Visiting Corsica is magical: paradisiacal beaches, imposing mountains, charming villages… No time to get bored!
The problem is to choose the best things to do in Corsica.
Here is our selection to help you plan your trip, places and activities that we have experienced and loved:
- dream beaches,
- charming villages,
- inspiring walks,
- unique places,
- and much more…
AVANT NOS CONSEILS + PHOTOS
VOICI NOS BONS PLANS EN Corse
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to plan your road trip: eBook
Our essential boat trip: Piana and Scandola
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Canyoning
Our favorite cities to stay in:
- Saint-Florent – see the best rated accommodations
- Calvi – see the best rated accommodations
- Bonifacio – see the best rated accommodations
Things to do in Corsica: map of the 10 must-sees
What to do and see in Corsica: our top 10
There are so many fascinating things to do in Corsica, that making a choice is difficult.
Here are our top 10 must-sees with a map to help you find your way.
And see all our tips for planning a dream trip to Corsica here.
Video – virtual tour to visit Corsica
Before listing all our favorite places, here is a short video to put you in the mood for a trip to Corsica:
1. Admire the Bonifacio citadel
Why we love
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.
It is a unique place!
Best things to do in Bonifacio
There are several ways to admire Bonifacio and the surrounding reserve:
- Explore on foot from the marina
- A boat tour to admire its structure, the sea caves and the houses that seem to float on the cliffs
- Hike to the Capo di Pertusato for exceptional views of the area
- Going down the Aragon Staircase, at 45° dug in the rock, to enter the history of the city
- Find all our tips for visiting Bonifacio
Location and practical information
- In South Corsica
- Ajaccio to Bonifacio = 2h30
- Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio = 35min
- The best option to explore the area is to stay in Bonifacio. We really enjoyed my nights at the Hotel Santateresa, including the modern rooms and the fantastic staff! See photos and availability
- or see the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio.
2. Take a boat around the calanques de Piana
Why we love
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.
What to do in Piana
There are many ways to explore the area:
- A boat trip around the calanques de Piana – see our advice
- A boat trip in the Scandola reserve – see our advice
- Hiking in the calanques de Piana and up to Capo Rosso
- Go down to the beach of Ficajola
- Book your boat tour
Location and practical information
- Middle of the west coast of Corsica
- Not very easy to access, long and slow road whether you come from the north or the south.
- Ajaccio to Porto Ota = 1h45
- Calvi to Porto Ota = 1h45
- Given the difficulty of the road, it is easier to plan a night on site
- Option 1 = the village of Piana in the calanques, on high ground, so many hotels have incredible views of the gulf. See the hotel Capo Rosso for its view and its swimming pool in front of the sea – see photos and availability
- Option 2 = Porto Ota Porto, which is located in the heart of the gulf and is convenient for boat tours
- See the best rated accommodations in the area.
3. To go around the Cap Corse by car
Why we love
The Corsican Cape is very different from the rest of Corsica. Here, the wild landscapes show us mountains that flow into the sea: beaches of white sand or black pebbles, turquoise waters… The road along the west coast of Corsica is enchanting (but keep your eyes on the road at all times, beware!).
What to do in Cap Corse
You can simply do it all by car from Cap CorseThe views are magnificent and already very pleasant.
To make stops, we advise you:
- Visit the charming village ofErbalunga with its small port and its ruined Genoese tower
- Hike on the Sentier des Douaniers, to discover beautiful beaches and landscapes far from the cities
- Admire the view from the Mattei Mill
- To have the vertigo in the village of Nonza with its square tower and its black sand beach
- see our complete article on the Cap Corse
Location and practical information
- Northern tip of Corsica
- Direct access from Bastia
- From Bastia to Macinaggio (in the north) = 1 hour drive
- We recommend you to visit the Cap Corse counterclockwise direction
- Allow at least 1 day, but if you are doing a road trip, you can stop 1 night in Macinaggio to do a can of walking.
- For example, the Tominio Hotel has a breathtaking view of the northern tip – see prices, photos and availability
- See the best rated accommodations
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.
4. Explore the Agriates desert
Why we love
We love places that are difficult to reach by car, to be surrounded by nature.
And the Agriates desert is particularly fascinating because it combines: paradisiacal beaches of white sand, hikes in the Corsican maquis and views of the mountains of Cap Corse.
This small corner of paradise is really worth the detour, if you pass by Saint-Florent.
What to do in the Agriates desert
Our favorite way to explore the desert is to take the boat from Saint-Florent to Lotu beach.
Admire this first beach, then take the easy 1 hour hike inland (or 1 hour 15 minutes along the coast), to reach the famous beach of Saleccia.
But there are also boat shuttles that take you directly to Saleccia, 4WD tours in the desert and longer hikes.
Learn more in our article on the desert.
Location and practical information
- North Corsica
- Departure of the boats from Saint-Florent
- Bastia to Saint-Florent = 40min
- Calvi to Saint-Florent = 1h30
- Ajaccio to Saint-Florent = 2h50
- The best is to stay in Saint-Florent next to the sea or not far from it in the vineyards of Patrimonio (for example at the Lustincorne inn which we liked – see).
- See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Florent
5. Visit several charming villages of La Balagne
Why we love
Balagne is one of the most beautiful destinations to go to in Corsica(see our list). It combines beaches and charming villages.
These villages of Balagnes are distributed on the hills between the mountain and the sea.
Often installed on the summits to better protect themselves, they have managed to preserve their heritage and their atmosphere.
These small “fortress villages” offer beautiful views and a long history.
What to do in the Balagne
Besides Calvi, Ile Rousse and beautiful beaches, the attraction of La Balagne are the villages. Among our favorites:
- Pigna: built on top of a hill recognizable by its blue shutters. It has a lot of charm with its artists’ stores.
- Speloncato: much less known, we loved it. You really feel like you’re traveling through time when you walk through it
- Sant’Antonino: one of the highest and oldest
- See our article on the most beautiful villages of Balagne
Location and practical information
- On the northwest coast of Corsica
- Around the cities of Calvi and Ile-Rousse
- Bastia to Calvi = 2h
- Ajaccio to Calvi = 3h
- Very good choices of accommodations in Calvi and Ile-Rousse. If you hesitate between the 2, our preference is for Ile-Rousse
- See the best rated accommodations in Calvi
- See the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse
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!
6. Admire the citadel of Calvi
Why we love
The main attraction of Calvi is its Citadel. This is the most recognizable part of the city.
It was built under the Genoese government, between 1483 and the 17th century in order to have stronger defenses. There are impressive fortifications all around.
The best thing to do is to admire it from the beach, on its peninsula, and then go and get lost.
Read more
Best things to do in Calvi
Our favorite activities in Calvi revolve around the Citadel:
- Walk on the beach at sunset with a view of the citadel
- Visit the cobbled streets of the citadel
- Admire the views from the walls with the port, the city and the mountains
- Have fun getting lost in the stairs, tunnels and other buildings.
- See our guide to visit Calvi
Location and practical information
- On the northwest coast of Corsica
- Bastia to Calvi = 2h
- Ajaccio to Calvi = 3h
- Wear walking shoes because the floors are old
- There is a wide choice of accommodation in Calvi with campsites close to the beach and nice hotels near the marina. If you want to sleep in the citadel, you will find mostly rentals.
- See the best rated accommodations in Calvi
7. Have fun on the rocks of the Lavezzi Islands
Why we love
The Lavezzi archipelago is a series of small islands and granite reefs.
Only 30 minutes by boat from Bonifacio, you can explore a land full of giant rocks of different colors and shapes.
It is sometimes called the “Seychelles of the Mediterranean” (but on a much smaller scale, of course).
For us, it’s a playground for giants! And we had a lot of fun doing it.
What to do in Lavezzi Islands
During an excursion to the Lavezzi Islands, you can enjoy:
- views of the citadel of Bonifacio and its cliffs
- huge rocks of all colors and shapes
- beautiful beaches surrounded by rocks with clear waters
- great opportunities for snorkeling
- short walks to explore the main island in length and breadth.
- see all our advices on Lavezzi islands
Location and practical information
- In South Corsica
- 30min by boat from Bonifacio
- Ajaccio to Bonifacio = 2h30
- Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio = 35min
- The best option to explore the area is to stay in Bonifacio. We really enjoyed my nights at the Hotel Santateresa, including the modern rooms and the fantastic staff! See photos and availability
- or see the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio.
PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
8. See Île-Rousse at sunset
Why we love
Île-Rousse is one of our favorite cities in Corsica(see our list).
The city is not located on an island.
The city takes its name from the small island of Pietra where the rocks turn red at sunset.
Its original name was Isola Rossa, since Italian was the administrative language at the time. This is due to the ochre color of the islands that create a natural harbor.
What to do in Ile-Rousse
The little town is full of charm, enjoy:
- from the beach in the center of the city
- colorful houses
- of the market
- from the walk to the islands
- the view from the lighthouse
- More details in our article on Ile-Rousse
Location and practical information
- On the northwest coast of Corsica
- Bastia to Ile-Rousse = 1h30
- Ajaccio to Ile-Rousse = 3h30
- Very good choices of accommodations in Ile-Rousse. Charming hotels at 2 steps from the sea.
- See the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse
9. Discover the famous beaches of the south: Palombaggia and the others (What to do in Porto-Vecchio)
Why we love
The most famous beaches of Corsica are in the South between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio.
There are other beautiful beaches all around Corsica, but the southern tip has a high density of exceptional beaches: white sand, rocks, umbrella pines, turquoise waters…
The most beautiful beaches of South Corsica
It’s not easy to make a selection but let’s start with these:
- The beach of Palombaggia, the most famous with orange rocks
- The beach of Tamaricciu with its postcard cove
- The bay of Rondinara with a protected beach and beautiful colored rock formations
- …
- See our favorite beaches around Bonifacio
Location and practical information
- Southern tip of Corsica
- Between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
- You can find nice accommodation near the beaches, around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio
- For example the Residence U Pirellu is well located to access all these beaches and has a great pool with sea view – see prices, pictures and availability
- See the best rated accommodations in Porto-Vecchio
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
10. Visit Bastia
Why we love
Main city of the north of Corsica, it goes back to the Roman time when it was called Cardo.
Its historic center overlooks the old port with a fortified citadel.
It is very pleasant to walk through the old streets and around the marina.
The atmosphere is lively.
What to do in Bastia
Lots of things to discover in the city of Bastia:
- Explore the city on foot with its narrow streets and fortifications
- Walk around the small port
- Take the tourist train
- Visit the Governor’s Palace (also a museum)
- Enter the churches: the 17th century Oratory of St. Roch and the 17th century Church of St. John the Baptist near the marina with Baroque features.
- Rest in the garden of Romieu
- …
Location and practical information
- North of the island
- East side
- Paved streets, wear comfortable shoes.
- Allow half a day to a day to enjoy the city and its citadel.
- See the best rated accommodations in Bastia
11. Listen to a concert of Corsican polyphony
Why we love
Another typical experience to have in Corsica is to listen to Corsican Polyphonies. These are singing experiences where only the voices come together to produce music.
In Corsica, the typical groups are only male voices. They sing in perfect harmony, mainly in Corsican language.
They are very powerful and carry deep emotions. Even when you don’t understand the words, you feel the song.
There are regular performances almost everywhere, often in churches. Just look for small signs attached along the roads.
For example, we had the chance to listen to I Campagnoli in a small church in Bonifacio. And we loved it!!!
Location and practical information
No particular advice.
Everywhere you go, look for the signs on the poles. They often indicate concerts in the local churches.
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12. Live a magic moment in Cucuruzzu
Why we love
This site is not often listed in the best things to do in Corsica but we had a crush.
The tour takes you on a 2-hour walking loop through a mystical-looking forest… with ruins mixed with giant rocks! Kids and adults alike will love it.
This archaeological site houses Bronze Age structures using local granite.
Moreover, it offers a magnificent view of the needles of Bavella in the distance.
Location and practical information
- South Corsica
- Porto-Vecchio to Cucuruzzu =
- Bonifacio to Cucuruzzu =
- The loop lasts 2 hours
13. Hiking (depending on your level: easy or GR20)
Why we love
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 Corsica
Some of our favorite hikes are:
- Capo Rosso above the calanques de Piana
- The path of the customs officers in Cap Corse
- The hikes of the Agriates desert
- The Cascade des Anglais
- The Lake of Melo in the Restonica Valley
- …
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.
Location and practical information
A little everywhere in Corsica.
The most difficult are of course in the heart of Corsica with all the mountains.
15. Thinking you’re on the moon at St. Anthony’s beach
Why we love
Not famous at all and yet fascinating! Everyone knows the cliffs of Bonifacio. But here you can go to the bottom to a beach. And around it, the limestone has been greatly eroded by the elements, creating a lunar landscape.
There is even a giant hole, the Orca cave. It is an open sea cave.
Great place to explore but beware of children!
Learn more in our article.
Location and practical information
- South of Bonifacio
- From Bonifacio: hiking or road + walking
- Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 35min
- Driving time from Ajaccio = 2h30
- Hiking from Bonifacio: path that goes along the cliff with magnificent views. An easy 6km route that starts at the Chapelle Saint-Roch. Follow the signs “Sentier de Pertusato”.
- By car on the D260 road to the semaphore parking (also called Saint Antoine’s cave parking) then 1km of easy walking + 10min of steep descent.
15. Savor Corsica
Corsica is also a place to enjoy with all your senses.
Corsica offers a French cuisine with Corsican flavors.
The most famous foods to taste are the local cheeses and the cold cuts (salty but very tasty).
And if you prefer sweets, you MUST try the delicious Canistrelli cookies. Don’t worry, you can find them everywhere. Ohhhhhh, we ate way too much… And they are available in several flavors: Natural, Walnut, Lemon, Anise…..
Sometimes a simple plate of meat and cheese with local wine makes a wonderful meal.
16. Visit Corsica: The tour of the island in road trip
The best way to explore Corsica is by road.
Jump in a car and go on a road trip. There is so much to see. In the morning, you can go up into the mountains to admire the summit of the Bavella Needles and in the afternoon, relax on the heavenly beach of Palombaggia.
Every turn of your route can reveal amazing scenery!
Driving is not as difficult as some people say on the Internet.
Yes, it’s winding and I can count on my hand the times we saw a straight road. And yes, the roads can be narrow in the mountains.
But in general, if you don’t drive fast and don’t plan your trip properly, you won’t have any problems (see our guide to driving in Corsica).
Some of our favorite roads to drive were:
- From Evisa to Porto with the red mountains
- The west coast of Cap Corsewhere the mountains plunge into the sea
- The gorges of Solenzara, from the emerald river to the view of the peaks of Bavella
- The narrow canyon of Inzecca, close to the rock
- and the famous Restonica valley with its high peaks (this one is a difficult journey, I admit).
See our article to plan a road trip in Corsica.
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.
17 à 25. Other places to see in Corsica
17. Visit Ajaccio – What to do
In Ajaccio, unfortunately, the Citadel is a military site. Therefore, you cannot visit it.
The city itself is not the most fascinating in our opinion. The main interest for me was the boat trip to the Sanguinaires Islands.
If you like art, there is the famous Fesch museum and if you like history, you can visit the former house of Napoleon and its museum.
What to do:
- 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
See the best rated accommodations in Ajaccio
18. To be delighted by the beach of Ostriconi
This is one of the views that blew us away the most while visiting the island.
At Ostriconi, the access road is higher than the beach, which allows for a breathtaking view of the white sand, the intense colors of the water and the rocks of the Agriates desert in the background.
In Haute-Corse, the beach of Ostriconi is located at the southern limit of the Agriates desert between Ile-Rousse and Saint-Florent.
19. Visit Saint-Florent – What to do
Saint-Florent is a popular destination: a charming little port with an old fort in a natural bay with the mountains in the background.
What to do:
- To go around its Genoese citadel dating from the 15th century
- Visit its small cathedral of Nebbio of the 12th century.
- Relaxing on the main beach, the Plage de la Roya
- Admire the mountains of Cap Corse
- Take a boat in the nearby Agriates desert
- Visit the vineyards of Patrimonio
- Learn more in our article on Saint-Florent
See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Florent
20. Fun in the rocks of Punta di Spanu
We love rock formations, you must have seen it in our selection so far. Here are some more!
Punta di Spanu is a fun place with several small coves and many rocks. Some are smooth because of the water, others are cut. There’s even one that’s been cut cleanly in half. You can walk around the point and up to a tower.
Located between Calvi and Ile-Rousse.
21. Visit Sartene – What to do
Sartene is probably the most Corsican of Corsican cities with its old houses with red roofs.
When you explore the old center, it’s like being in an old village. Its history dates back to medieval times, and part of the city was built in the early 16th century.
What to do:
- walk in the old center
- visit the church which is very photogenic
- enjoy the views of the mountains and the city
- take the time to have lunch there because the atmosphere is very pleasant
22. Discover the forest of the Ospedale
Looking for freshness and a little Canadian flair? Discover the forest of Ospedale and its lake.
It’s good to get a little shade. On the heights of South Corsica you discover:
- Areas of rock and scrub
- the pine forest
- The lake with its trees in the water
23. Visit Corte – What to do
Corte is the main city in the center of Corsica, in the mountains.
It is the most scenic and photogenic of all.
However, once you have walked through the center and visited the museum, there is not much more to do in the city itself.
If you like hiking, this is a great place to stay.
24. Admire the needles of Bavella
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. We think that the view is even better from the road than from the famous Bavella pass.
25 à 30. Other tourist activities in Corsica
25. Canyoning in Corsica
If you like more intense activities, you can join a canyoning tour. Corsica has large gorges that are impressive for this kind of activity.
You can do this for example:
- In the Richiusa canyon, between Ajaccio and Corte for beginners
- In Gravona, enjoy the aquatic hike which is also suitable for beginners (closer to Ajaccio)
- For more experienced travelers, you can try the famous Purcaraccia, the Vacca or the Rudda Canyons…..
26. Snorkeling in Corsica
Corsica can be visited both on land and underwater!
Take your mask and snorkel and discover the sea bed.
Many beaches have rocks and seagrass beds that attract fish.
You can see rays, starfish, cuttlefish, girelles, sea breams, morays, groupers…
Some of the best places are:
- The Lavezzi Islands
- the beach of Palombaggia
- The bay of Rondinara
- Punta di Spanu
- …
27. Take the boat to the Sanguinaires islands
From Ajaccio, there is a short circuit to the Sanguinaires islands where you can take a walk before returning to the port. You can enjoy it during the day or walk around it at sunset when the rocks turn red.
This tour also offers you one of the best views of the old town of Ajaccio which is not the most photogenic of the interior.
See the available tours.
28. Bathing in a river – for example the Gorges of Solenzara
To break the routine of the beach, why not consider a swim in the river?
The choice is vast. The most beautiful rivers to swim in are:
- The gorges of Solenzara
- the Cavu valley
- The pools of Évisa
- The Vizzanova pass
- The gorges of the Restonica
29. Via Ferrata
We haven’t done it yet, but it’s on our list.
In the Asco valley you can find great Via Ferrata courses with a giant zip line!
30. Tour in 4WD
No need to rent a 4WD to discover the most beautiful places of Corsica.
But if you want to go off the beaten path, this is an option.
4WD rental insurance does not cover you if you are off the paved road.
The best option is to book a guided tour to discover the views, plants and culture of the island with a local – read more
Frequently asked questions: when it rains, when it’s hot, with family…
What to do in Corsica when it rains?
Corsica is an open air country. So when it rains (it happens), you have to get organized. Here are our tips:
- It is very rare that it rains all day. It is often by storm at the end of the day. Watch the weather and plan your day accordingly.
- Take a boat ride – Even if the weather isn’t perfect, if it rains, go for it. Sometimes the sea is even calmer and this makes for a better ride!
- Visit a site in the forest. Yes, you will be soaked but it makes the place even more enchanting.
- Visit the museums of Bastia or Ajaccio
See our complete article on what to do in Corsica when it rains
What to do in Corsica when it is too hot?
The temperatures in Corsica can rise quite high with the Mediterranean climate.
Most beaches do not have shade and this can become difficult to bear.
If it is too hot:
- Go swimming in the gorges, such as the one of Solenzara
- Go up into the mountains to find a little coolness
- Take a walk in a forest like in the Ospedale
- Swimming near beautiful beaches (wearing a hat)
- Visit the museums of Bastia or Ajaccio
- Eat a good ice cream!
What not to miss in Corsica?
It’s not easy, but if we really had to narrow it down to our top 3 must-see places in Corsica, they would be:
- Bonifacio
- The creeks of Piana
- The Agriates desert
Looking for the best things to do in South Corsica?
If your vacations are only in South Corsica, our top 3 places not to miss is:
- Bonifacio
- The Lavezzi Islands
- Beach of Palombaggia
See our complete article on what to do in South Corsica
Looking for the best things to do in North Corsica?
If your vacations are only in South Corsica, our top 3 places not to miss is:
- The Desert of the Agrarian
- Calvi and its citadel
- The Tour du Cap Corse
- Piana (if you have time to go down, but it is in the middle of the west coast)
See our complete article on what to do in Northern Corsica
What to do with a week in Corsica
If you have a week on the beautiful island of Corsica, you should choose either the North or the South. You don’t have time to do both.
In the South, alternate beaches, mountains and villages. Do not miss: Bonifacio, Sartene, Palombaggia, Rondinara, Cucuruzzu…
In the north, alternate beaches, villages and exceptional roads. Do not miss the desert of Agriates, Calvi, Ile-Rousse, the villages of Balagne, the tour of Cap CorseBastia…
