Corsica, a Mediterranean island with its white sandy beaches, beautiful hiking trails, and historical traces of Emperor Napoleon, is an exceptionally diverse destination. While it is part of France, it possesses a unique charm, a blend of Dolce Vita, Savoir-Vivre, and revolution. Perhaps this character is influenced by its long history of Italian influence, which gave rise to the Corsican language, closely related to Italian?
During your vacation in Corsica, you can delight in charming Italian-French towns, explore the stunning 620 mi (1000 km) coastline, and immerse yourself in a landscape defined by massive mountain ranges, earning it the nickname “Mountains in the Sea.” Here are six examples of what you can experience on this island.
1. Strolling Through the Old Town of Ajaccio
Chic casinos, magnificent boulevards, and the traces of Napoleon Bonaparte – a visit to the capital, Ajaccio, is a must during your Corsican vacation. Conveniently, this beautiful harbor town isn’t particularly large, and its must-see attractions are close to each other.
A good starting point for your exploration is Place Foch, the heart of the old town. Every Sunday, at the foot of the Napoleon statue, a market takes place where you can sample various Corsican specialties.
From Place Foch, it’s not far to Maison Bonaparte, the birthplace of the French emperor. Here, relics and everyday items from the Bonaparte family are on display. In the immediate vicinity of the museum, you’ll find the charming Cathedral of Ajaccio and the Citadelle d’Ajaccio from the 15th century. The Musée Fesch, founded by Napoleon’s uncle and showcasing works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, is also worth a visit.
Wrap up your day along the promenade or at one of the city’s beaches – ideally with a glass of sweet and bitter Cap Corse or a refreshing Pastis.
2. Relaxing on the Beautiful Beaches
Corsica’s coastline stretches for 620 mi (1000 km), alternating between small coves, rugged cliffs, and beaches that resemble those of the Caribbean. If you enjoy spending time by, in, or on the water, you’ll never get bored here.
This doesn’t just apply to the coast but also to the island’s interior – many rivers like the Riviere Rizzanese or lakes like Lac de Nino offer excellent opportunities for swimming and water sports.
Some of the most beautiful beaches are located in the southeast of the island, south of Porto-Vecchio. The most famous among them is Plage Palombaggia, a kilometer-long beach with soft, pale sand that rivals any South Seas island with its turquoise waters. Due to its fame, it can get crowded during the high season – luckily, there are equally stunning, less-known beaches further south.
3. Enjoying the Wilderness Adventure
Corsica’s interior remains relatively untouched by tourism, but don’t let that deter you; in fact, it adds to the allure. With deserts, rugged mountain ridges, and crystal-clear mountain lakes, every excursion becomes an adventure. However, don’t venture into this wild terrain unprepared, as Korsika’s wilderness is untamed.
To truly experience the untamed nature of this French island, take on the GR20. This challenging long-distance hiking trail, stretching nearly 110 mi (180 km), ranks among Europe’s most demanding. It offers a comprehensive tour of the island’s diverse landscapes. Starting in the north in Calenzana, the trail covers 15 stages, leading you over barren mountain passes, vast meadows, and deep valleys until you reach Conca in the southeast.
For those looking for a more beginner-friendly wilderness experience, the Désert des Agriates is a prime destination. Excessive cultivation has created a 25 mi (40 km) treeless wilderness. If you wish to traverse the entire “desert,” plan for ample time. However, there are also easily accessible destinations; it takes just under two hours on foot to reach the dreamy Plage du Lotu from the coastal town of Saint-Florent.
4. Exploring Bonifacio in the South of the Island
At the southern tip of Corsica, just 7.5 mi (12 km) from the Sardinian coast, lies the small town of Bonifacio. It’s a place rich in history, believed to be one of Corsica’s first settlements. Napoleon also used it as a launching point for his invasion of Sardinia, and here, a Corsican dialect is spoken that is not easily understood by the rest of the population.
Perched on a narrow headland of white limestone 200 ft (60 m) above the sea, Bonifacio’s old town is a captivating sight. This once-thriving trading town is encircled by mighty fortress walls, which you’ll still have to pass through on your way to the upper town. In the narrow alleys, you’ll find charming shops and numerous restaurants. To explore the old town in peace during the summer months, it’s best to arrive in the morning. While other tourists are crowding the narrow streets around noon, you can leisurely explore Bonifacio’s harbor and join a boat tour in the afternoon.
If you have the opportunity, make sure to stay until sunset. In the evening hours, when the white cliffs compete with the reddish glowing sky, Bonifacio and its surroundings exude a particularly romantic atmosphere.
5. Indulge in Corsican Culinary Delights
Corsican cuisine is like a stroll through history, blending hearty dishes from its Italian past with the refined tastes of contemporary France. Robustly seasoned meat dishes, exquisite cheese specialties, and quality wines from eight distinct regions form the backbone of Corsican menus.
The island’s sparsely populated Mediterranean landscape was once primarily inhabited by farmers and shepherds. They cultivated their vegetables, raised small livestock, utilized the now-expensive chestnut flour for baking, and enhanced their rare meat and fish meals with wild herbs from the maquis. Goat and sheep milk were transformed into cheeses like the flavorful Tomme or Brocciu, while meats were preserved through smoking and salting.
Today, these humble, peasant dishes are celebrated as specialties. Smoked pork neck Coppa, smoked pork loin Lonzu, and a few slices of Tomme or Pecurinu are staples on any serious appetizer platter. Popular main courses include Civet de Sanglier (wild boar cooked with chestnuts, fennel, and brandy) or Soupe de Poisson, a fish soup served with toasted white bread and garlic sauce. Enjoy these dishes with a Pietra, a smooth chestnut beer, or Corsican red (Nielucciu) or white wine (Vermentino). For dessert, savor a myrtle liqueur. Alternatively, if you have room in your stomach, try the Brocciu à l’eau de vie, a dessert grappa combo – fresh cheese mixed with Corsican grappa and sugar.
6. Exploring the Calanques de Piana
A heart, a turtle, or the wings of an eagle – these are not potential souvenirs from a trendy weekly market, but rather rock formations in Corsica. These formations, known as Tafoni, in the Calanches de Piana, have been shaped by wind, rain, and sun. The distinctive red-brown mountainous landscape between Porto and Piana appears almost surreal as a result.
The best way to explore this rocky wilderness is on foot, such as during a hike to Capo d’Orto above Piana. From the summit of this nearly 4,265 ft (1,300 m) high mountain, you’ll have an impressive view over the Gulf of Porto. If possible, consider visiting the natural park in the evening – in the light of the setting sun, the rocks shimmer in the most beautiful shades of red.
I hope these 6 tips for your vacation in Corsica have been helpful in planning your trip. With its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and delicious cuisine, Corsica truly has something for everyone. If you want to learn more about this beautiful island, be sure to check out this detailed article about Corsica.