Corsica

Corsica is a stunning Mediterranean island located southeast of France and west of Italy, known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. Though it belongs to France, Corsica has a distinct Italian influence, reflected in its cuisine, language, and traditions.

The island boasts dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming villages, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and sailing. One of its most famous hiking trails is the GR20, considered one of the most challenging in Europe. Corsica also has a rich historical heritage, with ancient ruins, medieval towns, and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte in Ajaccio.

Corsica is one of the most spectacular places in France, such an island of eternal rebellion. Even the word “Corrrrsica” – everything here is seething and stubborn. Not like the meowing and affectionate “Proveeence”. And the whole island is exactly like that: eternally in a fight – against wars, invasions, pirates, conquests and even France itself, bright, powerful and, nevertheless, very beautiful. Just as a small Corsican became a great general, conquering all of Europe (Napoleon Bonaparte), so small Corsica will conquer your heart, even if you are spoiled by big France.

What to do in Corsica:

There is something to do here in any season: either admire the beautiful nature or bask on some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It is incredibly beautiful – crystal clear turquoise sea, white sand surrounded by pine umbrellas… The most beautiful beaches of Corsica are worth looking for in the southeast, in the vicinity of the town of Porto-Vecchio. These beaches are not only the best on this island of beauty, but also in all of France and even the Mediterranean!

Another important attraction of this mountainous island are the amazing cliffs of the Scandola Nature Reserve. Rocky cliffs, red mountains of bizarre shapes, rocky peaks exploding into the sky next to the road, medieval villages lost in the mountains, as inaccessible as the local cliffs, a city hanging over a cliff, ancient Genoese fortresses and towers and the sea, sometimes gentle, sometimes menacing. The most breathtaking landscapes are the famous Piana calanques – a unique natural landscape that will remain in your memory forever!

What to visit in Corsica:

	Ajaccio – the island’s capital and the birthplace of Napoleon
	Bastia – Corsica’s main port, picturesque and lively, with old citadel
	Bonifacio – one of the most spectacular and beautiful towns in France, located on a steep cliff in the very south of Corsica
	Cap Corse – a rugged, scenic peninsula in northern Corsica, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, charming villages, and lush vineyards set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
	Calvi – a famous fortified town, one of the main ports of Corsica, the gateway to the island from France
	Corte – the only large town inside the island, with a magnificent citadel on a rocky spur, the only fortress outside the sea
	Evisa – one of the most picturesque towns in Corsica, at the gateway to the Spelunca Gorge
	Figari – one of the oldest vineyards of Corsica, favorite also among windsurfing enthusiasts, as the Gulf of Figari is a popular spot.
	L’Île-Rousse – a quiet town with amazing beaches and Genoese tower
	Lecci – a renowned seaside resort, whose beaches are said to be the most beautiful in the gulf
	Nonza – dramatic settled on a steep cliff, one of the most photographed villages in Corsica ith black beach below
	Ota – the gateway to the Spelunca Gorge, this village is surrounded by stunning scenery, including waterfalls and ancient bridges
	Patrimonio – a picturesque Corsican village renowned for its vineyards, producing some of the island’s finest wines, and its stunning views of the surrounding hills and coastline.
	Piana– one of the most picturesque towns in Corsica, among the most beautiful villages in France. In the surrounding area are the fantastic Calanques of Piana – incredible rock formations, on the UNESCO list, and one of the main attractions of Corsica
	Pigna – one of the three most beautiful villages in the Balagne region in northern Corsica, with its characteristic Corsican charm and old houses. The squares and restaurants offer stunning panoramic views of the coast.
	Porto – a small port town-fortress, the bay of which is framed by the most impressive landscapes of Corsica with amazing red rocks. That famous heart in the rocks is located in the national park on the approach to Porto (from the side of Ajaccio).
	Porto-Vecchio – famous not so much for its picturesque old town with a citadel, but for its world-famous and most beautiful beaches in France! Three of the most famous and most beautiful beaches: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Tamaricciu.
	Sant’Antonino – one of the most beautiful villages in France and the oldest village in Corsica, founded in the 9th century!
	Saint-Florent – a beautiful town on Cap Corse with old Genoese citadel
	Sartène – a small but very characteristic town in the south of Corsica, an important place of atonement during Easter
	Sotta – stands out for its rich architectural heritage and numerous hamlets

Natural attractions of Corsica:

Corsica is loved not only for its architecture, but more for its unique nature. It is not for nothing that Corsica is called the Island of Beauty. It is very popular for mountain hiking, mountain camping, motorbike rides, bicycle rides… In general, everyone will find their own way to admire the amazing natural landscapes with picturesque mountains, gorges and numerous waterfalls.

Calanques of Piana
Gorges de Spelunca is a picturesque gorge
Col de Vergio (in Corsican – Bocca à Verghju) is the highest road pass in Corsica (1478 m).
Lavezzi Islands – Nature Reserve near Bonifacio
Forêt d’Aïtone – the largest forest in Corsica
Désert des Agriates (Agriates Desert) – Some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes
Sanguinaires islands – group of four rocky islets near Ajaccio famous for their reddish hue at sunset, rich biodiversity and the panoramic views.

Waterfalls:

Corsican beaches:

Corsica is a favorite place for a beach holiday, because such beautiful beaches as here are not to be found anywhere else in Europe. It feels like you are on a paradise island. The most beautiful beaches are located in the south of the island, near Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio, but in other places you will also find beaches with white sand and azure sea. It is important to book hotels well in advance, because in the season there are no more places.

Best beaches of Corsica
Palombaggia — the most beautiful beach in Corsica, near Porto Vecchio
Santa Giulia — near Porto Vecchio
Tamaricciu — near Porto Vecchio
Plage du Grand Sperone — the best beach near Bonifacio
Plage du Petit Sperone — near Bonifacio
Tonnara — near Bonifacio
Campo Mezzano — one of the most beautiful in the Gulf of Ventilegna and Bonifacio
Ostriconi — in the Désert des Agriates

Sights of Corsica on the map:

The map shows both populated areas and simply natural attractions of the Island of Beauty.

It is more convenient to start the route around Corsica from the flat eastern part, where the most convenient and beautiful beaches of the island are concentrated. And then plunge into the fullness of such different, but such beautiful Corsican landscapes.

Two villages of Corsica are included in the “Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France“:

Piana Corse-du-Sud
Sant’Antonino Haute-Corse

Bonifacio

Corsican cuisine

Gourmets will appreciate the excellent local wines and liqueurs, as well as the unique cuisine, largely based on pork and seafood. Some local dishes cannot be found anywhere else!

Corsican Wine

Corsican cuisine

Corsican transport:

Transportation in Corsica

Air: Corsica has four main airports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari) that connect the island to mainland France and some European cities. Domestic flights are common for faster travel between regions.
Ferries: Ferries link Corsica to mainland France (Nice, Marseille, Toulon) and Italy (Livorno, Genoa). Ferries are popular for tourists bringing cars or enjoying scenic sea routes.
Car Rental: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Corsica’s rugged terrain and remote areas. The island’s roads, though scenic, can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains.
Trains: Corsica has a limited but scenic rail network. The main line connects Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi, offering breathtaking views of the island’s interior mountains and coastlines.
Buses: Bus services are available but infrequent and more suited for locals than tourists. They connect main towns, but they may not reach more secluded areas.