Things to do in Corsica: Attractions and places to visit

1. Ajaccio – the city of artists

In the island capital stands the birthplace of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Today it is a museum worth seeing, which tells a lot about the history of France. Ajaccio is a city for art lovers. In the baroque cathedral hang masterpieces of Delacroix and Tintoretto.

The Musée Fesch has an impressive collection of paintings by Botticelli and other Italian Renaissance artists. If you prefer to enjoy the sun and the beach, the Plage du Ricanto, also known as “Tahiti Beach”, awaits you on the eastern outskirts of the city and is considered the hippest beach in the city.

2. Bastia – much more than just a ferry port

Bastia is the largest ferry port on the island and perhaps this is the first time you have set foot on Corsican soil. But the city is more than just a transit station on the way to your holiday. The Place Saint-Nicolas in the immediate vicinity of the port is one of the most beautiful squares in France. Here you meet to stroll and play boules, to see and be seen.

Bastia produces the legendary Cape Corse aperitif and Place Saint-Nicolas is the best place to enjoy this speciality on the terrace of one of the many cafés and restaurants. The hustle and bustle is particularly colourful and interesting when the weekly Marché aux Puces, the popular flea and rarity market, takes place here.

3. Fortress city Bonifacio

The port city of Bonifacio lies high on white limestone cliffs and is probably the most impressive fortified city on the Mediterranean island. The picturesque rows of houses in the old town seem to float on the steep coast. It is worthwhile to enjoy this spectacular view from the sea side on a boat trip.

During a walk on the upper edge of the cliffs, you will look out over the Strait of Bonifacio and see the Italian island of Sardinia, only 12 km away, on the horizon. At the foot of the chalk cliffs lies the long, well-protected harbour basin of Bonifacio. Here, cafés and restaurants offer an opportunity for refreshment in an impressive natural setting.

4. Calanche – colourful rocky landscape

The Calanche is a wildly rugged, almost bizarre rocky landscape on the west coast of the island. The rocks are made of coloured granite and surprise with a glowing red when the sun shines. A narrow, winding road between the towns of Porto and Piana leads through the middle of the mountain landscape.

In many places it offers the opportunity to stop and get to know the unusual rock formations on extended walks. Nearby are the picturesque bays of Girolata and La Scandola, the oldest natural park in France. Together with the Calanche, they have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983.

5. Cap Corse – Corsica from the picture book

The mountainous peninsula in the extreme north is one of the most beautiful regions of Corsica. A trip along the coastal road is an impressive mixture of natural spectacle and real adventure. Along the coast there are 32 old watchtowers built in the 16th century to protect against pirates. The most beautiful place for a rest is the black beach of the tiny and idyllic village of Nonza.

For a trip around Cape Corse you should plan a whole day. The roads here, as everywhere in the mountains of Corsica, are extremely winding. If you read the distance of 10 kilometres on a signpost, you should plan at least twice the journey time compared to Germany.

6. Corte – picturesque and dreamlike beautiful

In the city of Corte, the beach and bathing island of Corsica shows its mountainous side and already on the way there you will be amazed by the magnificent landscape on every kilometre. Corte lies on a plateau similar to a fortress and at first sight almost repellent.

The picturesque old town with its narrow streets and steep stairs is one of the most beautiful sights of the island. Especially during a stroll in the late afternoon hours the place enchants its visitors with a wonderful atmosphere. Although Corte has only 8,000 inhabitants, it is the only university on the island.

7. L’ÃŽle-Rousse and the Balange

L’ÃŽle-Rousse is a charming holiday resort on the north coast between Bastia and Calvi. The road network is laid out like a chess board and at every corner you will find street cafés, restaurants and above all many boutiques, which make the town a small shopping paradise. The historical market hall is remarkable, where a day begins at 6.00 am with an offer of local vegetables, fruit, fish and other delicious Corsican specialities.

Only a few kilometres away from the beaches lie the mountain villages of the Balange. They are lovingly maintained places with romantic alleys and sometimes crooked houses. Here you will find the genuine charm of traditional Corsica and almost every village square will surprise you with a magnificent view of the coastline and the sea.

8. Hike to Monte Cinto

A hike to Monte Cinto requires a little sporting commitment, but rewards you with one of the most beautiful holiday experiences on the already dreamlike sunny island of Corsica. For the excursion you should use the early morning hours and avoid the rising temperatures of the midday sun.

In the morning the temperature is still pleasantly mild and the clear air allows a clear view. From an altitude of 2,700 m you can enjoy a spectacular view. Beyond the impressive mountain landscape, you can see the Mediterranean Sea on both sides of the island on clear days.

9. Porto-Vecchio and Palombaggia

Porto-Vecchio is the most popular holiday resort and is located in the southeast of the island. Among the numerous beaches, the sandy beach of Palombaggia is particularly attractive and worth a day trip, even if you spend your holiday in another part of Corsica. The idyllic beach of Palombaggia is considered to be the most beautiful bathing place on the Corsican coast.

The bay with its turquoise water and immaculate white sand lies on the edge of extensive pine forests and is surrounded by deep red rocks. Because of the calm water, the sheltered bay is an ideal family meeting point and also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.

10. Corsican Railway

Corsica is a fascinating island, which not only surprises and inspires with its big sights, but almost everywhere. A wonderful way to get to know the impressive island world effortlessly and very comfortably is a ride on the Corsican railway. The “Chemin de Fer de la Corse” offers two impressive routes. One leads from Ajaccio on the west coast across the island to Bastia on the east coast.

Over a length of approx. 158 km, the trains travel at a leisurely pace through narrow gorges, over high passes and over dizzying viaducts. The other line, the Tramway de Balagne, runs from L’ÃŽle-Rousse through the Balange area to the port of Calvi. Rail travel on Corsica is a beautiful experience for the whole family and a very relaxed way of locomotion!

Best time to visit Corsica

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Corsica:

April, May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Corsica.