
Visit the Governor’s Palace (also a museum)
Enter the churches: the 17th century Oratory of St. Roch and the 17th century Church of St. John the Baptist near the marina with Baroque features.
Rest in the garden of Romieu

Paved streets, wear comfortable shoes.
Allow half a day to a day to enjoy the city and its citadel.

10 – Fun in the rocks at Punta di Spanu

Because we like big rocks…

For something different, go to the other end of the bay to Punta di Spanu. The corner has only two small sandy areas. However, there are plenty of giant boulders to play with! It is one of our favorite places in Corsica .

The exploration is fun with several small coves and many rocks. Some are smooth because of the water, others are cut. There’s even one that’s been cut cleanly in half. You can walk around the point and up to a tower. We love rock formations and this is the most beautiful place in Balagne for that…

You can alternate swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and walking (for example to see the Genoese tower). See more photos

Driving time from Calvi = 20min
Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 25min
You will need a car to get there. No public transportation.
Be careful, the road has big holes at the end, so drive slowly.
No monitoring
There is not much sand.
No facilities, wilderness location

HOW TO GET TO Corsica

Option 1: by ferry

Departure from France and Italy

See all ferry options in our article
Compare schedules, prices and availability directly

Advantage: you can take your car!

Option 2: by plane

Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica. Compare flights!

11 – calanques de Piana and Scandola Reserve (North-South limit)

The Gulf of Porto is a Unesco heritage site not to be missed! The cliffs and rock formations are incredible with its 2 sites: the calanques de Piana and the natural reserve of Scandola . Geology enthusiasts, as well as lovers of rock formations, will be delighted. The rocks are predominantly pink, but there are many colors and structures.

Book your boat tour

Officially, the calanques de Piana are in the region of South Corsica. But geographically they are in the northern half of the island. If you are in Ajaccio, you can go and see them on a day. But this is not possible if you stay in Bonifaico or Porto-Vecchio.

12 – Discover the vineyards of Patrimonio

Only 10 minutes from Saint-Florent are the vineyards of Patrimonio. It is an appellation for white, red and rosé wines.

They are very different from other Corsican wines because the hills are composed of clay and limestone. The main grape varieties are Vermentino and Sangiovese. Because of the hills and the sea just behind, the landscape of the area is beautiful. So even if you don’t drink wine, we recommend driving through the area. But if you like wine, you can stop and visit one of the vineyards. Most of them are family businesses and most of the production is enjoyed on the island (few exports).

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica

Inspiration destinations

Best things to do in Corsica
Ajaccio or Bastia?
North or South Corsica?
Planning a road trip in Corsica
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks

The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
The most beautiful villages of Corsica
The most beautiful cities of Corsica
The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
The museums of Corsica
Hidden gems in Corsica
The most beautiful natural pools
What to do in North Corsica
Best things to do in South Corsica
Canyoning in Corsica

Where to stay

Where to sleep in Corsica
The most beautiful hotels in Corsica
Best luxury hotels in Corsica
Best seaside hotels

Which ferry to Corsica
How to get to Corsica
Renting a car in Corsica
Driving in Corsica

13 – Visit Corte and the Restonica Valley

Corte is the historical capital of Corsica, located in the mountains and in the heart of the island. It offers a spectacular setting, with a 15th century citadel and 360° views of the mountains. It is an excellent starting point to explore the mountains of Corsica. We recommend:

Walk through the streets of the old town
Visit Museum dedicated to Corsica and its history. Each room is dedicated to a different part of the Corsican culture. It does not overload you with information. We enjoyed the visit of the museum
Admire the splendid 360° view from the Belvedere
Go hiking in the beautiful mountains that surround it.
Take the magnificent (but narrow) road of the Restonica

Bastia to Corte = 1h
Calvi to Corte = 1h20
Saint-Florent to Cortte= 1h15
Possibility to park near the Citadel and avoid walking up (paying parking)
If you don’t feel like walking up, there is a tourist train that takes you to the museum
Allow half a day for the city and the museum.
Steep cobblestone streets – not so easy to walk on. Wear good shoes.

14 – Hiking

You can find walks and hikes for all levels around Corsica. For simple walks, the Customs Trails are often good options. These are coastal paths for the surveillance of the island. They are normally in good condition and do not present many difficulties. Note that the steps are sometimes marked ‘simple’ but they can be steep and hard on the knees. They take you to magical landscapes mixed with mountains, sea, scrubland, forest …

Which hikes

Some of our favorite hikes are:

Capo Rosso in the calanques de Piana (technically in South Corsica)
The customs path in the north of the Cap Corse
Hiking in the Agriates desert
The hikes from the Restonica Valley to the lakes of Mélo and Capitello

15 – Visit the Roman sites: Aleria and Mariana

In the south, you have more prehistoric sites, but in the north of Corsica, you find some sites dating from the Roman period. Aléria and Mariana were the 2 main Roman colonies of Corsica.

For Aléria, the location was ideal, with an important river and good land for crops. Aleria, founded in the 6th century BC, is considered the oldest city in Corsica. Nowadays you can visit the ruins with a breathtaking view of the area and the museum.

In Mariana, you will discover another archaeological site and a museum in a modern concrete and glass building. You will find there the collections resulting from the archaeological excavations carried out for more than 50 years in the area. The tour takes you on a journey through time, from Protohistory to Antiquity, the beginnings of Christianity and the Middle Ages.

In the center of the east coast of Corsica
Allow half a day for the village, the museum and the site, if you have an interest in antiquity.
The museum is not very big and neither are the ruins.
Opening hours = at least from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 5pm, closed on Sundays.
Read our full article
Official website
South of Bastia
Price: 7€ for a free visit
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 1pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm

Best things to do in North Corsica (Haute-Corse): other ideas

Secret corners – galeria and more.

If you move away from the main seaside resorts, you can discover some lesser known gems . We particularly like it:

Galéria and the Fango delta
The village of Vescovato
The village of Piedicroce with its impressive church, views and ruins

Discover small museums

Among the museums of Corsica , there are small ones specialized in villages that deserve a visit. For example:

The Pascal Paoli Museum in Morosaglia
The Dian’Arte Museum in Borgo
Private Museum Savelli in Corbara
Treasure Museum in Corbara
Museum of the Adecec in Cervione
Conservatory of Cap Corse in Canari

Itineraries in North Corsica

5 days in north corsica.

With 5 days, it is impossible to tour, we must make choices. Either the Balagne – see our detailed itinerary Bastia, Saint-Florent and Cap Corse – see our detailed itinerary

1 week in North Corsica

Map itinerary one week north corsica 7 days

With 1 week, we recommend a loop with the Cap Corse, Saint-Florent and the desert of Agraites, the villages of Balagne, Calvi, Ile-Rousse, Piana, Corte and Bastia.

See our detailed itinerary to spend 1 week in North Corsica .

10 days in North Corsica

And with 10 days, we created a slower loop to make the most of each corner. See our detailed itinerary to spend 10 days in North Corsica .

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Periodically update our articles, with the help of our readers.
Enrich our articles with our first-hand experiences.
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4 of the best food experiences in Corsica

This French island is home to a host of sumptuous specialities, including chestnut dishes, charcuterie and some of the world’s most complex honey.

Sat in the middle of the Mediterranean, just eight miles from its southern neighbour, Sardinia, Corsica is a French island with an obvious Italian influence. As such, it’s a place that takes its food seriously. Whether you’re in the mountainous interior, or dining on the coast, expect fresh ingredients, traditional local dishes and long, multi-course lunches. But what really makes the island a gourmet getaway are its specialities — from world-famous charcuterie to dishes made with its beloved chestnuts.

1. Domaine Saparale

Venerable vines There can’t be many vineyards with their own police station — but Domaine Saparale, in southwest Corsica, has an unusual history. The estate’s original owner, Philippe de Rocca Serra, had big ideas when he established it in 1850. “He was a lawyer whose grand ambition was to create Corsican wines that would rival the great wines of Bordeaux,” explains current owner Julie Farinelli. “Everyone thought he was a madman because, back then, the wine was just for the locals.”

Funding his project by practicing law in North Africa, Philippe eventually brought his grand plan to fruition, establishing a sprawling estate that evolved into a self-sufficient hamlet, complete with its own police station. “There were lodgings for 20 gendarmes — they protected the site and the surrounding valley from bandits. There was even a little prison,” explains Julie, gesturing towards the faint painted sign on the wall of the stone building in front of us, which reads ‘Gendarmerie Nationale’.

While Philippe enjoyed several decades of success, selling wine in Paris and winning awards, the estate’s fortunes declined in the early 1900s, and, as the century wore on, it fell into disrepair. Then, in 1970, a childless descendant of Philippe bequeathed it to his housekeeper — the grandmother of Julie’s husband Philippe.

Since 1998, the Farinelli family have been slowly bringing the estate back to life; three buildings, including a former oil mill, are now luxury self-catering lodges, and work on a hotel is in progress; yet it’s their wines that really make it worth the trip.

While most of Corsica’s wines are based on the same six grape varieties — sciaccarellu, niellucciu and grenache for reds; vermentino, genovese and biancu gentile for whites — the terroir changes significantly from region to region. Domaine Saparale is set on the granite terroir of Sartène, which gives its wines their robust flavour and strong personalities.

As well as producing reds, whites and rosés across their three main labels, the Farinellis have recently started making wine in amphoras — the terracotta vessels used by the ancient Greeks and Romans — with the neglected carcaghjolu grape variety, which in Corsica only grows on southern soil. This type of small-batch, vintage experiment fits within their Oenoteca brand, which comprises wines made with a single grape variety, whenever the harvest is plentiful enough.

Happily, my visit is rounded off by a tasting with the estate’s sommelier Meghan, the highlight of which is a wondrous white Oenoteca wine. Together, Julie and I breathe in its aromas: smoky and woody with a flash of fruit, its flavours are as distinct as the estate on which it was made.

2. Patisserie Casanova

Chestnut specials There’s no mistaking the staple product in Corsica: chestnuts make an appearance on every menu, whether as caramelised shards on a velouté entrée or part of a moelleux à la châtaigne, a moist cake that’s made with chestnut flour. Even the charcuterie comes courtesy of chestnuts, as the local pigs graze on them within the dense forests that cloak the landscape.

“Most villages are set at around 800m above sea level, which is where the chestnut trees grow,” explains guide Gabriel Ottaviani. “The harvest takes place in October and traditionally it was a collective job, with the whole village out collecting chestnuts. People would put them in racks above their kitchens and living rooms, where they’d dry out. They’d then be sorted and shelled and milled into flour.”

This sweet, biscuity flour is one of the island’s most prized products and holds an AOP label (protected origin). It’s traditionally used for pulenda, which is similar to Italian polenta and made by stirring chestnut flour, water and salt together in a pot with a wooden baton called a pulendaghju until it comes together to form a dough that’s then sliced and fried in butter. A winter special across Corsica, pulenda is traditionally served alongside the island’s beloved brocciu cheese and figatellu sausage.

Many of Corsica’s chestnut groves can be found around the town of Corte, located among the mountains in the island’s north. The shops and restaurants lining its rambling streets are the ideal places to seek out chestnut-based delicacies. At Patisserie Casanova, for example, specialities on offer include chestnut cakes and falculella, Corte’s signature pastries, which are made with egg yolk, flour, sugar and orange zest, all baked on a chestnut leaf. The shop’s owner Edmond Casanova is particularly proud of these. “They were invented by my great-grandfather in the 1800s,” he says. “In those days, there weren’t any baking trays, so they used the chestnut leaf to put it in and take it out of the oven; they can stand the heat without burning.

“It’s something you’ll only find in Corte.”

3. Jardin des Abeilles

Shades of honey Explore the Corsican countryside and you can’t help but breathe in the incredible aroma that comes from the maquis, the fragrant shrubland that clings to its hillsides. Herbs such as nepeta, myrtle bushes and the yellow immortelle flower are among many plants that attract the island’s bees. The honey they produce is complex and varied, as I discover at the Jardin des Abeilles, a farm in the hills inland from Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio.

“There are only two types of honey in France that hold an AOP protected origin,” explains owner Tiphaine Pietri. “One is the honey from the pine trees of the Vosges mountains [in eastern France], and the other is Corsican honey.

“There are very strict rules about where the hives can be placed; they can’t be near any agriculture, even organic farming, and they have to be close to wild plants. There isn’t really any intensive agriculture near here — the bees circulate in a radius of 3km around the hives.” Having explored the garden, with its demonstration hive, and checked out the information trail that weaves through woodland leading down to a gushing river, it’s time to try some of the six different types of Corsican honey that share the AOP label.

The tasting starts with the gentlest flavour, the miel de printemps, for which the bees collect nectar from flowering clementine trees and asphodel flowers in April. The summery, amber-hued miel de maquis d’été is fruity and aromatic, but the miel de meillat du maquis (honeydew of the maquis) is a complete contrast: a dark honey with a woody, malty, slightly bitter flavour, due to it being made with nectar from oak and eucalyptus, rather than flowers — it’s also gathered in the summer months when the maquis is dry.

We finish with the chestnut honey, miel de châtaigneraie, which is rich and caramel-like, followed by the autumn honey, miel de maquis d’automne, which is similar but a little less sweet — better paired with cheese than served at breakfast.

For all the clear differences between the main types of honey, Tiphaine points out that flavours can also vary from jar to jar. “We have visitors who might prefer this honey to that made in another valley,” she explains. “Every place will have different plants; each year will have its own flavours. It’s just like wine.”

4. Corsican Charcuterie

Finely sliced Charcuterie is one of Corsica’s most important products. Historically, the island’s cured meats and sausages have been crucial to the survival of its mountain-dwelling population throughout the harsh winter months. Today, visitors will still find charcuterie hanging in Corsican food shops, with the sweet, nutty lonzu and finely marbled coppa usually giving out a misleading funky aroma. Fortunately, they taste better than they smell.

Across the island, many artisan producers still adhere to traditional methods, creating different types of cured meats and sausages designed to be eaten at certain times of the year. Among them is Dumè Cesari, whose workshop in the village of Cozzano is part of the island’s Route des Sens Authentiques (Route of Authentic Senses) discovery trail.

Dumè’s 500 black nustrale pigs forage in the chestnut and beech forests during the summer. He then makes charcuterie in winter, with pigs that are 18 months old. “It’s made in winter because in the old days, they didn’t have refrigeration — so it had to be made in the coldest months of the year.”

Despite Corsica’s rich charcuterie heritage, the annual influx of more than three million visitors means local supply can’t meet demand. Those seeking superior examples should search for charcuterie made from the island’s nustrale pigs, rather than imported meat. “You can tell from the flavour when it’s the real thing,” says Dumè. “The way we raise the pigs here is unique, what they eat is completely natural, and that’s transmitted into the taste.”

As we stand in his curing cellar, he invites me to try the different types: figatellu is eaten in the winter as it’s the first kind to be made — with liver and blood, as well as some cuts of lean meat with spices, all smoked over beech wood. Next, he cuts a fine sliver of the highly prized prisuttu, a deep-red ham that’s flavoured with paprika and other spices. Finally, Dumè gives me a slice of vuletta — almost entirely white fat but with a stripe of red — and suggests I leave a few seconds before chewing. The velvety-soft, nutty ham melts in my mouth, like butter.

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IMAGES

15 Best Things To Do In Corsica, France
10 Best Beaches in Corsica
13 best things to do in Corsica
15 Best Things To Do In Corsica, France
15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France)
22 incredible pictures of Corsica

VIDEO

14 Best Places To Visit In Corsica
CORSICA GENERALISTE EDITION 2024 NL
From Livorno to Bastia Airport without a car
5 places in CORSICA you must visit now!
travel to Corsica, France
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COMMENTS

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Corsica
16. Col de Bavella. 17. Forêt de Valdo Niello. Map of Attractions & Places to Visit in Corsica. 1. Ajaccio. Ajaccio. Corsica's most famous native son, Napoléon Bonaparte, was born in this bustling capital city, pleasantly situated on the Gulf of Ajaccio.
11 best things to do in Corsica
9. View the clifftop beauty of Bonifacio from the sea. Bonifacio is not only the oldest town in Corsica (founded in about 830 CE), it's also the most spectacular. Perched atop 100m-high, layered white limestone and sandstone cliffs, it boasts phenomenal views south across to Sardinia (only 13km/8 miles away).
35 Best Things to Do in Corsica
Ospedale Lake and Forest, in Corsica. 25. The Aiguilles de Bavella. The " Aiguilles de Bavella" are another famous tourist site in Corsica, and one of the best places to hike on the island. From the Bavella Pass, located in the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, you can choose between several marked trails.
18 Best Places to Visit in Corsica, France (+Map)
11. Saint-Florent. Often compared to Saint-Tropez, Saint-Florent is Corsica's second-largest marina after Ajaccio. Sandwiched between the mountainous wilds of Cap Corse and the spectacular, untouched Désert des Agriates, the charming town is known for being the gateway to some outstanding beaches.
27 best things to do in Corsica (with our photos!)
9. Discover the famous beaches of the south: Palombaggia and the others (What to do in Porto-Vecchio) 10. Visit Bastia. 11. Listen to a concert of Corsican polyphony. 12. Live a magic moment in Cucuruzzu. 13.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 2024. 1. Plage de Palombaggia. 6,097. Beaches. By daizy78. It is a beautiful beach, one of the best in Corsica or even in Europe. See way to experience (1)
the best places in Corsica: an insider's guide
One of my favourites is L'Ile-Rousse on the north coast, with its pretty white beaches and cobbled streets. Villa Joséphine is a small boutique hotel set in the hills and Hôtel Minera, just outside of town, has stunning views across the sea. Both are quiet and completely immersed in nature, so I can just rest.'.
30 BEST Places to Visit in Corsica (UPDATED 2024)
Top Attractions in Corsica. These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Plage de Palombaggia. It is a beautiful beach, one of the best in Corsica or even in Europe. 2. Iles Lavezzi.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
Worthy to spend the day there, characteristic island. 3. Bonifacio Citadel. Stunning combination of an old town and old city walls above high white rocks and the sea. 4. Plage de Santa Giulia. Amazing beach with crystal clear water and white sand. 5. Corsica linea.
15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France)
15. Water Sports. Corsica's beguiling topography continues below the waves. So at the many dive sites around the island, including the rich waters of the marine reserve at Scandola, you'll encounter trenches, ridges, canyons, sea mounts and the kind of pinnacles visible above the surface in the calanques.
35 best places to visit in Corsica (in photos)
Our favorite towns to stay in: Bonifacio near the citadel - see the best rated accommodations. Porto-Vecchio near the beaches - see top-rated accommodations. L'Île-Rousse in Balagne - see the best-rated accommodations. Content. The best places to visit in Corsica - a difficult choice! The 5 most beautiful beaches of Corsica.
The 14 Most Beautiful Places In Corsica
1. Bonifacio, a beautiful old town in southern Corsica. Bonifacio is the most Southern town in entire Corsica and if there's one old town you absolutely can't miss it's this one! It's one of the best places to visit in southern Corsica! Bonifacio is the perfect starting point for your trip if you land in the airport of Figari.
Places To Go
With almost 200 beaches and 1000km of coastline, Corsica is a beach-lover's dream. The island is blessed with an incredible diversity of beaches from intimate hidden coves to magnificent bays. The most renowned include the sweeping bays of Calvi and L'Ile Rousse in the north, and Palombaggia, Pinarello and San Ciprianu in the south.
Top Things to Do in Corsica
Things to Do in Corsica, France: See Tripadvisor's 888,458 reviews & photos of 1,611 Corsica attractions.
The 21 Best Towns And Cities To Visit In Corsica
The Patrimonio region is most famous for its vineyards, much of Corsica's best wine being produced in this area. Visit Nonza, a flower-garnished slate roofed village, standing 150m above a blackened shingled beach offering a dramatic viewpoint across the sea. Visit the Moulin Mattei near Rogliano, which was restored in the early 20th century.
Visiting Corsica: our 35 travel tips
Visiting Corsica: paradisiacal beaches, surprising citadels, majestic mountains… the beauty of the landscapes of the island of Corsica offers you unforgettable holidays! But to make sure your trip to Corsica is a success, it's best to have some information in mind and be well prepared. On this page, we have gathered all our travel tips to help you make the right choices and to find the ...
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
Things to Do in Corsica, France: See Tripadvisor's 884,522 traveler reviews and photos of Corsica tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. We have reviews of the best places to see in Corsica. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
By 780sandieb. The perfect spot to watch the world go by surrounded by locals and served by a friendly and fun team. Try the cold meat... 7. Les Saveurs du Clos. 79. Speciality & Gift Shops. 8. Casa Napoleon Epicerie Fine Corse.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 2024. 1. Plage de Palombaggia. 6,097. Beaches. By daizy78. It is a beautiful beach, one of the best in Corsica or even in Europe. See way to experience (1)
Vacation Corsica: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The ...
Corsica is perhaps best known for being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. ... There are many places to visit in Corsica, but it is a destination that few ever do. The island enjoys a ...
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Corsica (Updated 2024)
Top Attractions in Corsica. These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Plage de Palombaggia. It is a beautiful beach, one of the best in Corsica or even in Europe. 2. Iles Lavezzi.
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Corsica
These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 2023. 1. Plage de Palombaggia. 6,096. Beaches. By daizy78. It is a beautiful beach, one of the best in Corsica or even in Europe. See way to experience (1)
15 best things to do in North Corsica (with our photos)
10 - Fun in the rocks at Punta di Spanu. 11 - calanques de Piana and Scandola Reserve (North-South limit) 12 - Discover the vineyards of Patrimonio. 13 - Visit Corte and the Restonica Valley. 14 - Hiking. 15 - Visit the Roman sites: Aleria and Mariana. Best things to do in North Corsica (Haute-Corse): other ideas.
4 of the best food experiences in Corsica
Original Travel offers a 13-day tour of Corsica from the north to the south of the island, taking in both Corte and the capital Ajaccio, from £3,125 per person. Price includes flights, car hire ...

17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Corsica

2. Bonifacio

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More on France

Top 11 things to do in Corsica

1. Hike the GR20 (aka Fra li Monti)

​ 2. Drive from Francardo to Porto

​ 3. Explore the island by train

​ 4. Find Bastia’s historic heart

​ 5. Discover seven centuries of island history

6. Don’t miss Les Calanques de Piana

​7. Explore the ancient churches of Cargèse

​​ 8. Get to know Napoleon in Ajaccio

9. View the clifftop beauty of Bonifacio from the sea

​​ 10. Create rock art on the black sand beach of Nonza

11. Follow in the footsteps of the customs officers

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Visit Corsica: Top 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

2. Cap Corse

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18 Best Places to Visit in Corsica, France

18. Speloncato

17. Cap Corse

16. Calanques de Piana

15. Filitosa

14. Propriano

13. Hike the GR20

12. Spelunca Gorge

11. Saint-Florent

9. Agriates Desert

8. L’Ile-Rousse

6. Beaches around Porto-Vecchio

5. Sant’Antonino

3. Scandola Nature Reserve

2. Bonifacio

Map of Places to Visit in Corsica, France

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WHERE DO YOU STAY?

MOST INTERESTING SPOT FOR A CULTURE FIX?

WHAT WOULD YOUR IDEAL DAY INCLUDE?

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT?

ANY OTHER STOPS FOR A BITE?

BEST PLACE FOR A DRINK?

THE LOVELIEST STORES YOU HAVE DISCOVERED?

IS THIS WHERE YOU WERE FIRST INSPIRED TO MAKE PERFUME?

15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France)

1. Calanques de Piana

2. Calvi Citadel

3. Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio

4. Maison Bonaparte, Ajaccio

5. Bonifacio Citadel

6. Aiguilles de Bavella, Zonza

7. Plage de Saleccia, Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda

8. Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra

9. Gorges de la Restonica, Corte

10. Scandola Reserve, Galéria

11. Cavu River, Sainte Lucie De Porto Vecchio

12. A Cupulatta, Ucciani

13. Cucuruzzu, Levie

14. Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio

15. Water Sports

15 Best Things to Do in Corsica (France):

2. Drive from Francardo to Porto

3. Explore the island by train

4. Find Bastia’s historic heart

5. Discover seven centuries of island history

7. Explore the ancient churches of Cargèse

8. Get to know Napoleon in Ajaccio

10. Create rock art on the black sand beach of Nonza