46 Fun Things to Do in Corsica: Highlights from Our Trip!

All the Best Things to Do in Corsica

There aren’t many places that feel unique and refreshing these days.

But Corsica felt like that!

The rugged island is a French territory, but physically located closer to Italy.

It’s got a distinctly Mediterranean feel, with French influence and a language that sounds quite Italian.

And the landscape!

It’s rare for an island to have both beaches and mountains, but Corsica’s mix of towns and villages straddle both vibes.

My friend Silvia and I took a girl’s trip to the island, intent on having a relaxing beach getaway. And it surpassed our expectations – an idyllic vacation, spent mostly sunbathing, eating and chatting as if time could float on by.

Here’s my quick guide to Corsica’s highlights, organized by region so you can easily pick and choose what’s relevant for your own trip.

the pretty pastel church in Calvi, one of my favorite towns during our trip

Corsica Travel Tips

Corsica Car Rental

You’ll absolutely want to rent a car to see the best of the island, as public transport is limited. I use AutoEurope to price compare rates from all the major car rental agencies in one easy search.

Check prices for your dates here.

Top Activities

Corsica is best appreciated through its beaches, volcanic coastline and wine!

Sailing Discovery Day: sail through the Bay of Ajaccio
Scandola Nature Boat Trip: take a boat out to the UNESCO-listed Scandola Reserve
Corsican Wine Tasting: indulge in Corsica’s unique wines at a Calvi vineyard
Lavezzi Islands Catamaran Trip: take a scenic boat day to the Lavezzi Islands
Bonifacio Boat Tour: take a boat tour of Bonifacio’s coast and snorkle the marine park

Where to Stay in Corsica

These are the towns I’d use as bases, with roughly how long to stay in each:

City	Known For	Time Needed
Porto-Vecchio	some of the island’s best beaches (Palombaggia, Santa Giulia) and amenities	2 days
Bonifacio	dramatic cliffside old town and boat trips along the scenic coast	1-2 days
Calvi	Clifftop citadel, marina beach, laid-back harbor vibe	2-3 days
Ajaccio	Napoleon’s birthplace, old town charm	1-2 days

Road Trip Stopovers

And here are some notable places to stop in during your road trip:

Stop	Known For	Time Needed
Corte	Historic citadel, university town, gateway to inland hiking	2-3 hours
Zonza	Dramatic granite peaks, the Col de Bavella mountain pass	1-2 hours

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Our Corsica Road Trip

For all our trip highlights and the exact route we took, see my 1 week Corsica itinerary here.

We wanted to make the most of our limited time, and took a counterclockwise road trip around the island visiting the towns of Ajaccio > Porto Vecchio + Bonifacio > Corte > Calvi.

Corsica Accommodation

Here’s where we stayed, along with additional recommendations:

Ajaccio: Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo
Porto Vecchio: Hotel Costa Salina, Les Bergeries de Palombaggia, Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa
Bonifacio: Version Maquis Citadelle & Spa or this Loft Airbnb overlooking the harbor
Zonza: Hotel Le Tourisme, Cute 1 Br Airbnb
Corte: Hôtel du Nord or this Cute Airbnb
Calvi: Kasano & Spa

If we’d had more time or a big group, I would have loved to rent an Airbnb on the island.

Most of the properties are right in the Old Town with charming stone exteriors and modern interiors.

Imagine waking up, grabbing a croissant at the boulangerie and enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the balcony with a view of the ocean!

The Best Things to Do in Corsica

A Region-by-Region Guide

My favorite way to explore an island is on a road trip and Corsica is no exception.

The island, although small in geography, feels large in person.

Driving even short distances can take hours, as the roads through the mountainous interior are narrow and winding.

As we took our road trip around the island, we quickly realized that Corsica can be thought of as a handful of distinct regions.

There’s the

polished, beach-club South, home to Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio
wild, cliff-hung West coast, home to Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital
mountainous Center (what surprised us most, and a nice contrast against the beach-heavy focus of our trip!)
laid-back, Italian-leaning North (my personal favorite)

Make sure you rent a car and explore as much of Corsica as you can!

To help you plan your trip, I’ve organized all the best things to do on the island below, by region.

The South: Porto Vecchio & Bonifacio

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Corsica’s glossiest corner is home to two popular beach towns: Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio.

Their glitzy harbors are full of billionaire yachts and to me, reminded me of a more relaxed version of St. Tropez.

1. Watch the sun set from Bonifacio’s citadel

Bonifacio sits on sheer white limestone cliffs at Corsica’s southernmost tip. The city is most known for its medieval citadel, which was built directly on top of the cliffs.

There’s no better spot to watch the golden sunsets down South than in Bonifacio.

2. Walk down (and back up) the Escalier du Roi d’Aragon

For a leg exercise, descent the 187 steps carved straight into the cliff face.

It takes you below Bonifacio’s old town to the beach below, and allegedly were built in a single night! In the 13th century no less.

3. Take a boat tour along Bonifacio’s cliffs

To truly appreciate Bonifacio’s beauty, you need to see it from the sea.

The town was carved right on top of the cliffs and looks the dramatic citadel looks like its rising out from the sea. Take a tour by boat to fully soak in the full scale (and take the best photos!)

This tour takes you all around the cliffs and also detours through Sdragonato cave, where the ceiling opening is shaped like Corsica itself.

Don’t miss the Grain de Sable rock formation too!

4. Spend a day on the Lavezzi Islands

A short distance from Bonifacio are the Lavezzi islands.

These protected islands are completely uninhabited except for local wildlife. The water here is some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.

A catamaran day trip is the perfect way to cool off and soak it all in.

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Corsica’s beaches in the southeast have more of a resort vibe with powdery soft sand, while the beaches in the northwest are more nature-y, with long narrow strips, pine trees and natural coves

Best Beaches in Porto Veccho

5. Swim at Palombaggia

Porto Vecchio is surrounded by beaches.

In fact, people come here and stay in town for at night, but spend all day at the nearby beaches.

Of all Porto Vecchio’s water holes, Palombaggia is the spot to sunbath. It’s touristy and trendy, but for good reason.

Palombaggia is the beach on every postcard in town, but when you see it in person you’ll understand why. There’s soft golden sand, umbrella pines and brilliant turquoise water.

Go early, it gets crowded – especially during peak summer! On a sunny day, you can look out and spot the Îles Cerbicale.

6. Spend an afternoon at Santa Giulia

Another famous beach just outside Porto Vecchio that’s worth visiting is Santa Giulia.

This is a calm, lagoon-like bay south of the city with gentle shallow waters that make for easy swimming.

It’s family friendly and there’s a string of beach bars along the sand.

7. Find a quieter cove at Piccolo or Grande Sperone

If you hate the crowds, check out these two beaches.

Piccolo and Grande Sperone are a slightly farther drive from Porto Vecchio but have correspondingly less crowds.

As someone who likes to sunbathe in peace, I think they’re worth checking out!

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is there anything better than a slow morning by the pool, all afternoon at the beach and then getting dressed up to go out to dinner?

8. Detour to Rondinara

Rondinara is a bay shaped beach.

It looks man made (that’s how perfectly shaped it is) but it’s entirely natural.

Rondinara is also a slightly farther drive, but consistently ranked among Corsica’s best beaches.

9. Get ice cream at Rocca-Serra Glacier on Bonifacio’s docks

After a long day of swimming and sunbathing, head back to Bonifacio for dinner and a sweet treat.

There’s plenty of spots selling ice cream!

Grab a cone and then relax by Bonifacio’s waterfront are and catch the sunset.

Alta Rocca: Zonza & the Bavella Mountains

South Corsica might be most known for its beach towns, but the region also has a stunning mountainous section.

Nicknamed ‘land of the lords’ or Alta Rocca, this section of Corsica is great for nature lovers.

Zonza is the main town in the area, surrounded by ancient hilltop villages, granite peaks and river canyons.

10. Drive the Col de Bavella

Widely considered Corsica’s most dramatic mountain road, the D368 and D268 roads climb from Porto Vecchio through l’Ospedale up to the pass.

The jagged granite “needles” (Aiguilles de Bavella) are the payoff!

11. Stop in Zonza

Zonza is a quaint mountain village with granite houses built right into the boulders.

There aren’t the typical touristy sights here, but it’s a good hub to base yourself in the area.

Or, a nice natural stopping point for lunch and a stretch of the legs if you’re driving onwards.

we went in September and mostly had the beaches to ourselves! this was as ‘crowded’ as it got

12. Hike to the Trou de la Bombe

Hikers and climbers will want to try this trek.

A short trail from the Col de Bavella leads to an 8-meter hole that’s been punched through one of the cliff faces.

If you’re not afraid of heights, climb right up to it!

13. Cool off at Piscia di Gallu waterfall

There’s another moderate hike near the Ospedale dam.

It takes you through the pine forest and along the way you’ll pass granite potholes that have been carved by the river over time.

Keep following the river, nicknamed the “marmites de géant” by locals, and eventually you’ll find yourself at to the falls.

14. Swim in the Cavu river’s natural pools

Even though you’re up in Corsica’s mountainous interior, there’s still spots to swim! Below Zonza in the valley are clear, granite-carved swimming holes.

The Southwest: Sartène, Roccapina & the Coast to Ajaccio

Southwest Corsica is centered around the stunning Gulf of Valinco and the rugged, authentic inland.

Here you’ll find more sheltered beaches and lots of historical sights and small towns.

15. Get lost in Sartène’s old town

Sartene is often called la plus Corse des villes Corses, or the most Corsican of Corsican towns.

To be honest, I’m not quite sure what that means?

Sartene had granite buildings that look like they magically grew out of the hillside, a small center and lots of side alleys.

Place Porta is the main medieval square. Overall, the town is small and easily walkable in ~30 minutes.

16. Photograph the Lion of Roccapina

The Lion of Roccapina is a rock formation that’s been eroded by time into the shape of a reclining lion. It’s a pretty photo spot, since the pink granite lion directly looks out over the turquoise bay.

You can see the viewpoint right from the road – it’s easy to access and free!

If you have more time, take the dirt track that leads down to the beach below.

17. Walk among the standing stones at Filitosa

Southwest Corsica has lots of ancient historical sites.

At Filitosa, you’ll find a Bronze Age megalithic site with carved figures. It’s one of the most important prehistoric sites in the Mediterranean.

18. Cross the Spin’a Cavallu bridge

This Genoese “horseback” bridge dates back to the 13th century. There’s a popular swimming hole right here too.

Central Corsica: Corte & the Mountains

Even though we planned our trip to Corsica as a beach getaway, we had to check out the mountainous interior at least once.

And we were pleasantly surprised!

Corte is the main village on the island’s center and it’s worth a visit.

19. Climb up to Corte’s citadel

Corte was a really quaint town.

We only had time for a stopover along our road trip, but the town reminded me a lot of Bergamo, Italy. It had that high-on-a-hill location, old medieval stone buildings and lots of pastel churches.

Corte is Corsica’s only major inland town.

It’s medium sized, and had lots of restaurants, people relaxing in the square and narrow cobblestone streets.

Corte was once the island’s capital and was built in a strategic spot right above the confluence of two river valleys.

The drive up into the city is really pretty too! It’s a long winding road straight up.

Make sure to snap some pictures from the bottom if you’re not driving.

20. Get the classic photo from the Belvédère

The best angle on the citadel is from this viewpoint just south of town!

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see said photo of Corte on the left :)

21. Wander Place Paoli and the old town

Up through the Rampe Sainte-Croix, past the Fontaine des Quatre Canons.

22. Swim in the Gorges de la Restonica

There’s a narrow, winding valley road lined with clear mountain pools that feel refreshing in the summer heat.

For the diehard hikers, there’s an ambitious hike that continues on to the glacial lakes Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello.

23. Hike the Gorges du Tavignano

If you want fewer people, hike the Gorges du Tavignano. It’s just as scenic as Restonica, but less crowded.

The West Coast: Ajaccio, Piana & the Calanques

Southwest Corsica is grounded by it’s capital Ajaccio. There’s a beach right in the city and one of the best things to do here is to have a boat day and see the coastline from the sea.

The Calanques de Piana are made from beautiful red granite and time has carved much of the coastline into unique and beautiful shapes.

24. Visit Napoleon’s childhood home

Maison Bonaparte, right in Ajaccio’s old town, is now a small museum.

Head inside to learn about one of France’s most famous leaders, his birth and his eventual exile.

25. See the Musée Fesch’s Italian Renaissance collection

Musée Fesch is one of the best museums outside the Louvre and a pleasant surprise to find on the island!

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how many capital cities have a beach right in town?

26. Shop the morning market at Place Foch

Ajaccio’s main square is very pretty.

It’s lined with palm trees, a very large statue of Napoleon statue and a cute train that takes tourists to all the main city highlights.

In the mornings there’s often a market with local vendors and produce.

27. Stock up at Marché Central d’Ajaccio

Place Campinchi’s covered market carries local cheeses, charcuterie, olives, honey, etc. Yum!

28. Watch the sunset from the Îles Sanguinaires

A nice day trip from Ajaccio are the Sanguinaires islands.

Book this boat tour and see the islands at sunset, when the islands turn a deep red in the evening light.

The color looks slightly blood like and morbid, but it’s how they got their name!

29. Drive the Calanques de Piana

This was the reason we rented a car and the drive did not dissapoint.

The Calanques di Piana are these dramatic red granite spires that drop straight into the sea. The roads are narrow and steep, but the entire D81 route north of Ajaccio is worth driving!

Just budget lots of time – it’s common for traffic jams to happen when tour buses attempt the route, as we found out during our trip.

30. Walk the Sentier des Muletiers

Hike the short trail into the heart of the Calanques for an up close and personal look at the rock formations.

31. Stop for lunch in Cargèse

If you’re looking for a nice stopping point, pull over in Cargèse.

This small harbor town sits roughly halfway along the D81 and makes for a nice lunch spot to break up the drive.

our trusty little Renault on our Corsica road trip along the coast

32. Drive through the Gorges de Spelunca

Between the mountain villages of Ota and Evisa, you’ll find the Gorges de Spelunca.

The spectacular pink granite canyon is famous for its lush Mediterranean pines, historical Genoese stone bridges, and emerald natural pools.

33. Take a boat into the Scandola Nature Reserve

Scandola is reachable mainly by boat, and one activity I wish we’d had had time for!

The nature reserve is riddled with sea caves, stunning red cliffs and crystal clear water. There’s also the tiny village of Girolata to check out. Hire a boat and take a day trip.

The Northwest: Calvi & the Balagne

Calvi was my favorite city in Corsica. The city is charming, quaint and lively all at the same time.

34. Walk the ramparts of Calvi’s citadel

This 13th-century fortress has sweeping views over the bay. Go for sunset if you can or stay at Kasano Hotel & Spa, directly across the parking lot.

35. Spend an evening on Quai Landry

Calvi’s harborside promenade is lined with restaurants. We came each night for a drink and people watching before dinner!

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there’s lots of cute sidewalk restaurants and dessert shops in front of the harbor

36. Claim a stretch of Calvi’s beach

Calvi has a loong stretch of beach – six kilometers of sand lined with pine trees. It’s beautiful, peaceful and idyllic.

37. Taste your way through Domaine Alziprat.

There’s a famous winery just outside Calvi. Book this vineyard trip for a tour of the celler and a tasty chef-sourced local picnic.

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one of my favorite beaches, the Plage du Rocher. It has these interesting rock formations, hazy blue water and felt so calm and peaceful

38. Loop through the Balagne hill villages

Sant’Antonino (sometimes called the “eagle’s nest”) is one of the prettiest villages on the island.

There’s also Pigna which is known for its artisan workshops.

Some smaller villages to check out: Speloncato and Corbara.

39. Ride the scenic train to L’Île-Rousse

We spent one evening out on L’Ile Rousse. The train takes around 45 minutes and brings you to another fun beach town.

There’s loads of restaurants, a lively board walk and a bustling central square.

The North: Bastia & Cap Corse

Bastia is a vibrant, historic city that acts as the gateway to Cap Corse.

The rugged 40-kilometer peninsula at Corsica’s northern tip is one of the island’s most beautiful drives (although really, every drive here was so scenic!)

Together, Corsica’s North is known for its Genoese influence, dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and world-class vineyards.

40. Explore Bastia’s old port at golden hour

Terra Vecchia’s ochre and salmon-colored buildings light up beautifully in the evening.

Grab a table at one of the harborside restaurants and watch the fishing boats come in.

41. Climb up to Bastia’s citadel

The 14th-century Governor’s Palace and the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie sit in the Terra Nova quarter above the old port. They’re car-free and quiet.

42. Drive the D80 around Cap Corse

The peninsula north of Bastia is only about 40km long but the road is so winding it invites constant stops. Definitely plan for a full day to soak it all in.

43. See Nonza’s black pebble beach

This clifftop village has houses that look stacked straight into the rock.

The town overlooks a striking beach made from black volcanic sand and stone. For a view, climb the short but steep Tour Paoline above it.

44. Hike a stretch of the Sentier des Douaniers between Macinaggio and Barcaggio

The old customs officers’ path traces the very tip of the peninsula with sea views the entire way.

Do the full 8-hour version or just a short piece of it!

45. Get to Saleccia or Lotu beach in the Désert des Agriates

Two of the most untouched beaches in Corsica are Saleccia and Lotu.

These beaches are accessible only by boat, 4×4, or on foot from Saint-Florent.

I haven’t done it myself but heard that it’s worth the effort!

The turquoise water is said to be crystal clear and the white sand beaches practically empty of visitors.

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big fans of Corsican wine and charcuterie

46. Try Local Corsican Specialties

And finally, don’t miss Corsican food!

Corsican cuisine is a mix of French and Italian, shaped by the islands long, shifting history.

Despite being an island, it’s heavy on meat and game but you can of course also find great seafood.

We loved the local charcuterie and red wine, and the island is known for its brocciu cheese.

For more Corsican specialties, check out my food guide here.

Planning Notes - Corsica Travel Checklist

Flights | Corsica has 4 international airports. Coming from outside of France, we found that Ajaccio (AJX) had the easiest connections to/from Paris as well as the most rental car availability. Check for flight deals here.

Car Rental | Corsica’s public transit is limited, and the best things to do are between towns, not in them. I use Auto Europe to price compare all the major rental agencies in one search. Check rates for your travel dates here.

E-Sim | Many of the small towns in Corsica required dinner reservations, which you can do via phone call or DM. Having service meant we could make reservations whenever we passed a cute restaurant and navigate easily on our road trip. Jetpac offers affordable esim packages for as low as $1/ day.

Insurance | Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Travel insurance has also been the fastest to reimburse me for lost bags. Get a quote for your trip here.

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More of our Corsica Travel Guides

1 Week in Corsica: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

All the Best Things to Do in Corsica: Highlights from Our trip!

7 Specialty Foods You Must Try in Corsica

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