Things To Do
in Corsica
Corsica is a stunning Mediterranean island located southeast of mainland France, known for its dramatic landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to beautiful coastlines. It is the birthplace of the famous military leader Napoleon Bonaparte, and its rich history is reflected in its unique blend of French and Italian cultures. The island boasts numerous outdoor activities, including hiking along the GR20 trail and enjoying water sports along its pristine beaches.
Corsica is also renowned for its local cuisine, featuring ingredients like chestnuts, olives, and fresh seafood, as well as its distinctive wines.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- â Coffee: $2 - $5
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the pristine beaches of Porto-Vecchio. Enjoy the warm sun and crystal-clear waters as you relax on the sand.
After a leisurely lunch at a beachfront café, take part in water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding. Explore the stunning coastline while the sun is shining brightly.
As the day ends, unwind with a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of the GR20 trail early in the morning. The cool breeze and beautiful sceneries will energize your adventure.
Stop for a picnic amidst the stunning mountain views and fresh air. Take time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of Corsica.
Return to your accommodation and enjoy a hearty meal. Reflect on your day while relaxing under the starry night sky.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty, with a mix of mountains, beaches, and vineyards.
- Rich cultural heritage, blending French and Italian influences.
- Vibrant local cuisine featuring fresh seafood, cured meats, and local cheeses.
- Varied outdoor activities, including hiking, water sports, and skiing.
- Less crowded than many other tourist destinations in France, allowing for a more tranquil experience.
- Limited accessibility, with fewer transportation options compared to mainland France.
- Higher cost of living and travel, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Some areas can feel quite remote, making it challenging to find urban amenities.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to overpopulation during summer months, impacting the local experience.
- Infrastructure may not be as developed as in other parts of France, leading to potential inconveniences.
Best Activities in Corsica
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Considered one of the toughest long-distance hikes in Europe, the GR20 trail offers stunning views of Corsica's mountainous landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and the chance to experience the island's unique wilderness.
Explore the beautiful Restonica Valley by canoe, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters, picturesque rivers, and the surrounding granite peaks.
Porto Vecchio is known for its breathtaking beaches like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, where you can relax, swim, sunbathe, or engage in water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing.
Bavella's stunning rock formations provide perfect opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts, with routes suitable for various skill levels and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Take a boat tour or hike the trails to discover the enchanting Calanques, with their dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities for photography.
Corte offers numerous trails for mountain biking, with varying levels of difficulty that showcase the islandâs rugged terrain and beautiful natural settings.
Join a boat tour to explore the Scandola Nature Reserve, where you can observe diverse wildlife, including dolphins and various bird species in a stunning coastal environment.
Take leisurely drives through Corsica's villages and scenic routes, visiting places like Bonifacio and Ajaccio to learn about the island's history and culture while enjoying stunning coastal views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Corsica with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Corsica
Visit one of these nice places.
A breathtaking viewpoint near Bonifacio, offering stunning vistas of the cliffs and the surrounding sea. It's especially beautiful at sunset.
Accessible by boat, this UNESCO World Heritage site features dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and crystal-clear waters, perfect for photography.
A mountain pass with striking needle-like peaks and panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, ideal for hiking and photography.
Famous for its red granite cliffs and stunning coastal scenery, this area is ideal for both hiking and capturing unforgettable photographs.
The highest pass in Corsica, offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, a perfect spot for landscape photography.
Known for its picturesque harbor and nearby beaches like Palombaggia, providing many opportunities for sunset and waterfront photography.
This scenic peninsula boasts dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and panoramic viewpoints, perfect for capturing the rugged beauty of Corsica.
The highest mountain in Corsica, offering challenging hikes and rewarding views from the summit, ideal for adventurous photographers.
The capital of Corsica, featuring beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant streets, providing an array of photo opportunities.
Accessible only by foot or boat, this secluded village offers stunning coastal views and is surrounded by a protected nature reserve, perfect for nature photography.
Food in Corsica
Corsica Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Corsican sausage made from pork liver, often grilled and enjoyed as part of a charcuterie platter. You can find it at local markets or at restaurants specializing in Corsican cuisine.
Must-Try!
A rich wild boar stew, typically cooked with red wine, spices, and herbs. This dish is a staple in many local restaurants and is best enjoyed in traditional mountain villages.
A fresh cheese made from goat or sheep milk, often served in savory dishes or desserts. Look for it in cheesemongers or served in pizzerias and local eateries.
A delicious Corsican tart made with a custard-like filling, often flavored with lemon or orange zest. This dessert is commonly found at local bakeries or pastry shops.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Corsica better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An annual food festival held in Corsica, celebrating local products like herbs, cheeses, and cured meats. Street vendors offer a variety of regional specialties, making it a great spot to sample the island's culinary delights.
A vibrant market where you can find fresh produce, cheeses, olive oils, and local charcuterie. Itâs also a great place to grab quick bites from street food stalls serving Corsican dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Corsica, it is customary to greet people with a handshake when meeting them for the first time. Among friends or family, a kiss on both cheeks is typical. Always use polite forms of address and consider the time of day for greetings.
When dining in Corsica, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating. If you are invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as wine, bread, or flowers. Itâs also important to respect local customs regarding meal courses and dining hours.
Corsicans tend to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance, particularly in urban areas. Casual attire is acceptable during the day, but it is advisable to wear more formal clothing when dining out in the evening or attending events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Corsica with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Corsica
Ensure a smooth experience
In Corsica, tipping is generally included in the bill as a service charge. However, it is customary to round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation for good service, particularly in restaurants and cafes.
Payments in Corsica can be made using cash or card. While cash is accepted widely, credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially in rural areas, where card facilities may be limited.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Corsica.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Corsica is mild and lush, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures averaging between 15-20°C. Ideal for hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty, this season also offers fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August) is warm and popular among tourists, with temperatures often reaching 30°C. Expect vibrant beach life, outdoor festivals, and activities like sailing and snorkeling. Itâs the peak season, so expect larger crowds.
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures ranging from 18-25°C. This is a great time for wine festivals and enjoying the island's culinary offerings. The crowds start to thin out, making it a peaceful time to visit.
Winter (December to February) is the off-peak season with mild temperatures and occasional snowfall in the mountains. This is the perfect time for a quieter experience, ideal for those interested in winter sports or cultural exploration without the summer heat.
Corsica at Night
Hiking in Corsica
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in Europe, the GR20 offers stunning views, rugged terrain, and the chance to experience Corsica's diverse landscapes. It stretches from Calenzana to Conca.
A hiking area located at the northern tip of Corsica, Cap Corse features scenic coastal paths, charming villages, and breathtaking Mediterranean views. Trails vary in difficulty and length.
Known for its dramatic red rock formations and coastal cliffs, the Calanques de Piana offers several hiking paths that showcase the area's natural beauty and unique geology.
Offering access to beautiful mountain landscapes and natural swimming holes, the Restonica Valley has various trails suitable for different skill levels, including routes to the Melo and Capitello lakes.
A picturesque valley with a network of hiking trails, Asco is perfect for hikers looking to explore lush forests, high mountain peaks, and the stunning Asco River.
Famous for its needle-like peaks, the Aiguilles de Bavella region offers breathtaking views and several hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Corsica through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Corsica by plane.
The main airport serving Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica.
Located near Bastia, this is one of the major airports on the island.
Serving the southern part of Corsica, near Figari.
The closest major international airport located in Nice, France, providing connections to Corsica.
An international airport in Marseille, France, with flights to Corsica.
Located in HyĂšres, France, offering seasonal flights to Corsica.
Located in Pisa, Italy, about an hour's flight from Corsica.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of Corsica, primarily speaking the Corsican language and maintaining unique cultural traditions.
Residents of Corsica who identify as part of the broader French demographic, often fluent in French and integrated into national culture.
Due to the historical ties with Italy, some residents identify with Italian heritage, influencing local culture and cuisine.
Includes various expats from other European countries who have settled in Corsica for work or lifestyle.
A demographic group comprising immigrants from North African countries, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Corsica.
The Soul of Corsica
Discover the essence of Corsica through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Corsica, with several local clubs and a strong community following.
Rugby has a significant presence in Corsica, with clubs competing at various levels and a passionate fan base.
Cycling is popular due to the island's diverse terrain, attracting both recreational cyclists and competitive events.
With its stunning landscapes, hiking is a favored outdoor activity for both locals and tourists, featuring numerous trails.
Given Corsica's beautiful coastline, water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking are very popular among residents.
Tennis is widely played in Corsica, with many clubs offering facilities for players of all ages and skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Corsica.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Corsican cuisine offers some vegetarian options such as ratatouille, vegetable tortas (savory pies), and fresh salads, available at many restaurants.
While traditional dishes often include meat and dairy, many restaurants are becoming aware of vegetarian and vegan preferences, offering plant-based alternatives and salads. Look for more modern eateries or specify your need with chefs.
Gluten-free options can be limited but are available at certain eateries. Many local cheeses, meats, and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. Always inquire with restaurant staff about specific dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Corsica with these cultural adventures.
