10 Best Things to Do in Corsica

Porto-Vecchio is a great destination for a beach holiday in Corsica thanks to its stretches of sandy coves, trendy shopping and picturesque views. Located on the southeast coast of the island, this small town is reputed for stunning beaches such as Palombaggia and Tamaricciu, which are perfect for basking in the sun and swimming in warm, crystal-clear waters.

The 16th century Old Town that overlooks the marina is home to many fashionable boutiques, bars and restaurants where you can dine on delectable wild boar or seafood dishes after buying souvenirs such as iconic olive oil or chestnut jam. The narrow streets of this quaint Mediterranean town really do offer an incredible place to stay in Corsica.

Built during the 9th century, the Bonifacio Citadel occupies a 2 sq km promontory just southwest of the marina and is the oldest fortified city in Corsica. Perched on limestone cliffs, the walled city makes for a striking photograph, and is teeming with narrow streets, stone staircases, magnificent churches and ancient structures all waiting to be explored.

The Bonifacio Citadel also offers sensational views of the Mediterranean Sea and the southern Corsican coast, so be sure to bring your camera. Climbing the steep stairs to the citadel is demanding but the reward is worth it. For those who require transport or prefer a little comfort in the Corsican heat, a mini-train is available to take you up in style.

Located on the southeast coast of Corsica, 5 km from downtown Bonifacio, Petit Sperone is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in Corsica. It's hidden between 2 rocky outcrops and is a 15 minute walk from the car park, but Petit Sperone is worth the search. About 90 metres long and tucked into a square-shaped bay, this secluded spot boasts extra fine golden sand and sparkling turquoise water for the perfect seaside escape.

A natural beach, there are no facilities here, so bring a picnic and your own shade. To maximise your sunbathing opportunities, carry on walking southward another 15 minutes to reach the larger Grand Sperone Beach.

The GR20 is a diagonal trekking route through Corsica, from northwest Calenzana to southeast Conca. Covering a total distance of a whopping 180 km, it’s considered one of the toughest trails in Europe. Along the route you’ll find refuges at a day's trek from each other where you can rent a bed or tent or pitch up your own, and there are several shops to restock your meals and purchase essentials along the way.

It takes 15 days to hike the whole trail and the northern part of the trail is the most challenging due to the rocky terrain, but you'll be rewarded with a spectacular experience in the great outdoors.

A few kilometres northeast of Zonza village in southern Corsica, you'll find the Aiguilles de Bavella, or Bavella Needles. These spikes of red granite overlook the Bavella Hills and are surrounded by the rocky peaks and thick pine forests of the Regional Nature Park of Corsica.

The easiest way to see the needles is to follow one of the many hiking trails that depart from the Col of Bavella on the D268 Road. The famous GR20 trail passes the foot of the Bavella Needles on the way to its southern end in Conca, making this natural wonder a great stop off point to rest and take in the sights.

Lying 4 km off the southeast coast of Corsica, the Lavezzi Archipelago is a group of 8 small granite islands and a classified Reinforced Protection Zone. Located in the strait of Bonifacio, they feature splendid reefs that make them prime snorkelling and scuba diving destinations. There are many wild but stunning beaches to discover when you've finished exploring the turquoise sea.

You can easily get to Lavezzu Island, the most accessible of the islands, on one of the shuttle boats that depart from Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Whilst there, you can embark on a 3-hour hiking trail that offers splendid views and photo opportunities.

Toward the northeastern tip of Corsica is Bastia, the island's main commercial town and port, with a thriving ferry terminal. Bastia’s Old Port lies south of the pier and has a quaint and timeless feel that makes it perfect for wandering. You can find all manner of wares at a market, visit the imposing Saint-Jean-Baptiste church or marvel at the colourful boats docked in the harbor.

As the sun sets, pick a table at an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and just take a break. Watch people passing by while sipping a glass of pastis or Corsican wine. Taking life slow is typically Mediterranean, and there’s no better place to do it than at Bastia’s Old Port.

Scandola Nature Reserve is a breath-taking UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site that sits 15 km north of Porto, on the west coast of Corsica. Covering an area of almost 20 sq km, of which half is land and the other half sea, it features a jagged coastline made of red porphyry, rhyolite and basalt. The result is a unique combination of rock formations that's home to a wide variety of wildlife including sea birds, seals and dolphins.

Inaccessible by car or foot, daily boat trips depart from Calvi and Ajaccio to visit this beautiful, protected area. Whilst here, you can explore the cliffs, discover tiny hidden beaches and swim with the fish.

It may sound obvious, but Corsica is one of the best places in France to enjoy water sports. The warm and clear waters that surround the island are swimmable from May to October and range from 19°C to 24°C, and you’ll find a vast array of aquatic activities that will make your trip to Corsica unforgettable.

The many nature reserves offer world-class diving and snorkelling sites such as La Revellata at the edge of Scandola Nature Reserve, or Palombaggia Beach and the Lavezzi Archipelago to the southeast. Sea kayakers enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of the island’s rocky and indented coastline while surfers and sailors soak up the sun as they riding the waves.

You can expect food to be taken as seriously in Corsica as it is in other regions of France, with locals and visitors alike flocking to bars and restaurants to savour hearty dishes and a rich glass of wine. As Corsica is an island, the cuisine stars locally produced goods and fresh ingredients with a strong Mediterranean flavour.

From succulent wild boar casserole to delicious chestnut tart, you can sample some truly delectable and unusual dishes in Corsica. Their delicatessen is especially famous: try Prisutu, a local smoked ham, or Figatellu, liver sausage, accompanied by a glass of Patrimonio red wine. It’s pure bliss for your taste buds.