Corsica is a gem between the sea and the mountains, with breathtaking landscapes. We invite you to discover its treasures in our Corsica travel guide.
If you are unsure about other European destinations, then Corsica (French: Corse; Corsican, Italian: Corsica) is one of your best choices! In fact, you don’t need to go far from the European continent to completely change your environment. Just an hour and a half flight from Paris, this Mediterranean island is waiting for you.
For many people, this beautiful island is inseparable from Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15, 1769. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15, 1769. This is certainly one of the reasons why Corsica is famous, but as a tourist destination, Corsica is a shining pearl of the Mediterranean that will stand out at every stage of your Corsica trip.
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From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Scandola Nature Reserve to historic hilltop villages, Corsica is filled with spectacular sights and attractions. It doesn’t have as many seaside resorts as Sardinia or the Cote d’Azur, but Corsica has more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline to explore. So you can easily visit beaches, mountain peaks, and wildlife-rich forests in a single afternoon.
Want to know what to do in Corsica? Here is our carefully prepared guide to Corsica!
1. Ajaccio
Ajaccio , the capital of Corsica , is the gateway to the island of Corsica and the department of Southern Corsica (French: Corse-du-Sud; Corsican: Pumonti). With nearly 65,000 inhabitants, Ajaccio is a small but lively city. You can’t miss the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the late 16th-century Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the fortress, and for those with a sweet tooth, the market is full of surprises.
Take a three-hour boat trip to discover the local flora and fauna. The itinerary includes stops at some of the most beautiful bays on the West Coast. Don’t forget: a mask and snorkel are essential if you want to make the most of this trip…
2. Explore Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio: We’ve selected the best prices for you from 33 options
Half-Day Boat Tour from Porto-Vecchio in Southern Corsica
Sea Kayaking Tour in Pinarello near Porto Vecchio
Via ferrata de l’Ospédale cable bridge near Porto-Vecchio in Corsica
For many people, Porto-Vecchio is a summer resort. In July and August, the town’s population quintuples and the marina is bustling with activity. On the coast, boating, windsurfing and water skiing are the most popular sports! Porto-Vecchio offers a wide range of recreational activities for family and friends.
History buffs will be particularly interested in the Bronze Age ruins scattered on the rocky hills outside the town (Araghju, Turri, Ceccia, Tappa, Bruschicia) and the town’s castle, built by the Genoese in 1539.
Away from the hustle and bustle of summer, active types will enjoy mountain biking in the island’s hills. This is an off-the-beaten-path excursion that promises to show Corsica’s wild side.
Finally, let the magic happen and end your visit with a visit to the magnificent Palombaggia Beach. Words cannot describe it, you have to see it to believe it…
3. Stroll through the picturesque village of Sartène
Just 60 km west of Porto-Vecchio, Sartena is a picturesque village with a medieval history.
This small town has a wonderful rural feel, with narrow streets and countless beautiful little squares to explore. In addition, Sartene also has an extraordinary wine and gastronomic heritage, making it a top tourist destination in Corsica.
4. Go hiking with your family
There is no better way to explore Corsica than by hiking. With a combination of excitement and tranquility, hiking is an activity suitable for all the family. The beautiful island of Corsica offers a variety of well-signposted trails for all types of hikers.
5. Visit Calvi
Calvi: We’ve picked out the best prices for you from 34 options
From Calvi: 4-Hour Cruise to Scandola
Calvi: Snorkeling Trip to Cape Revillata
Calvi: Revilla Sunset Cruise
The town of Haute-Corse still claims to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and in the process perpetuates the legend. Like many other towns on the island, Calvi is built on a hill by the water, which gives Calvi an unforgettable look.
As visitors stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, from authentic boutiques to small restaurants all the way to the castle, they discover a unique postcard scene.
Like Porto-Vecchio, Calvi is a major tourist attraction with a wide range of water sports on offer. In summer, the port’s many restaurants are bustling with activity and the marina is home to an impressive array of yachts.
6. Visit San Fran
Saint-Florent: We have selected the best prices for you from 16 options
From Saint-Florent: Boat trip to Saleccia or Lotu beach
From Saint-Florent: Catamaran Tour to Agriate Desert and Cape Cossi
From Saint-Franc: Boat Tour to Agriturismo Desert
The Patrimonio vineyard is renowned among wine lovers, and for good reason… it is the oldest AOC wine in Corsica. The best place to taste it is in the beautiful fishing port of Saint-Florent.
Besides satisfying your taste buds, Corsica’s Saint-Tropez also has a 15th-century Genoese fortress, the stunning Nebbione Cathedral and, most importantly, a superb beach.
7. Take the best photos in Ota
Ota is one of Corsica’s true treasures. This small village has one of the most enviable backdrops of any town on the island. It’s mountainous, unspoilt, wild and, most importantly, spectacular.
Tip: bring your camera to capture every moment! You can visit Orta on a road trip in Corsica: an unforgettable stopover…
The Corsica guide also includes
18 things to do in Corsica
Airbnb in Northern Corsica: 12 Best Airbnb Rentals in Northern Corsica
Corsica road trip: one-week itinerary
8. Explore Bonifacio
Bonifacio: We’ve picked the best deals for you from 16 options
From Ajaccio/Porticcio: Boat Tour to Bonifacio
From Bonifacio: Boat Tour to Bonifacio National Park
Bonifacio: Guided Boat Tour to the Marine Park
Bonifacio is a place that needs no introduction. Whether for a day, a holiday or just a few hours, Bonifacio is a must-see on any Corsica trip.
Although this small city is a popular tourist destination, time and the world seem to have not affected its splendor. Its cliffs, its ancient town, its marine cemetery, its “grains of sand”, its breathtaking viewpoints, and the Staircase of the Kings of Aragon… all of its charms evoke a certain authenticity. That’s its charm.
9. Visit the Bastia Marina
Bastia: We’ve selected the best deals for you from 44 options
Bastia: 4×4 Tour of Corsica and Salecia Beach
From Bastia: Agriates Desert and Beach Tour
Bastia Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game Self-Guided Tour
During the summer tourist season, Bastia’s yacht marina is bustling with activity, the town’s fine wines are sold on terrace tables in the Vieux-Port area, and the scenery in the Vieux-Port area is incredible.
With a population of over 40,000, Bastia is one of those towns that you have to discover in a different way. Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover its true face – a proud and authentic Corsica. Place yourself between Terra Nova and Terra Vecchia: during the walk, they will tell you the real story of Bastia.
10. Visit the ancient capital of Corte
Corte: We have selected the best itinerary for you from 16 possibilities
The main climbing routes in Corsica
Porto (Corsica): Ecological Tour in Scandola Reserve
Ajaccio: Town and Coast Tour by Open-Top Bus
Paoline was the capital of independent Corsica and is still considered the capital of Corsica. Corte is located high up in Corsica and has a superb cultural heritage: its terracotta roofs are magnificent, immersed in the lush vegetation of the hills.
From the narrow streets of the historic centre to the castle, this “sentinel on the island” offers a raw, authentic character that, without any filter, charms all who pass by.
11. Visit Kagais
Kagase: We’ve picked out the best deals for you from 24 options
Carges: Scandola, Girolata and Piana: Afternoon Boat Trip
Cargèse : Boat trip to Scandola with a stop in Girolata
Kagais: Piana Stream
Cargèse has been on the island for over 2000 years and is renowned for its cultural heritage.
Carges, witness to a long feud between Greeks and Corsicans, is now a cosmopolitan city. Here, Baroque meets Iconism to create a unique setting on this beautiful island. The historic centre is well worth a visit, as are the village’s marina and the many hiking trails around it.
12. Visit the Lavezzi Islands
Lavezzi Island: We’ve picked out the best deals for you from 10 options
Porto-Vecchio: Tour of the Lavezzi Islands
Porto-Vecchio: Day Trip to Serpicare and Lavezzi Islands by Boat
Porto-Vecchio: Catamaran Cruise – Lavezzi Islands
The Lavezzi Islands facing Sardinia are a little paradise.
Endless horizons, clear waters, rocky coves and wild beaches give the archipelago its untouched character and earned it the title of a nature reserve. You can take a day trip by boat and spend a few hours on the archipelago’s islets. Activities: Swimming, sunbathing and lounging
13. Explore Porto
Porto, Corsica: We have selected the best offer for you from 1 possibilities
Private Sailing Lessons in Porto
Named after the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Corsica since 1983. Like Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata Gulf and Calanques de Piana, Porto was born in the heart of Corsica… The small village of Porto is located on a pearl in the Gulf of Porto, between the mountains and the sea, making it a rare tourist destination in Corsica. Its bays, steep streets, grey pebble beaches, red cliffs…
All these features make Porto a postcard that you will never want to put down.
14. Take a boat trip
Boat rental: We select the best boat rental options for you from 630 possible options
Bali Catamaran Bali 4.6
Flexboat SR620lx
Beneteau Ombrine 800
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If you are visiting the beautiful island of Corsica, there is one thing you cannot miss: renting a boat in Corsica! Whether you depart from the north or south of Corsica to discover the most beautiful islands of the Callan Islands or just cruise along the coast, you will not be disappointed!
Blue lagoons, bush views and swimming in the middle of the Mediterranean! Here are some itineraries to explore and discover by boat.
15. Explore Scandola Nature Reserve
Scandola: We have selected the best deals for you from 51 options
Ajaccio or Porticchio: Cruise to Scandola Nature Reserve
Porto (Corsica): Ecological Tour in Scandola Reserve
Cruise aboard the Girolata to visit the Calanches de Piana and Scandola Reserve
It is an extraordinary place, almost surreal. A natural treasure, the Scandola Reserve preserves and protects a precious ecosystem.
And for good reason: it is only accessible by boat (although certain areas do not allow boats to moor), and is strictly protected from mass tourism. This almost maternal instinct has made it home to flora and fauna, whose species are sometimes extremely rare.
Surrounded by the azure sea, with caves and cliffs interweaving in a blood-red magnificence, Scandola is a place you must visit at least once in your life.
16. Explore the Calanques of Piana
Piana Caranac: We’ve picked the best deals for you from 35 options.
From Porto, Corsica: Cruise to the Pianacalanques Islands
Porto: Boat Cruise to Scandola and Piana Calanques Islands
Corsica: Boat trip to Scandola and Piana Calanques
Still in the Gulf of Porto, in the Calanques de Piana.
Just a few kilometres from the village of the same name, cliffs of various shapes offer a breathtaking landscape at an altitude of 400 metres. It is a dreamlike and timeless panorama. The Calanques de Piana are not accessible by car but are well worth a visit: a steep climb through unspoilt countryside.
17. Visit Roos Island
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From Calvi/L’Île-Rousse: Day Trip to Corsican Villages
Scuba diving in Isle de Rousse, Corsica
Luce Island: Scandola Nature Reserve
The epitome of Corsica, the island of Luce is a must-see destination. Founded by the politician and “Father of Corsica”, Pascal “Babbù” Paoli, the town has an undeniable charm of its own.
Place Paoli, the beach and the Florentine-style houses are all part of this beautiful Corsica that attracts every visitor. Have a coffee, stroll through the narrow streets and above all stop at Les Halles. The aroma alone will make you go straight to the market stalls, where the local specialities will surely delight your taste buds.
18. Crossing the Agriturismo Desert
Agriturismo: We have selected the best deals for you from 14 options
From Calvi: Agriturismo Desert and Beach 4×4 Tour
From Bastia: Agriturismo Desert and Beach Tour
Ile Rousse : Agriates Desert : Saleccia – Lotu
The Agriates Desert is a picturesque, barren expanse of land in the Haute-Corse department where scrub reigns supreme. Along winding paths and steep mountain passes, the Agriates Desert reveals an authentic dry land: the untouched land of Corsica.
This spontaneity continues to the natural beaches: Lotu, Saleccia and Ghignu offer visitors a different landscape. Due to the absence of tourism, there are no buildings in the area and it can only be reached on foot or by boat, but one thing is certain: the effort is worth it.
19. Douaniers “Trail
It all starts in Macinaggio. This is a small village in the heart of Rogliano where visitors love to get lost for a few days away from mass tourism. If you just want to enjoy a leisurely swim during your stay, there is one must-do activity: the Sentier des Douaniers (see itinerary).
The 3-hour hike from Macinaggio beach to the charming village of Barcaggio is breathtaking. Endless vistas, stunning panoramas, ruins, cliffs and even local wildlife invite you to a unique and unforgettable experience.
To better experience this trip, it is recommended that you: set off early in the morning and bring a hat, a bottle of water and change for the return boat.
20. Visit Nongsa
Its beauty is breathtaking. Nonsa is a small, unassuming village on the island of Cap Corse, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Surrounded by its fortress, the Paoline tower, the village’s small houses are full of authentic charm. There are shops and cafés. One of them is simply breathtaking. La Sassa “is perched on a rock, a restaurant born out of tenderness, playfulness and passionate madness.
You can come here to enjoy lemonade, wine or a home-cooked meal. But above all, you come for its magic: the pebble beach and the superb panoramic view of the surrounding beauty. With your feet in the air, hold your breath: it cannot be explained, you can only experience it yourself.
