Discover one of the most beautiful regions of the world with 35 magnificent pictures of Corsica, France.
The most beautiful landscapes of Corsica, including :
- Beaches,
- Mountains,
- Villages,
- Citadels,
- Geological wonders…
The island has so much to offer! Get ready to pack your bags!
The most beautiful landscapes of Corsica – Our top 5
The island of Corsica is beautiful at every turn. There wasn’t a day that we thought it was boring. The roads are winding and we were dazzled at every new sight.
The problem with so much beauty is the difficulty of selecting only 35 photos of Corsican landscapes to give you a snapshot. It was a difficult task, but we hope you enjoy and are inspired!
And to complete this article, see our 35 tips for a successful trip to Corsica.
#1 – Best photo of Corsica
This is our favorite picture of Corsica. It may not be the most beautiful, but it represents a large part of what the island is. Steep mountain walls, winding roads with animals in the middle and spectacular views around every bend!
#2 – A world where the water is turquoise…
We don’t use drone photography at all on this blog, because we want to show people only things they can see for themselves. But we love it when you can easily get a perspective from above. That’s why we really enjoyed Ostriconi, one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica(see our list). The road offers a breathtaking view of the sand, the river and the desert behind.
#3 – With a beautiful Unesco site
In the middle of the west coast, you can find one of the bestUnesco World Heritage Sites I have seen. The calanques de Piana are part of it. These are large pink cliffs that plunge directly into the water. The hard rock resists erosion, which has allowed it to create these magnificent shapes.
#4 – A mountainous island
Corsica is in fact a mountain range. 2/3 of the island is mountainous. The highest peak is Monte Cinto at 2706m.
This means that you can spend the morning hiking in the mountains and the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
Above is our favorite view of the Aiguilles de Bavella, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Corsica.
#5 – And impressive cliffs
The Corsican coastline is one of the most diversified. At the southern end of the island is the Bouches de Bonifacio Reserve. It is one of the most fascinating places we have had the opportunity to see, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Corsica. It combines stunning natural scenery with white limestone cliffs and the historic Citadel of Bonifacio. See our article to see more photos and learn more about the unique area.
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5 Pictures of Corsica and its multicolored world
#6 – The famous beach of Palombaggia
One of the most famous beaches of the island is located in South Corsica, near Porto-Vecchio. Palombaggia is a long white sandy beach with turquoise water and pink, orange and red rocks. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the rocks turn red because the sun is low on the horizon. More pictures in our article about the beach of Palombaggia.
#7 – Incredible rock formations
IClaire) am a big fan of geology. Finding beautiful rock formations is what I like most when I travel. The island of Corsica was therefore for me a paradise.
#8 – The Mediterranean scrub
To complete the white of the sand and the turquoise of the water, the lower part of the island is covered with a low and green vegetation (Mediterranean maquis). Even in the Agriates desert, which does not really look like a desert.
#9 – Wonders off the beaten path
Corsica is a tourist island (especially for the French), but you can find amazing places when you go away from the main tourist path…
Here on the side of Galeria.
#10 – Orange red
And tourist wonders… here is another picture of the beach of Palombaggia so that you can better see the color of the rocks.
How to get to Corsica
Option 1: by ferry
Departure from France and Italy – see all options in our article
or directly compare schedules, prices and availability
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 prices and availability ofairline tickets
And then rent a car: see our favorite comparator
If you are traveling in the summer, remember to book early to get the best prices and choices!
Need more help choosing?
See our advice on how to go to Corsica
Corsican Culture in pictures
#11 – Corsica Flag
Everywhere in Corsica, you will see their own flag flying. Corsica is a region of France. However, they have a very strong culture and identity.
The flag dates from 1755. It represents the head of a Moor. The bandana is above the eyes to symbolize the liberation of the Corsican people from the Genoese.
#12 – Charcuterie
Good food is essential. The island is famous for its salty and tasty sausages. They are served in all restaurants, but you can also find very good products in the markets.
#13 – Farm Animals on the Road
The reason why charcuterie is so good… The animals are happy to walk in beautiful wooded areas under the sun.
#14 – Corsican Polyphonies
One of the best things to do when traveling in Corsica is to listen to polyphonic songs: the “Corsican Polyphonies”. You will see many concerts in cities and churches.
Polyphonies are singing experiences where only the voices unite 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.
For example, we had the chance to listen to I Campagnoli in a small church in Bonifacio.
#15 – Cows on the beach
Many beaches are frequented by local visitors. Sometimes you can even see signs indicating that you should be careful not to approach the cows.
This is their territory, so leave them alone and stay away.
#16 – Hilltop Villages
Corsica is full of small villages located between the sea and the high mountains.
They are often on top of a hill with tightly packed houses. Balagne is the most famous region for villages.
Walking through the small streets takes you back in time.
See more in our article on the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
Plan a dream trip to Corsica!
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 220+ photos to help you choose
The Corsican Landscapes – another world?
We were regularly blown away while traveling through Corsica. Sometimes, if I felt like I was in another world or on another planet. Here are some examples of the most beautiful Corsican landscapes that we have seen.
#17 – On the Moon?
Near Bonifacio, there is a hidden beach under Capo Pertusato. It takes a little effort to reach it, but once you’re there, it’s incredible: cliffs eroded by the elements, sea pillars and giant holes made of yellow/white limestone. Is this the Moon? See more pictures.
#18 – Enchanted Forest
This photo represents one of our favorite memories of Corsica. We ended up getting soaked, but the place became even more enchanting.
The 2h loop to reach Cucuruzzu is under the forest with giant boulders covered with moss and twisted branches. Magical!
#19 – Defying gravity
And we are back in Bonifacio in South Corsica. The citadel is located on a peninsula at the edge of the cliffs. And with the erosion, some houses even seem to be suspended above the water. You can see it very well by taking a boat ride. It defies gravity!
#20 – Legends…
Many places have legends explaining their shapes. On this Corsica picture, it is the waterfall of the Veil of the Bride. Wonderful!
Note however that the waterfalls are breathtaking around May-June when the snow melts. But they can be annoying in summer when there is not enough water.
One of us likes coffee…
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Landscapes of Corsica in pictures – a great variety
You don’t come to the island for the architecture or the cities. You come for the beautiful landscapes of Corsica.
You have high mountains, black beaches, white beaches, giant rocks, pink cliffs, white cliffs, vineyards….. so many different landscapes to admire!
#21 – Black Beaches
The black beaches of Corsica are located on the west coast of Cap Corse(see our guide). They are not caused by volcanic ash, but by an old asbestos mine nearby.
The contrast with the turquoise water is striking!
#22 – Gulf of Porto
The entire Gulf of Porto is a Unesco protected area. The ancient volcanic crater of Scandola presents rare geological characteristics. To protect it, it is only accessible by boat or by hiking for several days. In our opinion, these are some of the best Corsican landscapes.
#23 – Wonders on the Coast
For those who don’t want to go on a road trip around Corsica, you can choose a coastal town to stay in and spend the week exploring the area. One of my favorites was Ile-Rousse with its beautiful rocky promontory and white lighthouse.
#24 – Easy hikes
Many hikes in Corsica are difficult because of the high mountains. But along the coast, you can walk the Customs Trails, which is an easy but rewarding experience. The most famous section is located at the northern end of the Cap Corse.
#25 – Vineyards
Other types of Corsican landscapes are the vineyards. On the east coast, you can find flat vineyards. But there are also regions where they are located on the hills. One of our favorites is Patrimonio with its beautiful church. Bonus: it’s close to the sea and to Saint-Florent.
#26 – Desert, beach and lagoon….
This is one of our favorite views of Corsica, taken in the Agriates desert. It is one of the best places to appreciate the landscapes of Cap Corse with the mountains plunging into the sea.
#27 – Dream Beaches
The island of Corsica is also full of varied beach landscapes. Some have pure white sand dunes… like Saleccia.
#28 – Postcard landscape
One of the most photographed beaches in Corsica is the cove between Tamaricciu and Palombaggia. It has giant grey rocks and a single umbrella pine.
#29 – And small islands around
In addition, you can visit smaller islands around Corsica. One of the most famous is Lavezzu. It is made of giant blocks! Such a fascinating place to explore…..
30 minutes by boat from Bonifacio and you can explore this area that was part of the Corsica-Sardinia territory millions of years ago.
See more pictures here.
#30 – Quieter beaches
In summer, most of the beaches are overcrowded, so that the paradisiacal Corsican landscapes lose their appeal. It’s not easy, but you can still find quieter beaches with beautiful scenery. San Giovanni was one of our favorites, one of the most beautiful beaches near Bonifacio(see our list).
#31 – And closer to the city
And even a few minutes by bus from the main city of Ajaccio, you can find breathtaking landscapes. Above at the tower of Parata.
Where to stay in Corsica
The choice is vast!
Some of our favorite destinations to base yourself at least a few days are:
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
See all our tips for choosing where to stay in Corsica
Photographing Corsica – beautiful historical sites
#32 – Citadels…
The island of Corsica is not really famous for its architecture. But some of the most interesting places to visit are the Citadels. And the best one is the one in Calvi.
You can first admire it from the beach at sunrise before exploring the streets and fortifications. This Genoese structure dates from the 13th century.
#33 – Corsican churches
We were fascinated by some Corsican churches, especially this one for its graphic design elements and location in the mountains.
#34 – The heart of Corsica
Corte is really the heart of the island. It has a long history and is the oldest university in Corsica.
Moreover, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Corsica: from the belvedere, you have a 360° view on the mountains and the summit of the citadel.
#35 – The most Corsican of Corsican cities
And if you want to see what is considered the most typical town in Corsica, head to Sartene. Located halfway between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, it has an excellent atmosphere and delicious food!
And one more picture of a dream landscape in Corsica
#36 – In the Seychelles?
The island of Corsica is often called the Seychelles of the Mediterranean. This is due to the turquoise water and the giant rocks.
And with this photo, we can start to wonder…
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