Between coast and mountains, the island of Corsica is dotted with charming villages.
Rustic in appearance, and a bit abandoned, they have a lot of character. Some are in the mountains, others on the top of a hill or by the sea.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful villages of Corsica to consider visiting during your trip, as well as a map to help you plan your trip.
We have selected them after our own visits.
BEFORE OUR TIPS + PHOTOS
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES IN Corsica
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our guide to planning your road trip: eBook
Our must-do boat trip: Exploring the cliffs of Bonifacio
Our favorite towns to stay in:
- Bonifacio near the citadel – see the best rated accommodations
- Porto-Vecchio near the beaches – see top-rated accommodations
- L’Île-Rousse in Balagne – see the best-rated accommodations
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visit Corsica anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
The best villages of Corsica – map and selection
The Corsican villages… very different
When we think of Corsica, we imagine white sandy beaches, steep cliffs and mountains. But we recommend you not to forget the Corsican villages, which are its soul and its historical heart.
They don’t have the beauty of some villages in other French regions, but they have a lot of character.
You can find them on the side of mountains, on the top of hills or at the seaside. And they are quite austere houses stuck together. They seem to stand up to the elements.
To visit some of these villages is to travel back in time by walking through the cobbled streets, admiring views of the majestic nature around, and listening to the gentle Corsican way of life. A must in Corsica.
Our top 5
The choice is not easy but if you want to make a quick decision, our 5 favorites are:
- Pigna (La Balagne region)
- Speloncato (Balagne region)
- Evisa (Piana region)
- Nonza (region of Cap Corse)
- Vescovato (north east)
We present them all to you in pictures, later in the article.
This article focuses on villages (less than 2000 inhabitants). If you want to see the Corsican cities, read this article.
The Map
Here’s a map to help you find your way around:
To visit the villages, you’ll need a car(see our rental tips).
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.
1. Pigna
Why visit? Our review
Small village not far from the sea, Pigna is quite touristy, but charming.
This village has been highlighted with its blue shutters on all the houses. It is therefore very photogenic.
This pedestrian village is full of small stores where artists work and sell their pieces: potters, violin makers, engravers…
Located on top of a rocky hill, it offers a breathtaking view of the village of Corbara and the sea.
What to see and do?
- Don’t miss the views of the village from afar
- Admire the little church at the bottom of the village
- Note the blue shutters on the houses
- Explore the alleys and talk to the artists
- Find the point of view on the village of Corbara
- See our article
Location
Pigna is located:
- in North Corsica
- on the west coast
- in the region of La Balagne
- between Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse
- Calvi to Pigna = 30min drive
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour to explore, more if you have lunch and visit the stores.
- Village reserved for pedestrians.
- The exploration is done by climbing on cobbled streets. Do not wear heels!
- Parking is not free during the tourist season and is often full in the middle of the day.
- Several restaurants and snacks in the village – and at the back you can have a delicious lunch with views of the village of Corbara.
- See the best rated accommodations near Pigna
2. Speloncato
Why visit? Our review
Built on a rocky spur, Speloncato is a typical village of the Balagne region.
At 570m above sea level, it combines old houses, a large square, beautiful views and fun streets with houses around the rocks.
The place has a long history, with evidence that it was inhabited during the Neolithic period. The village began to develop in the Bronze Age.
This is one of the villages where we had the most fun exploring.
We love the views and also the way the hill and rocks are part of the architecture.
It has a more “real” atmosphere, less touristy.
What to see and do?
- Sit in the main square and watch the local life
- To be caught in the alleys
- Admire the church tower
- Find the different viewpoints on the mountain and towards the sea
- See our article
Location
Speloncato is located:
- in North Corsica
- on the west coast
- in the Balagne region
- between Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse
- Calvi to Speloncato = 50min drive
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour to explore
- The exploration is done by climbing on cobbled streets. Do not wear heels!
- Few tourist accommodations
- 1 bar and 1 restaurant
- View the best rated accommodations around Speloncato
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
3. Evisa
Why visit? Our review
One of the most beautiful villages of Corsica, not so much for the village itself as for its environment.
It is surrounded by wooded hills (mainly chestnut trees) and mountains, with the peaks of the calanques de Piana in the background.
What to see and do?
- Admire the views – The ideal location with the surrounding mountains and the red cliffs of Piana in the background (not clear weather)
- Observe the dense forest that surrounds the village
- Choose a hike in the area
- Taste a chestnut dish
Location
Evisa is found:
- in the middle of the west coast
- in the region of calanques de Piana
- inland from Piana
- Piana to Evisa = 1h drive
Practical advice
- 1 hour to explore on foot.
- Easy to drive.
- Maybe crowded at lunch time.
- Not easy to park.
- Don’t forget to pass the village for the best views.
- See the best rated accommodations in Evisa
4. Nonza
Why visit? Our review
One of the most famous villages of Cap CorseNonza offers old houses perched on 100m high cliffs.
A walk through the village is a must: old houses, pink church with 17th century paintings, 18th century Paoline tower and the ruins of the old castle.
Nonza is also famous for its black beach created by the asbestos factory that operated in the 1950s.
A very special village!
What to see and do?
- Admire the view on the village from the road of Cap Corse getting closer and closer (if you come from the North).
- Enjoy the view of the long black beach from the village.
- Climb the square tower to get the best view
- Lunch and soak up the unique atmosphere.
- Go down to the beach (very steep access)
- To learn more, read our article on Nonza.
Location
Nonza is located:
- on the west coast of Cap Corse,
- Along the D80 road
- Saint-Florent to Nonza = 30min
- Bastia to Nonza (clockwise) = 1h
Practical advice
- Very limited parking spaces. Visit sooner or later.
- Stairs to access the square tower and the viewpoint.
- Some restaurants in the village.
- See the few accommodations in Nonza
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5. Vescovato
Why visit? Our review
Vescovato is a typical Corsican village on the east coast. It is not in the best condition, but still fascinating to visit.
It was established in the 8th century and still has elements of the Middle Ages.
The best section is the tunnel under the church of San Martinu with the stables.
In the 15th century, Vescovato was the residence of the bishop before being transferred to Bastia, hence its name.
It is one of the best Corsican villages to have the feeling of traveling in time.
What to see and do?
- explore the historic streets
- visit the 14th century church of San Marinu in baroque style.
- walk in the tunnel under the church called A Loghja. It was the stables.
- do not miss the Roman chapel of San Michele
Location
Vescovato is located:
- on the north east coast,
- south of Bastia
- a small detour from the T10 road
- Bastia to Vescovato = 30min drive
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour to discover the whole village.
- Some steep slopes.
- Small parking lot outside the village
- Some restaurants
- Narrow access road
- View the best rated accommodations around Vescovato
6. Sant’Antonino
Why visit? Our review
Sant’Antonino is one of the oldest villages in Corsica (created in the 9th century by a Roman count).
Located at the top of a hill, at an altitude of 500m, it dominates all that surrounds it.
Its houses are very close to each other, creating a maze of narrow streets to facilitate defense against attackers.
And right next to the parking lot, don’t miss the 17th century Church of the Annunciation.
What to see and do?
- Visit the church and notice its organ
- Climb into the village and explore its narrow streets
- Look for the dungeon door, the lookout,
- Admire the houses built around the rocks
- Count the old chapels
- See our article
Location
Sant’Antonino is located:
- in North Corsica
- on the west coast
- in the region of La Balagne
- between Calvi and L’Ile-Rousse
- Calvi to Sant Antonino = 30min drive
Practical advice
- Paid parking outside the village.
- Steep hill and stairs to discover the village.
- Many restaurants, popular place.
- See accommodations around Sant’Antonino
7. Piana
Why visit? Our review
Charming village founded in 1725, Piana is surrounded by the red rocks of the famous Piana cliffs.
It has been classified among the most beautiful villages of France thanks to its location in the protected area of pink granite: the calanques de Piana.
Piana is a small maze of narrow streets and traditional houses arranged in amphitheatre to enjoy the view!
What to see and do?
- walk in the alleys and discover the viewpoints
- go hiking in the calanques de Piana
- go down to Porto Ota for a boat trip in the gulf
- admire the sunset with the rocks becoming more and more pink
- To learn more, see our article on the calanques de Piana.
Location
Piana is located:
- in the middle of the west coast
- in the region of the calanques de Piana
- Ajaccio to Piana = 1h30 drive
- Calvi to Piana = 2h15 driving time
Practical advice
- Parking can be difficult, especially at lunchtime.
- Easy to walk around.
- Several restaurants in the village
- Fabulous at sunset, with the sun hitting the pink rocks.
- See the best rated accommodations in Piana
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!
8. Erbalunga
Why visit? Our review
Small village where the old houses are stuck one to the other on a small peninsula, one of the most beautiful villages of the east coast of Corsica. Cap Corse.
Walking through the village is charming, with old stone houses, decorative cobblestone floors and a small fishing port.
At the end of the small rocky peninsula is the ruin of a Genoese tower.
What to see and do?
- Walk around the village and admire the colorful houses
- Appreciate the atmosphere
- Walk around the small port to admire the Genoese tower
- Eat seafood or fish
- To learn more, read our article on Erbalunga.
Location
Erbalunga is located:
- on the east coast of Cap Corse,
- north of Bastia
- along the D80 road
- Bastia to Erbalunga = 20min drive
- Saint-Florent to Erbalunga = 1h drive
Practical advice
- Easy to explore.
- Easy access by car to Erbalunga and large parking lot near the old peninsula.
- Several restaurants.
- See the best rated accommodations in Erbalunga
9. Patrimonio
Why visit? Our review
Patrimonio is a famous wine region in Corsica.
Not far from Bastia, the history of wine goes back to the Phoceans in 570 BC.
Patrimonio is a blend of the best: vineyards on the slopes of beautiful hills with views down to the sea.
The village has a lot of charm and is worth a visit.
What to see and do?
- Admire the views of the hills separating the vineyards from the sea
- Visit one of the most beautiful churches of Corsica: St Martin, baroque style dating from 1653.
- Climb above the village for the best views
- Visit a winery
Location
Patrimonio is located
- In the north of Corsica
- On the West Coast
- Right next to the seaside resort of Saint-Florent
- It is the gateway to the Cap Corse
Practical advice
- allow 30min for the village
- longer if you want to visit vineyards
- easy to access
- not as touristy as other villages
- see the best rated accommodations in Patrimonio
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
Practice
10. Centuri and Port Centuri
Why visit? Our review
Port Centuri is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cap Corse.
The small fishing port seems to be protected by the small island off the coast.
South of the village, in the next bay, you can also enjoy a pebble beach.
It is a very relaxing place with the sound of the sea and the view of the mountains.
What to see and do?
- don’t miss the view of the islet of Capense from the parking lot
- listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocky coast
- take a tour of the charming old port
- admire the ruins of an old tower
- appreciate the calm and the feeling of being isolated at the end of the country
Location
Port Centuri is located:
- at the northwestern tip of Cap Corse,
- Along the D80 road
- Saint-Florent to Port Centuri = 1h45
- Bastia to Port de Centuri (clockwise) = 1h30
Practical advice
- 30min to 1hour to wander around the village
- parking just outside the port
- very easy to explore
- lots of snack restaurants around the port
- See the best rated accommodations around Port Centuri
11. Piedicroce
Why visit? Our review
In the heart of the Castagniccia region, Piedicroce is a small village located at 650m altitude.
The village itself is not the most picturesque, but it offers splendid views of the surrounding mountains.
Its baroque church of St. Paul dates from the 17th century and is famous for its wall paintings and its organ, the oldest in Corsica.
What to see and do?
- Enjoy the views of the Castagniccia hills and the many scattered villages around
- Visit St. Paul’s Church, a national monument built at the end of the 17th century – look up to discover its ceiling and wall paintings
- Turn around to admire the richly decorated old organ
- Not far away, discover the ruins of the convent of San Francesco of Piedicroce.
Location
- In the Corsican mountains
- To the north east
- In the Castagniccia region
- Bastia to Piedicroce = 1h drive
- Corte to Piedicroce = 1h drive
Practical advice
- 30min to 1 hour to explore
- Not too difficult to access, mountain roads but not narrow (if you arrive by the main ones)
- Restaurants at 5 to 15min drive
- see the best rated accommodations around Piedicroce
12. Ota
Why visit? Our review
We really have a passion for the villages around the calanques de Piana.
It must be said that the landscapes are breathtaking.
Ota is located a little above Porto Ota (starting point of the boat tours).
You can enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the inland.
What to see and do?
- take a walk down the main street and discover the views
- go hiking in the calanques de Piana
- go down to Porto Ota for a boat trip in the gulf
- admire the sunset with the rocks becoming more and more pink
- To learn more, see our article on the calanques de Piana.
Location
Ota is located:
- in the middle of the west coast
- in the region of the calanques de Piana
- inland from Piana and Porto Ota its port
- Piana to Ota = 35min drive
- Porto Ota to Ota = 10min drive
Practical advice
- just take the time to walk through the village and admire the views
- difficult parking
- Restaurants with exceptional views
- see the best rated accommodations around Porto Ota
13. Lama
Why visit? Our review
Small village in the mountains, we were charmed by Lama
We enjoyed exploring the narrow streets of the medieval quarter, with its tightly-packed houses, and the middle-class quarter, with its grand Italianate mansions such as the Maison Bertola.
What to see and do?
- Views of the village
- Mountain views from the village
- Medieval alleyways and staircases
- Italian-arched residences (i Palazzi)
Location
- Between the Balagne and the Agriates desert.
- 1h drive from Saint-Florent
- 30min drive from L’Île-Rousse
Practical advice
- Wear good walking shoes
- Several small parking areas
- Sloping lanes
- Allow 1 hour
14. Lumio
Why visit? Our review
Lumio is the village of light, between sea and scrub, closer to Calvi this time!
Perched at just 200m above sea level, it stretches out to take in the views over the Gulf of Calvi. The vast landscapes of the Balagne region are particularly appreciated.
We’ll be going back to take better photos…
Once again, we recommend getting lost in the maze of narrow streets to discover a vineyard, a distillery, a baroque church with its Italian-style bell tower and much more…
What to see and do?
- The church and its campanile
- The view over the bay of Calvi
- The ruins of the abandoned village of Occi
Location
- East of Calvi
- Driving time from Calvi = 15min
- Driving time from L’Île-Rousse = 20min
Practical advice
- Very steep village
- Bring water and sunglasses!
- Allow 1 to 2 hours
- Several restaurants in the village
15. Algajola
Why visit? Our review
Unlike the villages we’ve seen so far, Algajola is by the sea.
A golden sandy beach, a few colorful houses, a fort and the mountains in the background… it’s a great place to relax! But be careful, sometimes you can see big waves.
In this small seaside resort, Areno beach is 1.5 km long and ends with a fort built in the 16th century.
The heart of the village, around the church of Saint-Georges, is warm and welcoming, and transports you into the Corsican art of living.
What to see and do?
- Walking along the ramparts
- Explore the alleys
- Enjoy the beach at Aregno
- Admire the sunset
Location
- The village lies on the coast between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse.
- Driving time from Calvi = 20min
- Driving time from Ile-Rousse = 15min
- Train stop between Calvi and L’Île-Rousse
Practical advice
- Parking along the beach
- No particular difficulty
- The fort is privately owned. It cannot be visited.
- Allow 1 hour to stroll around
Other villages to consider
The choice of all these villages depends on your visit and your preferences.
This is our personal selection. But you can also consider:
Monticello
A quiet village with an Italian flair, in the Balagne region
With beautiful views to the sea.
Girolata
A small village completely isolated, accessible only by boat or by hiking. It is located north of the calanques de Piana. Most boat tours of the Scandola reserve include a stop at the village.
Learn more in our article
Cateri
Cateri is not one of the most touristy villages in the Balagne.
We like it because it looks a little different from the others: that’s because of its religious heritage.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta stands out among the traditional houses. It has an absidal bell tower with arcades, unique in Corsica, and 2 17th-century paintings inside.
Perhaps you will have the chance to listen to a polyphonic concert in the convent. We haven’t had the chance yet, but maybe one day!
Zonza
At the limit between town and village.
At the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella with extraordinary views.
In the mountains of southern Corsica.
Sartène: between town and village
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.
Find out more in our article on Sartène.
The most beautiful towns and cities of Corsica
We saw all the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
If you want to complete the list, here are our top 10 most beautiful towns and cities:
- Bonifacio
- Calvi
- Sartene
- Corte
- L’Île-Rousse
- Bastia
- Saint-Florent
- Ajaccio
- Cargese
- Porto-Vecchio
Learn more in our article dedicated to Corsican cities.
FAQs
What is the most beautiful village of La Balagne
Pigna is according to us the most beautiful village of La Balagne with its blue shutters and its very sloping streets. But we also love Speluncato for its less touristy side. See our article on the most beautiful villages of La Balagne.
What is the most beautiful village in South Corsica
In terms of villages, we find that North Corsica is the best destination.
In the South, the city of Sartene has a downtown that looks like a village. We think this would be your best choice.
What are the most beautiful places in Corsica?
If you want to see a best of with the most beautiful cities, the most beautiful beaches, the most beautiful roads… go and see our article on the most beautiful places in Corsica.
