Looking for the best things to do in South Corsica? The region is full of beautiful landscapes! You won’t be bored.
It’s more a question of being able to choose.
So here is our selection of the most beautiful places in South Corsica: beaches, cities, historical sites, and also our favorite activities.
Everything to help you plan a wonderful trip!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.
1 – Go around the citadel of Bonifacio, and go down the stairs of the King of Aragon
Why is this?
Bonifacio is one of the most fascinating places in Corsica. A must in our opinion!
The place combines nature, history and architecture.
The citadel is built on a peninsula surrounded by impressive white cliffs, sculpted by erosion. The old medieval town is perched on 70m high white limestone cliffs!
The place is really unique.
There are several ways to admire Bonifacio and the surrounding reserve:
- Explore it on foot from the marina
- A boat tour to admire its structure, the sea caves and the houses that seem to float on top of the cliffs
- Going down the King of Aragon’s Staircase, at 45° dug in the rock, to enter the history of the city
- Find all our tips for visiting Bonifacio
Practical advice
- Ajaccio to Bonifacio = 2h30
- Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio = 35min
- Allow at least half a day, but a day would be better
- Wear good walking shoes as the old streets are paved with cobblestones
- Come early for easy parking
- Several parking lots inside the old town (paying).
- From the marina to the old town, you have to go up. The access is steep but not too long.
2 – Walk to the Cape of Pertusato
Why is this?
The walk along the cliffs towards Capo Pertusato is the best place to see the city of Bonifacio and how it was built on this unique landscape.
On the way, you will have magnificent views of the city on top of the cliffs.
And you will be able to see up close the limestone and how it has been sculpted by the elements.
Be careful and don’t get too close to the edge, it is not the most stable rock…
Once at the lighthouse, walk behind it on a small path to see the beach of Saint Antoine from above with its wreck-like rock formation.
Discover our complete experience of Cape Pertusato.
Practical advice
- Several possible variants from 1h (starting at the parking lot) to 2h30/3h starting from Bonifacio and more if you go down to Saint-Antoine beach
- Once at the parking lot, the walk is on a paved path to the lighthouse.
- If you have children, be really careful because there is no protection and you are at the edge of the cliffs.
- Attention there is no shadow at all
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.
3 – Visit the most famous beaches of South Corsica: Palombaggia and Tamaricciu
Why is this?
Palombaggia is the most famous of all the beaches in Corsica as it has often been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world(see our list of the most beautiful in Corsica).
The beach has several coves with long stretches of white sand lined with umbrella pines.
Moreover, there are fantastic red rocks to explore in between: fun on land and ideal for snorkeling.
See tips and photos
Like Palombaggia, the beach of Tamaricciu is a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water and pine trees. And one of the most photographed places in South Corsica is the small cove between Tamaricciu and Palombaggia.
It has giant white and gray boulders, shallow clear water and a beautiful stone pine tree.
Practical advice
- These beaches are located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio (15 to 25 minutes drive from each of the two cities)
- Closer to Porto-Vecchio
- Allow 1 hour just to admire or longer to enjoy the beaches
- These beaches are famous and often crowded, so visit early in the morning to have them to yourself.
4 – And its most famous neighbors: Santa Giulia, Rondinara
Why is this?
But Palombaggia is not the only beach to discover.
Among the best known:
- Santa Giulia: Beautiful protected bay with clear, shallow waters and all the facilities you could need. This beach is quite large with fine white sand. One of the most popular beaches of South Corsica.
- Rondinara Bay: known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree.
The beach itself was not our favorite (although it is very beautiful with shallow turquoise water and protected coves) but we fell in love with the rocks on the right side (facing the sea). 5min walk to very very colorful rocks.
Read more about it.
Practical advice
- These beaches are located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio (15 to 25 minutes drive from each of the two cities)
- These are also very popular beaches in South Corsica, so go early if you travel in high season
- Easy access to beaches
- Catering and equipment
WHERE TO STAY IN South Corsica
Option 1: Around the famous beaches
We recommend..:
- Hotel Mariosa with beach and restaurant – see photos and availability
- Résidence U Pirellu, if you want to be able to cook – see photos and availability
- Hotel L’Alivi Santa Giulia with beautiful views over the bay – see photos and availability
Option 2: in the maquis around Bonifacio
We recommend..:
- Hotel Cala di Greco overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Cheda with its garden and exceptional restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle (5 stars) – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: in Bonifacio itself (citadel or marina)
We recommend..:
- Hotel Spa Genovese in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Santateresa at the top of the citadel – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Solemare and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability
Option 4: in Propriano
We recommend
- Hotel Aria Marina for convenient apartments with views – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Marinca for a little luxury and unforgettable views – see prices, photos and availability
6 – Explore the most Corsican city of Corsica: Sartene
Why is this?
It is a town with a village spirit.
It is considered as the most Corsican of the Corsican cities, because it is very representative of the Corsican rustic spirit.
Its history dates back to medieval times, and part of the city was built in the early 16th century.
There are several views of the mountain and the city, charming streets and a photogenic church.
It is one of the most beautiful cities in Corsica.
Practical advice
- Near Propriano, halfway between Bonifacio and Ajaccio
- Ajaccio to Sartene = 1h30
- Bonifacio to Sartene = 1h
- Porto-Vecchio to Sartene = 1h
- Few parking lots and parking spaces along the streets.
- Stairs and steep streets.
- Many restaurants and stores.
- Very popular at lunch time. It is better to get there early enough
- Find out more in our article on Sartène
7 – Take the boat to the Lavezzi Islands
Why is this?
Another excellent activity in Bonifacio is an excursion to the archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands. The boat tour leaves from the marina of Bonifacio.
The Lavezzi islands are a protected area. A small archipelago where the islands are covered with huge blocks of different colors, shapes and sizes.
It’s a fascinating world!
See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands.
Practical advice
- There are several departures each day and several returns. So you can choose how long you spend on the island.
- Wear good shoes
- Bring everything you need, there are no facilities on the island
- There is no shadow
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
8 – Take advantage of outdoor activities
The region offers many fun activities to discover nature in a different way.
Here is our selection (photo to come):
- Canyoning initiation in Pulischellu – see pictures, details and availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – see details and availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – see details and availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto_Vecchio – see photos, details and availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – see pictures, details and availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see pictures, details and availability
9 – Travel in time on an archaeological site: Filitosa, Cauria…
Why is this?
When we think of Corsica, we imagine beaches, mountains, citadels… but Corsica also has some fascinating prehistoric sites: dolmens, statue-menhirs, alignments, megalithic enclosures…
In South Corsica, you will find the main sites established since the Neolithic: Filitosa, Cauria and Cuccuruzzu. All 3 are fascinating.
To know more about prehistoric sites in Corsica.
Practical advice
- Between the 3, it is difficult to advise you which one to do. Filitosa is the most famous, Cucuruzzu is the most mystical, Cauria is the fastest (and is free)
- In all cases, bring walking shoes
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10 – Swimming in natural pools
Why is this?
There is not only the sea in South Corsica… It is true that the beaches are magnificent and that we want to take advantage of it thoroughly. But feel free to change a little. Go up into the mountains, along the rivers, to bathe in their natural pools.
You will discover other great landscapes and it will be more refreshing!
Practical advice
- The natural pools of Solenzara – on the east coast, 1 hour drive from Porto-Vecchio
- The pools of the Cascades des Anglais, north-east of Ajaccio, 45min drive plus a little hiking.
- The natural swimming pools of Cavu – 30min drive from Porto-Vecchio
11 – Explore Ajaccio
Why is this?
Ajaccio is the main city of Corsica.
It was probably developed during the 2nd century BC and its Genoese citadel dates from 1492.
The city of Ajaccio is mainly made of buildings surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the sea on the other.
You can:
- Walk around the city to see the citadel, the Notre Dame de l’Assomption cathedral, the Saint Roch church, the 19th century Lantivy palace
- Visit the National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence – a small museum where the emperor spent part of his childhood
- Visit the Fine Arts Museum in the Fesch Palace – a great mix of art and architecture, including the imperial chapel
Practical advice
- Allow 1 day to explore the city
- It is easy to walk around the old center and the marina.
- However, be aware that many accommodations are located higher up above the center.
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!
12 – Visit the Sanguinaires Islands
Why is this?
Another small boat trip that we recommend in South Corsica.
The Sanguinaires islands are a small archipelago in the bay of Ajaccio.
It is a popular spot that offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Corsican coast.
The short boat ride already allows you to enjoy the views of the city with the mountains behind. And once on the island, you can admire its vegetation and climb to the lighthouse.
Practical advice
- Reserve your place!
- There is no shade on the island
- You may see dolphins
13 – Explore lesser known beaches, “secret” corners in South Corsica
If you are looking for less crowded (in summer) or almost deserted (out of season) areas, South Corsica is full of beautiful beaches that are less known than those listed above.
Some of our favorites are listed below:
- St. John’s Beach
- The beach of Tonnara
- The beach of Fautea
- The beach of Favone
- …
Find them in our articles on the most beautiful beaches of Bonifacio and the most beautiful beaches of Porto-Vecchio.
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
14 – Hiking
Why
You can find walks and hikes for all levels around Corsica.
For simple walks, the Customs Trails are often good options. These are coastal paths for the surveillance of the island. They are normally in good condition and do not present many difficulties.
Note that the steps are sometimes marked ‘simple’ but they can be steep and hard on the knees.
They take you to magical landscapes mixed with mountains, sea, scrubland, forest …
Which hike to do in South Corsica
Some of our favorite hikes are:
- The Cascade des Anglais
- The hikes around the needles of Bavella
- The sections of the Sentiers des Douaniers
- The waterfall of Piscia di Gallu
- …
If you are in the mood for intense hiking, there is a famous trail that allows you to cross the island over several days. It is called GR20 and you can take a small section of it when you do short hikes.
15 – calanques de Piana (North-South limit)
Why is this?
The Gulf of Porto is aUnesco heritage site not to be missed!
The cliffs and rock formations are incredible with its 2 sites: the calanques de Piana and the natural reserve of Scandola.
Geology enthusiasts, as well as lovers of rock formations, will be delighted.
The rocks are predominantly pink, but there are many colors and structures.
Practical advice
Officially, the calanques de Piana are in the region of South Corsica. But geographically they are in the northern half of the island.
If you are in Ajaccio, you can go and see them on a day. But this is not possible if you stay in Bonifaico or Porto-Vecchio.
Best things to do in South Corsica: other ideas
Stop to admire the views: Roccapina…
You can also simply drive around South Corsica to enjoy the scenery. Go along the coast, up into the mountains.
One of the most famous views is that of Roccapina with its lion-shaped rock.
Villages of South Corsica
The most beautiful villages of Corsica are mainly in the Balagne region and in the north of the island.
The South is less known for its villages.
Sartene is a city but its old center really gives the impression of a village.
Otherwise, in the mountains, the villages of Zonza and Levie are worth considering.
Itineraries in South Corsica
5 days in South Corsica
With 5 days, it is impossible to tour, we must make choices:
We recommend..:
- Bonifacio and the Cape Pertusato
- The famous beaches between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
- A day in the mountains
- A day on the Lavezzi islands
- A day to see the less famous beaches
See our detailed itinerary to spend 5 days in South Corsica.
1 week in South Corsica
With 1 week, we recommend a loop with Ajaccio, Propriano, Sartene, Bonifacio, the Cape Pertusato, the Lavezzi islands and the mountains.
See our detailed itinerary to spend 1 week in South Corsica.
10 days in South Corsica
And with 10 days, we have created a loop that goes even further north by adding Corte and Piana.
See our detailed itinerary to spend 10 days in South Corsica.
