Thinking of going to Corsica in winter? It’s a good idea, as the scenery is just as beautiful and there are fewer people around.
Here are our tips for visiting Corsica in winter: activities, weather, temperature, where to go…
Visiting Corsica in winter: is it worth it? Our review
Our review
Yes, Corsica is well worth a winter trip. What we love most about this island is the scenery, and it’s just as beautiful in winter. What’s more, the waterfalls flow freely, and the beaches are even more beautiful without people on them!
Benefits
In our opinion, the main advantages of going to Corsica in winter are..:
- far fewer tourists
- almost all the places to see are natural, so they don’t close in winter
- no parking problems!!!
- fewer people on narrow roads
- winter lights are often sublime
- It’s easy to see sunsets and sunrises without putting in long days.
- locals are less stressed
- You might even get a chance to see the snow-capped peaks while sitting on the beach in the sun!
- Temperatures are pleasant for hiking
Disadvantages
But there are a few drawbacks, and that’s to be expected…
- Sea water is much lower and not ideal for swimming
- Many hotels and restaurants are closed
- Some museums are closing
- Most construction work on roads and public areas takes place in winter, because it’s easier
- The days are shorter and the evening meal will be in the night.
- Some passes will be snow-covered, so you’ll need winter tires (mandatory).
- there are fewer flights and ferry crossings – see our article on how to get to 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.
Where to go in Corsica in winter?
You can go anywhere in Corsica, but with the beautiful light and the absence of tourists, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy some popular spots.
We recommend you:
Bonifacio in winter (our favorite)
Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful and magical places in Corsica, in our opinion. The whole region is in the process of being classified as a Unesco heritage site.
Imagine: the medieval old town is perched on white limestone cliffs over 70m high!
In summer, this small, restricted area quickly becomes overcrowded. But in winter, you can make the most of it and have certain places like the Roy d’Aragon staircase all to yourself!
See our article on the best things to do in Bonifacio.
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Bonifacio
Calvi in winter
Calvi is an ideal place to stay in Corsica.
It boasts a large beach, numerous waterfront restaurants, a citadel to visit and so much more…
It is also well located for visiting the Central West Coast.
It’s a tourist spot, but also a town with a lot of locals, so there’s still plenty to do in winter.
See our article on Calvi’s best activities.
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Calvi
L’Île-Rousse in winter
We love L’Île-Rousse and its charm even in summer. So with the winter calm, we really appreciate its colorful houses, the Pietra islands and their color at sunset, the downtown beach and the Balagne mountains behind.
It’s a bit more of a tourist town, so it gets pretty quiet in winter.
See our article on the best things to do in L’Île-Rousse.
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in L’Île-Rousse
Bastia in winter
Bastia is the second largest city in Corsica. It is at the foot of the Cap Corseand is therefore ideal for exploring. And the center around the port has a lot of character and charm.
In winter, the locals take over more, and the town stays lively.
See our article on the best things to do in Bastia.
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Bastia
Ajaccio in winter
Ajaccio isn’t our favorite, but as Corsica’s largest city, many of the venues will still be open. IF you’re looking for a little excitement, this is a destination to consider.
The old town is charming, and the city has some famous museums: Palais Fesch and Maison de Napoléon (with shorter opening hours in winter).
See our article on the best things to do in Ajaccio.
See the best hotel and rental offers // or see our article on the best hotels in Ajaccio
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
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- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
Weather, temperatures and conditions – winter sunshine
Winter in Corsica is generally mild, although rainfall is relatively abundant, especially in mountainous regions.
From December to March, the average seaside temperature is around 10 to 11°C.
January is the coldest and rainiest month of the year
Corsica in November
- The thermometer averages 15°C (59°F), and 17°C (63°F) during the day by the sea.
- In November, the sea temperature is pleasant, around 19°C (66°F).
- The sun rises after 7am and sets around 5pm.
- It can be quite windy but the sky is often blue
- See our article: Going to Corsica in November.
Corsica in December
- The thermometer averages 12°C (54°F), and 14°C (57°F) during the day by the sea.
- In December, the sea is cool, around 15°C (59°F).
- The sun rises a little before 8am and sets around 5pm.
- It can be quite windy but the sky is often blue
- See our article: Going to Corsica in December.
Corsica in January
- The thermometer averages 10°C (50°F), and 12°C (54°F) during the day by the sea.
- In January, the sea is cool, around 14°C (57°F).
- The sun rises before 8am and sets around 5:15pm.
- January may be wetter
- It may be windy and rainy, but the sun is never far away, and you’ll also enjoy some beautiful blue-sky days.
- See our article: Going to Corsica in January.
Corsica in February
- The thermometer averages 10°C (50°F), and 13°C (55°F) during the day at the seaside.
- In February, the sea is very cool, around 13°C (55°F).
- The sun rises around 7:20 am and sets around 6 pm.
- It may be windy and rainy, but the sun is never far away, and you’ll also enjoy some beautiful blue-sky days.
- Ski resorts are normally open
- See our article: Going to Corsica in February.
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What to do in Corsica in winter
Nature is so beautiful that you can do so much in winter.
But it all depends on where you’re staying.
Overall, we recommend it:
- Visit the citadels: Calvi, Bonifaico, Porto-Vecchio
- Hiking, especially on the seaside Sentier des Douaniers trails
- Strolling along magnificent sandy beaches with no one around
- See the waterfalls that flow(see our list)
- Explore Sartène, Corsica’s most Corsican town
- Do a bit of skiing in February (but be aware that the resorts are small)
- Savour Corsican gastronomy: winter is the season for Oursinades
- Visit the charming villages of Balagne
- Touring Cap Corse
- Discover Corsican wines
- Bathing in hot springs
- Surfing, because with summer come waves
- …
What you can’t do in Corsica in winter:
- Canyoning and many water-based activities
- Swimming in the sea without a wetsuit, unless you’re not at all chilly
- See the calanques de Piana by boat – there are far fewer boats offering outings in winter.
- Access to the Agraites desert by boat – from what we saw, the shuttles don’t run in winter.
For more ideas, see our article on the best activities in Corsica (summer and/or winter).
Christmas in Corsica
You could also consider spending Christmas or a week around it, in Corsica.
A classic Christmas…
During the Christmas season, you can enjoy decorated Christmas trees, carols, masses in churches, nativity scenes…
And most major cities have at least one small Christmas market to get you in the mood. In Ajaccio, it’s quite large, with 3 sections: the “marché des merveilles” (artisans and decoration), the “marché des santonniers” and the “marché des saveurs”.
… but with Corsican traditions
The midnight masses will be mixed with traditional Corsican songs that will transport you even if you don’t understand the texts.
In front of the churches, you’ll see the Christmas bonfires prepared by the children.
And other customs and traditions respected by Corsican families but which you may not have the opportunity to see.
And to say Merry Christmas in Corsica it’s: Bon natale!
New Year in Corsica
And you can also come to see in the New Year and celebrate.
You’ll be treated to fireworks displays in most of Corsica’s major cities.
What better way to start the year than with your feet in the sand or on a nature hike?
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
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