What to see in Corsica

City, Sandy beach, Fortress

Bastia is known as the gateway to Corsica. For most visitors, it is the first town they see and the last one they leave. After Ajaccio, it is the second largest city on the island and the largest port in Corsica. Thanks to its location in the north-east of the country, dozens of ferries from France and Italy arrive here daily. If visibility is good, you can also see the island of Elba, which is only 50 km from Corsica. Book a car in Corsica …

City, Cathedral, Fortress, Promenade

Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica and an important port. There are a large number of shops, boutiques, cafes, as well as daily markets. Ajaccio's architecture is not that of a typical Mediterranean resort, but rather that of a wealthy town in mainland France. Beautiful houses adorn the promenades and the centre, and the full facilities of the largest city are great for restocking supplies when travelling around the island. …

Tourist town, Cliff, Staircase, Fortress

Bonifacio is a fortified medieval town situated on chalk-white cliffs on the southernmost tip of Corsica. It lies just 12 km from Sardinia and therefore serves as one of the main ports for ferries from this Italian island. Bonifacio is a popular tourist resort with complete facilities and many attractions. In Corsican, the town is called Bunifaziu or also Bonifacio. Book a car in Corsica The 10 best accommodations in Corsica Bonifacio has…

Natural formation, Coast

Calanche is a unique area of rock formations of orange and pink granite and cliffs that rise 250-300 m above the coastline near the village of Piana above the bay of Porto. The bizarre formations are often associated with animal and human figures. Legend has it that the devil created them in a fit of rage. In fact, they are the result of atypical erosion caused by wind and sea. The area is protected by UNESCO. Car rental in Corsica Cheapest…

City, Fortress, Sandy beach

Calvi is a picturesque small town in the north of the island. The town is dominated by a large citadel, which was built during the Genoese occupation. According to some legends, the sailor Christopher Columbus was born in Calvi, and in the 13th-century Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste, a wooden statue marks the spot where Columbus' birthplace is said to have stood before the construction of the cathedral. [btn "Find the best hotel in Calvi" https:/…

Tourist town, Fortress

The town of Corte lies in the heart of Corsica and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Corte is also the only Corsican town inland that is fortified with a citadel. The fortress offers a fine view of the surrounding mountains and the valleys of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers. The citadel houses the Musée de la Corse (Museum of Corsica), where you can learn many interesting facts and details about Corsica. [btn "Find the best hotel in…

Valley, Lookout

The wild Gorges de Spelunca, with the winding Tavulella river that winds its way through several hundred metres of pinkish granite rocks, is one of the top Corsican attractions and should not be missed. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-spelunca] In fact, the Spelunca is one of the most massive granite canyons in all of Europe, stretching over 3km between the…

Mountain, Lookout

The mountain pass with its beautiful scenery of rock towers is a true paradise for those interested in hiking. At an altitude of 1,218 m, there is a saddle around which the rock towers known as the Aiguilles de Bavella rise, changing colour from ochre to gold during the day. The area around Bavella is ideal for hiking, with plenty of marked and unmarked trails, but climbing and canyoning enthusiasts will also enjoy the area. [btn "The 10 best…

Sandy beach

Palombaggia is probably the most visited beach in Corsica. It is located 10 km from Porto Vecchio. The beach itself is 2 km long and is bordered by a pine grove. The fine sand, the crystal-clear sea, whose colours vary from turquoise to dark blue, and the unusually dense vegetation on the shore give the impression of an exotic Caribbean. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Sandy beach

One of Europe's most famous and beautiful beaches lies halfway between Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio. Thanks to its sheltered location, there are hardly any waves, making it ideal for families with children. Thanks to its location in an almost perfectly circular bay, the beach and its surroundings resemble the shape of a small shell, but this is especially appreciated when viewed from a bird's eye view. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https…

Sandy beach, Coast

The area around Pointe de Sperone boasts three beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for trips from the nearby town of Bonifacio, one of the most visited in Corsica. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-sperone] The very rugged coastline around the headland creates beautiful coves, viewpoints and the green formerly agricultural landscape has been transformed…

Sandy beach

Santa Giulia beach in southern Corsica is considered the most beautiful of all the surrounding beaches and is regularly included in the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as UNESCO has confirmed several times in its recommendations. However, the beach itself is not on the UNESCO list. [btn "Choose a beachfront hotel" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-giulia] The granite cliffs nestled…

Sandy beach

Cala Rossa Beach is located in the small resort of the same name, north of Porto-Vecchio. You will be enchanted by the beautiful surroundings with green hills, a quiet bay and views of the wide open sea. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-calarossa] The main part of the beach is called the Grande Plage de Cala Rossa, while the next beach closer to the resort is…

Pebble beach

Porto is a seaside resort on the west coast with a pebble beach and a nice harbour. In the harbour you will find many shops, cafes and restaurants. Porto is the starting point for hikes through the SpeluncaGorge and for a trip to the Calanche rock formations. The watchtower, built by the Genoese to defend against Saracen raids, towers over the bay of Golfe du Porto. [btn "Find the best hotel in Porto, Corsica" https://www.booking.com/city/fr…

Sandy beach, Resort

If you're a beach lover, the ones around Porto-Vecchio (Porti Vechju in Corsican) are the most famous in Corsica. Its white beaches with fine sand and clear blue sea make it the most popular resort on the island. The beaches in the surrounding area are not only among the most beautiful in Corsica, but they also top the travel polls for the most beautiful beaches in the world. [btn "Book a hotel in Porto-Vecchio in advance" https://www.booking…

Hiking trail, Fortress, Cathedral

Saint-Florent is a fishing town on the north coast of the island, characterised by its Genoese tower, picturesque streets and a harbour full of yachts. It is nicknamed "little Saint Tropez". Not only in the town, but also to the west of it, there are secluded sandy beaches alternating with rocky shores. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-florent] Sights and…

Sandy beach

The most beautiful beach in northern Corsica is located in a remote area of the dry area also known as Désert des Agriate. If you're looking for swimming in a purely natural environment, but also easily accessible by car and with basic facilities in the form of a few snack bars, then Saleccia is made for you. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-saleccia] In contrast…

Sandy beach

Lovers of more secluded beaches will enjoy the north coast of Corsica. Just a short distance from the larger and more famous Saleccia beach, you'll find the smaller Lotu beach in the desert landscape of Agriates, which is adorned with clear turquoise water and fine white sand. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-lotu] Despite its remoteness from civilisation, the…

Sandy beach

The northern coast of Corsica is pleasantly open and rugged, allowing the existence of long sandy beaches with nice photogenic surroundings. One of the biggest and most popular ones is definitely Lozari (sometimes spelled Losari) near the resort of the same name. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-lozari] Lozari is also one of the most accessible beaches in Corsica.…

Sandy beach

Seemingly remote but easily accessible by car, Ostriconi beach in northern Corsica is located about 9 km from the port town of L'Île-Rousse. [btn "Choose a hotel by the beach" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-ostriconi] Ostriconi is a beautiful natural beach, nestled in a wide bay and hidden from the surroundings by a small sand dune and rocky outcrop. It gives the impression of a completely…

Mountain, Lookout

The Col de Vergio is located just a few kilometres up the famous Spelunca Gorge and, with an altitude of 1,477 metres, is the highest road pass in Corsica. If you are a road-trip lover, the Col de Vergio is not to be missed. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-vergio] Hiking and magical views The area around the Vergio Pass is a fairy-tale beautiful place. A dense…

Tourist town

The town of Sartène, in the hilly landscape of southern Corsica, is a well-known historical site among the islanders. In Sartène there has been a very strong tradition of blood feud for many centuries, which reached absurd proportions. When, for example, in the 19th century a quarrel between two families over a dog erupted into a small civil war, the spiral of murder as the main means of blood feud reached unbearable proportions. [btn "Find…

Waterfall

The Manganello River (sometimes spelled Manganella), flowing down from the massifs of the Monto Rotondo Mountain, creates magical waterfalls for many kilometres of its course, falling from the rock benches and creating hundreds of smaller and larger pools. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-manganello] Cascading rivers are commonplace in Corsica and you'll find…

Sandy beach

The most beautiful beach in southwest Corsica is definitely the romantic Roccapina, situated in a relatively small bay and deep valley. The beach is overlooked by an old watchtower dating back to the Genoese Republic, which stands on a slender 150-metre high rock massif that separates Roccapina from the much longer but less spectacular Erbaju beach. [btn "Choose a beachfront hotel" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460…

Lake, Hiking trail

One of the most popular mountain treks in Corsica takes you to the beautiful mountain lakes of Lac de Melu and Lac de Capitello (sometimes spelled Capitello) below the Monte Rotondo massif. These mountain lakes lie at an altitude of around 1 800 metres and offer some of the most beautiful views in all of Corsica. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-melu] Melu i…

Valley

Thanks to its unspoilt nature, the Restonica River Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica and a popular destination for hiking and road-tripping. The Restonica River winds its way through the pine forests, dotted with granite boulders, while the open views of the majestic Monte Rotondo massif, almost 2,700 metres high, appear every now and then between the treetops. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com…

Valley

Over 30 km long, the valley of the Asco river with the village of the same name in the middle of the road is one of the most beautiful regions in Corsica and a popular place for hiking and rafting on the wild mountain river. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-asco] The Asco Canyon starts near the town of Ponte Leccia and ends at an altitude of over 1,400 metres at…

National Park, Coast

Scandola is a unique nature reserve consisting of both land and sea. In 1983 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reserve contains a large number of terrestrial and submarine Mediterranean fauna and flora. Dolphins and sea lions can be spotted in the sea and there are more than 450 species of seaweed and other aquatic plants. There are also some unusual species of fish, colonies of gulls and cormorants living on the reefs…

Pebble beach

Do you prefer small, secluded resorts in an idyllic landscape of coves and hilly coastlines? Then the smaller resort of Galéria on the west coast of Corsica is the place for you. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-galeria] The small village lies nestled by a bay and gentle rocky hills covered in greenery in a quiet area of the west coast, far from the hustle and…

Cape

On your way to the famous Calanques de Piana coast, be sure to stop at Capo Rosso, the westernmost point of Corsica. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-caporosso] Capo Rosso, or the Red Cape, is named for the reddish colour of the dramatic-looking rocks, which are particularly noticeable here at sunset. The entire Calanche coastline will absolutely mesmerise you…

Waterfall

Piscia di Gallo is the highest waterfall in Corsica. It is located in the Ospedale mountains and is formed by the Palavesani stream flowing from a dam about 2 km above the waterfall. From the plateau, it falls 70 metres into a narrow gorge which continues down the canyon towards the sea. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-gallo] You'll find the waterfall amidst…

Mountain

Monte Cinto, with its altitude of 2,706 m, is the highest peak in Corsica. The climb to its summit is quite challenging, as is the subsequent descent. Although climbing Monte Cinto does not require climbing equipment, experience in rock climbing or ferrata will come in handy. Some passages are indeed very rocky and very steep. If you do decide to make the climb, be sure to pack plenty of fluids for the journey. [btn "The 10 best hotels in…

Mountain

At 2,622 metres, Monte Rotondo is the second highest mountain in Corsica and is only 84 metres behind Monte Cinto. According to many tourists, Mount Rotondo offers the most beautiful views of any mountain in Corsica. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-rotondo] As far as the eye can see, the seemingly endless Corsican mountains appear below you as you look out from…

Valley

The wide and steep valley through which the road winds from the Bavella Pass to the coast to the town of Solenzara is ideal for many stops and hikes in the spectacular landscape of the Corsican mountains. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-purcaraccia] Cascades of Polischell or Purcaraccia? One of the most famous and popular routes is the trail through the deep…

Valley

Corsica is full of waterfalls, river cascades and photogenic valleys, but the Cascade des Anglais on the Agnone River is one of the most beautiful and most visited. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-anglais] A place to relax on the GR-20 The English Cascades were already popular on a large scale at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries with English tourists…

Lake, Hiking trail

The mountain lake of Nino is situated on a wide plateau between the two sides of the highest Corsican mountains. A trip to Lac de Nino will take you to a completely different landscape than the much-loved cramped canyons full of waterfalls or sharp rock massifs. On the way to Lac de Nino, you'll find wide green plains full of grazing semi-wild horses and fragrant forests of black pine. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking…

Sandy beach, Pebble beach, Resort

A popular resort with a harbour, the town of Propriano is located on the south-west coast of Corsica in the deep bay of Valinco, which makes for a beautiful summer beach holiday. [btn "Find the best hotel in Propriano" https://www.booking.com/city/fr/propriano.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-propriano] Due to its relatively exposed and poorly protected location, Propriano has been destroyed several times in the past by raids by various…

Valley

The valley with the Figarella river, which flows from the massifs below the highest mountain Monte Cinto northwards towards Calvi, is one of the most popular places for trekking and swimming in the mountain pools. [btn "Find the cheapest accommodation in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-figarella] Natural pools and hiking The main attraction of the valley are the natural pools of the…

Archipelago, Sandy beach

Several small, secluded granite islands and cliffs with sandy beaches, known as the Lavezzi archipelago, are among the most popular tips for a trip to southern Corsica. [btn "Find a hotel in Bonifacio" https://www.booking.com/city/fr/bonifacio.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-corsica-lavezzi] The archipelago lies in the Bonifacio Strait separating Corsica from Sardinia, Italy, and consists of two main islands: the inhabited Cavallo and the…

Archaeological site

If you are interested in history, then you must not miss a visit to the most important prehistoric monument in Corsica, the megalithic archaeological site of Filitosa, located just a few kilometres from the resort of Propriano. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-filitosa] According to archaeological findings, the site is believed to have been inhabited since…

Archipelago, Lookout, Lighthouse

One of the most beautiful places to watch the sunsets and the sea is just a few kilometres from Ajaccio. The Îles Sanguinaires archipelago, known as the Blood Islands, consists of 4 small islands scattered in the sea off Cape Pointe de la Parata, where the best views can be seen. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-sanguinaires] Although the origins of the name…

Pebble beach, Village, Coast

The village of Nonza is one of the most beautiful spots on the northern tip of Corsica and a popular destination when wandering along the coast. It has a small historic centre literally stuck on a rock promontory 110 metres above the sea, dominated by a watchtower dating back to the Genoese Republic. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-nonza] The rest of the small…

Church

The interesting Romanesque church of St. Michael near the village of Murato attracts tourists with its ancient history, well-preserved appearance and distinctly unusual facade. If you are staying in the north-eastern region of Corsica, you should not miss this monument. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Corsica" https://www.booking.com/region/fr/corse.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-korsika-san-michele] History and atypical facade The Church of San…