13 Best Places In Corsica To Visit – Hand Luggage Only

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13 Best Places In Corsica To Visit – Hand Luggage Only

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September 20, 2024

Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to visit in the Mediterranean. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the most beautiful islands to visit, along with its neighbouring island of Sardinia, which is close by. Corsica is a pretty big island, as far as Mediterranean islands go, which means there are heaps to see and do once you arrive on its shores.

That being said, it can be hard to whittle down an achievable list of the best places in Corsica to visit if you’re visiting for a certain number of days. Honestly, the choices of where to go and which parts of Corsica to stay in are mind-boggling. It sounds cheesy, but the island pulls you to travel in every direction once you’re here. It’s that beautiful.

So, to help you put together a manageable list of places to visit in Corsica, I’m sharing our top spots that you can’t miss. This way, you can focus on seeing as much of this stunning French island as possible. Have fun in Corsica.

1.) Calanques de Piana

Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO-protected site in Corsica, including the effortlessly stunning Gulf of Porto. It’s totally beautiful, and if you only have enough time for a short trip to Corsica, make sure you visit Calanques de Piana.

Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana can be easily reached by car, at least to the town of Porto. That said, you will need a boat to truly explore the dramatic coastline here.

For the best time, book this agile rib boat that can get you into the smaller coves and bays (which larger boats can’t). You can book this tour from Porto, which will take you out for three hours to see Girolata and the pink granite that makes this area so famous.

Alternatively, you can rent a private boat from the coastal town of Galeria. You’ll have this boat for the whole day, and you can do it all on your own—there’s no need for a license. It’s so much fun, just make sure to take lots of drinks, snacks and some ice onboard with you.

Finally, the D81 road up and around the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is absolutely gorgeous. The best section of the road is heading south towards Piana with the cliffs high above you that descend steeply to the sea.

You might like to try the Sentier Muletier path; it follows a ridge high above the D81 road and is the historic pathway for farmers in the area. You’ll take in some of the routes between Piana and Ota, and it’s stunning.

2.) Citadel of Calvi

Perched on the north coast of Corsica, Calvi Citadel is an absolutely incredible (and historic) part on the port city of Calvi to visit. Not on is it stunning but it’s one of the best places in Corsica to visit if you want to explore the island’s cultural history.

As soon as you arrive at Calvi Citadel, you feel like you are walking back in time, surrounded by the high 15th-century walls erected when the island was part of the Republic of Genoa.

Did you know it was built to defend against the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman empires? Anyway, random facts aside, it’s stunning and you can easily spend a few hours strolling the small streets and stopping off for a bite to eat.

You will enter the citadel via the tunnel. There is also limited parking nearby, but it fills up fast at peak times.

Take a look around the cobblestone streets as you make your way up to the ramparts and stop for a bite to eat at Ô Fao and sit in their little terrace. It’s so lovely and the food is delicious.

3.) Palombaggia beach

On the southwest of Corsica is one of the island’s best beaches; Palombaggia Beach. It’s expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters and shallow bay make it an absolute gem to visit in Corsica, especially if you’re travelling around the south of the island.

Now, Palombaggia Beach isn’t overly far (by car) from the coastal city of Porto-Vecchio – and it’s one spot you shouldn’t miss. Trust me, the sand is soft and white, and the gently sloping beach means you have to wade a long way out into the water.

Though, as with any gorgeous spot, it can get busy on the weekends or in the height of summer. However, it’s a vast stretch of sandy shoreline, so there’s room for everyone. Oh yeah, and for a small beach bar, head to U Furanu. It’s nothing fancy, but the food is so good and it’s right on the beach.

4.) Ajaccio

The coastal town of Ajaccio, on the west coast of Corsica, is a great spot to explore on a day trip or for just a few hours if you’re short on time. Take some time to stroll the harbourfront and stop by the little cafes overlooking the bay. It’s lovely.

Also, don’t forget to visit the Fesch Museum, which is actually within an old palace.

Oh, and of course, you have to visit Maison Bonaparte. You see, Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio was Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace and his family home from 1682 until 1923. When you visit here, you can learn some snippets of information about his birth in 1769 and throughout his youth. To help non-French speakers, there is an audio guide available in several languages.

Fancy a day by the beach? A short drive away is Terre Sacrée Beach, which is a totally blissful spot if you’re looking for some beach time.

5.) Bonifacio

Right at the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is stunning. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Corsica to visit if you want to explore centuries of history.

Bonifacio Citadel was built in the 16^th century by the then-ruling Genoese after the town of Bonifacio had been attacked by the Kingdom of Aragon and the Turks.

Even today, the strength of the walls shows how well they were built; they’re still standing! They also make a good vantage point from which to look across to Sardinia, just a few kilometres across the channel.

Also, make sure to stop off at U Castillé for a pichet of wine and a tasty lunch in what feels like a cave-like room. Their fish soup and their swordfish are great choices, by the way.

6.) Bavella

The natural beauty of the Aiguilles de Bavella near Zonza is a sight you can see from the road as you tour around the southern part of the island on the D268. The drives alone make it one of the best places in Corsica to visit, but you will find the best scenery by leaving your car behind and going to the hills.

The GR20 hiking trail climbs through thick forest as you ascend up to over 1600 metres above sea level. The walk will take you around 5 hours to get up and down. Some of these trails can be tough and pretty intense in the hot summer months.

If you’re unsure if you can do it, don’t. Stay in the car and enjoy the stunning views around Aiguilles de Bavella.

7.) Chapelle ‘Serra’

Not too far from the citadel of Calvi, the Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra is one epic spot to see in Corsica as you leave or first enter Calvi itself.

Now, to get to Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra, drive the D1B from Calvi in the direction of Galeria and this will bring you to this tiny chapel sitting at the top of the mountain. Here’s the Google Maps link incase that makes it easier.

Also, if you’re travelling slowly around the north of Corsica, you can hike up to Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra over a few hours in total. It’s not too far from the shores of Calvi and you can take a nice slow stroll up.

It is so stunning and the views at sunset are so worth seeing.

8.) Gorges de la Restonica

If you love the great outdoors and mountains, exploring Gorges de la Restonica is a must-do!

Fancy a hik? Now, with all the hiking routes around Gorges de la Restonica require good footwear. Leave the flipflops by the beach as some of the trails are upwards 8km. Plan to spend all day as some of the trail routes take around 3.5-4 hours one way.

Oh, and don’t forget about stopping off at Lake Melo. The views are stunning.

9.) Scandola

Look, I’ve touched on the beauty of the coastline around Galéria in the northwest of Corsica, but I had to call out the wider Scandola Reserve (here on Google Maps) specifically.

Close to Galéria, the Scandola Reserve is a wonderful coastal park, and you should ensure it is included in your plans. It is on a remote rocky peninsula, and the only sensible option is to go there on a boat tour from either Calvi or Ajaccio. In the water, you should see seals and dolphins, and up above, you may spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.

Just make sure to book your boat from Galéria in advance, especially if you’re travelling in the summer months.

10.) Santa Giulia beach

On the southwest coast, just south of Palombaggia Beach, is the most incredible Santa Giulia Beach. Its huge, shallow waters make a perfect place to whisk away a day on the sandy shore.

Honestly, it’s one of the best places in Corsica and within easy parking (here).

Now, around the midpoint of Santa Giulia Beach is where most people tend to stay. This is where there’s easy beach access and a few beach bars and restaurants.

Though, if you want to avoid the crowds, head down to this parking spot. It can be a little quieter.

11.) Speloncato

To the east of Calvi, in the north of Corsica, is the stunning hilltop commune of Speloncato. It’s so stunning and it almost feels like it’s been stuck back in time.

Now, Speloncato is tiny, but you can easily spend an hour strolling the little streets and seeing the Church of San Michele. Stop off at Bar de La Voute or A Funtana for a bite to eat. A Funtana’s crostini with island goat cheese is so good.

12.) Rondinara beach

South of Santa Giulia beach is another gem to visit for a beach day in Corsica. It’s called Rondinara Beach, and it’s a little quieter but no less beautiful than some of the other big coves and bays you find on the southeast coast.

Again, the waters are stunning here and pretty shallow, too. Plus, you can grab a bite to eat at Chez Ange Beach Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is so good.

13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata

Probably one of the best places in Corsica to visit for sunset views, Tour Génoise de la Parata is easily reached by car and a stroll whilst in the south of the island.

One of the things that makes Tour Génoise de la Parata so special is the views. They’re stunning, especially at sunset when you watch the sun go down around the Sanguinaires Islands.

We love it here, and there’s even a small foodie spot called Sanguinari Brasserie nearby. It’s honestly beautiful at sunset.

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