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Corsica Lovers

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

10 tourist maps of Corsica (beaches, villages…)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | 22 June 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Here are all our maps of Corsica grouped in one article, to help you plan your trip and find your favorite places to visit. The maps include the most beautiful destinations, cities, villages, beaches…

BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES IN Corsica

Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars

Our guide to planning your road trip: eBook

Our must-do boat trip: Exploring the cliffs of Bonifacio

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

1. Map of the most beautiful destinations in Corsica

The whole region of Corsica has a lot to offer – villages, beaches, mountains, natural sites… You should plan a lot of time to explore all its beautiful landscapes. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite destinations in Corsica, to help you refine your plans.

In our complete article , for each of them, you will find a section with the main things to do, photos and places to stay.

2. Travel time

Before any trip to Corsica, it is essential to realize that it is impossible to visit all of Corsica in one week. The island is mountainous, which makes travel time longer.

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 .

There are so many fascinating things to do in Corsica, that making a choice is difficult: paradisiacal beaches, imposing mountains, charming villages… No time to get bored! Here on this map, our selection to help you plan your trip, places and activities that we have experienced and loved.

See our complete article , to discover them in pictures.

4. Maps to get to Corsica

And if you are trying to decide how to get to Corsica. You have 2 options:

• The ferry with 5 ports of arrival in Corsica: Bastia, Ile-Rousse, Ajaccio, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio
• By plane with 4 arrival airports: Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio and Figari

Here are 2 maps to help you find your way:

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!

5. Map of the most beautiful beaches of Corsica

This island is filled with sandy paradises with turquoise waters, red rocks, umbrella pines and mountains. The only difficulty is to decide which ones to visit ! We prefer picturesque beaches with colorful rocks to photograph rather than sand and clear water to swim in.

See our complete article to find them in pictures.

6. Map of the most beautiful villages of Corsica

Between sea and mountain, the island of Corsica is dotted with charming villages. Rustic in appearance, and a bit abandoned, they have a lot of character . Some are in the mountains, others on the top of a hill or by the sea. See our selection of the most beautiful villages of Corsica with tips and photos to help you choose.

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
• Practical advice
• + 220 photos to help you choose

7. Map of the most beautiful cities in Corsica

Between mountain and sea, Corsican cities are often built around ancient citadels. They combine culture, history and nature, as they are often close to beautiful beaches or mountains.

It is difficult to compare them because they are very different. But if we absolutely had to choose (for a vacation), our top 3 is:

See our complete article to discover them in pictures with tips to choose.

8. Map of Corsica’s most beautiful natural pools

Everyone dreams of Corsica’s beaches, but the Isle of Beauty is also rich in wonderful natural pools along rivers surrounded by mountains. We particularly like it:

• The swimming pools of Cavu
• The Fango Valley
• The Polischellu waterfall
• The Aïtone waterfalls
• The Solenzara valley

See our article on Corsica’s most beautiful natural pools .

8. Map: where to stay in Corsica

There are options for everyone with seaside resorts, cities, charming villages or off the beaten track places…

To help you find your way, here is a map that will help you locate all the cities selected in our list. Note that the numbers do not indicate a preference, they are just numbered to better navigate our full article , and see our photos and tips.

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9. Tourist map of Balagne

Between the sea and the mountains, the region of La Balagne is a little jewel that offers a lot to the visitors: beautiful beaches , towns of character, authentic villages and breathtaking views. Our top 6:

• Visit the citadel of Calvi, and admire it from the beach
• Notice the differences with the city of Ile-Rousse and visit its islands
• Visit at least 2 villages in Balagne: for example Pigna and Sant Antonino
• Relaxing on a sandy beach such as Bodri
• Fun on the rocks of Punta di Spanu

See our article on Balagne , for our photos and tips on each.

9. Tourist map of Cap Corse

The Cap Corse tour by car is one of the most famous roads in Corsica with mountains, wild beaches, charming villages and splendid views. Top 5:

• Village of Erbalunga
• Village of Nonza
• Hiking Customs Trail (partially or entirely)
• Village Port Centuri
• Albo’s point of view

See our article on Cap Corse , for our photos and tips on each.

10. South Corsica tourist map

Coming soon

And other tourist maps of Corsica to come

We will add more as we complete this site with all our articles and tips.

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

Region Lovers' 10 commitments

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, stay in at least one hotel and visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our invoices in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Periodically update our articles, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our first-hand experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Use digital tools in a reasoned and transparent way, feeding them with information verified on site.
• Provide information on the traveler/writer pairing that gave rise to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

Find out more about the team and our history.

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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.

Read More: Best Beaches in Corsica

This sun-drenched waterfront town has an attractive marina and beautiful beaches along the Bay of Calvi. Soak up the marvelous scenery of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, with jagged mountains framing the harbor.

Besides sunbathing, swimming, and spending time at outdoor cafés, a top attraction is the Citadel of Calvi . Enter the ancient walled Citadel and you'll find a cluster of medieval cobblestone streets and staircases that lead to discoveries of pleasant squares, historic churches, and fabulous views.

Within the Citadel, the 13th-century Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste exemplifies Corsican Baroque architecture. The interior features noteworthy works of art, including a 15th-century altarpiece depicting the Annunciation and a 16th-century Virgin of the Rosary statue from Spain.

Calvi is also renowned for its summertime jazz festival, which draws top musical talent. The Jazz in Calvi festival takes place annually at the end of June; performances are held at the Citadel and other venues.

Read More: Top-Rated Beach Destinations in France

If you want to experience the real Corsica, this lively seaside city is the place to go. Bastia has a picturesque harbor and a quaint Old Town (Terra Vecchia) bursting with narrow lanes and tightly packed houses.

Within the Terra Vecchia are several noteworthy churches: the 17th-century Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the largest church in Corsica; the Baroque Chapelle de l'Immaculée Conception; and the Chapelle Saint-Roch, which overlooks the mesmerizing Mediterranean waters.

On a rocky spur to the south of the harbor is the ancient citadel, dating back to 1378.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in France

At the northernmost tip of Corsica, the Cap Corse peninsula is one of the prettiest areas of the island. The peninsula is covered by a range of foothills and fertile valleys where vines, fruit, and olives grow.

Dotting the landscape are medieval perched villages such as Pino on a wooded hilltop; Nonza clinging to a cliffside; and Rogliano, which is a collection of hamlets and old fishing ports. Rogliano encompasses Erbalunga near Bastia; Macinaggio, with a yacht marina; and Centuri , a tiny fishing village with a working harbor.

If you prefer sunbathing to sightseeing, then head to the Plage de Farinole . This picturesque beach has a fine sand shoreline and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is not great for swimming because of the undercurrent, but the waves are appreciated by surfers. Another highlight of the Plage de Farinole is the restaurant on the beach.

Perched like an eagle's nest on a granite hilltop at almost 500 meters, the ancient walled town of Sant'Antonino offers superb views of the surrounding countryside and the sea.

In the lush Balagne region , Sant'Antonino is one of the oldest villages in Corsica, with a Moorish heritage dating back to the 9th century. Thanks to its old-world charm, Sant'Antonino has earned a place on the list of Plus Beaux Villages de France .

Get ready to do some walking. The village is designed for pedestrians, with its medieval tangle of winding cobblestone streets, alleyways, and covered passageways.

About seven kilometers from Sant'Antonino, the Couvent Saint-Dominique des Frères de Saint-Jean à Corbara perches on a hilltop between snow-peaked mountains and the sea. It's worth the detour to see the splendid 15th-century architecture and admire astounding coastal views.

You may visit the Couvent Saint-Dominique des Frères de Saint-Jean à Corbara by taking a guided tour (in French) or by participating in a spiritual retreat . Guided tours are offered year-round every day (except Mondays) at 3pm.

Sartène prides itself on being the "most Corsican" city. This characteristic medieval hilltop town is listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire because of its exceptional heritage.

Must-see tourist attractions include the Eglise Santa-Maria-Assunta , with a simple facade typical of Corsican churches; the former Palais des Gouverneurs Génois , now the Town Hall; and L'Echauguette (tower), which affords sweeping views of the Vallée de Rizzanese.

The Musée de Préhistoire et d'Archéologie (Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology) brings to life the island's ancient history. Exhibits present statues from prehistoric megaliths; Bronze Age and Iron Age weapons, tools, and ceramics; Ancient Roman archaeological finds; and artworks and everyday objects of the Middle Ages.

Near the Palais des Gouverneurs Génois, you'll find an enchanting pedestrian area. Take a stroll to discover the secret corners: arcades, vaulted passageways, and picturesque staircases. The Place du Maghju is a hub of artisan boutiques.

Every year in the spring, the town celebrates the Carnaval de Sartène . This fun-loving carnival festival features parades, musical entertainment, and masked balls.

Sartène also hosts an annual religious procession on Good Friday called the " Catenacciu ," which reenacts the events of the Passion of Christ. One of the "Penitents" carries a heavy cross and a chain during a somber procession, beginning at the Eglise Sainte-Marie and concluding at the altar of Sainte-Marie church. This event attracts pilgrims from near and far.

About 15 kilometers away from Sartène is the Domaine Rosa de Caldane , a pampering thermal bath facility with a mid-range hotel and a brasserie restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine.

Some of Corsica's dreamiest sandy beaches are around Porto Vecchio, which has become a busy summertime resort. These beaches are prized for their expansive sandy shorelines, gentle waves, and unspoiled scenery.

The most famous beach is the Plage de Palombaggia, renowned for its wide sandy shore and calm turquoise waters. Another excellent sandy beach is the Plage de Santa Giulia . Both of these beaches are in sheltered bays, which provide a protected environment ideal for swimming.

Slightly farther away, the less-crowded Plage de Rondinara is halfway between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio. This gorgeous sandy beach nestles along Rondinara Bay. The crystal-clear aquamarine waters at Rondinara Beach have an almost tropical quality.

The citadel of Porto Vecchio is also worth visiting. In the 16th century, the Genoese built this impregnable citadel with sturdy fortifications that remain intact. Enclosed within the citadel is a little world of atmospheric narrow alleyways, covered passageways, and quiet squares. Many restaurants and shops are found around the Place de la République.

Piana dazzles you with its old-world character and stunning views of the Golfe de Porto. Thanks to its historic charm and natural beauty, Piana is listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France .

Giving the village its special appearance, red-tile-roofed houses spiral around the slopes of a wooded hillside. An exquisite parish church stands at the heart of Piana. The Italian Baroque-style Eglise Sainte-Marie features lovely frescoes and arcades decorated with sculpted medallions.

A pedestrian jaunt is the way to discover this dreamy perched village. You will delight in strolling the quaint narrow streets, while stumbling upon pleasant tree-shaded squares and terraces with gorgeous sea views.

At the entrance to the village, Les Roches Rouges offers upscale accommodations and gourmet meals. In a magical setting, the hotel's guest rooms and outdoor patio look out onto the mesmerizing azure waters of the Gulf of Porto. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant serves classic French cuisine in an elegant dining room that is protected as a Monument Historique .

More awe-inspiring panoramas are found in the hamlet of Vistale , which has an ancient chapel, the Chapelle Saint-Lucie (open in July and August) adorned with Byzantine-style frescoes created by 20th-century Russian artists.

Between the village of Piana and the seaside resort of Porto is a scenic (and challenging) coastal drive on curvy roads that wind through the UNESCO-listed Calanques de Piana mountains. The Calanques de Piana is an inlet surrounded by rose-colored granite cliffs that plunge into the deep-blue Mediterranean Sea. The area's hiking trails feature amazing vistas.

About a one-hour drive south of Bastia is the hilly region of Castagniccia, which takes its name from the chestnut trees that grow abundantly here. The traditional stone-roofed houses all have chestnut-drying rooms.

This peaceful countryside is dotted with ancient hilltop villages, small hamlets, and magnificent churches. Many of the churches, such as the ornately adorned Baroque Eglise Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Piedicroce and the 18th-century Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel in Stoppia Nova, are listed as Monuments Historiques .

In a sublime natural setting, the Couvent d'Alesani (another Monument Historique ) in Piazzali has an inspiring spiritual ambience. You may take a guided tour in July and August and on the Journées du Patrimoine in September. During that period, tours are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between 3:30pm and 7pm. The convent also hosts summertime events.

Adventurous hikers can climb Monte San Petrone (1,767-meter altitude) from the starting point of Piedicroce or from the Col de Prato; either way the six-kilometer ascent takes about five or six hours. The trail traverses rocky mountain ridges, above chestnut-tree forests, valleys, and little hamlets. From the summit, the vistas sweep across the Mediterranean Sea to the coastline of Italy.

The UNESCO-listed Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve is a protected marine environment that includes all of the waters in French territory, from the tip of southern Corsica extending to the French Riviera and Italian coastline.

Covering 80,000 hectares, the reserve also includes marshland, lagoons, and other coastal areas. Many rare, protected species of birds and fish thrive in this ecosystem.

A highlight of the Bouches de Bonifacio is the Lavezzi Islands marine reserve, a top snorkeling and scuba diving destination in Corsica. Beneath the translucent turquoise waters, a magical underwater world awaits deep-sea divers. Sightings include colorful and exotic fish such as the rainbow wrasse and the silver bream.

Many companies organize snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions; advanced booking is recommended. Boat tours and dinner cruises (departing from Bonifacio or Porte Vecchio) are available for those who prefer to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

This medieval hilltop village will steal your heart with its enchanting ambience and sensational vistas. Exceptional panoramic views of the sea and the Regino Valley are found throughout the village.

If you're here for a beach holiday, you'll find everything you need in Belgodère and nearby. Below the historic part of Belgodère is a modern beach resort with many hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants.

Be sure to explore the old walled area of Belgodère (the Cabanne and Cima du Fondu quarters). You will enjoy wandering around the winding streets, relaxing at an outdoor café terrace, and discovering historic monuments.

The Baroque Eglise Saint-Thomas displays a noteworthy 16th-century Virgin and Child painting.

A surreal coastal landscape awaits you at the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola. Overlooking the Gulf of Porto, this UNESCO-listed nature reserve is only accessible by boat.

The Scandola Nature Reserve encompasses a remote mountainous peninsula and offshore islands formed from an ancient volcano. Crystal-clear turquoise waters lap against cliffs and hidden coves.

Scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts, rejoice! You will find here some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Corsica. Marine life includes dolphins, seals, moray eels, swordfish, and coral reefs.

Shuttle boats depart frequently from Calvi and less frequently from Porto and Galéria. Many companies offer organized tours, for an easier way to visit.

The Désert des Agriates is a vast protected wilderness of scrubland, agricultural plains, craggy coastline, and cream-colored sandy shores. If you're planning a summertime visit to the Agriates Desert, you will probably want to sunbathe at pristine sandy beaches.

Two favorite beaches are the Plage de Lotu and the Plage de Saleccia , prized for their soft white sand and transparent waters. Both beaches are ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

The Plage de l'Ostriconi , tucked away behind sand dunes, feels like a secret spot because of its secluded quality.

Besides lounging at the beach, other things to do in the Désert des Agriates include hiking, nature walks, and fishing.

Corsica's GR20 trail traverses the island of Corsica from north to south, covering wild and remote hillsides and deep gorges. Extreme outdoor adventure enthusiasts and advanced hikers hold this trail in high esteem.

The trail is considered to be the most difficult long-distance hike in Europe . Not only is the trail extremely long, the terrain is rugged and dramatic. Those who are sufficiently conditioned to attempt the hike will ultimately be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramas.

Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in France

If you're touring Corsica by car, the scenic drive through the Col de Bavella is highly recommended. The road travels through majestic landscapes and along the path of an ancient Roman road, continuing up to the mountain pass at 1,243 meters. From that point, there are breathtaking views of the forests and plains, the mountains, and the sea.

The Valdo-Niello Forest is an unspoiled environment of shady Corsican pine trees that can reach heights of 50 meters. The specific variety of tree, the Laricio Pine, is emblematic of Corsica. These dense woodlands provide a habitat for bird species such as the Corsican Nuthatch.

Also within the forest is Corsica's highest mountain, Monte Cinto , which soars to 2,706 meters and is snowcapped even in summer.

A variety of walking paths and hiking trails wind through the forest. Taking a hike here is an invigorating experience that allows you to breathe in the fresh air and admire the natural beauty.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Dreamy Island Destinations in Italy: It's an easy ferry ride from Corsica to two idyllic Italian islands. Just 20 kilometers south of Corsica is the island of Sardinia (considered one of the best places to visit in Italy ). The shortest ferry route from Corsica departs from Bonifacio and takes about one hour to arrive at the port of Santa Teresa in Sardinia.

From Bastia, it's a 4.5-hour ferry ride to the island of Elba in Italy's Tuscany region , where Napoleon was exiled. Today the island is a paradise of secluded beaches, alluring seaports, and luxuriant Mediterranean scenery.

Stylish Towns in the South of France : Several destinations in the south of France could be combined with a visit to Corsica. From Bastia in Corsica, travelers can reach the fashionable city of Nice on the glamorous French Riviera in about five hours by ferry.

From the port of Ajaccio in Corsica, it's a six-hour ferry ride to the atmospheric port town of Toulon , which is near Provence's glitzy beach resort of Saint-Tropez (a one-hour drive from Toulon) and charming Aix-en-Provence (about a one-hour drive from Toulon).

More on France

Map of Corsica — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Corsica, France for travelers! Check out Corsica’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Corsica? See our Corsica Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Corsica. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Corsica map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Corsica by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 20 attractions in Corsica

Porto-vecchio.

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Scandola Natural Reserve

Aiguilles de bavella, parc naturel régional de corse, palombaggia, saint-florent, porragia island, notre dame de la serra, u porcu ranger.

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Calanques de Piana

Galéria marina- visite scandola, plateau du coscione, escalier du roy d'aragon - scala di u rè d'aragonu, top 10 restaurants in corsica, le café de la plage.

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Playa baggia, restaurant chez huguette, kissing pigs, transportation in corsica, nearby airports, airport of bastia poretta, figari-south corsica airport, ajaccio napoleon bonaparte airport, calvi sainte-catherine airport, highways and major roads.

• N193 (Route Nationale 193) - runs along the eastern coast of Corsica, connecting Bastia to Bonifacio
• N196 (Route Nationale 196) - runs from Ajaccio in the west to Porto-Vecchio in the east
• D81 (Departementale 81) - a scenic coastal road that runs from Calvi in the northwest to Porto in the west
• D84 (Departementale 84) - runs from Corte in the center of the island to Bastia in the northeast
• D30 (Departementale 30) - a mountain road that connects Corte to Evisa
• D557 (Departementale 557) - runs from Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo in the east to Sartène in the south
• D80 (Departementale 80) - a winding mountain road that runs from Ajaccio to Bastelica
• D81A (Departementale 81A) - a scenic coastal road that runs from Galeria to Porticcio
• D81B (Departementale 81B) - runs from Olmeto in the south to Propriano
• D81C (Departementale 81C) - runs from Coti-Chiavari to Tizzano, along the beautiful Gulf of Valinco.

Top searches in Corsica

What's the weather like in corsica.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Corsica for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Corsica in January
• Weather in Corsica in February
• Weather in Corsica in March
• Weather in Corsica in April
• Weather in Corsica in May
• Weather in Corsica in June
• Weather in Corsica in July
• Weather in Corsica in August
• Weather in Corsica in September
• Weather in Corsica in October
• Weather in Corsica in November
• Weather in Corsica in December

Explore nearby places

• Bastelicaccia
• Calcatoggio
• Pietrosella
• Communaute d'Agglomeration du Pays Ajaccien
• Eccica-Suarella
• Coti-Chiavari
• Cuttoli-Corticchiato
• Albitreccia
• Pila-Canale
• Grosseto Prugna
• Serra-di-Ferro
• Porto Pollo
• Communaute de Communes de la Vallee du Prunelli
• Casalabriva
• Petreto-Bicchisano

All related maps of Corsica

• Map of Ajaccio
• Map of Mezzavia
• Map of Porticcio
• Map of Alata
• Map of Bastelicaccia
• Map of Appietto
• Map of Calcatoggio
• Map of Pietrosella
• Map of Communaute d'Agglomeration du Pays Ajaccien
• Map of Eccica-Suarella
• Map of Cauro
• Map of Coti-Chiavari
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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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Map of Corsica

Places of interest detailed in our guide, road map of corsica.

On this page you will find an interactive map of Corsica complete with all the main beaches and attractions covered on our site, useful for easily organising your trip to Corsica.

But if you plan to explore Corsica by car , be it your own or a  rented car , and you prefer the old-fashioned ways, a road map might come in handy. We offer you the possibility of buying one online or downloading one to print out at home.

Buy a map of Corsica on Amazon

On Amazon you will find all the most important road maps of Corsica at prices often discounted compared to those in bookshops.

Hiking maps

Corsica travel guides.

In addition to a map, a printed travel guide will certainly come in handy. Our favourite remains the Lonely Planet, which we recommend you buy on Amazon and take advantage of free shipping.

Corsica Map

Click on any of the little markers on the Corsica map above to learn more about that town or destination - you will be taken to the appropriate page.

The map only shows the main highlights, see also the appropriate sections of the travel guide for more information about other highlights. Corsica Natural Parc is not marked on the map since it covers more than a third of the island.

Corsica map not showing? Use these instead...

• Ajaccio - western Corsica
• Aleria - eastern coast
• Bonifacio - southern Corsica
• Bastia - north-east Corsica
• Calvi - Balagne region
• Cargese - Balagne region
• Corte - central Corsica
• L'Ile-Rousse - Balagne region
• Porto - western coast
• Porto-Vecchio - southern Corsica
• Propriano - southern Corsica
• Saint-Florent - north-east Corsica
• Sartene - southern Corsica

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

Corsica Travel Guide (France)

Corsica, France is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe with breathtaking scenery from Mountain to Sea. Below is my Corsica Travel guide to help you plan your ideal itinerary including the best places in Corsica (especially beaches), a road trip guide and plenty of photos and video to make you dream of your next trip!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN CORSICA!

This article contains affiliate links ( Disclosure page ). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Corsica Travel Guide written by Claire , the ultimate Travel Planning Geek

"With the Zigzag Travel Guides, Planning is half the fun of Traveling"

All the articles are now redirecting to my regional website dedicated to my home region: Normandie. You will find even more content to help you plan your amazing trip!

CorsicaLovers.fr

Best things to do in Corsica

Discover general articles about the best destinations and best things to do in Corsica. Get inspired to visit this magnificent French island with many landscapes from mountains to sea displaying unbelievable colors!  The whole island is magnificent with breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. You won't get bored! Here are the best places in Corsica:

Best Places to visit in Corsica - Tourism

Best beaches in Corsica

35 pictures of Corsica - Landscapes and Culture

16 best villages and towns in Corsica

Ajaccio or Bastia?

eBooks Travel Guides

Plan your dream road trip around Corsica!

• 7 easy-to-plan maps
• 130+ pre-selected locations
• Planning tips
• 220+ large photos 
• GPS coordinates direct to carparks

• 5 easy-to-plan maps
• 85+ pre-selected locations
• Planning tips 
• 150+ large photos 

Corsica Travel Guide - How to Plan your Trip

Below are my articles to help you define your ideal itinerary, get ready to drive in Corsica, plan your accommodations, pack and have a fantastic trip!

Here is a map to help you understand where Corsica island is located in the Mediterranean Sea, South West of France. You can also get a better understand of where the main towns and roads are (Detailed maps designed to help planning are available in the  eBooks .)

How to plan your Corsica Road Trip

How to rent a car in Corsica

Driving in Corsica

Where to stay in Corsica

Need to rent a car in Corsica? My tips:

• Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (not too big but with enough power for mountain roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Corsica

Best places in North Corsica

Below is your North Corsica Travel guide with some of the best places to see in the region - stunning wild beaches, a desert, a Citadel, the villages of La Balagne... and the Unesco Reserve around the red calanques of Piana and the Scandola peninsula. Unmissable when visiting Corsica!

Things to do in the Gulf of Porto Corsica

How to visit the Calanques de PIana Corsica

Scandola Nature Reserve Corsica

Things to do in Calvi Corsica & La Balagne region

Things to do in Ile Rousse Corsica

Saleccia Beach + Agriates Desert Corsica

Things to do in Saint-Florent Corsica

Magnificent Cap Corse Tour

At the North end of Corsica is the magnificent Cap Corse. It is a unique destination with charming villages, beaches with gold or black sand and mountains plunging into the sea. It offers some of the most breathtaking views on the island.

Drive around Cap Corse Corsica

Village of Erbalunga Corsica

Village of Nonza Corsica

Best places in South Corsica

And now we head to South Corsica famous for its paradise-like beaches such as Rondinara or Palombaggia. But you can also discover great mountain roads, gorges and villages for a more varied holiday in Corsica. Don't miss the famous town of Bonifacio built at the edge of white cliffs. Quite impressing!

Palombaggia Beach Corsica

Things to do in Bonifacio Corsica

Things to do in Porto-Vecchio & South Corsica

Lavezzi Islands Corsica

Bay of Rondinara Beach Corsica

Tamaricciu Beach Corsica

Aleria Corsica (Roman Ruins)

Corsican Mountains

The center of Corsica is mountainous all the way to 2,706 m (8,878 ft). It is a world of magnificent gorges and a hiker paradise. Its main town Corte has a long history and and one of the most breathtaking view in Corsica.

Restonica Valley Corsica

Corsica Mountains + best drives in Corsica

And keep track of your own trip!

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

And below are some of my tips to help you have a wonderful trip!

Travel Checklists and Must have travel items

Travel Safety Tips

Best Travel Binoculars

Practical websites to Book your trip

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

• I personally use Booking.com for their large choice of both hotels and apartments, their real reviews and reductions for repeat customers - Book your accommodations via Booking.com
• I know that some of my Readers from the US and Canada favor Hotels.com for their repeat customer deals - Book with Hotels.com
• And for those you like to compare prices, you can have a look and book through Hotelscombined.com

PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES

• DAY TRIPS - The other travel option I like to just seat and relax while admiring the scenery it to Book day trips and organized tours. I also like to have my tickets beforehand to save time. I personally use GetYourGuide.com and Viator.com  

GET EQUIPMENT YOU NEED

• CLOTHES, SAFETY ITEMS, PACKING PRACTICAL ITEMS, LUGGAGE, ELECTRONICS... Get it on Amazon (US, UK and Canada only)

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

• I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads.  Get a quote online here .

PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONIC DATA

• Don't use unsecured wifi without a VPN service to avoid risking electronic theft - NordVPN is one of the best rated VPN services

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Top 11 things to do in Corsica

Mar 22, 2023 • 16 min read

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.

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).

​ 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.

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.

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.

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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• 2 Understand
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• 7.1 Long-distance walking
• 11 Stay safe

Corsica ( French : Corse , Corsican : Corsica ) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea southeast of mainland France and west of Italy . It is a region of France with a special constitutional status. Corsica is one of the least-visited of the large Mediterranean islands, but has many attractions including historical sights, incredible landscapes and - on the coast at least - a dependably warm and sunny climate for most of the year. The waters around the island offer excellent opportunities for diving and watersports, while inland the mountains draw hikers and climbers. Lastly, visitors come to appreciate Corsica's distinctive and stubbornly separatist culture.

Cities [ edit ]

• 41.9267 8.7369 1 Ajaccio ( Aiacciu ) — the chief city of the island, and main port of entry to the southern part. As Napoleon's birthplace, it's well stocked with memorials to the man
• 42.7008 9.4503 2 Bastia ( Bastìa ) — the main city and port of entry in the north. It has a charming old harbour and citadel. It's also the gateway to Cap Corse, the rugged northern peninsula, which includes small communities such as Canari and Nonza.
• 41.3887 9.1561 3 Bonifacio ( Bunifaziu ) — at the southern tip of the island, and spectacularly located on cliff tops, this is the port for ferries to and from Sardinia. It's also the access point for Cap Pertusato, the southern tip of Corsica
• 41.620833 8.973611 4 Sartène ( Sartè ) — has a nice historic site with megalith stones
• 41.675 8.904167 5 Propriano ( Pruprià ) — a port town connected by sea to Marseille, Toulon and Porto Torres
• 42.5686 8.7569 6 Calvi — on the north-west coast, this is a major tourist centre and port with ferries to mainland France. There's an old town with a citadel
• 42.136 8.595 7 Cargèse ( Carghjese ) — a village near Ajaccio with a notable physics institute
• 42.3064 9.1514 8 Corte ( Corti ) — the largest inland settlement, has an old town among dramatic mountain scenery
• 42.7833 9.35 9 Nonza – a Genovese lighthouse and citadel overlooking the sea.
• 42.6817 9.3031 10 Saint-Florent ( San Fiurenzu ) — a small town on the north-west coast between Bastia and Calvi
• 42.635 8.9375 11 L'Île-Rousse ( Isula Rossa ) — a port town with a red rock that gives the city its name, a small lighthouse in operation since 1857, and a Genoese tower at the top
• 42.114167 9.513056 12 Aléria ( Aleria ) — this village has Roman ruins, a Genoese fort and a 16th-century church, and is a good base for a beach holiday
• 41.5917 9.2803 13 Porto-Vecchio ( Portivechju ) — a pleasant resort town on the south-east coast

Understand [ edit ]

"Often conquered, never subdued": Corsica has a turbulent history. In the medieval period it was ruled by warring Italian city-states; first Pisa, then Genoa. The island was independent from 1755 before coming under French control in 1768. A separatist movement (re-)emerged in the 20th century, leading to some politically motivated violence. The region now enjoys a special constitutional status within France.

The rugged mountain terrain has deterred industry and large-scale agriculture, and Corsica has suffered comparatively little of the ugly tourist developments that blight other parts of the Mediterranean. In fact, Corsican's abundant nature has earned it the nickname île de beauté ( island of beauty ). It has tourism from France and Italy, but of all the Mediterranean islands, it's the least-visited by English-speaking tourists. Its main attractions are water-sports (beach, scuba-diving, sailing) and mountain hiking and climbing. The tourist season is fairly narrow, mid-June through August (when booking is essential), although the climate is pleasant May-October. Outside those months many facilities close down, and the mountains become wrapped in clouds and mist.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language is French . However, Corsica has its own native language, Corsican , which is quite close to Italian . It is estimated that up to 50% have conversational knowledge of Corsican, however everyone has a fluent knowledge of French. Italian is also spoken in tourist areas, but travellers should be wary of whom they address in Italian, due to it being seen as a colonial language.

Few of the islanders speak or even understand English , or other major European languages such as German or Spanish, so some knowledge of French (or Italian - to facilitate understanding of Corsican) may be essential to fully appreciate your time here, depending of course on what you want from your visit. At any rate, it will be polite if you start conversations in French; if locals see you making the effort but realise you're struggling, they will generally be willing to speak more slowly, mime or use any English they do know to help you out!

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

From mainland France, the quickest sailing is the NGV (High Speed Boat, Navire à Grande Vitesse), which takes about 3 hours to sail from Nice to Calvi , l'Île-Rousse, Ajaccio and Bastia . Regular car ferries, taking 6-8 hours, run from Marseille , Nice and Toulon . From Italy, ferries run from Genoa , Livorno , Savona , and Naples ; and from Santa Teresa Gallura on Sardinia . The main operator is Corsica Sardinia Ferries [dead link] , while other companies include La Méridionale and Moby Lines . All these ferry rides give a great view of the mountainous coast on approach, and all the arrival ports are located within towns.

By plane [ edit ]

There is no public transport from Corsica's airports, except for Bastia which has a bus between town and the airport every hour or two. For the others, you may have to rent a car.

Get around [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Car is the simplest way to get around this rugged island, as public transport is limited and the hills are formidable. Many people arrive by ferry and take their own car onto the island. Rental cars are available from airports and ferry ports, but do book ahead. Supermarkets do not generally have petrol stations, so make sure you have a decent reserve before embarking on a longer trip. The roads are often twisty and don't allow high speeds, but the road surface is mostly in good repair even in the mountains - except where, all of a sudden, it isn't. Signposting is good, but you may benefit from Satnav (GPS) in the towns, as traditional little blue French street signs are hard to read from a moving vehicle. Place names are given in French and Corsican: Corsican activists have diligently painted out the French, but you should have no difficulty recognising the Corsican names.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses run along the south-west coast from Ajaccio to Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, taking 3 hours. In July and August these run three times a day, 7 days a week; the rest of the year it's twice a day, Monday to Saturday. Along the east coast they run from Porto Vecchio to Bastia, taking 3 hours. They run twice a day, 7 days a week mid-June to mid-September, and Monday to Saturday the rest of the year. A same-day connection between Bastia and Ajaccio is possible with a two-hour layover at Porto Vecchio. The operator is Rapides Bleues but a more intelligible timetable is posted on the unofficial website Corsica Bus . The cities have buses to their neighbouring mountain villages, but there's no cross-island bus between Ajaccio and Corte and onward to Bastia - take the train.

By train [ edit ]

France is the land of the sleek TGV, but in Corsica those initials stand for "Train à Grandes Vibrations" - or "U Trinighellu" (the shivering one) as it's locally known. However it's your best public transport option between Ajaccio, Corte and Bastia, as those inter-city buses have been axed.

Trains are run by CF-Corse , a subsidiary of SNCF; investment in 2010 improved the rolling stock and rail infrastructure but it's still a rumbling, rattling ride. The network is non-electrified single track built in metre gauge, twisting and straining across the steep mountain terrain. The network forms a Y-shape: the line runs from Ajaccio north through Corte to the junction at Ponte Leccia, whence the northern branch continues to Bastia while the western branch runs through L'Île-Rousse to Calvi.

CF-Corse provides current timetables in PDF format in French and Corsican. However, these are not posted on Voyages SNCF, so they're not visible to other websites that draw from these, such as Deutsche Bahn. The best English language source is the unofficial website Corsica Bus , which covers all transport modalities. The train between Ajaccio and Bastia takes almost four hours and costs €21.60; there are 6 per day Monday to Friday, 5 Saturdays, 2 Sundays, all direct. Between Bastia and Calvi takes about 3 hours and costs €16.40; there are two trains every day of the week, some with a change at Ponte Leccia. Between Ajaccio and Calvi takes 4.5 hours and costs €25.10, with two trains every day, both with a change at Ponte Leccia.

These are all regional trains - the same as TER in France - so there's no advance booking, just buy your ticket at the station and hop on. The fares cited are full tariff. Some concessions and passes are available, e.g. the "Pass Libertà" which is €50 for unlimited travel on 7 consecutive days, so you'd have to cover the entire network and return to your start point to benefit. SNCF passes and reductions are not valid in Corsica.

Bikes are generally banned on trains as of 2022, with the exception that according to CF-Corse's FAQ , passengers may carry folded bikes in a bag for €15.

See [ edit ]

As the island was so often fought over, the main towns were heavily fortified. So they typically contain a walled citadel and old harbour, often pedestrianised, and dotted with restaurants and bars. The finest citadel is Bonifacio; arguably the most charming old harbour is Bastia. Ajaccio as the chief city has less old-world charm but has the best museums and galleries.

The Gulf of Porto is a World Heritage Site. From Porto Plage you can take a boat trip to view the Calanche de Piana, Capo Rosso, Girolata, and Nature Reserve de Scandola. Prices are €60-70 as of 2022, and tours depart around 11am. You can take a shorter tour for less money.

Do [ edit ]

Water sports are available in all the main ports, e.g. windsurfing and kitesurfing . Scuba diving is mainly conducted in the south of the island, Porto-Vecchio being a good centre. Expect to pay around €45–€60 for a one-tank dive.

Long-distance walking [ edit ]

Corsica has many walking trails. All require the use of topographical maps , despite usually excellent trail marks. IGN maps are the most detailed, and are similar to Ordnance Survey maps in Britain and Ireland. IGN maps may be found in many of the bigger cities, and at the airports, including Bastia airport. Additionally, you can purchase these maps (more expensively) from the internet ahead of time, and in some specialist map shops around the world.

• GR 20 — perhaps the best known and most difficult of all the Grande Randonnée trails. This trail takes approximately 17 days if using the traditional waypoints, though it may take more or less time depending on your experience and needs. The trail is particularly crowded in August; many people suggest the best time is in late spring or early autumn. The greatest danger on the GR 20 arises from the intense summer storms, with lightning claiming the most fatalities.
• Mare e Mare Nord ( Sea to Sea North ) — Cargèse to Moriani-Plage. Suggested time: 11 days. This trail intersects with one of the Mare e Monti Trails. The trail is only lightly travelled from Corte to Moriani, as this is the less interesting half, with uniform scenery, and gîtes that may not be open unless you call first.
• Mare e Mare Sud ( Sea to Sea South ) — Porto-Vecchio to Propriano . Suggested time: 5 days. This is considered an easier trail than the others on the island.
• Mare e Monti ( Sea and Mountains ) — Calenzana to Cargèse. Suggested time: 10 days. This trail includes the beautiful fishing village of Girolata, which has no road and is only accessible by boat from Calvi or on foot.

Buy [ edit ]

Corsica is well-known for its artisanry, included olive wood-handled knives and jewellery made using a lively red local coral. Local food products such as charcuterie, preserves and biscuits are other commonly-bought souvenir items.

Eat [ edit ]

Corsican food has French and Italian influences but also has many unique dishes of its own.

Many villages have small shops where locally produced food is sold. That said, it may be difficult to find a restaurant that prepares true Corsican dishes, and you may find yourself eating at tourist-oriented pizzerias, which nonetheless serve excellent food.

Drink [ edit ]

Wine [ edit ]

Corsica has a commercial wine industry, and heritage dating back to the Phoenicians. The techniques employed in Corsica have more in common with Italian than French winemaking traditions. The island has an impressive nine appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOCs), and most wines use nielluccio, sciacarello and vermentino grapes.

Beer [ edit ]

Corsicans brew a wide selection of local beers . which have a very distinct taste that you won't find anywhere else in France. It's highly recommended to try "Colomba", "Pietra" or "Bière Torre" when visiting.

Cola [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Notwithstanding the notorious mafia , Corsica is usually a very safe place, especially for tourists. Going out at night in the towns and villages will not be a problem. Be polite and respectful, and there is nothing to worry about.

Respect [ edit ]

Compared to much of France (especially Paris ), the Corsicans are generally hospitable, sociable, patient, and welcoming.

The Corsicans are a separate ethnic group. They are neither French nor Italians. Keep that in mind when conversing with local people, and be wary of saying that you are in France when visiting the island.

Because of its turbulent, often violent history, Corsica is often portrayed as dangerous and unsafe. Never perpetuate this portrayal; Corsicans will be incredibly offended.

Dress smartly and conservatively; doing so will garner you respect from the locals.

Be careful with your words, emotions, and actions — Corsicans are rather sensitive to negative feedback.

Although the Corsican language is somewhat similar to Italian, never say that it is a dialect of Italian or variations thereof; it can be construed as offensive.

Stinginess is frowned upon in Corsica. The island is highly dependent on tourism and Corsicans expect you to make the most out of your visit. Not doing so will result in you being made fun of (the most common terms are les mangeurs de tomates or pumataghji ) or ridiculed.

Steer clear of discussing Corsican nationalism , Corsican independence , the FLNC, and politics in general . These subjects are certainly much debated and are complex, sensitive, and divisive. In March 2022, riots across the island broke out when a Corsican nationalist leader was beaten to death in prison. The Corsicans are divided into several opposing camps – some who desire full independence from France, some who desire more autonomy, and some who are happy with the area's current status in France.

Go next [ edit ]

By sea, your choices are as listed in "Get in":

• the French mainland: Nice , Toulon and Marseille ;
• the Italian mainland: Livorno and Genoa ;
• Sardinia : Santa Teresa Gallura

The route to Sardinia opens up an intriguing mid-Med hopscotch : you could traverse Sardinia to its southern port of Cagliari , from there sail to Palermo in Sicily , and from there onward to Malta or Tunisia , all without returning to the European mainland.

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Map of Corsica

Our Corsica map showcases all the regions of Corsica below. Find out more about accommodation in Corsica, which we have highlighted for you to see. Our map of Corsica aims to help you choose the perfect destination for your holiday. By using maps, Corsica can be seen as a diverse island, from beaches to old towns and ports to national parks, there is so much that can be explored.

Calvi & la Balagne

St Florent & the North East

L’Extréme Sud

Valinco & the West Coast

Central Corsica

A region long favoured by the British traveller, this area is a mix of chic and cosmopolitan, as well as rustic and rural. It is a wonderful place to visit as a first-time visitor to Corsica. The quaint seaside towns dotted along the coast make for wonderful sightseeing, whilst the ancient citadel of Calvi is a delight to discover.

View our accommodation in Calvi and la Balagne here.

Find out more about Calvi and la Balagne here.

With dramatic mountains and coastline in Cap Corse, the untamed Désert des Agriates and the historic waterfront town of St Florent, there is plenty to see and do in this area. Tiny fishing ports and sandy coves also feature heavily in the region, then there is Bastia the capital of Haute-Corse, a busy town with a population of 50,000, it is well worth a visit when staying in this area.

View our accommodation in St Florent and the north east here

Find out more about St Florent and the north east here.

L'Extrême Sud

A beautiful location on the island, the bays of white sand and limestone cliffs create a beautiful backdrop for your Corsican holiday. Azure waters surround the quaint town and villages of the south, such as Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, both are must-visit towns when visiting the south. The Citadel of Bonifacio teeters on the edge of the limestone cliffs and is a perfect place for couples and families to explore, whilst Porto Vecchio is smaller, but has a chic and laid-back feel to it.

View our accommodation in L'Extrême Sud here.

Find out more about L'Extrême Sud here.

Valinco & the West Coast

Boasting extraordinary landscapes and quaint towns there are many beautiful bays and stunning spots to stop and admire. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoléon is an elegant town with great café culture. The coast of Gulf de Porto is famous for its beautiful landscapes, Proprano and Olmeto sit on the hillside, explore these pretty villages of a lazy afternoon, and finally, Porto Pollo and Campomoro boast amazing beaches and water sports centres for those looking for an active seaside retreat.

View our accommodation in Valinco and the west coast.

Find out more about Valinco and the west coast.

For many, the breathtaking landscape and the fantastic walking opportunities are what draws them to the interior of Corsica. Mountains line the island from the tip of Cap Corse in the north to the toe of Corsica. From the remote Cap and the beautiful Restonica Valley to swimming in gorges there is something for everyone looking to explore this magnificent region. For those looking for a tough challenge - try the GR20!

View accommodation in Central Corsica.

Find out more about Central Corsica.

From the moment of booking, until the end of our return journey we had a good holiday – and were well served by your company.

Ms Forty - Guest

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

18 Best Places to Visit in Corsica, France

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 4, 2024

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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World Map » France » Region » Corsica » Corsica Tourist Attractions Map

Corsica tourist attractions map

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Ajaccio Printable Tourist Map

Ajaccio Map: The Attractions

Monument commémoratif de Napoléon Ier

Station pour la navette aiaccina.

Citadelle d'Ajaccio

The Bonaparte House

Chapelle impériale.

Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral

Hôtel Palace-Cyrnos

Palais lantivy.

Fesch Museum

Monument à la mémoire de napoléon, sygic travel - a travel guide in your pocket.

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