North or South Corsica? (our tips + photos)

White sandy beaches, umbrella pines, mountains that plunge into the sea, charming villages… there is something for everyone. But the island is still quite large, so where to spend your vacations: North or South Corsica?
Here are all our opinions and comparisons, with photos, to help you choose according to your preferences, and live an unforgettable trip in one of the most beautiful regions of France!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.

North or South Corsica? Summary

A geographical concept – let’s clarify the terms

Before you can compare, it is better to clarify right away what we call North Corsica and South Corsica, so that you can make the best decision.
Here is a map that roughly identifies the geographic separation used in this article, the same as the official separation of French departments, using a mountain range.

In the North of Corsica which is the department of Haute-Corse, you find the cities of Bastia, L’Île-Rousse, Calvi and Corte.
In the south of Corsica you find Ajaccio, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio.

North or South Corsica – the battle

In this article, we go into detail about the comparison for many criteria with pictures. But here is a summary of our opinions:

• Density of beautiful beaches = South Corsica
• Most beautiful villages = North Corsica
• Best cultural sites = equality (prehistoric in the south, Roman in the north, and Genoese everywhere)
• Most beautiful natural sites = south Corsica (but Piana and Scandola are at the limit so can be counted for both)
• Most beautiful cities = equality
• Nature activities = equality
• Crowd = North Corsica, a little less crowded
• Gastronomy = equality

Where to stay?

At the end of the article, you will find our tips on where to sleep in each region.
But if you already have an idea, we recommend:

In the south

• Bonifacio – see the best rated accommodations
• Porto-Vecchio – see the best rated accommodations
• Propriano – see the best rated accommodations

In the north

• Calvi – see the best rated accommodations
• L’Île-Rousse – see the best rated accommodations
• Saint-Florent – see the best rated accommodations

Where to read our article on where to sleep in Corsica.

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North or South Corsica: where are the most beautiful beaches?

Let’s start with the most frequently asked question.
Both regions have very beautiful beaches(see all our favorites).
Our favorite (Ostriconi) is in the North but if you count the number of beautiful beaches, the density on the coast, South Corsica is the winner.
Here we present 3 beautiful beaches from each region.

The beaches of North Corsica

Here are our top 3 beaches of North Corsica:

Beach of Ostriconi

The beach of Ostriconi is located at the southern limit of the Agriates desert between L’Ile-Rousse and Saint-Florent.
The access road is higher than the beach, which allows for an unobstructed view of the white sand, the intense colors of the water and the rocks of the Agriates desert in the background.

Beach of Saleccia

Accessible by hike or boat, the beach of Saleccia is isolated without constructions. Pure white sand, sand dunes, sparkling turquoise water and a pine forest at the back…
It’s all the better because you have to make an effort to achieve it. We love the feeling of isolation and adventure.
See more photos on the beach of Saleccia.

Punta di Spanu

More of a cove than a beach, but it is one of your favorite places to swim in North Corsica. Between Calvi and Ile-Rousse, the rocks are fun and the views on the bay of Calvi are splendid.
Read more

The beaches of South Corsica

The 3 most famous beaches of South Corsica are:

Beach of Palombaggia

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.
We like the succession of several coves with long stretches of white sand bordered by umbrella pines.
Moreover, there are fantastic red rocks to explore between the coves: nice from the beach and also ideal for snorkeling.
Discover it in more detail.

Beach of Santa Giulia

Santa Giulia is a very interesting beach and a little different from the others.
It is located in a protected bay with clear and shallow waters.
A long strip of sand separates the sea from a pond.
The beach looks like a cocoon with hills on each side.
A heavenly lagoon!

Bay of Rondinara

Rondinara is known as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and we agree.
The beach itself is very beautiful, with shallow turquoise water and protected coves).
But what we liked most were the rocks on the right side (facing the sea).
5min walk to very, very colorful rocks.
Discover it in more detail.

Where is the warmest water in Corsica: North or South?

Another question often asked is the quality of the water: heat and cleanliness.
The water temperatures are:

• May: 18 to 19°C
• June: 21 to 23°C
• July: 22 and 23°C
• August: 23 to 24°C
• September: 22 to 24°C
• October: between 20 and 21°C

There is not really a difference between the North and the South, because it depends more on the orientation of the beach, the protection of the bay…

The unpredictable algae

We just need to warn you a little.
All these beaches and many others are really beautiful. But don’t expect too much, because sometimes seaweed beds can gather on these beautiful beaches and then they look and smell a lot less heavenly! They are essential. They help prevent erosion and even create beaches by blocking sediment.

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North or South Corsica: where are the most historical sites

Genoese towers everywhere

As far as the Genoese period is concerned, you will find sites of interest all around Corsica.
Note:

• The citadel of Bonifacio in the South
• The citadel of Calvi in the North
• The Genoese towers scattered all around, forming a network of defense

Prehistoric sites in South Corsica

If you are fascinated by very ancient sites, South Corsica is your best option.
You can visit:

• the site of Curcuruzzu in the mountains with splendid views and a forest that seems magical. We loved the visit
• the site of Filitosa with its fascinating statue-menhirs – you also liked
• the site of Cauria, simpler, with its alignments of stones

Roman sites in Corsica

And in North Corsica, you find more Gallo-Roman ruins. In particular:

• the ancient capital of Aleria with ruins and a museum in a fort.
• the site of Mariana and its museum

Be aware that these are not ruins as can be seen in Italy or other places in mainland France. They don’t stay very long.

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North or South Corsica: where are the most natural sites

The natural beauty of the 2 regions is undeniable.
It is difficult to choose.
The Unesco site of the calanques de Piana and the Reserve de Scandola is just at the border of these 2 regions.
Here are some of our favorite sites, with pictures that may help you choose

Piana and Scandola at the limit between the regions

With the calanques de Piana, the Scandola nature reserve is 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

The Lavezzi islands in South Corsica

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

The Agriates desert in the North of Corsica

From Saint-Florent, jump on a boat and discover the Agriates desert. Even if you can’t hike, the boat transfer is worth it! And if you have the courage, the hike between Lotu and Saleccia is superb.
Here is an introduction, but you can see all the tips and photos in our full article on the Agriates Desert.

The West coast of Corsica in the North

The North of Corsica is known for the entire peninsula of Cap Corse.
Here the mountains plunge into the sea in a dizzying way. We particularly like its west coast.
Learn more with our complete guide to plan your tour of Cap Corse.

The Restonica Valley in the North

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.
See more photos and video

The needles of Bavella in the South

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.

The cliffs of Bonifacio in the South

The citadel of Bonifacio is built on a peninsula on top of cliffs of more than 70m high. And those continue all around.
These cliffs with white and gray tones contrast with the turquoise waters below and the green maquis at the top.
To get some of the best views, we recommend the walk to the cape and lighthouse of Pertusato.

Most beautiful villages of Corsica: south or north?

In terms of villages, the north of Corsica is richer.
The Balagne region alone is full of them.
We love it:

• Pigna and its blue shutters
• Speloncato integrated into the rock
• Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest
• Vescovato to travel in time on the east coast

See our article on the most beautiful villages of Corsica.

Need to rent a car in Corsica?

Renting a car in Corsica is not always easy….

See our 35 tips for renting a car in Corsica without worrying

Find great deals today on my favorite platform: DiscoverCars.com

And save up to 70%.

See the cars →

Corsican cities in the south and north

Again, choosing a region is difficult.
On the whole we find the northern cities more charming.
But the south has 2 cities that are exceptional: Bonifaico and Sartene.
Below is an overview of these cities.
Learn more in our article on the most beautiful cities of Corsica.

Cities in the North of Corsica

• Calvi
  Main town of the Balagne region and offers picturesque views from all angles. It offers a long beach, a citadel and a marina with access to the beautiful beaches and villages of the area
  Read more

• L’Île-Rousse
  A seaside resort with beautiful white sandy beaches nearby and a downtown area where you can discover an old market and interesting buildings.
  The main attraction is the walk of the islands of Pietra, hence its name, because it is formed of red granite.
  Read more
• But also: Bastia, Saint-Florent, Corte…

Cities of the South of Corsica

• Bonifacio
  Established on white cliffs, it is suspended above the water. It’s a great mix of history, culture, architecture and nature. And boat trips allow you to admire it from the sea.
  Read more

• Sartene
  It is a city with the spirit of a village, considered the most Corsican of Corsican cities. There are several views of the mountain and the city, charming streets and a photogenic church.
• But also: Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, Propriano

Bastia or Ajaccio?

Both cities have a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong staying in one of them.
If you want to stay in one city, our preference is Bastia for its vibe and easy access to many places we love.
Find out more in our article Ajaccio vs Bastia.

Where to stay in the South or the North of Corsica

Where to stay in South Corsica

Option 1 – Around the famous beaches

One of the many residences east of Porto-Vecchio, near the most famous beaches of the South, along the road to Palombaggia
For example, the Residence U Pirellu, if you want to cook
– see prices, pictures and availability
Or the Mariosa hotel with beach and restaurant
– see prices, pictures and availability

Option 2 – in Porto-Vecchio
In the city of Porto-Vecchio, if you are looking for a more urban environment with many bars and restaurants.
For example the GoldenTulip, which offers modernity and a magnificent view of the bay.
– see prices, pictures and availability

or see the best rated accommodations in Porto-Vecchio

Option 3 – in Bonifacio
In Bonifacio or in the surrounding countryside for breathtaking landscapes and a historical atmosphere.
For example, the Santateresa hotel on top of the citadel
– see prices, pictures and availability
Or the Hotel Cala di Greco, 4 stars and splendid views… out of town
– see prices, pictures and availability

or see the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio

Option 4 – in Propriano
Along the beaches around Propriano, a little further north with many nice accommodations with sea view.
see the best rated accommodations

See all our tips for choosing where to sleep in South Corsica

Where to sleep in Haute Corse

Option 1 – Île-Rousse

At the arrival of the ferry, a very well located city with a lot of charm. It is also easy to walk around and explore the area.
For example, the Rocabella Hotel in the heart of the city, with a soothing natural setting.
– see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse

Option 2 – Calvi

Calvi is the main town in the Balagne region and offers picturesque views from all angles.
Citadel, mountains, villages, boat trips… there’s plenty to do!
We recommend the Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
– see pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations

Option 3 – Saint-Florent

Saint-Florent is a great option with a small town, mountain views, a small citadel and easy access to beaches.
Choose the seafront, or Patrimonio inland, surrounded by vineyards.
For example, we suggest the Hotel La Roya – see photos and availability
or the Lustincorne Inn with its swimming pool and sea view between the hills – see pictures and availability

See the best rated accommodations around Saint-Florent

Access – how to get to the north or south of Corsica

The 2 regions offer as many opportunities to get there:

In the north:

• Main airport of Bastia
• Secondary airport of Calvi
• Arrival of ferries in Bastia and Ile-Rousse

In the south:

• Ajaccio main airport
• Secondary airport of Figari
• Arrival of ferries in Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio and Propriano

Frequently asked questions

Best region for a car-free vacation

Corsica offers many more possibilities if you rent a car.
But if you don’t want to drive:

• Ajaccio, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio offer a lot of activities in the North
• Calvi, Ile-Rousse, Saint-Florent and Bastia offer a lot of activities in the South

Our favorite place without car is Calvi.

Better half for family vacations

With young children, we recommend the quieter North.
With teenagers, we recommend the South with its parks and suitable atmospheres.
But in both regions you can find places more or less suitable for family vacations!