Corsica, France

Corsica

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Corsica Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: May - September Read More

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"Defining Elation"

Corsica Tourism

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, Sardinia, and Cyprus. Corsican culture, interweaved with French and Italian influences, makes this place unique and an ideal holiday destination. The island is blessed with an incredible diversity of beaches and a myriad of other beautiful terrains and is a gem worth exploring.

Corsica is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including mountain ranges like the rugged interior mountains, Aiguilles de Bavella, and the beautiful beaches along its coastline. The Gulf of Porto, for instance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning red granite cliffs. The Calanche of Piana is a unique and striking landscape of red granite rock formations. These cliffs and inlets are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major draw for tourists.

Corsica is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, rock climbing, water sports, and cycling. The island is also home to diverse wildlife, including the Corsican red deer and the Corsican mouflon (wild sheep), making it interesting for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It has a distinct cuisine featuring local cheeses, wines, and charcuterie. Seafood is also a significant part of Corsican gastronomy.

Corsica is famously associated with Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in the capital city of Ajaccio in 1769. His childhood home, Maison Bonaparte, is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction. It has a rich history, and visitors can explore ancient sites like the Romanesque churches, Genoese fortresses, and prehistoric megaliths.

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Must Know Before You Travel to Corsica

  • Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Corsica, especially if you want to visit remote areas. Public transportation can be limited. Roads in Corsica can be winding and narrow, so be prepared for some challenging drives, especially in the mountainous regions.
  • Beach Etiquette: Many beaches in Corsica are free, but some may charge for parking. Bring your own beach towels, as rentals might be limited. Nude sunbathing is common on certain beaches, so be aware of local customs and etiquettes.
  • Cash and Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or markets. ATMs are available in major towns, but they may be less common in remote areas.
  • Tap Water: Corsica has good-quality tap water in most areas. In cities and towns, it is safe to drink. However, in more remote areas, it's advisable to drink bottled water.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms are available in larger towns and tourist areas. Some may require a small fee for access. In rural areas or during outdoor activities, be prepared to not find restroom facilities easily. Plan accordingly and use facilities when available.
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Things To Do In Corsica

Aiguilles de Bavella

Aiguilles de Bavella
Citadel of Calvi

Citadel of Calvi
Desert des Agriates

Desert des Agriates
Scandola Natural Reserve

Scandola Natural Reserve
The Old Port of Bastia

The Old Port of Bastia
Ajaccio

Ajaccio
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Top Hotels In Corsica

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Shopping in Corsica

Shopping in Corsica is a delightful experience, blending French and Italian influences to offer a unique array of products capturing the essence of this Mediterranean island. In Ajaccio, explore the bustling Rue Fesch, known for its vibrant markets where you can find local produce, cheeses, and handicrafts. For those seeking Corsican wines, the vineyards around Patrimonio are a must-visit, showcasing the island's finest reds and whites. In the historic town of Corte, artisans craft traditional Corsican items, including knives and pottery. For seaside treasures and fresh seafood, head to the markets in Porto-Vecchio. Balagne, often referred to as the "Garden of Corsica," is ideal for lavender-infused products. Don't miss Bonifacio for chic boutiques offering unique Corsican fashion and accessories.

Nightlife in Corsica

Corsica offers a vibrant and eclectic nightlife, blending Mediterranean charm with a lively atmosphere. In Ajaccio, the capital city, the old town district near Place Foch is a hotspot for evening activities. Enjoy the ambiance of quaint cafes, wine bars, and pubs that come alive as the sun sets. For those seeking a more energetic scene, the Latin Quarter in Bastia is renowned for its lively bars and nightclubs. The Vieux Port area in Calvi is another favorite, featuring beachside bars with stunning views and a relaxed vibe. In Porto-Vecchio, the marina district is a hub of activity, offering a mix of trendy cocktail lounges and dance clubs.

History of Corsica

The region of Corsica has a vibrant history, filled with conflicts and invasions, often characterised by turbulence. The island was supposedly colonised by the Greeks, and since then the island has suffered under the rule of various Mediterranean kingdoms, out of which Genoa gained undisputed control of the island around 1500.
The Corsican Revolution of independence began in 1729 under Pasquale Paoli against the Republic of Genoa; the Corsican Republic was formed in 1755 under Paoli till it was captured by France in 1769. After the French Revolution's outbreak, Paoli returned to Corsica with help from Britain to free it from the French rule and thus the Anglo Coriscan kingdom was established. With the entry of Spain into the war, the British withdrew from Corsica, and the island was back under French rule.
Corsica is the birthplace of the famous French emperor Napolean Bonaparte, but the island was neglected under his rule. However, over a period of time, the Corsicans got used to the French culture and accepted being a part of it.

Daily Budget for Corsica

A daily budget of around €80-120 per day should allow a traveler to experience the beauty of Corsica without compromising on key experiences. 

  • Accommodation costs vary, but budget options like hostels or guesthouses can be found for around €40-60 per night.
  • Dining at local markets and bakeries provides a cost-effective way to savor Corsican cuisine, with meals averaging €15-20 per person.
  • Transportation costs depend on the chosen mode, but using buses and regional trains is economical, with daily transportation expenses totaling approximately €15-25.
  • Sightseeing may involve entrance fees to historic sites and museums, amounting to about €10-15 per attraction.
  • Miscellaneous expenses, including water, snacks, and incidentals, can be estimated at €10-15 daily. 

Exchanging Money in Corsica

Given the fact that Corsica is, essentially, an island comprising of a number of villages, not many options are available. However, one can find ATMs in major cities. Owing to its scarcity in rural areas, especially in Cap Corse and L'Alta Rocca, it is wise to stock up on the Euros.

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Corsica Photos

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FAQs on Corsica

What are the places near Corsica?

The top places near to Corsica are Cannes which is 234 km from Corsica, Paris which is located 918 km from Corsica, Bordeaux which is located 834 km from Corsica, Rome which is located 288 km from Corsica, Milan which is located 381 km from Corsica

What are the things to do in Corsica?

The top things to do in Corsica are Aiguilles de Bavella, Citadel of Calvi, Desert des Agriates, Scandola Natural Reserve, Le Vieux Port de Bastia, Ajaccio. You can see all the places to visit in Corsica here

What is the best way to reach Corsica?

There are mainly two ways to reach the island of Corsica, by air or by water. Air travel is more comfortable and expensive whereas the latter gives you more choices for less money.
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What is the local food in Corsica?

Corsicans take their food seriously, and the cuisine draws inspiration from French and Italian gastronomic regimes, amalgamating it with the island's unique way of ensnaring the tastebuds. Locals have a three-course meal followed by Corsican wine which never disappoints.
Wild Boar meat is the island's most famous dish, and one should definitely try the Sanglier on the menu. Due to reduced fish stock in Mediterranean, the seafood is expensive, but the oysters and trouts are worth every single penny shelled. The desserts are the epitome of the sheer sublimity that milk and egg are capable of conjuring. The Fiadone and Flan à la farine de châtaigne are a definite must-have!
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What is the best time to visit Corsica?

In Corsica, there is absolutely no dearth of activities to unwind and let go of the mundane schedule.
May is a fantastic time to visit Corsica. With the temperature just rising and sunshine lasting up to ten hours a day, the water is still cold for swimming in this period. People enjoy the weather with activities such as cycling and hiking.
In June, Corsica gets hotter making it ideal for hitting the beaches with your swimming gear.
The period of July to September sees lots of people flocking to the beaches and relaxing under the sun, the ideal time for a beach holiday. This period is too hot for hiking activities, so if you want to escape the heat, head to explore villages of La Balagne or Corte in central Corsica.
The temperatures get lower with the onset of November, and the beaches are emptied. The winters are not the best time to visit Corsica, but you can still experience the heritage cities and villages to explore the fascinating history of the island.
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