Yes, it can rain in Corsica.
But that should not stop you from discovering this wonderful island. Especially since it doesn’t last very long…
Here are our ideas on what to do in Corsica when it rains to make the most of your stay!
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.
What to do in Corsica when it rains? Does it rain often?
The climate…
The climate in Corsica is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The rainy season generally runs from fall to spring, with a greater amount of rainfall between October and March.
That said, the amount of rainfall can vary considerably from one part of the island to another and from one year to another. In mountainous areas, there may be more precipitation than on the coasts.
Our quick answer to: what to do in Corsica when it rains
Keep exploring. The island has a lot of relief, you can find better weather elsewhere. And the landscapes can be even more beautiful when it rains! See our article on What to do in Corsica.
No, we are not going to tell you that one of the things to do is to visit the museum of Bastia. Because if you are in Porto-Vecchio, it will not help you.
Let’s start with our more general tips before moving on to some local ideas.
1. Take the car to go a little further and change the weather
With mountains, an east coast and a west coast, don’t hesitate to take the car to drive 1 hour to another destination and find a different weather.
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.
2. Take a boat ride
This may seem counterintuitive. But if it rains only (not if there is a storm), the sea may be calmer. Most of the boats are covered. And the rain doesn’t stop you from enjoying the beautiful views!
3. Visit a museum or a monument
Visiting a museum is always a safe bet when it rains.
Corsica is not the richest region in museums but there are still some nice ones all around the island:
- Ajaccio: Bonaparte House Museum, where the Bonaparte family lived in this house from 1778 to 1806.
- Ajaccio: Fesh Museum, with its important art collection, especially Italian art
- Bastia: Museum of Bastia / Palace of the Governors with works of art, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day and documents on the history of Bastia
- Corte: Museum of Corsica in the citadel, history of Corsica, popular art…
- Bonifacio: Bastion of the Standard, to know more about the citadel and its history
- Aléria: archaeological museum in the fort of Matra with pieces found during the excavations of the Roman site(see our article)
- Sartène: museum of the Corsican prehistory and archaeology. Many of the archaeological sites to visit in Corsica are nearby.
- Levie (South Corsica): museum of the Alta Rocca with the prehistoric history and the settlement of the people in the region, from the VIIIth millennium before our era until the Middle Ages.
See our article on the best museums in Corsica.
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4. Walking in the forest
Wherever you are, you can take your car and discover a beautiful forest.
Yes, you will get wet at the end, the forest is even more magical in the rain. The colors and textures stand out.
Here is an example in the forest around the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu (1h30 from Porto-Vecchio).
5. Hiking in the rain
We are not made of sugar.
If there is a storm, do not go hiking.
But if we’re talking about a little rain, cover up well and go anyway. You will be more quiet on the way, calm and even closer to nature.
And you don’t know, maybe it’ll turn up in the middle of your walk!
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6. Go to the beach anyway
Again, this is not to be done if there is a storm.
But even in the rain, the Corsican beaches are very beautiful with their mountains all around.
And if you go swimming, you’re wet anyway!
And the main advantage is that nobody will be there, you can enjoy the most beautiful beaches of Corsica without the crowds!
7. Visit churches and cathedrals
Corsica is extraordinarily rich in churches or chapels of all styles (even if Baroque art is the most represented).
If you are in Ajaccio or Bastia, both cities have many religious buildings.
Take the time to visit them and admire the works of art and their architecture.
In Bastia, we love:
- The church of St. John the Baptist, near the port
- The church of Sainte Croix and its oratory
- The pro-cathedral of Saint Mary
- The oratory
In Ajaccio, we love:
- the cathedral facing the sea with the baptistery of Napoleon and the statue of the Madonuccia, patron saint of the city.
- the imperial chapel (in the Fesch museum)
- The church of Saint Erasmus and its blue decorations
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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8. Discover the craftsmen and products of Corsica
It is possible to visit many different places in Corsica:
- Vineyards
- Cellars to learn more about Corsican wine like those in Aléria
- Distilleries such as Domaine Mavela and its whisky or the distillery U Massicciu and its different liqueurs.
- The Pietra brewery, producer of the famous chestnut beer
- Artisan cheese makers
- …
9. Do an indoor activity
Most of the tourist towns in Corsica have a fairly complete offer.
You can find:
- Cinema
- Laser games
- Escape Games
- Spa
- …
10. Read a good novel, and learn to relax
Not obliged to do anything.
If the weather doesn’t invite you to explore, you may want to take the opportunity to stay inside and slow down.
You can also choose a book about Corsica: its fauna, its history, its geology… or a novel set 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.
Specific ideas by city: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Porto-Vecchio…
What to do in Ajaccio when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Ajaccio when it rains:
- Visit the Palais Fesch, museum of fine arts
- Visit the Bonaparte House Museum
- Visit the Cathedral
- Discover NaoRama’s Lego scenes
- Ellipse Cinema
- Participate in an Escape game Room 237
- Bowling, VR game and trampoline at the Corsica Arena
- Laser Game Megazone
What to do in Bastia when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Bastia when it rains:
- Visit the museum of Bastia in the Palace of the Governors
- Visit the beautiful churches of the city
- Cinema Le Studio
- Cinema Le Régent
- Escape Game Scappa
- Factory Zones in the south of Bastia with Laser and Arcade Games.
- Bowling and Laser Gun in Furiani, south of Bastia
What to do in Porto-Vecchio when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Porto-Vecchio when it rains:
- Go up to the mountains to see if the weather is good, and if not, visit the Alta Rocca museum in Levie
- Go to Bonifacio and discover the Bastion de l’Etendard museum or take a boat trip to see the cliffs.
- Enjoy the Galaxy complex north of Porto-Vecchio : with cinema, laser game, bowling
- Enjoy the Alta Game complex: with Squash, Escape game, Fitsal, virtual reality
- Canyoning (you will get wet anyway)
PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
What to do in Bonifacio when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Bonifacio when it rains:
- Discover the Bastion de l’Etendard museum
- Take a boat ride to see the cliffs
- Visit the rudder of Corsica
- Visit the churches
- Go up to the mountains to see if the weather is good, and if not, visit the Alta Rocca museum in Levie
- Enjoy the Galaxy complex (north of Porto-Vecchio): with cinema, laser game, bowling
- Enjoy the Alta Game complex (in Porto-Vecchio): with Squash, Escape game, Fitsal, virtual reality
What to do in Propriano when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Propriano when it rains:
- Visit the archaeological museum of Sartene
- Visit the church of Sartene
- Enjoy the thermal springs at the Baracci Baths
- See the program of Propriano’s cinema theater
- Visit the church of Our Lady of Mercy
What to do in Calvi when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Calvi when it rains:
- Visit the Citadel Art Museum MUDACC
- Visit the Church of Saint Major
- The oratory of Saint Anthony in the citadel
- Cinema le Fogata (in L’Île-Rousse – 30min drive)
- The museums of the village of Corbara not far away
- Drive to Corte to see its museum (or more if the weather is different) – 1h20 drive
- Canyoning (you will get wet anyway)
FOR QUALITY ADVICE
QUALITY Support us
Do you enjoy all the free content you find on our blog, without intrusive ads?
Our independence, the only guarantee of qualitytips, is partly based on your generosity!
We offer you to give us a coffee (or several) in the hope of sharing it with you one day in person!
What to do in L’Île-Rousse when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas of activities in L’Île-Rousse when it rains:
- The museums of the village of Corbara not far away
- Drive to Corte to see its museum (or more if the weather is different) – 1 hour drive
- Canyoning (you will get wet anyway)
- Fogata Cinema
- Visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception
What to do in Corte when it rains
Here is a small summary of our ideas for activities in Corte when it rains:
- Visit the museum of Corsica
- Visit the Church of the Annunciation
- Visit the Ghionga grocery store, one of the oldest in Europe
- Canyoning (you will get wet anyway)
- …
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!
