Impressive mountains, paradisiacal beaches, surprising rock formations… Discover 35 of the most beautiful places in Corsica with photos to inspire you.
Tourism in Corsica is a pure outdoor pleasure. It is impossible to get bored.
Here’s our selection of must-see places in Corsica to inspire your trip!
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The best places to visit in Corsica – a difficult choice!
We must admit that this list was difficult to establish.
Every day, during a road trip around Corsica, you will shout how beautiful this island is. Seriously!
But we have chosen our favorite places in Corsica to help you plan your itinerary: the most beautiful beaches, the most charming villages, the best views, the best regions…
Before starting, here is a picture of our favorite tree in Corsica. LOL. It is on the way to the beach of Saleccia that we will see later in the article.
In addition, for all our practical advice to make your trip a success, see our article-guide.
The 5 most beautiful beaches of Corsica
When you decide to travel to Corsica, one of your first interests is of course the beaches. We have never seen so many beautiful beaches in one destination. It is really hard to reduce to only 5.
So, if you want more ideas, check out our full article on the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
1. Beach of Ostriconi
- Location / Access
Beach of North Corsica, south of the Agriates desert.
Small detour from the main road to Saint-Florent and 5min walk to the beach. - Why visit this beach?
Because it has a beautiful view from above, and we love it!
White sand, turquoise water, wild environment and the beginning of the Agriates desert… isn’t it a perfect picture?
2. Beach of Tamaricciu
- Location / Access
South Corsica, near Porto-Vecchio
5 min walk from the parking along the coastal road - Why visit this beach?
Although Palombaggia is the most famous, we prefer Tamaricciu. But it’s a very small lead.
From the road, we have a breathtaking view of the bay. And once at the beach, you can walk to the left to reach a small cove full of gray rocks that is famous for its unique umbrella pine. It is one of the most photographed places in South Corsica. - See more photos
3. Beach of Palombaggia
- Location / Access
South Corsica, near Porto-Vecchio
Bumpy parking and short walk to the beach. - Why visit this beach?
White sand, shallow turquoise water, pine trees and deep orange-red rocks.
There is a good reason why it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Best enjoyed early or late to avoid large crowds and to get more intense colors on the rocks. - See more photos
4. Beach of San Giovanni
- Location / Access
South Corsica.
West of Bonifacio, bay of Figari - Why visit this beach?
It is a sort of “secret place”. You need to know where you are going to find it. Personally, we fell under the spell of the grey rocks rounded by erosion. This beach gives a natural and peaceful atmosphere. - Read more
5. Beach of Saleccia
- Location / Access
North Corsica, Agriates desert shore
Access by small boat from Saint-Florent or big boat to the beach of Lotu and 1h walk in the desert (Le Popeye). - Why visit this beach
Long virgin stretch of white sand with small dunes and a pine forest behind. It is wild, pure and perfect.
Note: this is where I took the photo of the tree I shared at the beginning… - More information about the Agriates Desert
HOW TO GET TO Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy
- See all ferry options in our article
- Compare schedules, prices and availability directly
Advantage: you can take your car!
Option 2: by plane
Airports in Bastia, to visit the North, Figari to visit the South, or Ajaccio convenient for all Corsica.
Compare flights!
The 5 most beautiful viewpoints of Corsica
When we plan a trip, we are always looking for the best views to photograph, especially with variations in landscapes. We’ll even drive down entire roads using Google Street View to find them before we leave!
We’ve seen many amazing views in Corsica (and you can find them all in our eBook), but below are our 5 favorites:
6. Belvedere of Corte
- Location / Access
On top of the city of Corte, in the center of Corsica.
Less than 10min walk from the Museum parking lot – uneven terrain - About the view
It is one of the most famous views of Corsica and it does not disappoint.
Corte has a long history. This viewpoint allows you to see the citadel on its promontory and the mountains all around with 360° views.
One of the most beautiful corners of Corsica.
7. Roccapina
- Location / Access
South Corsica
Along the main road, between Bonifacio and Propriano. - About the view
A viewpoint has been built with parking to see the beach of Rocappina and the rock formations that surround it.
It is particularly famous for its tower and the formation on the right that looks like a lion protecting the island.
8. Patrimonio
- Location / Access
North Corsica, near Saint-Florent
Road in the village of Patrimonio - About the view
The region is dedicated to wine-growing. The village has one of the most beautiful churches in Corsica and the hills separate the area from the sea.
So, if you overlook the village, you’ll get views like the one in the photo above!
9. Evisa
- Location / Access
West Central Corsica – Interior from Porto
Easy to drive from Porto to Evisa - About the view
After the city center, along the road, there are signs explaining the different visible elements. On a clear day, you can see the village and as far as the calanques de Piana.
A mixture of charming village and mountain peaks.
10. L’Ile-Rousse
- Location / Access
L’Île-Rousse, North Corsica
Walk from the city - About the view
On the way to the lighthouse of L’Ile-Rousse, there is a section that I loved. You see one of the coves with the point behind, the lighthouse at the top and the orange rock which is the reason for the name of the island.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The 5 most beautiful roads of Corsica
Some people may be anxious about driving in Corsica. It’s true that most roads are winding all the time and some can be quite narrow but generally it’s not that difficult (especially outside of summer, check out our driving guide).
So here are our 5 favorite sections of roads to drive in Corsica to reach some of the most beautiful places in Corsica.
#11. Evisa in Ota
- Location
West Central Corsica
Near the Calanques de Piana - Why drive this road
The road starts in the village of Evisa (the viewpoint you saw earlier) and runs along the Solenzara gorges to the Calanques de Piana.
The canyon is deep and the rocks are red. There are many layers of mountains and steep cliffs. - Difficulty of driving
The road has 1 lane in each direction with a clear center line. It is quite large.
Just be careful because you may have animals on the road and you may be distracted by the amazing views.
12. Gorge of Solenzara until Bavella
- Location
South Corsica, North of Zonza - Why drive this road
The road begins with the gorges of Solenzara along the river. The trees, emerald water and peaks are your companions (many go swimming to cool off in the summer).
Then, as you go up, you get fantastic views of the Aiguilles de Bavella. According to us, the view is even better from the road than from the famous Bavella pass. - Difficulty of driving
No major difficulty (until the last climb to the pass which narrows). Numerous parking lots along the way
13. Restonica Valley
- Location
Central Corsica, near the city of Corte - Why drive this road
It is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Corsica. It crosses a narrow canyon to the beginning of the Melo Lake hiking trails.
It is wild with sharp peaks, snow, rivers and small waterfalls when the snow melts. - Difficulty of driving
Very difficult to drive. If you are afraid of heights or if you don’t feel confident, don’t go, you will put everyone in danger! - See more photos and video
14. Parade of the Inzecca
- Location
Center-East of Corsica, nearAléria - Why drive this road
Not as famous as the other routes, we really enjoyed it. We were only two cars to cross during our visit. It is a short route between two rock walls. The canyon is narrow, the road crosses it and the river is filled with white rocks in some places. - Difficulty of driving
Not too difficult. A little view on the precipices, but wide enough. But there are not many places to stop and enjoy the view.
15. Western route of Cap Corse
- Location
North Corsica, Cap Corse - Why drive this road
The west coast of Corsica is really one of the most beautiful roads of Corsica. It is better to drive from North to South. All along the way, you can see the mountains that plunge directly into the sea. A great combination! - Difficulty of driving
Sinuous but generally easy. Some sections are narrow and can become difficult if you cross the path of a bus…
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
The 5 most beautiful villages of Corsica
In the hills and mountains, Corsica is full of small, historic and charming villages. Some of the most sought after are in Balagne, near Calvi.
They are often very similar to each other, located on top of a hill, with similar houses. It is therefore not easy to choose the most beautiful…
See more suggestions in our article on the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
16. Village of Pigna
- Location / Access
North Corsica, The Balagne between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
Easy access by road – pedestrian village only - Why explore this Corsican village?
Small village not far from the sea. Quite touristy but still charming. It was designed to stand out with its blue shutters on all houses.
It is full of small stores where artists work and sell their works. And at the back, you can have a delicious lunch with a view of the village of Corbara.
Read more
17. Village of Speloncato
- Location / Access
North Corsica, between Calvi and Ile-Rousse
Easy access by road – You can drive to the main square before exploring the narrow streets on foot. - Why explore this Corsican village?
This was one of the villages where we had the most fun exploring. We don’t know exactly why. We love the views, how the hill and rocks are part of the architecture and the “real” atmosphere it offers.
Read more
18. Erbalunga
- Location / Access
East coast of Cap Corse
Easy road and large parking lot near the old peninsula. - Why explore this Corsican village?
Cute little village where the old houses are stuck together on a small peninsula. Easy to visit with the old port, the ruins of the tower and the dark grey rocks. - See my article on Erbalunga at Cap Corse
19. Nonza
- Location / Access
West coast of Cap Corse
Some narrow passages around Nonza (on the beautiful road described earlier in the article). Limited parking spaces - Why explore this Corsican village?
One of the most famous villages of Corsica because it is located on a promontory wedged between the mountain and the sea. In addition, it has a fantastic view of its black beach. - See my article on Nonza Corsica
20. Sant’Antonino
- Location / Access
North Corsica, West Coast
Region of Balagne, between Calvi and Ile-Rousse - Why explore this Corsican village?
Sant’Antonino is one of the oldest villages in Corsica (9th century).
It has been classified by the French as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
It is located at the top of a hill, at an altitude of 500m. Its houses are very close to each other, creating a maze of narrow streets to facilitate defense against attackers.
Read more
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The 5 most beautiful places in Corsica for rock formations
Given how much I love geology (that’s Claire writing) and rock formations, Corsica was a paradise for me! Check out my 5 favorite places to admire and photograph:
21. Calanques de Piana
- Location / Access
West Central Corsica
Around Piana, you can enjoy it on foot, by car or by boat from Porto or Ajaccio(Book a boat tour). - What makes them special?
First for the colors of the cliffs, mostly pink/orange/red and then for the way they plunge directly into the sea like needles (see our article on the best ways to visit them). It is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
22. Reserve of Scandola
- Location / Access
West Central Corsica
Around Porto, you can enjoy it on foot (long day trips) or by boat from Porto or Ajaccio(book a boat trip). - What makes it special?
Together with the calanques de Piana, the Scandola nature reserve forms a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get up close and personal.
Read more
23. Lavezzi Islands
- Location / Access
South Corsica
Boat tour of Bonifacio – no roads on the small island. - What makes them special?
A fascinating island with giant blocks of various shapes and colors. You have light and dark gray, pink and orange. Each cove is different and fun to explore! They deserve many more pictures because of the variety. - See more photos
24. Beach of Saint-Antoine
- Location / Access
South Corsica
At Capo Pertusato near Bonifacio. Steep descent of 15min to the beach after 25min walk from the parking. - What makes it special?
Not at all famous and yet fascinating! Everyone knows the cliffs of Bonifacio. But here you can go to the bottom of a beach. And around it, the limestone has been greatly eroded by the elements, creating lunar landscapes and a giant hole. The perfect place to explore, but be careful with children. - See more photos
25. Bay of Rondinara
- Location / Access
South Corsica
Halfway between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. - What makes it special?
The bay is famous for its almost closed round shape and its long strip of sand.
Personally, we loved the western point. Just walk to the right (when facing the sea) and take the small path to the end. The rocks here are not impressive by their size but by their colors. It is the most colorful place I have found in Corsica. - See more photos
WHERE TO STAY IN Corsica
- Saint-Florent
for the variety of landscapes and the access to the Cap Corse
see the best rated accommodations - L’Île-Rousse
for the atmosphere and access to the Balagne region
see the best rated accommodations - Around Porto-Vecchio
for easy access to many paradisiacal beaches and to explore the south
see the best rated accommodations - Bonifacio
for the breathtaking views, especially at sunset when the cliffs light up.
see the best rated accommodations
The 5 most beautiful sites of Corsica – Genoese towers, citadels, archaeology…
Tourism in Corsica is especially excellent for outdoor travel. Although it is not famous for its architecture, the island has some historical sites that are worth visiting.
26. Citadel of Bonifacio and its stairs
- Location / Access
South Corsica, Bonifacio center
Several parking lots (paying) with easy access through the old town. - About us
Fortified city built on a long and narrow peninsula. It is integrated into the limestone cliffs in an impressive way. Inside, you can explore the fortifications, enter the cliff to reach the Gouvernail (a hole halfway up the cliff) and visit the main church… But the highlight is the King Aragon’s staircase that allows you to reach the bottom of the cliffs through them – staircase at a 45° angle (187 steep steps). - See our article to visit Bonifacio
27. Site of Cucuruzzu
- Location / Access
South Corsica, near the town of Levie
Winding road, not big but not too difficult – large parking lot. - About us
Filitosa is the most famous archeological site in South Corsica but we did not find it as fascinating as Cucuruzzu. Here you have a 2 hour walking loop under a forest that looks mystical with giant boulders (the beginning is the most difficult part of the hike with some big steps). You reach the Bronze Age structures that use the local granite. Moreover, the tour offers a breathtaking view of the needles of Bavella in the distance.
28. Citadel of Calvi
- Location / Access
North Corsica
In the city of Calvi, parking in the center (paying) – uneven roads inside. - About us
Built in the 13th century, it is still inhabited. You can walk around (with an audio guide if you want to know more).
From the fortification walls, don’t miss the view of the bay and the mountains on one side and the Revellata peninsula on the other.
The Citadel is best admired from the beach of Calvi.
See more photos
This is one of the best things to do in Calvi.
29. Tower of Parata
- Location / Access
South Corsica
Close to the city of Ajaccio, big parking, easy road. - About us
Corsica is full of Genoese towers that were once a communication system in case of attack.
The tower of Parata is not the best preserved or the most significant, but it is a wonderful place in line with the Sanguinary Islands. The raw and simple beauty of the area makes this tower special.
30. Archaeological site of Aléria
- Location / Access
East Corsica
1h15 drive south of Bastia - About us
Aléria and Mariana were the 2 main Roman colonies of Corsica.
For Aléria, the location was ideal, with an important river and good land for crops. Aléria, founded in the 6th century BC, is considered the oldest city in Corsica.
Nowadays, you can visit the ruins with a breathtaking view of the area. In addition, the many artifacts found have been preserved and are on display in the nearby fort. - Read more
The 5 most beautiful cities in Corsica
One does not come to Corsica to visit the cities, because Nature is majestic.
But take the time to discover one or two of them, to travel a little in time.
And for more ideas, see our article on the most beautiful cities in Corsica.
Some of them have already been mentioned in other sections like Calvi and Bonifacio.
31. Sartene
- Location / Access
South Corsica
Near Propriano, halfway between Bonifacio and Ajaccio. - Why visit
I know it’s more of a city than a village, but when you explore the old center, it’s like being in an old village. It is considered the most Corsican of the Corsican cities. Beautiful church. - Find out more in our article on Sartène
32. Bastia
- Location / Access
North Corsica
In the city of Bastia, it is preferable to leave the car at the hotel and use public or tourist transportation. - Why visit
As you may have noticed, I haven’t talked much about the 2 big cities. That’s because I wasn’t fascinated. If I had to choose between Bastia and Ajaccio, I would choose Bastia because its Citadel is on a hill and you can explore it. It has great churches and beautiful views. - Find out more in our article on Bastia
If you ask yourself: Ajaccio or Bastia? Read our comparison
33. Saint-Florent
- Location –
North of Corsica
West coast, just below Cap Corse - Why visit
Saint-Florent is a popular destination: a charming little port with an old fort in a natural bay with the mountains in the background and the Agriates desert on the other side.
Its Genoese citadel dates from the 15th century and its small cathedral of Nebbio from the 12th century. - Learn more in our article on Saint-Florent
34. Île-Rousse
- Location –
North of Corsica
West Coast - Why visit
Ile Rousse is a seaside resort with beautiful white sand beaches nearby. The main attraction is the island (Pietra Island), hence its name, because it is formed of red granite.
And in the city center, you can discover an old market and interesting buildings.
It is a city with a relaxed atmosphere. - Learn more in our article on Ile-Rousse
35. Ajaccio
- Location –
South of the West Coast - Why visit
Ajaccio is the main city of Corsica.
It was probably developed during the 2nd century BC and its Genoese citadel dates from 1492.
Ajaccio is mainly made of buildings surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the sea on the other. - Find out more in our article on Ajaccio
Where to go in Corsica? The most beautiful destinations
Here we have listed all our favorite places in Corsica.
But the list is long and they are scattered all over the island.
If you don’t plan to go all the way around, you may be wondering where to go in Corsica, which destinations to choose.
It’s not easy to choose, but if we must, our 3 favorites are:
- Bonifacio
for the citadel, the impressive cliffs and the beaches around - Calvi, Ile-Rousse and Balagne
for the charm of the towns and villages, as well as the beaches and rock formations - Saint-Florent
for the variety of landscapes between semi-desert, mountains, white sand beaches…
For more ideas and tips, see our article on where to go in Corsica.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
