Corsica, France
Locavy ratings
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
3.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
2/5
Transport Links
1.5/5
Experiences
4.5/5
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
3.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
2/5
Transport Links
1.5/5
Experiences
4.5/5
At a glance
Corsica is a French island located in the Mediterranean Sea, it’s famous for its distinctive wildlife, exceptional hiking opportunities and historic cities.
Party
While Corsica’s nightlife is generally low-key, there’s an exception worth mentioning. Corsica is home to La Via Notte, a nightclub located in Porto-Vecchio and renowned as the largest outdoor nightclub in Europe. This hotspot often hosts performances by world-famous DJs, making it a must-visit if you find yourself in Porto-Vecchio during the summer.
Sightseeing
Corsica is a breathtaking island with a wealth of sights to explore during your visit. Immerse yourself in the captivating cities, each adorned with centuries-old European architecture. Additionally, Corsica is home to a diverse range of wildlife unique to the island, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
Relaxation
Corsica offers a range of both relaxation and adventure. Its picturesque sandy beaches, coupled with picturess boat trips, provide an ideal setting for unwinding. Moreover, the island presents numerous opportunities for leisurely walks amidst its scenic landscapes, making it a perfect destination for both serenity seekers and explorers.
Value
Corsica tends to be on the pricier side, with costs similar to those in the south of France. Dining out and accommodations can be notably more expensive, so it’s wise to budget accordingly when planning your Corsican getaway.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Your likely point of arrival in Corsica is Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, although there are smaller airports in the north as well. Not all airports offer flights to Corsica, but you’ll find a good selection of flights from Italy, France, and Germany, making these countries excellent starting points for your journey.
Train
A train route traverses Corsica from north to south, stopping at prominent cities such as Ajaccio, Bastia, Clavi, and Corte. With three daily departures (more in the summer), it provides an excellent alternative for city-to-city travel if you prefer not to drive during your visit.
Drive
Renting a car is the optimal transportation choice in Corsica. With numerous attractions located outside major cities, having a car is essential for fully exploring the island’s diverse offerings.
Experiences
Corsica offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. You can embark on captivating boat trips, delve into the island’s stunning natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in its rich network of nature reserves. Whether you’re a water enthusiast, an adventurer, or a nature lover, Corsica has something to offer.
Best Things To Do
1. Relax on the Beach
Corsica boasts stunning white sandy beaches, primarily located on the south side of the island, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Bring a picnic basket with local Corsican delicacies to enhance your beach day experience, as many beaches have designated picnic areas.
2. Lavezzi Archipelago
Explore the Lavezzi Archipelago via boat, a collection of small granite islands and reefs off Corsica’s coast. Enjoy beautiful beaches, calm waters for snorkelling, and scenic walks on Lavezzi Island.
Book a boat tour in advance to secure your spot and plan for an entire day of island hopping.
3. Take Part in Water Sports
Corsica’s coast offers a range of water sports, from jet skiing to kayaking and parasailing, ensuring thrilling adventures for water enthusiasts.
Check for local water sports operators for guided activities and safety equipment.
4. Visit Scandola Nature Reserve
Embark on a boat trip through the Scandola Nature Reserve, known for its towering cliffs and turquoise waters. In spring, you might even spot Osprey nests.
Respect the reserve’s rules; no swimming or land access is permitted within its boundaries.
5. Explore Restonica Gorges
Discover the natural beauty of Corsica in the Restonica Gorges, home to diverse wildlife, two stunning lakes (Lake Melo and Lake Capitello), and captivating hiking trails.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry essentials for a day of exploration.
6. Spend Time in Bastia and Ajaccio
Immerse yourself in Corsica’s culture by visiting its cities. Explore Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, and Bastia, the northern city known for its history and nightlife.
Try local Corsican cuisine at restaurants in these cities.
7. Take a Boat Trip
Corsica offers various boat trips, including visits to natural wonders like Scandola and sunset cruises. In larger cities, you can find party boats for a lively experience.
Book boat trips well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
8. Visit the Bonifacio Citadel
Explore the Bonifacio Citadel, a remarkable fortress perched on a cliff. Discover its rich history and enjoy breathtaking views of Corsica.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the citadel’s narrow streets.
9. Explore Bastia's Old Port
Bastia’s old port is the heart of the city, brimming with attractions, bars, markets, and restaurants. Lose yourself in its charming architecture.
Bastia is a great location to stay with easy access to Corsica’s northern attractions.
10. GR20 Hiking Trail
For adventurers, tackle the GR20 hiking trail, known as Europe’s toughest. This two-week trek spans the island from north to south, offering incredible views.
Research the trail thoroughly, carry essential hiking gear, and consider hiking specific sections if the full trek is too challenging.
1. Relax on the Beach
Corsica boasts stunning white sandy beaches, primarily located on the south side of the island, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Bring a picnic basket with local Corsican delicacies to enhance your beach day experience, as many beaches have designated picnic areas.
2. Lavezzi Archipelago
Explore the Lavezzi Archipelago via boat, a collection of small granite islands and reefs off Corsica’s coast. Enjoy beautiful beaches, calm waters for snorkelling, and scenic walks on Lavezzi Island.
Book a boat tour in advance to secure your spot and plan for an entire day of island hopping.
3. Take Part in Water Sports
Corsica’s coast offers a range of water sports, from jet skiing to kayaking and parasailing, ensuring thrilling adventures for water enthusiasts.
Check for local water sports operators for guided activities and safety equipment.
4. Visit Scandola Nature Reserve
Embark on a boat trip through the Scandola Nature Reserve, known for its towering cliffs and turquoise waters. In spring, you might even spot Osprey nests.
Respect the reserve’s rules; no swimming or land access is permitted within its boundaries.
5. Explore Restonica Gorges
Discover the natural beauty of Corsica in the Restonica Gorges, home to diverse wildlife, two stunning lakes (Lake Melo and Lake Capitello), and captivating hiking trails.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry essentials for a day of exploration.
6. Spend Time in Bastia and Ajaccio
Immerse yourself in Corsica’s culture by visiting its cities. Explore Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, and Bastia, the northern city known for its history and nightlife.
Try local Corsican cuisine at restaurants in these cities.
7. Take a Boat Trip
Corsica offers various boat trips, including visits to natural wonders like Scandola and sunset cruises. In larger cities, you can find party boats for a lively experience.
Book boat trips well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
8. Visit the Bonifacio Citadel
Explore the Bonifacio Citadel, a remarkable fortress perched on a cliff. Discover its rich history and enjoy breathtaking views of Corsica.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the citadel’s narrow streets.
9. Explore Bastia's Old Port
Bastia’s old port is the heart of the city, brimming with attractions, bars, markets, and restaurants. Lose yourself in its charming architecture.
Bastia is a great location to stay with easy access to Corsica’s northern attractions.
10. GR20 Hiking Trail
For adventurers, tackle the GR20 hiking trail, known as Europe’s toughest. This two-week trek spans the island from north to south, offering incredible views.
Research the trail thoroughly, carry essential hiking gear, and consider hiking specific sections if the full trek is too challenging.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Rent a Car
To truly explore Corsica’s breathtaking landscapes, renting a car is essential. Public transportation is limited, and the island’s beauty lies in its remote corners.
6.
Early Accommodation Booking
Accommodation can be pricey in Corsica, so booking well in advance is advisable to secure the best deals.
2.
Explore Varied Destinations
Corsica offers diverse experiences, so consider moving around if your stay is longer than a few days. Discover charming coastal towns, picturesque mountains, and vibrant cities.
7.
Consider the Corsica Train Pass
The Corsica train pass offers a week of free train travel for 50 euros per person. It’s an excellent option if you don’t have a car, given the cost of individual train rides.
3.
Midday Shop Closures
During hot summer afternoons, it’s common for shops to close for a few hours. However, they often stay open late, providing a unique shopping experience.
8.
Corsica in Winter
Surprisingly, Corsica makes for an exciting winter destination. Explore charming cities and enjoy skiing, offering a unique winter holiday experience.
4.
Unpredictable Weather
Corsica’s mountainous terrain makes its weather unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes and pack accordingly for your adventures.
9.
Bring Cash
While Europe is moving towards card payments, Corsica still relies heavily on cash, especially in smaller shops and cafes. Ensure you have some on hand.
5.
Mountainous Terrain
Corsica’s rugged landscapes are mountainous, which might lengthen your journeys. But these peaks also offer spectacular vistas and excellent trekking opportunities.
10.
Sample Signature Dishes
Don’t miss the chance to savour Corsica’s Wild Boar stew, a beloved dish among locals and tourists, showcasing the island’s culinary richness.
6.
Early Accommodation Booking
Accommodation can be pricey in Corsica, so booking well in advance is advisable to secure the best deals.
7.
Consider the Corsica Train Pass
The Corsica train pass offers a week of free train travel for 50 euros per person. It’s an excellent option if you don’t have a car, given the cost of individual train rides.
8.
Corsica in Winter
Surprisingly, Corsica makes for an exciting winter destination. Explore charming cities and enjoy skiing, offering a unique winter holiday experience.
9.
Bring Cash
While Europe is moving towards card payments, Corsica still relies heavily on cash, especially in smaller shops and cafes. Ensure you have some on hand.
10.
Sample Signature Dishes
Don’t miss the chance to savour Corsica’s Wild Boar stew, a beloved dish among locals and tourists, showcasing the island’s culinary richness.