What to Do in Corsica: The Complete Guide to France's Island of Beauty

Ajaccio: Napoleon's Birthplace

The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio, sprawls along the west coast with a palm-lined waterfront and Belle Époque architecture. This is where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769, and you'll find his presence everywhere—from museums to street names and the imposing statue in Place d'Austerlitz.

What to do in Ajaccio:

• Visit Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's childhood home, now a fascinating national museum
• Explore the Palais Fesch-Musée des Beaux-Arts, housing one of France's finest collections of Italian Renaissance art
• Stroll along St François Beach, the city's long sandy beach perfect for sunset walks
• Take a boat trip to the Sanguinaires Archipelago or the dramatic Calanques de Piana
• Wander the colourful Old Town with its vibrant morning market on Place Foch

The city combines laid-back Mediterranean charm with historical significance, making it an ideal starting point for your Corsican adventure.

Bastia: The Cultural Capital

Often overlooked by tourists rushing south, Bastia rewards those who pause. This port city on the northeast coast serves as Corsica's economic heart and offers an authentic glimpse into island life.

What to do in Bastia:

• Explore Terra Vecchia, the historic Old Town, with its narrow lanes and crumbling facades
• Visit the twin-towered Église St-Jean Baptiste, Corsica's largest church
• Walk up to Terra Nova and the Genoese citadel for panoramic views across to Elba
• Browse the lively daily market at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (except Mondays)
• Discover seven centuries of history at the Musée de Bastia in the former Governor's Palace
• Enjoy aperitifs along the picturesque Old Port as fishing boats bob in the harbour

If you visit in July, don't miss A Notte di a Memoria, a spectacular medieval pageant with period costumes, drums and flag throwing.

Bonifacio: The Clifftop Marvel

Perched impossibly on white limestone cliffs 100 metres above the sea, Bonifacio is Corsica's most dramatic town. Founded around 830 CE, this fortified citadel commands views across the straits to Sardinia, just 13 kilometres away.

What to do in Bonifacio:

• Take a boat tour to see the town's stunning clifftop position from the sea—the only way to truly appreciate it
• Walk the medieval Old Town's narrow streets and ancient stone buildings
• Climb the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, a steep staircase carved into the cliff
• Visit at dawn to photograph the town bathed in golden light before the crowds arrive
• Explore sea caves and grottoes on a kayaking excursion from Piantarella Beach
• Take a boat trip to the pristine Lavezzi Islands for swimming and snorkelling

Top tip: Arrive before 10am in summer or you'll struggle to find parking. Use the Monte Leone or Valli car parks on the outskirts rather than attempting to park in town.

Calvi: The Jewel of Balagne

Many visitors fall hardest for Calvi, and it's easy to understand why. This northwest coast town perfectly balances beach resort relaxation with historic charm. The citadel rises above a long arc of beach, palm-lined promenades beckon, and the Balagne region's vineyards lie within easy reach.

What to do in Calvi:

• Walk to the Citadel at sunset for spectacular views over the bay
• Relax on the 4.5-kilometre sandy beach with beach clubs and watersports
• Take a boat trip to the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve
• Go diving or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Revellata Peninsula
• Ride the scenic train to L'Île-Rousse (45 minutes along the coast)
• Visit the Domaine Alzipratu vineyard for wine tasting
• Explore the nearby Agriates Desert by 4x4, discovering hidden beaches

The town's relaxed vibe, excellent restaurants and beautiful beach make it perfect for families and couples alike.

Corte: The Mountain Heart

Dramatically positioned in Corsica's mountainous interior, Corte served as the island's capital from 1755 to 1769. Today, this university town retains its proud Corsican identity and serves as the gateway to some of the island's most spectacular highland scenery.

What to do in Corte:

• Wander the beautiful cobbled Old Town with its colourful buildings and steep alleys
• Visit the Citadel of Corte, perched on a dramatic pinnacle
• Explore the Museum of Corsica, telling the island's fascinating history
• Hike through the Restonica Valley to glacial lakes Melo and Capitellu
• Go horse riding along the River Tavignanu
• Walk to the Belvédère viewpoint for panoramic mountain vistas

Corte offers a completely different perspective on Corsica—rugged, mountainous and proudly independent.

Porto-Vecchio: The Coastal Gateway

On the southeast coast, Porto-Vecchio serves as the gateway to some of Corsica's most beautiful beaches. The 16th-century citadel and Old Town sit atop a hill, while below, a modern marina buzzes with yachts and waterfront restaurants.

What to do in Porto-Vecchio:

• Explore the atmospheric Old Town with its ancient ramparts
• Use it as a base for visiting the region's stunning beaches (see below)
• Take a day trip to Bonifacio (just 30 minutes away)
• Enjoy evening meals in the citadel's restaurants with sea views
• Book a boat excursion for swimming, snorkelling and coastal exploration
• Visit the nearby prehistoric sites at Ceccia and Tappa

Corsica boasts some of Europe's finest beaches, with powdery white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic settings that rival the Caribbean. Here are the must-visit stretches of coast:

Top Beaches in Southern Corsica

Plage de Palombaggia (near Porto-Vecchio) Often ranked among the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches, Palombaggia features white sand, shallow turquoise waters, red rocks and umbrella pines. The Nautical Club Palombaggia offers sun loungers and beach service, though you'll pay for the privilege. Arrive early in summer as it gets extremely busy.

Plage de Santa Giulia (near Porto-Vecchio) A sweeping bay with calm, shallow waters perfect for families. The gentle gradient and crystal-clear sea make it ideal for children, whilst watersports centres offer kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.

Plage de Rondinara (between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio) A nearly perfect horseshoe bay that resembles a giant swimming pool. The protected cove means calm waters and stunning scenery, though expect crowds in peak season—it's Corsica's most photographed beach.

Plage de Saint Antoine (near Porto-Vecchio) A hidden gem requiring a 20-minute walk from the road, but the journey rewards you with a less crowded beach and spectacular coastal views.

Roccapina Beach (south of Sartène) Reach this wild beach via a bumpy 15-minute dirt track, then walk down to find golden sand, turquoise water and the iconic lion-shaped rock formation watching over the bay. The effort keeps crowds at bay.

Top Beaches in Northern Corsica

Saleccia Beach (Agriates Desert) Accessible by boat from Saint-Florent or via a challenging 4x4 track, Saleccia remains wonderfully pristine. Its white sand and impossibly clear water feel Caribbean in quality, and its remote location means it never gets as crowded as southern beaches.

Loto Beach (Agriates Desert) Saleccia's twin, reached via the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Path) hiking trail from Macinaggio or by boat from Saint-Florent. The walk through the coastal wilderness adds to the sense of discovery when you finally arrive.

Plage d'Arone (near Piana) Set against the dramatic Calanques de Piana, this west coast beach offers white sand, crystal-clear water and a wild, pristine setting. The sunset here is legendary.

Plage de l'Ostriconi (between L'Île-Rousse and Saint-Florent) A long, unspoilt beach backed by dunes and the maquis scrubland. Free parking and a short walk through the dunes reveal a beautiful arc of sand where the Ostriconi River meets the sea.

Capo di Feno (near Ajaccio) Two connected beaches (Grand Capo and Petit Capo) linked by a walking path. Grand Capo attracts surfers when the swell picks up, whilst Petit Capo offers more sheltered swimming.

Corsica is a hiker's paradise, with trails ranging from gentle coastal paths to one of Europe's toughest mountain treks.

The GR20: Europe's Toughest Trek

The legendary GR20 (Fra li Monti) traverses Corsica from Calenzana in the north to Conca in the south—200 kilometres of dramatic mountain ridges, precipitous descents and challenging scrambles. Experienced hikers complete it in 16 days, sleeping in mountain refuges.

You don't need to tackle the entire route. Day sections offer a taste of this iconic trail, particularly in the south where the terrain is slightly gentler. The northern section features more technical scrambling and steeper drops.

When to hike: June to late August only. Earlier, snow blocks sections; later, water sources dry up and refuges close.

The Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers' Path)

This 25-kilometre coastal trail around Cap Corse from Macinaggio to Centuri offers spectacular hiking without the GR20's extreme difficulty. Follow the path used by customs officers patrolling for smugglers, passing ruined Genoese towers, sandy beaches, limestone ovens and wildflower-covered maquis.

The Macinaggio to Barcaggio section (easier, more popular) can be done in half a day, whilst the Barcaggio to Centuri section (wilder, rockier) suits more experienced hikers. Spring hiking here is magical when the maquis blooms in vibrant colours and releases its distinctive perfume.

Other Spectacular Hikes

Capo Rosso (near Piana): A challenging 5-hour hike to a Genoese tower with breathtaking views over the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Porto.

Restonica Valley (from Corte): Hike through this dramatic gorge to the glacial lakes Melo and Capitellu, passing through pine forests and granite boulders.

L'Arche de Corte: A shorter walk to a natural rock arch with panoramic mountain views.

Sentier des Muletiers (Calanques de Piana): Several interconnecting paths through the dramatic red rock formations.

Canyoning and Adventure Sports

Corsica's rivers create natural waterparks perfect for canyoning—sliding down waterfalls, jumping into pools and scrambling through gorges. The Aiguilles de Bavella region offers some of the best canyoning, with routes for all abilities from beginners to advanced adrenaline junkies.

Other adventures include:

• Scuba diving at Calvi, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
• Sea kayaking in Bonifacio's sea caves
• Via ferrata climbing routes in the mountains
• Coasteering around Cap Corse
• Paragliding from mountain peaks

D81: Ajaccio to Calvi via the Calanques de Piana

This mountain route between Ajaccio and Calvi ranks among Europe's most dramatic coastal drives. The narrow, twisting D81 carved into the cliffsides offers breathtaking views at every turn, particularly through the UNESCO-listed Calanques de Piana—towering red granite formations that glow in the sunlight.

The route passes through the village of Piana, the Gulf of Porto and the small resort of Porto. Allow plenty of time for stops, photographs and simply soaking in the scenery. The road can be narrow with steep drops, but it's manageable for careful drivers and utterly unforgettable.

D84: Francardo to Porto

Only 78.6 kilometres but requiring two hours of driving, this route climbs through forests and over the Col de Vergio (1,467 metres), Corsica's highest mountain pass. Stop at the Forêt d'Aïtone waterfalls for a swim in natural pools, and watch for wild black pigs, cows and goats on the road.

Cap Corse Coastal Loop

Circle the "finger" of Cap Corse on the D80 and D80B, passing picturesque fishing villages like Centuri and Erbalunga, Genoese towers perched on headlands, and dramatic coastal views. Stop in Nonza to see the village clinging to a cliff above a black sand beach 150 metres below.

Corsican Cuisine: Mountain Flavours and Island Traditions

Corsican food reflects the island's dual nature—mountains and sea, French and Italian influences, yet distinctly its own. The cuisine celebrates local produce: chestnuts from inland forests, wild boar from the maquis, sheep and goat cheeses from mountain pastures, fresh fish from Mediterranean waters.

Must-try Corsican specialities:

Charcuterie: Corsican charcuterie is legendary. Try prisuttu (dry-cured ham aged 15-36 months), coppa (cured pork shoulder), lonzu (cured pork loin) and figatellu (liver sausage). The pigs roam freely, feeding on chestnuts and acorns, giving the meat its distinctive flavour.

Brocciu cheese: This fresh whey cheese (AOC-protected since 1988) made from sheep or goat's milk appears in countless dishes—omelettes, beignets, cannoli and the famous cheesecake-like fiadone dessert.

Civet de sanglier: Wild boar stew, slow-cooked with red wine, herbs and vegetables—hearty mountain fare.

Aziminu: Corsica's answer to bouillabaisse, this fish soup varies by region but always showcases the day's fresh catch.

Canistrelli: Small, crunchy biscuits flavoured with anise, lemon, chestnut or wine—perfect with coffee.

Pietra beer: Brewed with chestnut flour, this 6% amber beer has become a Corsican icon since its creation in 1996.

Local wines: Corsica produces excellent wines, particularly around Patrimonio (one of the island's oldest wine regions), Cap Corse and Ajaccio. Try the aromatic whites and robust reds made from indigenous grape varieties.

Corsican Language and Identity

Corsican (corsu) is closer to Italian than French, and you'll see bilingual signs throughout the island. Many Corsicans identify strongly with their island heritage, sometimes declaring themselves Corsican first and French second. This pride manifests in the distinctive cuisine, the Corsican flag (featuring a Moor's head) displayed everywhere, and occasional graffiti calling for independence.

Respect this cultural identity. A few words of Corsican or Italian often receive warmer responses than French, though most islanders speak French fluently.

Charming Villages Off the Beaten Path

Piana: A honey-coloured village dramatically positioned above the Calanques, with stunning sunset views from its church square.

Sant'Antonino: One of France's oldest villages, perched 500 metres above sea level in the Balagne region, with a maze of vaulted streets and craft workshops.

Sartène: Prosper Mérimée called it "the most Corsican of Corsican towns." This granite town west of Porto-Vecchio retains an atmospheric medieval quarter.

Centuri Port: An enchanting fishing village on Cap Corse's northwest tip, with colourful boats, pastel buildings and excellent seafood restaurants.

Pigna: A tiny village in the Balagne dedicated to traditional Corsican crafts—workshops selling ceramics, musical instruments and local products line its steep lanes.

The Greek Village of Cargèse

This unique village south of Porto harbours two beautiful churches facing each other across a small valley—one Greek Orthodox, one Roman Catholic. Greek refugees fleeing the Ottomans in the 17th century established the community, and their descendants maintain the Byzantine traditions. The Église St-Spyridon features a stunning iconostasis with 13th-century icons, frescoes and a star-studded ceiling.

The Fango Valley Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO-listed valley near Calvi offers pristine wilderness for hiking, swimming in natural pools and spotting rare wildlife. The valley represents one of the Mediterranean's most intact ecosystems.

Ride the Corsican Train

Rather than driving, experience Corsica from the vintage train nicknamed u Trinighellu ("the trembler"). The railway network connects Ajaccio to Bastia via Corte, with a branch to Calvi, arcing through mountains, over viaducts and through remote villages.

Some stops are "optional"—press the button to disembark, or wave from the platform to board. The views rival some of Europe's famous scenic railways, particularly the sections through the central mountains where you can look down on valleys and gorges far below.

A seven-day Pass Libertà (€50) allows unlimited travel—excellent value for exploring without a car.

Best Time to Visit

May to June: Ideal for hiking (GR20 opens in June), spring flowers, fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Beaches warm enough for swimming by late May.

July to August: Peak season with hot weather, busy beaches and higher prices. Book accommodation well in advance. Mountain refuges and popular beaches can be extremely crowded.

September to early October: Excellent shoulder season with warm sea temperatures, fewer tourists and lower prices. Some mountain refuges close in September.

November to April: Many hotels, restaurants and attractions close. Good for winter hiking at lower elevations, though snow blocks mountain passes. Very quiet and authentic, but limited services.

Getting to Corsica

By ferry: Multiple daily sailings from Marseille, Toulon and Nice to Bastia, Calvi, L'Île-Rousse, Ajaccio and Propriano. Journey times range from 5-15 hours depending on route. Ferries accommodate cars, motorcycles and motorhomes. Companies include Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale and Corsica Linea.

By air: Direct flights from mainland France, UK, and several European cities to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari. Summer sees more routes; winter services reduce significantly.

Getting Around Corsica

Car rental: Essential for exploring properly, though you can visit major towns by train and bus. Roads are narrow and winding, particularly in mountains. Rental cars are affordable, especially if booked in advance. Manual transmission is standard—specify if you need automatic.

Train: Scenic and affordable but limited to the Ajaccio-Bastia-Calvi routes. Perfect for car-free travel between major towns.

Bus: Services connect most towns but are infrequent, particularly outside summer. Timetables available at tourist offices.

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from luxury villas to family-run chambres d'hôtes, mountain refuges and campsites. Summer advance booking is essential, particularly in July and August. Consider staying in several locations to explore different regions:

• Ajaccio or Calvi: Good bases for northwest exploration
• Corte: Central position for mountain activities
• Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio: Access to the best southern beaches
• Bastia: Useful for Cap Corse exploration and ferry connections

Dining Tips

Restaurants in popular towns (especially Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, Calvi) often require reservations, even when not full. Many accept bookings via Instagram. In smaller villages and Ajaccio, walk-ins are usually fine.

Corsican cuisine tends towards hearty portions. A three-course meal with wine typically costs €30-50 per person. Look for restaurants featuring produits corses (Corsican products) for the most authentic experience.

Sample Corsica Itineraries

One Week in Corsica

Days 1-2: Ajaccio (Napoleon sites, city beach, boat trip to Calanques) Days 3-4: Calvi (beach, citadel, boat excursions, diving) Day 5: Drive via Corte (lunch and exploration) to Porto-Vecchio Days 6-7: Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio (beaches, clifftop town, boat trips)

Ten Days in Corsica

Add to the week above: Day 8: Beach day at Palombaggia or Santa Giulia Day 9: Zonza and Bavella (canyoning, mountain scenery) Day 10: Drive back to Ajaccio via Sartène and the west coast

Two Weeks in Corsica

Add to the ten-day itinerary: Days 11-12: Bastia and Cap Corse (historic town, Sentier des Douaniers, village exploration) Days 13-14: Calvi or L'Île-Rousse (relaxation, final beach days, wine tasting)