30 Things To Do In Corsica
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- Beach (6)
- Island (4)
- Nature (2)
- Historical Site (2)
1. Bastia
78 km from city center
City
Bastia is a vibrant port city on the northeastern coast of Corsica, known for its picturesque Old Port, colorful facades, and lively markets. It is the island's economic hub and a gateway for ferries connecting to mainland France and Italy. Key attractions include the historic Terra Nova district, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, and the charming Place Saint-Nicolas, offering a blend of Corsican (Read More) culture and Mediterranean charm.
2. The Old Port of Bastia
82 km from city center
Waterfront
Bastia is an impressive port town situated northeast of the island. Old harbor is the best place to spend your evening, with bars and restaurants lining the waterfront. Highlights include the church of St. Jean Baptiste, Place du Marche, and Place St. Nicholas.
3. Sant Antonino
42 km from city center
Village
Sant Antonino is the only village in La Balagne that can be seen from anywhere in the entire Balagne region due to its altitude. Its narrow streets hold about 75 houses built into the rock from local stone. These labyrinthine streets form a maze around the granite rock hook.
4. Needles of Bavella
30 km from city center
Hills & Valleys
The Aiguilles de Bavella are jagged granite peaks located in southern Corsica, near the village of Zonza, offering dramatic views and excellent hiking opportunities. Known for their sharp spires and striking red and gray hues, they are part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica. Popular trails include sections of the GR20 and the Trou de la Bombe, catering to both casual walkers and experienced (Read More)trekkers.
5. Col de Bavella
32 km from city center
Hiking
Col de Bavella is a picturesque mountain pass and forest situated in South Corsica. On the route of Col de Bavella, you come across these majestic spires, cliffs and rocky needles that trace the horizon. The flora, views and nature here are distinctly impressive from the other parts in Corsica.
6. Piana Village
38 km from city center
Village
Listed as one of the prettiest villages in France, Piana is located about 400 metres above the Gulf of Porto on the western coast of Corsica. It is filled with traditional stone houses, narrow streets flanked by bars, restaurants and cafes, and a church that also forms a highlight of the scenic village.
Top Hotels In Corsica
7. Calanche of Piana
38 km from city center
Island
Located in the south of the village of Piana are the breathtaking islands known as Calanche of Piana. This island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With rock cliffs and several clips of varying heights, the place looks straight out of a painting. Another unique thing here is the shapes of these red rocks.
8. Ajaccio
26 km from city center
Town
Originally a Roman town, Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica. Claimed to be the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the mountains with lush green woods and the port and citadel as one proceeds towards the sea make Ajaccio an all-year destination for tourists.
9. Palombaggia
59 km from city center
Beach
Palombaggia is a popular yet unspoiled beach in Corsica. It is a nice and serene place with immense cleanliness. It has white sand and aquamarine waters, providing a beautiful natural contrast. The orange rocks at one end of the shore give the beach a rustic look.
10. Santa Giulia Beach
55 km from city center
Beach
Simply breathtaking, the spectacularly beautiful beach of Santa Giulia is located in the south of the Gulf of Porto - Vecchio in Corsica. Located at the foot of a mountain with kilometres of white sand beside gem-like blue waters, this blue lagoon is perfect for bathing and other water activities.
11. Ile-Rousse
66 km from city center
Island
L’IIe Rousse is a group of islets located in the Balagne region, the north-west coast of Corsica. This seaside town is filled with ambient cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants, and a central square wound up by narrow streets all soaked under the warmest microclimates in all of Corsica.
12. Citadel of Calvi
30 km from city center
Forts & Palaces
The massive fortified Citadel of Calvi has much to offer, with a brilliant view from its bastions. The view of the Citadel's ramparts is magnificent, making it one of the top historic destinations in Corsica. Opposite it, you can find Chez Tao, a 1935 cabaret, now known for its nightlife.
13. Bonifacio
69 km from city center
Town
Bonifacio is a stunning coastal town on the southern tip of Corsica, perched atop dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its medieval citadel, narrow cobblestone streets, and natural harbor, it offers breathtaking views and historical charm. Its location near the Lavezzi Islands makes it a popular base for boat trips and exploring Corsica’s marine beauty.
14. Desert des Agriates
71 km from city center
Situated between La Balagne and St Florent is Desert des Agriates, known for its landscape and beauty. The Agriates desert is an arid landscape in the beautiful wilderness. The desert also includes the deserted beaches of Saleccia and Loto of pearl white sand and crystal clear water.
15. Scandola Natural Reserve
51 km from city center
Forest Reserve
Situated southwest of Calvi, this UNESCO world heritage site is one of Corsica's most famous landscapes. The scenic beauty of this place, with its colors and shapes, is breathtaking. One can only reach here by traveling on foot which requires climbing high mountains or via a boat from near Porto.
16. Saleccia Beach
78 km from city center
Beach
Located on the edge of Désert des Agriates, is an undiscovered beach known as Saleccia Beach. It is unspoiled due to less number of visitors. The beach is so clean and the water almost transparent. The waters are a perfect turquoise colour and the sand is fine and white.
17. Restonica Gorge
Nature
By the Restonica River is one of the most scenic locations of Corsica, the Restronica Gorge. This place is famous among nature lovers, hikers, and swimmers. The boulders along the river lead to amazing hiking opportunities. The trees, flowers and numerous ponds make this place a visual delight.
18. A Cupulatta Turtle Park
9 km from city center
Wildlife
A Cupulatta Turtle Park is an endeavour to nurture and conserve turtles and tortoises. The site covers an area of 2.5 ha and houses over 170 different species of tortoises. From new borns to fully grown and aging turtles, from the tiny cherry turtles to the giant Galapagos, it is a home to all.
19. Cucuruzzu
36 km from city center
Historical Site
Located in a beautiful and secluded forest, in Levie, is the archaeological site, Cucuruzzu. The fortress was carved out of natural elements like granite and stones. It is a well-preserved site showcasing buildings and statues from history. The remains collected during the excavations are open for public viewing.
20. Lavezzi Islands
77 km from city center
Island
Lavezzi Islands are a collection of several islands, each of them with their own unique scenic beauties. It further has a collection of beaches the perfect place for sunbathing and swimming. The place has crystal clear waters and huge granite rocks. Most of the islands here are uninhabited.
21. Maison Bonaparte
26 km from city center
Historical Site
Birth-home of Napolean Bonaparte, Maison Bonaparte is located on Rue Saint-Charles in Ajaccio. It is a museum that displays items depicting Bonaparte family history and hosts a historical enlivenment of 18th century Corsica and introduces to the Bonaparte family members.
22. Camping in La Balagne
66 km from city center
Forest Reserve
La Balagne is a Tartagine Forest located in Corsica's National Park region. It is famous for its walk tours, that cut across smooth hills besides mesmerising blue waters covering olive orchards, vineyards, and honey-hued villages perched on hills that kiss the sky and offer panoramic views to die for.
23. Cap Corse
95 km from city center
Island
Lovingly known as an island within an island, the Cap Corse is a peninsula located in the north of Corsica. It offers some unspoilt, beautiful swathes of coast and towns rooted in history separating it from the rest of the island. It boasts villages perched on hills, coves and fishing ports.
24. Rondinara Beach
74 km from city center
Beach
About 20 kilometres northeast of Bonifacio, the Rondinara beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. It is a protected site with calm blue waters and a gently sloping beach. You can rent pedalos, beach beds, kayaks, etc. or simply go for a swim and rest on a sunny day on its white sands.
25. Castagniccia Region
52 km from city center
Day Trip
The Castagniccia region is located about 30 kilometres north of Aleria and 50 kilometres inland in the direction of Mont San Petrone . It is a hamlet dotted with tiny villages, steep forested hillsides, a few olive trees and vineyards and the largest chestnut forest on the planet.
26. GR20 Trail
54 km from city center
Hiking
GR20 Trail in France’s Corsica is a 112-mile long hiking trail. It is considered by many as the toughest hiking trail across the European continent. Afoot through the valleys with extreme landscapes and weather, the hike may lead to routes that demand over 1000 metres of almost vertical ascent.
27. Swim in Cavu Natural Pools
48 km from city center
Nature
Cavu is a river flowing in the south of Corsica originating from Massif de Bavella paving its way through the mountains till it reaches Saint Lucia of Porto Vecchio. Its upper parts are inaccessible but the lower parts still make the perfect swimming pools and have done so for over a millennium.
28. Hiking Around Cavu Valley
49 km from city center
Hills & Valleys
The Cavu Valley is located nearby the town of Rosso Tagilo and has hiking opportunities which the whole family can enjoy. The 10.5 kilometres long hiking trail of the Cavu Valley unravels the Punta de Quercitello at 1460 metres and the Pinarello Bay for you and it also has a snack bar en route.
29. Kayak Around Beaches
62 km from city center
Beach
Corsica is home to over 20 beaches each pristine and gorgeous yet equally mesmerising in its character. From the kilometres-long fine white sand beach of Calvi, and the wild and rocky beach of Ostriconi, to the family-friendly Pinarello beach, these are perfect for every age-group.
30. Cala Rossa
54 km from city center
Beach
Located near Porto-Vecchio, Cala Rossa boasts soft, white sands framed by striking red cliffs and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a postcard-perfect setting. Sunbathers can luxuriate on the inviting shores, while adventure enthusiasts can partake in snorkeling.
Things To Do In Nearby Places
FAQs on Corsica
What are the top sightseeing places in Corsica?
The top sightseeing places in Corsica are Aiguilles de Bavella, Citadel of Calvi, Desert des Agriates, Scandola Natural Reserve, Le Vieux Port de Bastia, Ajaccio.
How can I commute within Corsica?
The best way to get around Corsica is by car and a majority of the visitors choose to hire one; the main roads are very good. Apart from hiring a car, one can take a bus (serving as the principle public transport of the island). However, they run between major cities only once or twice a day. Travelling by train is highly recommended as it offers breath-taking views and scenes en route. The island's train is called U Trinighellu (Little Train). Although it is a slow ride, the experience is worth it.
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