Corsica

Located in the Mediterranean, south-east of the France Corsica is a remarkable island in its own right.. It stands out as one of France's 18 administrative regions, benefiting from a unique status as a territorial collectivity. Corsica is celebrated for its impressive natural beauty, rich culture and tumultuous history.

This guide is designed to help you discover the wonders of Corsica. Whether you're a lover of breathtaking panoramas, historical treasures, culinary delights or dynamic activities, Corsica has so much to offer.

Join us for a memorable exploration of Corsica!

Discovering Corsica's must-sees

Corsica, the island of a thousand faces, offers an impressive variety of landscapes, cultures and traditions. Whether you're a city dweller or a nature lover, Corsica's must-sees are sure to seduce you.

Discover a selection of places not to be missed on this wonderful island.

Not-to-be-missed Corsican towns and villages

Corsica is home to an incredible number of towns and villages, each with its own charm and history. The most emblematic include :

• Ajaccio, the capital of Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, has a rich cultural and historical heritage and a welcoming seafront.
• Bastia, the island's second-largest city and capital of Haute-Corse, offers magnificent views of Cap Corse and the old port, and is famous for its lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
• Bonifacio, in the extreme south, perched on impressive limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the sea and Sardinia.
• Calvi, the tourist jewel of the Balagne region, with its Genoese citadel, long sandy beach and marina.
• Corte, a historic city in the heart of Corsica, former capital under Pascal Paoli, home to the citadel, Corsican museum and university.
• Sartène, described by Prosper Mérimée as the most Corsican of towns, retains an authentic character with its narrow streets and granite houses.

Secret beaches and coves on the Isle of Beauty

Corsica is famous for its beaches and hidden coves, a paradise for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Among the gems to discover:

• Palombaggia beach in Porto-Vecchio, one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters and umbrella pines.
• Santa Giulia beach, also in Porto-Vecchio, is reminiscent of a postcard, with its crystal-clear lagoon, fine sand and Mediterranean vegetation.
• The beach at Saleccia, in the Agriates desert, offers a wild, unspoilt landscape, accessible only by boat or via a track, with its white sand and dunes.
• The heart-shaped Rondinara beach between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.
• The beach at Nonza, in Cap Corse, with its black pebbles offering a striking contrast with the sea and sky, dominated by a Genoese tower.

Natural sites and regional parks

Corsica abounds in natural sites and regional parks, offering breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking and nature-watching. Not to be missed:

• The Calanques de Piana, strange and magnificent pink granite formations in the Gulf of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Scandola nature reserve, in the Gulf of Porto, is a marine and land reserve home to a unique biodiversity of endemic and protected species.
• The Aiguilles de Bavella, red granite peaks overlooking the laricio pine forest of the Alta Rocca, offer breathtaking panoramic views.
• Lake Melo, a glacial lake at the foot of Mount Rotondo in the Restonica valley, accessible via a hiking trail.
• The Aïtone forest, in the Niolo region, a forest of laricio pines home to waterfalls, natural pools and wild pigs.

Corsica's historical and cultural heritage

Corsica's rich history has shaped a unique historical and cultural heritage. Among the treasures to discover:

• Menhirs and dolmens testifying to the presence of humans since prehistoric times, scattered around the island, for example at Filitosa, Cauria and Palaghju.
• Genoese towers, defense towers built between the 16th and 18th centuries on the coast and in villages, visible in Girolata, Erbalunga, Algajola.
• Churches and chapels, reflecting Corsican religious art in a variety of styles from Romanesque to Baroque and Neoclassical, can be seen in Aregno, Murato and Calenzana.
• Museums, places of memory and culture with varied collections: the Museum of Corsica in Corte, the Fesch Museum in Ajaccio and the Museum of Prehistory in Sartène.
• Corsican, a Romance language derived from Tuscan and spoken by around 70% of Corsicans, is recognized as a regional language of France.

Activities and leisure in Corsica: something for everyone

Corsica is an ideal destination for lovers of a wide range of activities and leisure pursuits. Whether you're looking for thrills, relaxation, culture or gastronomic delights, Corsica is sure to please.

Discover below a selection of activities and leisure activities to enjoy on this fascinating island.

Hiking and outdoor adventures

This hiker's paradise offers trails through breathtaking scenery. The famous GR 20, recognized as one of Europe's most demanding itineraries, invites you to explore its mountains. Gentler alternatives, such as the sentier du littoral or the sentier des bergeries, reveal the richness of Corsica's heritage.

For adrenaline junkies, canyoning offers unique immersion in hidden rivers, while the Ghisoni adventure park offers acrobatic courses in the forest for maximum thrills.

Water sports and scuba diving

Corsica, with its crystal-clear waters and marine biodiversity, is the ideal location for water sports and diving. Explore the seabed by diving, kayak or try your hand at jet skiing, paddle boarding or parasailing. A boat trip to gems such as the Calanques de Piana or the Lavezzi Islands promises to be memorable.

Gastronomic discoveries and wine tours

Corsica also promises an exquisite culinary journey. Savor local specialties, from authentic cheeses to characterful wines with appellations d'origine contrôlée. Wine tours will give you the opportunity to meet passionate producers and appreciate the richness of Corsican terroirs.

Festivals and cultural events

Cultivate and entertain yourself with a rich offering of festivals and events, reflecting the island's culture and traditions. From the Ajaccio Italian Film Festival to the Calvi Wind Festival and the Nuits Musicales de Patrimonio, every moment in Corsica is an invitation to discover and marvel.

• Ajaccio's January Italian Film Festival celebrates cinema with enriching screenings and encounters.
• The Calvi Wind Festival in April combines concerts, entertainment and environmental awareness.
• Arte Mare in Bastia, in May, offers a panorama of Mediterranean culture through various art forms.
• Calvi on the Rocks, in July, vibrates to the sound of electronic music with numerous DJs and concerts.
• Porto Latino in Saint-Florent, in August, brings Latin music to Corsica.
• The Lama film festival in August offers open-air screenings, meetings and fascinating debates.
• In July, Les Nuits de la Guitare in Patrimonio enchant music lovers with internationally renowned performances.
• In September, the Sartène Corsican Song Festival celebrates traditional Corsican polyphony.

Practical advice for a successful stay in Corsica

Corsica, an idyllic destination, requires adequate preparation for an enriching experience. Discover essential tips relating to climate, means of transport, accommodation options and environmental preservation, to optimize your trip to this magnificent island.

When to go to Corsica? Climate and best time

Corsica enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, and an average annual temperature of 16°C, varying according to region and altitude. The island is divided into two climatic zones: the warmer coastal zone and the cooler mountainous zone.

The best time to visit depends on your preferences. For swimming and water sports, prefer June to September, although this is the high season. To avoid the crowds, spring or autumn are ideal, offering a pleasant climate perfect for hiking or cycling. Winter will appeal to ski enthusiasts, despite the risk of snow-related road closures.

Getting around the island: means of transport and tips

Exploring Corsica by car is a good way to admire the diversity of the landscape, despite the absence of freeways and the often winding roads. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the deceptively long distances between Bastia and Ajaccio, for example. Renting a car locally is a practical option, provided you book in advance during the high season. Public transport, although available, is less frequent and depends on the season.

Where to stay? Accommodation and tips

Corsica offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Prior booking is recommended, especially in summer. For an immersion in nature and local culture, consider staying in a rural village, offering tranquility, authenticity and a rich palette of local produce.

Tips for a respectful and sustainable trip

In view of the environmental and cultural issues at stake, it's crucial to travel in Corsica with respect and awareness. Recommendations include proper waste management, avoidance of open fires, protection of flora and fauna, responsible water consumption, careful driving and respect for traditions and locals.

Conclusion

Clearly, Corsica represents a destination like no otherWith a wide range of experiences to discover, activities to try and leisure activities to enjoy. Whether you're passionate about nature, culture, gastronomic delights or in search of adventure, the Isle of Beauty is sure to satisfy your desires.

However, let's not forget that Corsica is also a precious and delicate island, which deserves to be treated with respect and consideration. So don't delay, organize your stay in Corsica and enjoy an unforgettable experience!

FAQ

Which region is Corsica?

Corsica, a special territorial collectivity of France, comprises two departments: Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B). The island lies in the Mediterranean Sea and covers an area of 8,722 km².

Is Corsica a French department?

Corsica is not a department, but a special territorial collectivity. Since January 1, 2018, it has succeeded the territorial collectivity previously known by the same name, as well as the two departments of Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse. Historically, it formed a single department from 1790 to 1793, then from 1811 to 1975, before being split into two departments until 2017.

What is the regional capital of Corsica?

Officially, Corsica has no capital. However, it has two prefectures: Ajaccio and Bastia. The Corsican Assembly, located in Ajaccio, has no other particular prerogatives. Historically, Corte was the capital of independent Corsica from 1755 to 1769, under Pascal Paoli. Today, Corte remains a vital cultural and academic hub for the island.

Why is Corsica department 2?

Corsica was assigned the number 2 when the French départements were created in 1790, following alphabetical order. This number was perpetuated even after the island's separation into two departments in 1976, when the codes 2A for Corse-du-Sud and 2B for Haute-Corse were introduced.