Corsica Travel Guide

Discover Corsica with this comprehensive travel guide. From its cultural and natural attractions to hiking and biking routes, find everything you need to know to plan your trip here.


Introduction to Corsica

Corsica is a French island located in the Mediterranean Sea, just southeast of France. Known for its stunning natural beauty, impressive hiking trails, and delicious cuisine, Corsica attracts visitors from all over the globe. Despite being a part of France, Corsica has a distinct culture of its own, with a unique history and language. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything that Corsica has to offer, including the best places to visit, what to eat and drink, and how to get there.

List of Places to Visit in Corsica

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Citadelle de Calvi – a 13th-century fortress with impressive views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
  • Musée de la Corse – a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Corsica, with exhibits on traditional music, art, and architecture.
  • Bonifacio – an ancient fortified city with a stunning harbor, cobbled streets, and historic churches.
  • Filitosa – an archaeological site with ancient menhirs and dolmens.

Natural Attractions of Corsica: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Calanques de Piana – a breathtaking, UNESCO-listed rock formation on the west coast of Corsica.
  • Scandola Nature Reserve – a protected marine reserve with impressive coastline and unique wildlife.
  • Cap Corse – a magnificent cape with stunning views of the sea and Corsica’s landscape.
  • GR20 hiking trail – a 112-mile long trail that winds through Corsica’s rugged interior, offering hikers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Corsica

Corsica is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. From the challenging GR20 trail to the serene coastal paths, there’s something for everyone.

Best Hiking Routes

  • GR20 trail – the most famous hiking trail in Corsica with challenging terrain and stunning views.
  • Mare e Monti trail – a picturesque trail that offers a perfect mix of rugged mountains and stunning coastal scenery.
  • Cirque de la Solitude – a circular hike in the heart of Corsica that offers incredible views of surrounding peaks and valleys.

Best Biking Routes

  • Tour de Corse – a challenging 620-mile route around Corsica’s coastline that passes through beautiful villages, stunning beaches, and scenic mountains.
  • L’Île-Rousse to Calvi Route – a 27-mile long route along the coast that takes you through beautiful forests and along the turquoise water of the Mediterranean.

Best Things to Do in Corsica: Activities and Tours

If you’re not the hiking or biking type, don’t worry. Corsica has plenty of other activities to enjoy, from watersports to cultural experiences.

  • Scuba diving – Explore the clear waters off the coast of Corsica and discover an underwater world teeming with life.
  • Boat Tour – Take a boat tour around the island and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
  • Wine Tasting – Visit one of Corsica’s vineyards and taste some of the island’s delicious wines.
  • Corsican Cooking Class – Join a cooking class and learn how to prepare some of Corsica’s famous dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Corsica

If you have a week to spend in Corsica, here is a sample itinerary to consider:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace
Day 2 Hike the Mare a Mare trail
Day 3 Visit Bonifacio and take a boat tour to see the cliffs
Day 4 Explore the GR20 trail (stage 4)
Day 5 Take a wine tour in Patrimonio
Day 6 Swim in the natural pools of Cavu river
Day 7 Relax on Palombaggia beach

Food and Drink Scene of Corsica

Corsica’s cuisine is a mix of French and Italian influences, with a heavy emphasis on fresh, local products. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Veau aux olives - a traditional Corsican dish made with tender veal, olives, and herbs.
  • Brocciu – a fresh cheese made from sheep’s milk and used in many Corsican dishes.
  • Fiadone – a traditional Corsican dessert made with brocciu, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest.

Local Beverages

  • Corsican wine – Corsica produces some excellent wines, including Vermentino, Nielluccio, and Sciaccarellu.
  • Beer – Corsica has a growing craft brewing scene with local breweries like Pietra and Colomba.
  • Cedratine – a traditional Corsican liqueur made from lemons and sugar.

Where to Stay in Corsica: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Corsica has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best.

  • Luxury Hotels – Some of the most popular luxury hotels in Corsica include La Signoria, Sofitel Golfe d’Ajaccio Thalassa Sea & Spa, and Hotel La Villa Calvi.
  • Budget Hotels – For budget-friendly options, consider hotels like Hôtel Arena Le Refuge, La Caravelle, and Hôtel Marinca & Spa.
  • Hostels – Some of the best hostels in Corsica include U Fracintu, Ostello di a Corsica, and A Casa di L’Orsu.
  • Guesthouses – For a more intimate stay, consider guesthouses like Domaine de Murtoli, Les Jardins de la Glacière, or Casa Theodora.

What to Buy in Corsica: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Brocciu – Corsica’s iconic cheese is the perfect souvenir to bring home and tastes great on everything!
  • Charcuterie – Corsican charcuterie is famous for its smoke-cured meats like lonzu, coppa, and figatellu.
  • Clementines – Corsican clementines are considered some of the best in the world.
  • Olive oil – Corsica produces some of the best olive oil in France, with a fruity, spicy flavor.

Local Culture and Customs of Corsica

Corsica has a unique culture and history, and it’s worth taking the time to learn about them before you visit. Corsicans are proud of their heritage and are known for being friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Best Time to Visit Corsica

The best time to visit Corsica is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. July and August are peak season, with higher hotel prices and more tourist crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Corsica

Do:

  • Learn Some French – Knowing a few phrases of French will make your trip to Corsica much more enjoyable.
  • Respect the Culture – Corsican culture is unique and should be respected. Take your time to learn about the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the Local Cuisine – Corsican cuisine is delicious and a big part of the island’s culture. Take the time to try some of the local dishes.

Don’t:

  • Litter – Corsica’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws, so please do your part to keep it clean.
  • Be Disrespectful – Corsicans are proud of their heritage and culture. Avoid doing anything that may be deemed disrespectful.
  • Overfeed the Local Animals – Corsica’s wild animals are an essential part of the island’s ecosystem. Please do not feed them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Corsica

Corsica is a safe destination, but as with any travel destination, it’s important to take precautions. Avoid leaving valuable items unattended and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. When hiking, make sure to follow the trail and stay hydrated.

Health in Corsica

Corsica has adequate health facilities, but it’s always recommended to take out appropriate health insurance before traveling. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available if you prefer.

Getting to Corsica: Transportation Options and Logistics

Corsica has four airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Figari. Ferries also connect Corsica to the mainland, with services from Nice, Marseille, and Toulon.

Airports Near Corsica

  • Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) – Located in the west of Corsica, Ajaccio Airport caters to international, national and regional flights with most airlines.
  • Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) – Located in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia Airport is the busiest on the island.
  • Calvi Sainte Catherine Airport (CLY) – Located in the northwest of Corsica, Calvi Airport offers regular flights from Europe.
  • Figari Sud Corse Airport (FSC) – Located in the south of Corsica, Figari Airport serves mainly domestic flights and some international flights from major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Corsica

Buses connect Corsica’s major towns and villages, and schedules are widely available online.

Other Options

  • Ferries – Ferries connect Corsica with the French mainland and other islands in the Mediterranean. The most popular routes run from Nice, Marseille, and Toulon.
  • Car Rentals – Renting a car is a great way to explore Corsica’s rugged terrain and stunning coastline at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Corsica

Public transport is not as widespread in Corsica as it is in other parts of France. Driving is the best way to explore Corsica, and car rentals are widely available at all airports on the island.

Where to Go Next from Corsica: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sardinia, Italy – Take a short ferry ride to Sardinia to explore the island’s stunning beaches and rugged landscapes.
  • Côte d’Azur, France – Head north along the coast to explore the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera.
  • Provence, France – Visit the lavender fields and vineyards of Provence, just a short drive from the ferry terminal in Nice.

Conclusion

Corsica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unique cuisine, Corsica is must-visit destination in France. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, swim, or explore, there’s something for everyone here. Plan your trip to Corsica today and get ready to experience one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.

Two ferry companies which serve Corsica Two ferry companies which serve Corsica Typical vandalised road signs. The French name of each town has been removed by Corsican nationalists. FLNC is the name of a Corsican nationalist group Typical vandalised road signs. The French name of each town has been removed by Corsican nationalists. FLNC is the name of a Corsican nationalist group Trains at L'Île-Rousse station Trains at L'Île-Rousse station Corsica mountains Corsica mountains A castagnaccio is a chestnut and honey cake. A castagnaccio is a chestnut and honey cake. Corsican beer Corsican beer


    Bastia
    Bonifacio
    Cargèse
    Porto-Vecchio
    Restonica Valley
    Saint-Florent