Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to visit in the Mediterranean. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is one of the most beautiful islands to visit, along with its neighboring island of Sardinia. Corsica is a pretty big island, as far as Mediterranean islands go, which means there’s heaps to see and do once you get to its shores.
That being said, narrowing down an achievable list of the best places to visit in Corsica can be difficult if you’re visiting for a few days. Honestly, the choices of where to go and what parts of Corsica to stay in are mind boggling. It sounds cheesy, but the island pulls you to travel in every direction while you’re here. It is beautiful.
So, to help you put together a manageable list of places to visit in Corsica, I’m sharing our top spots you can’t miss. That way, you can focus on seeing as much of this stunning French island as possible. Have fun in Corsica.
1.) Calanques de Piana
The Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO-protected site in Corsica, which overlooks the stunning Gulf of Porto. It is absolutely beautiful, and if you only have enough time for a short trip to Corsica, make sure you visit the Calanques de Piana.
Located on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana is easily accessible by car, at least in the city of Porto. That said, you’ll need a boat to really explore the dramatic coastline here.
For the best time, Book this crisp rib boat which can take you into small creeks and bays (which larger boats cannot). you You can book this tour from PortoWhich will take you out for three hours to see Girolata and the pink granite that makes the area so famous.
Alternatively, you can Hire a private boat from the coastal town of Galleria. you will have This boat For a whole day, and you can do it all yourself – no license required. It’s a lot of fun, just be sure to take lots of drinks, snacks and some ice onboard with you.
Finally, the D81 road up and around the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is absolutely magnificent. The best part of the road is heading south towards Piana, with towering cliffs above you that drop straight down to the sea.
You might like to try Sentier Muletier Path; It follows the elevation above the D81 road and is a historic route for farmers in the area. You’ll go on some trails between Piana and Ota, and they’re spectacular.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
2.) Castle of Calvi
Located on the north coast of Corsica, Calvi Citadel There is an absolutely incredible (and historic) part of Port City Calvi to visit. It is not spectacular but if you want to explore the cultural history of the island, it is one of the best places in Corsica to visit.
As soon as you arrive at Calvi Citadel, you feel like you are stepping back in time, surrounded by high walls dating back to the 15th century when the island was part of the Republic of Genoa.
Did you know that it was built to protect against the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman Empire? Anyway, random facts aside, it’s stunning and you could easily spend a few hours wandering the little streets and stopping for a bite to eat.
You will enter the Citadel through a tunnel. There is also limited parking nearby, but it fills up quickly at peak times.
Take a look around the cobbled streets as you make your way to the ramparts and stop for a bite to eat. ÔFao And sit in their small terrace. It is very beautiful and the food is delicious.
3.) Palombaggia Beach
The southwest of Corsica has one of the best beaches on the island; Palombaggia Beach. It’s wide beaches, crystal-clear waters and shallow bays make it an absolute gem to visit in Corsica, especially if you’re traveling around the south of the island.
Now, Palombaggia Beach is not far (by car) from the coastal town of Porto-Vecchio – and it’s a place you shouldn’t miss. Trust me, the sand is soft and white, and the gently sloping beach means you have to walk a long way into the water.
However, like any grand venue, it can get busy on weekends or in the height of summer. However, it is a large stretch of sandy shore, so there is room for everyone. Oh yes, and for a small beach bar, go U Furanu. It’s nothing fancy, but the food is pretty good and it’s right on the beach.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
4.) Ajaccio
Ajaccio, a coastal town on Corsica’s west coast, is a great place to explore on a day trip or just for a few hours if you’re short on time. Take some time to stroll down to the harbor and stop by a small cafe overlooking the bay. It is beautiful.
Also, don’t forget to visit The Fashion MuseumWhich is actually inside an old palace.
Oh, and of course, you have to visit Mason Bonaparte. You see, the Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and his family home from 1682 to 1923. When you visit here, you can learn some pieces of information about his birth in 1769 and during his youth. To assist non-French speakers, audio guides are available in several languages.
Fancy a day at the beach? A short drive away Terre Sacre BeachIf you are looking for some beach time which is quite a pleasant place.
5.) Bonifacio
At the southern end of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is spectacular. In fact, it is one of the best places in Corsica to visit if you want to explore centuries of history.
Bonifacio Citadel was built in 16m Century after the town of Bonifacio was attacked by the Kingdom of Aragon and the Turks by the then ruling Genoese.
Even today, the strength of the walls shows how well they were built; They are still standing! They also make a good vantage point from which to look out over Sardinia, just a few kilometers across the channel.
Also, be sure to close on U Castile for a Pichette Wine and delicious lunch in the cave-like room. Their fish soup and their swordfish, by the way, are great choices.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
6.) Diarrhea
The natural beauty of the Aiguilles de Bavella near Zonza is a sight you can see from the road as you drive around the southern part of the island on the D268. The drives alone make it one of the best places to visit in Corsica, but you’ll get the best views by leaving your car behind and heading up into the hills.
The GR20 hiking trail passes through dense forest as you ascend to more than 1600 meters above sea level. The walk will take you around 5 hours to go up and down. Some of these trails can be tough and very steep during the hot summer months.
If you’re not sure you can do it, don’t. Stay in the car and enjoy the stunning scenery around Aguilas de Bavella.
7.) Chapel ‘Serra’
Not far from Calvi’s castle, the Chapel de Notre Dame de la Serra is an epic place to see in Corsica when you’re on your way to Calvi or the first entrance.
Now, to get to the Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra, take the D1B from Calvi in the direction of Galleria and this will take you to this small chapel perched on top of a hill. here is Google Maps link If it makes it easy.
Also, if you’re traveling slowly around the north of Corsica, you can get to the Chapel de Notre Dame de la Serra in a few hours total. It is not far from the shores of Calvi and you can take a nice slow stroll.
It is very spectacular and worth seeing at sunset.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
If you love the outdoors and mountains, the Gorges de la Restonica is a must-explore!
Want to travel? Now, good footwear is required with all hiking routes around the Gorges de la Restonica. Leave the flipflops at the beach as some trails are over 8km. Plan to spend a full day as some trail routes take around 3.5-4 hours one way.
Oh, and don’t forget to turn it off Lake Mello. The views are spectacular.
9.) Scandola
Look, I’ve touched on the beauty of the beaches around Galleria in the north-west of Corsica, but I have to go to the vast Scandola Reserve (Here on Google Maps) in particular.
Close to the Galleria, Scandola Reserve is a wonderful coastal park and you should make sure it is included in your plans. It is on a remote rocky peninsula, and the only sensible option is to take a boat tour from Calvi or Ajaccio. In the water, you should see seals and dolphins, and above, you may see peregrine falcons, eagles or ospreys.
Just make sure Book your boat from Galleria in advance, especially if you’re traveling in the summer months.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
10.) Santa Giulia Beach
On the southwest coast, south of Palombaggia Beach, is the most incredible Santa Giulia Beach. Its wide, shallow waters make it the perfect place to while away a day on the sandy shores.
Honestly, it’s one of the best spots in Corsica and within easy parking (here).
Now, Santa Giulia is around the midpoint of the beach where most people tend to stay. This is where the beach access and a few beach bars and restaurants are.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds, go downstairs This parking spott. It can be a bit quieter.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
11.) Speloncato
East of Calvi, north of Corsica, is a stunning hilltop commune Spelonkato. It’s so stunning and almost feels like it’s stuck in time.
Now, Speloncato is small, but you can easily spend an hour in the small streets and see the church of San Michele. Stop at Bar de la Vout or A Fontana For a bite to eat. Fontana crostini with island goat cheese is very good.
12.) Rondinara Beach
Just south of Santa Giulia Beach is another gem to visit for a beach day in Corsica. It is called Rondinara BeachAnd it’s a little quieter but no less beautiful than the other big creeks and bays you’ll find along the southeast coast.
Again, the water here is stunning and also very shallow. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat Chez Ange Beach Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is very good.
13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata
Probably one of the best places in Corsica for sunset views. Tour Génoise de la Parata The south of the island is easily accessible by car and on foot.
One of the things that makes the Tour Genois de la Parata so special is the scenery. They are spectacular, especially at sunset when you watch the sun set around the Sanguinaire Islands.
We love it here, and there’s even a little food spot called Sanguinari Brasserie It’s honestly beautiful at sunset nearby.
Read more: Best things to do in Sardinia
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