Wondering where to go in Corsica?
There are so many things to do during your holidays in Corsica, that it can be difficult to find the best destination.
Here is the list of our favorite places with pictures and explanations to help you decide if you want to add them to your itinerary: see the most beautiful beaches, the most beautiful landscapes, the most beautiful villages…
Destinations for your holidays in Corsica – summary
Vacations in Corsica: the most beautiful regions
The whole region of Corsica has a lot to offer – villages, beaches, mountains, natural sites… You should plan a lot of time to explore all its beautiful landscapes.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite destinations in the Cores, to help you narrow down your plans.
For each of them, you will find below a section with the main things to do and places to stay.
It’s not easy to choose, but if we must, our 3 favorites are:
- Bonifacio
for the citadel, the impressive cliffs and the beaches around - Calvi, Ile-Rousse and Balagne
for the charm of the towns and villages, as well as the beaches and rock formations - Saint-Florent
for the variety of landscapes between semi-desert, mountains, white sand beaches…
Where to go in Corsica – Maps of destinations
To help you find your way around, you will find below a global identification of the destinations.
And once you’ve chosen your destination(s), don’t miss all our tips for traveling to Corsica (coming soon).
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.
Bonifacio and the southern cliffs – Where to go in Corsica
Why visit?
In our opinion, Bonifacio is the most fascinating destination in Corsica.
It is not always what people have in mind for a vacation in Corsica but it remains our #1.
This region combines everything we love:
- a historic citadel on a small peninsula,
- impressive limestone cliffs,
- isolated beaches in the vicinity,
- nice hikes,
- islands with amazing rock formations.
The landscapes are very impressive and the place is unique!
See in the photo below how some of the houses are suspended over the water.
The most beautiful places
The first thing to do in the area is to visit the city of Bonifacio.
Do not miss:
- the citadel how suspended at the top of the peninsula
- thestaircase of the King of Aragon, dug in the rock, to go down in the cliffs
- a boat tour of the peninsula to better appreciate the position and architecture of the city
- the marina and its restaurants
- the hike to the lighthouse of Pertusato, with breathtaking views of the cliffs and the citadel
- the magnificent square of Saint-Antoine with its caves that pierce the cape
- the boat trip to visit the Lavezzi islands and have fun on their giant rocks.
But with your car, explore the area to discover beautiful beaches. Our favorites are:
- the beach Saint-Jean, hidden with beautiful rocks
- the beach of Tonnara, sheltered and colorful
- the beach of Petit Spérone, wilder
Learn more with our article on things to do in Bonifacio.
Where to stay?
The best option to explore the area is to stay in Bonifacio.
There are many restaurants and hotels with a nice atmosphere.
We really enjoyed the Santateresa hotel on the heights of the citadel.
– see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio
Or you can sleep in the surrounding countryside with options ranging from luxury to camping.
For example, at the hotel Version Maquis Citadelle
– see prices, pictures and availability
Otherwise other cities are quite close (less than 30min) and with many options to sleep:
– Figari – see the best rated accommodations
– Porto-Vecchio – see the best rated accommodations
To Know
The Citadel of Bonifacio is stuck on a small peninsula.
Parking can be very complicated in summer. Plan to come early or late.
And avoid shoes with heels. It is an old city with hills to climb and cobblestones. Plus, the King of Aragon’s staircase is forbidden to those who wear heels.
Calvi, Ile-Rousse and Balagne
Why visit?
The Balagne is an ideal place to settle down and spend your vacations in Corsica.
It is a convenient place to alternate days of relaxation at the beach and days of excursions in the area.
The destination is known for its 2 main cities and its small villages in the hills. Charming and relaxing landscapes.
Everything is very well arranged for tourism.
The most beautiful places
The region can be split in 2.
Let’s start with the waterfront:
- the city of Calvi, full of life, its long beach and its citadel on a small peninsula. We particularly enjoyed the sunset from the beach with the citadel in front.
- the charming town of Ile-Rousse which has a lot of charm. The rock of its islands of Pietra becomes red at sunset, hence the name of the city.
- the fascinating rocks of the coves ofPuntadi Spanu of Lumio which surround 4 small sandy coves.
- the fine sand of the surrounding beaches such as Bodri.
Then you can explore the inland with the charming villages of La Balagne such as:
- the village of Pigna, the most photographed with its postcard look. Be careful, the streets are very steep.
- Corbara, the largest with its convent and the ruins of its castle.
- the village of Speloncato with its high and narrow houses.
- the village of Sant’Antonino, the highest and oldest (and perhaps also the most visited…)
They all have narrow streets, charming churches and views of the hills and the sea. Beautiful atmospheres to enjoy.
And you can easily make day trips to the famous calanques of Piana or the Agriates desert.
Where to stay?
The 2 main places to stay in the area are:
- Calvi
You can stay either in the citadel or in the city by the sea
We suggest the Onda hotel and its decor in accordance with the place – see photos and availability
or see the best rated accommodations - L’Île-Rousse
A very pleasant city, where it is easy to get around on foot.
We suggest the Hotel Casa Rossa with its stone walls – see photos and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
To Know
Please note that the visit of some villages can be complicated in summer due to the lack of parking spaces. Make your excursions early.
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
Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert
Why visit?
This region is not often mentioned in the most beautiful regions of Corsica.
It is however a fascinating place with a beautiful variety of landscapes: semi-desert, mountains, paradisiacal beaches, historical citadel, vineyards.
This is the area where you can enjoy the greatest variety of landscapes in less than an hour’s drive.
Before becoming a popular seaside resort, the medieval town was called Nebbiu.
The charm of the old city has remained, with its 15th century citadel.
The most beautiful places
There is plenty to do in the area:
- visit Saint-Florent and its citadel, nestled at the foot of the mountains of Cape Corsica
- eat an ice cream
- relax on the beaches of Saint-Florent with beautiful views
- take the boat to the Agriates desert, to go hiking in this preserved environment
- discover the magnificent wild beach of Saleccia and its white sand
- push a little south to see our favorite beach: Ostriconi
- explore the Agriates desert in 4×4
- visit the vineyards of Patrimonio, also protected by the mountains
- to discover the Cap Corse
Moreover, only 30 minutes away, you can explore Bastia, and in 1 hour you are in Ile-Rousse!
Learn more with our article on things to do in Saint-Florent.
Where to stay?
You have 2 very different main options:
- Sleep in Saint-Florent with a view of the sea, the mountains and the desert. There is a wide range of accommodation available.
We suggest Hotel La Roya – see photos and availability
or see the best rated accommodations - Sleep in Patromonio to be surrounded by the charm of the vineyards.
We suggest the Lustincorne Inn – see pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
To Know
There are many famous ice cream parlors along the marina.
Saint-Florent is one of the easiest cities to visit in Corsica with large parking lots and few elevation changes.
Porto-Vecchio and the beaches of the South
Why visit?
If you are looking for a beautiful series of beaches with a paradise style, head to Porto-Vecchio and the beaches of South Corsica.
The region is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by umbrella pines and clear turquoise waters.
But the area is also just a stone’s throw from beautiful canyons and mountains.
The most beautiful places
Let’s start with the most beautiful beaches of the region:
- Palombaggia, the most famous with its red-orange rocks
- Tamaricciu: transparent water, and its postcard view with gray rocks and a pine tree
- Santa Giulia: a strip of sand between sea and lagoon
- Rondinara: a beach in a large and beautiful bay. Don’t hesitate to walk on both sides
- the beach of Favona, pleasant to swim
- the bay of Pinarellu
- and many, many others.
But to refresh yourself, you may want to go up into the mountains. You will discover:
- the canyon of the Inzecca,
- the gorge of Solenzara, taken by storm in summer to be able to refresh itself,
- the forest of Ospedale with its rocks and trees in the lake,
- the archaeological site of Cucuruzzu that we loved: a mystical atmosphere, in the heart of the forest.
- …
Learn more with our article on things to do in Porto-Vecchio.
Where to stay?
The region offers a very large choice of accommodation.
Either in the city of Porto-Vecchio, or all around towards the beaches.
We personally stayed 10min drive from Palombaggia at the U Pirellu residence and it was one of our favorite accommodations in Corsica with great views, large mini-villas and a nice pool. See photos and availability
For luxury, check out the Bergeries de Palombaggia.
or see the best rated accommodations in the area
To Know
Because of these beautiful beaches, the area is crowded in summer.
Be aware that the beaches are crowded and parking can be difficult.
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Piana, the Calanques and the Gulf of Porto
Why visit?
For those who are fascinated by geology, the Gulf of Porto is a must.
It is home to some of the most impressive landscapes of Corsica: impressive red cliffs and magnificent rock formations.
This area is classified by Unesco.
Getting there takes a while because the roads are cut into the cliffs, but that gives you time to enjoy the views!
The most beautiful places
You can enjoy the landscapes of the region from the land or the sea. Do not miss:
- the crossing of the Calanques de Piana by car – one of the most beautiful roads in Corsica
- hiking in the creeks (e.g. the Château de Piana) to take the time to appreciate the landscape
- hike to the tip of Capo Rosso, one of the most beautiful in Corsica
- discover the cliffs of Piana by boat
- explore the Scandola reserve and the village of Girolata by boat
- venture inland to Evisa for more mesmerizing scenery
- go down the Spelunca gorge
Learn more with our article on things to do in Piana and Porto Ota.
Where to stay?
2 main options to stay in the area:
- the village of Piana
in the heart of the Calanques, the village is on a higher ground.
Many hotels have incredible views of the Gulf.
We recommend the Capo Rosso hotel for its view and its swimming pool facing the sea – see photos and availability.
or see the best rated accommodations - Porto Ota
the village located in the center of the gulf. It is convenient for boat tours.
We recommend the Capu Seninu Hotel Residence with its breathtaking views – see photos and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
To Know
It is a difficult corner to access in Corsica. You will be limited in your excursions because everything takes time.
We recommend this destination more as a break during a road trip, than as a destination for a full vacation.
Cap Corse
Why visit?
The Cap Corse is the 40 km long peninsula at the northern end of Corsica.
It offers wild landscapes where the mountains flow into the sea.
The road along the west coast is particularly enchanting.
The area is covered with mountains in its center: 10 peaks above 1000m with the highest point, Cima di e Follicie, at 1322m.
The most beautiful places
Some of our favorite places along the Cap Corse are:
- the village of Erbalunga, a charming historical village on a very small peninsula. It has colorful houses, beautiful rocks, a small port and the ruins of a Genoese tower.
- the view of Albo and its black beach (pictured above) – our favorite stop along the road to Cape Town.
- the village of Nonza on top of the cliffs, above a black beach (no, it is not of volcanic origin…)
- views from the Mattei Mill
- the magnificent hike of the Sentier des Douaniers which allows you to access beautiful wild beaches
- Genoese towers along the coast including the Seneca Tower atop a rock formation
- the view from Tomino
Learn more with our article on things to do in Cap Corse.
Where to stay?
Our 2 main suggestions for sleeping along the Cap Corse are:
- the village of Erbalunga
for its charm with old houses and a tower in its heart.
We recommend the hotel Demeure Castel Brando & Spa – see photos and availability
or see the available accommodations - the village of Macinaggio
at the tip of the Cap Corseat the departure of the ” Sentier des Douaniers), convenient for exploring both sides of the cape.
We recommend the hotel Le Tomino, on the heights above Macinaggio for exceptional views – see photos and availability
or see the available accommodations
To Know
The road is sometimes narrow and we have to cross buses.
Take your time. No need to panic.
And don’t rent a car that is too wide!
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!
Corte and the mountainous center
Why visit?
If you like mountains and hiking, the center of the island is for you.
The city of Corte, located at 400m of altitude, is surrounded by the highest mountains of the island. Several Corsican summits go up above 2500m of altitude.
Around you with valleys, gorges, lakes and peaks to discover on foot.
The most beautiful places
- The city of Corte with its citadel and its Genoese bridge
- The Restonica valley: a road between 2 mountain walls, and hikes to see lakes.
- The mountain villages
- La Cascade des Anglais: a walk in the forest to see a series of small waterfalls: enchanting!
- The gorges of Tavignano
- …
Where to stay?
The main city is Corte
See the best rated accommodations
To Know
The roads are sometimes narrow and winding. Among others, that of the Restonica valley is difficult.
Waterfalls can disappear due to lack of water at the end of summer (and even during).
Ajaccio
Why visit?
If you prefer a vacation in a city, Ajaccio is the main city in Corsica. Its Genoese citadel dates back to 1492 but it was probably developed during the 2nd century BC.
The city of Ajaccio is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the sea on the other.
It is not the most charming to explore, in our opinion, but it has several buildings and monuments that are worth a visit.
And it is close to the Bloody Islands, beautiful beaches and easy access to the mountains.
The most beautiful places
To discover in the city itself
- the alleys of the city with pastel colored houses
- the citadel (only from the outside)
- the cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption
- the church of Saint Roch
- the Fesch palace-museum and its collection of paintings
- the National Museum of the Bonaparte House
And nearby:
- the Parata tower, which echoes the bloody islands
- the bloody islands accessible by boat, with views of Ajaccio and the Corsican mountains
- the beaches of Porticcio, sand and sun, to relax
- The peninsula of Isolella and its charming beaches with fine sand and rock formations.
- the village of Bastellica and its sausage factory
- the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, to be seen in the spring, when the water is flowing
- …
Where to stay?
Ajaccio offers a wide range of accommodations with brand name hotels, charming hotels and many apartments for rent.
Just be aware that most of the rentals are located upstream from the tourist area of the old center, with steep streets to get there.
We recommend the Hotel Palazzu Pozzo di Borgo in the center – see prices, photos and availability
or the Hotel Les Mouettes – The Seaside Collectors, out of the center – see prices, pictures and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
To Know
It is easy to walk around the old center and the marina.
However, be aware that many accommodations are located higher up above the center.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
Bastia
Why visit?
If you are looking for a city for your vacations in Corsica, we recommend Bastia. It is the second largest city in Corsica.
It dates back to Roman times when it was called Cardo, and its historic center around the port has a lot of character and charm. The citadel ensures its protection.
It is very pleasant to walk through the old streets and around the marina.
The atmosphere is lively.
The most beautiful places
In the city of Bastia, discover:
- the citadel district with the surrounding walls on a promontory
- the 17th century Saint-Roch Oratory
- the 17th century church of St. John the Baptist near the marina with baroque features.
- the Museum of Bastia in the Governor’s Palace – dedicated to the history and heritage of Corsica, with sculptures, paintings and furniture.
And in proximity, do not miss:
- the Cap Corse with its mountains that fall into the sea
- Patrimonio and its vineyards
- the charming seaside town of Saint-Florent with its citadel and views of the mountain
- the natural reserve of the pond of Biguglia
Where to stay?
A good range of accommodations in Bastia.
Be aware that the city is very hilly, with many hotels that offer views but are less accessible on foot.
We recommend the Hotel Des Gouverneurs with its sea views – see prices, photos and availability
or Hotel De La Corniche with views overlooking the city – see prices, photos and availability
or see the best rated accommodations
To Know
Paved streets, wear comfortable shoes.
Allow half a day to a day to enjoy the city and its citadel.
Many restaurants and stores.
Do not make
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Where to go in Corsica: frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful part of Corsica? The most beautiful corner? Which part is a must-see?
It’s really hard to choose. All the landscapes are beautiful.
Our favorite places are: Bonifacio for the majestic side, Calvi and La Balagne for the relaxing side and Saint-Florent for the variety of landscapes with paradisiacal beaches and mountains of Cap Corse.
Where to go in Corsica for the most beautiful beaches
South Corsica is considered by many as the region of Corsica with the most beautiful beaches. And it is true that they are exceptional.
As a second choice, we recommend Saint-Florent with the beaches of the Agraites desert.
See our article on the most beautiful beaches of Corsica (coming soon)
Where to go for the first time in Corsica
Frankly, all the destinations listed in this article are accessible to first-time visitors.
Our favorite for a first introduction to the island of Beauty, would be Saint-Florent. The area offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes and an easy circulation.
Where to go in Corsica for only one week
If you only have one week, you can’t explore all of Corsica. We need to focus on a Region such as:
- Saint-Florent and the North of Corsica (ferry to Bastia)
- Ile Rousse, Calvi and Balagne (ferry to Ile Rousse)
- Porto-Vecchio and the South of Corsica (ferry to Porto-Vecchio)
Try to take a ferry that takes you directly to your destination to avoid wasting time.
See our article on which ferry to take to go to Corsica.
Or compare directly the ferries, prices and availability.
Which city to choose: 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 prefer easy access to beautiful beaches, choose Ajaccio.
If you want a city with more charm and character, choose Bastia.
See our article comparing the 2 cities.
Vacations in Corsica: when to leave?
The months of April, May and October offer great travel conditions and less crowds.
Avoid the summer and especially between mid-July and mid-August when all the French are on vacation…
See our article on when to go to Corsica (coming soon)
What is the most beautiful city in Corsica
This is not an easy question. The cities have very different characters and landscapes.
Our 2 favorite cities in Corsica are Bonifacio and L’Île-Rousse.
Our 2 favorite villages in Corsica are Pigna and Evisa.
See our article on the most beautiful villages and towns of Corsica (coming soon)
Where to go to avoid the crowds in Corsica
The first option is of course to visit Corsica outside the tourist season.
But this is not always possible.
So if you want to be away from the crowds, choose villages in the mountains, inland.
You should know that the central-eastern coast of Corsica is also less popular than the rest of Corsica. But the landscapes are less spectacular.
