Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Corsica during your holiday? In this blog post I will cover every single place that I visited myself during my time on this wonderful island!
Corsica is a wonderful island in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea where you can discover beautiful beaches, old towns and charming villages one day. And the next day you’ll explore one of the many hiking trails Corsica has to offer and you’ll find yourself surrounded by plunging waterfalls and rigid mountains.
I visited Corsica during low season, at the start of April. My recommendation would be to not do that. The weather was still on the colder side and at one point I even encountered a snow covered road. Instead opt for booking your holiday to Corsica between the start of May until the end of October.
In this guide I will list my top places to visit in Corsica that I also visited myself. I will share my personal tips, special recommendations, where to eat and the best places to stay for each place.
This way you can create your own personal itinerary perfectly according to the places that speak to you the most!
The 14 Most Beautiful Places In Corsica
What to see in Corsica
If you’ve never set foot on the sun-kissed shores of Corsica, you’re in for a real treat. Just imagine the azure waters of the Mediterranean meeting rugged mountain ranges that seem to whisper tales of ancient times.
Corsica, often dubbed the “Island of Beauty”, is a melting pot of pristine beaches like Palombaggia, dense forests perfect for hiking, and age-old towns such as Bonifacio perched precariously on white limestone cliffs.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply someone looking for their next adventure – Corsica won’t disappoint. And hey, don’t forget to pack your camera; you’re gonna need it! 😉
The best time to visit Corsica
Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Corsica during each season, incorporating the personal experience you provided:
Spring (March – May)
Advantages:
- Blooming landscapes and mild temperatures.
- Fewer tourists, leading to a more peaceful experience.
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Disadvantages:
- Some hotels and restaurants might still be closed, especially in April.
- Unexpected weather changes, such as snow in higher elevations.
Summer (June – August)
Advantages:
- Warm, clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
- All tourist facilities, hotels, and restaurants are open.
- Vibrant nightlife and festivals.
Disadvantages:
- Peak tourist season, which can mean crowded beaches and attractions.
- Hot temperatures might be uncomfortable for some activities.
Autumn (September – November)
Advantages:
- Cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring.
- Fall colors make the landscapes even more picturesque.
- Fewer crowds than summer, but still lively.
Disadvantages:
- Shorter days with less sunlight.
- Possibility of unpredictable weather and rain.
Winter (December – February)
Advantages:
- Some areas offer winter sports, especially in the mountains.
- A unique experience with fewer tourists.
- Celebrate local winter festivities and traditions.
Disadvantages:
- Chilly weather, especially in the mountains and higher elevations.
- Many tourist facilities and some hotels and restaurants might be closed.
- Coastal areas can be quite dormant, with fewer activities.
List of the best places to see in Corsica
1. Bonifacio, a beautiful old town in southern Corsica
Bonifacio is the most Southern town in entire Corsica and if there’s one old town you absolutely can’t miss it’s this one! It’s one of the best places to visit in southern Corsica!
Bonifacio is the perfect starting point for your trip if you land in the airport of Figari. From there it’s only 30 minutes driving to this wonderful village.
The roads inside the city itself are pretty narrow but there are plenty of parking lots. Two of them are located near the marine, the other two are closer to the old city.
The Old City of Bonifacio is located in a 9th century citadel and consists of a maze of small cobblestoned streets.
💡 TIP – Hike to the Phare de Pertusatu to get the best views over Bonifacio. It’s an easy hike in Corsica which will take you alongside the cliffs.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Café Des Vestiges and try their Aubergines à la Bonifacienne, a lovely and typical vegetarian dish.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN BONIFACIO – Hotel Spa Genovese for an unforgettable stay, a clifftop location and panoramic views.
🎒BEST TOUR – BONIFACIO NATIONAL PARK BOAT DAY TRIP
2. Col de Bavella
If you love hiking in a spectacular area or you just want to drive across a stunning landscape then you will love this part of Corsica! The Aiguilles de Bavella are only 1,5 hour driving from Bonifacio and consist of rocky spikes of red granite hat dominate the hill of the same name in Corse-du-Sud. The site is characterized by jagged peaks, large rock walls and pine trees twisted by the wind.
Following the route of the Col de Bavella between Sartene and across Corsica towards the east (north-west of Porto-Vecchio), you pass through the Alta rocca mountains. The Col de Bavella itself reaches an altitude of 1218 metres with the peaks of the ‘needles’ reaching more than 1800 metres.
The road up to the Col de Bavella offers some spectacular coastal views and it’s definitely a good idea to stop the car now and then to take them all in!
If you want to adventure a little more I can highly recommend going on one of the following hikes:
- Cascades de Purcaraccia Hiking Trail – a 4.8km out & back trail that will lead you to some beautiful waterfall cascades.
- Tour des Aiguilles de Bavella – A more demanding 11km loop trail that will take you through the stunning Aiguilles de Bavella.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Auberge du Col de Bavella and indulge in one of the typical Corsican dishes such as Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole) or Veau aux olives (Veal with olives).
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Grand Hôtel De Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca to fully relax after an adventurous day. The beach town of Porto Vecchio is also the starting point for the tour that I linked for you below.
🎒BEST TOUR – 4×4 TOUR TO COL DE BAVELLA FROM PORTO VECCHIO
3. Corte
Corte is a historic town in the heart of Corsica as it was the capital of Corsica from 1755 until 1769 during the “government of the Corsican nation” of Pascal Paoli. And during World War I, German prisoners were held in the citadel on top of the hill.
These days Corte is a university town which houses a ton of students. The old city is perched on top of a hill but is also easy accessible. Don’t even bother trying to park your car on the side of the road, instead simply park it at the underground parking lot and you’ll arrive in the heart of the Old City.
There’s a ton of things to do in Corte but I’ve listed the best ones for you:
- Visit the Citadel, Corte’s citadel is the only one located in the heart of the island.
- Ghionga grocery store: discover one of Europe’s oldest grocery stores dating back to 1769.
- Hike through the Restonica Gorge, one of Corsica’s most famous trails.
- Hike through Tavignano Valley, located at the foothill of Corte’s citadel.
- Discover the forest of Vizzavona, a 40 minute drive from Corte.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Restaurant La rivière des Vins for delicious meats cooked in a wood fire oven, accompanied by homemade french fries.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Dominique Colonna for a luxurious stay on the river’s edge.
4. Scandola Nature Reserve
Scandola Nature Reserve is a stunning marine and terrestrial nature reserve in the East of Corsica that’s under strict regulated acces.
You can’t reach Scandola Nature Reserve on foot or by car, the only way to visit is by boat. Luckily there are a ton of tour operators that offer excursions from the marine of Porto. You can choose between different lengths but the best one to choose is where you’ll visit Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata and the Calanques de Piana.
These boat excursions last between 3 to 5 hours and besides exploring every nook and cranny of Scandola Nature Reserve you’ll also make a quick stop at the beautiful town of Girolata.
The 1,900-hectare reserve offers incredible landscapes which were formed by erosion. Its volcanic red rocks form an amazing contrast to the turquoise water surrounding it. You’ll sure be in for a treat if you go on one of the excursions!
5. Girolata
Girolata is a former fishing village that only has about a 20 inhabitants and which can not be reached by car.
There are two ways to reach this hidden gem in East Corsica: on foot or by boat. If you want to go by boat you can book one of the many excursions that leave from Porto and where you’ll also visit the Scandola Nature Reserve.
If you want to visit Girolata on foot I recommend to start hiking in the morning. This way you can have lunch at one of the cute restaurants and afterwards make your way back to the car. The hike to Girolata is called the Sentier du Facteur and it’s one of the most beautiful hikes in Corsica!
The Sentier du Facteur is called this way because the local mailman used to hike this trail every single day to deliver the mail to the people living in the small town of Girolata.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – After reaching Girolata on foot you should have lunch at Restaurant Le Bon Espoir and try some of the best Corsican food you’ll have during your holiday!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Le Bella Vista for a 2 bedroom apartment that offers incredible panoramic views.
6. Calanques de Piana, the most beautiful place in Corsica
Visiting the Calanques de Piana is one of the best things to do in Corsica. There are a ton of beautiful hikes here to explore the area but even even is hiking is not really your cup of tea you’ll find plenty of things to do here!
One of the best things to do is simply drive through the stunning natural site. The Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunningly shaped red rock cliffs plunging into translucent water. From the water it resembles Scandola Nature Reserve but the biggest difference here is that you can also explore on foot or by car.
If you want to visit the Calanques de Piana by car, you have to take the D81 road, connecting Porto to Piana. It’s the only road in the Calanques and its an absolute stunner! There are several small patches next to the road as well if you want to stop for a photo. Another option is to leave your car in Piana and explore on foot from there.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – You’ll probably stay here for a couple of days so I would recommend having dinner at Le Moulin and take their home made burger which comes with an incredible Corsican cheese sauce. Another day you should go eat at Le Maquis and order the Escaloppe Milanese! Both finger licking delicious!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Hôtel Bella Vista. There aren’t any luxury hotels in the area but this one comes with incredible panoramic views, a modern bathroom and clean rooms.
7. Spelunca Gorge
The Spelunca Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in entire Corsica and there are several hiking options here! You can choose to hike from Ota to the beautiful town of Evisa or you can choose to walk towards the Zaglia bridge, a beautiful stone bridge listed as a Historic Monument.
During my visit the trail towards Evisa was unfortunately closed due to a lot of rockfall but know that Evisa is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Corsica! So if you can get the chance to complete the entire trail definitely don’t hesitate!
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – You’ll probably stay here for a couple of days so I would recommend having dinner at Le Moulin and take their home made burger which comes with an incredible Corsican cheese sauce. Another day you should go eat at Le Maquis and order the Escaloppe Milanese! Both finger licking delicious!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Hôtel Bella Vista. There aren’t any luxury hotels in the area but this one comes with incredible panoramic views, a modern bathroom and clean rooms.
8. Montemaggiore, the most beautiful town in Corsica
Montemaggiore is a beautiful village in the Balagne region of north-west Corsica. Although it is only a small village, it has preserved a great deal of its historical charm and has impressive views across the region so a visit is recommended as part of your tour of the Balagne!
The view of Montemaggiore as you approach the village is one of the highlights – it appears very small compared to the dramatic scenery around the village, which includes the Monte Grosso mountain, and is perched on a ledge overlooking the valleys to the west.
Inside the village you discover narrow streets of stone houses as well as the main square in the village. As you explore the narrow streets you will see various doorways surrounded by their original stone sculptures.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – L’Altezza Restaurant is your best bet in the area and offers delicious food!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Cas’Anna Lidia – Hôtel De Charme, a boutique hotel with an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub overlooking the surrounding mountains.
9. Sant’Antonino
Sant’Antonino is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica and situated in the centre of the Balagne region of north-eastern Corsica. Because of its dramatic situation clinging around the top of a hill the village is sometimes referred to as the ‘Eagles Nest‘.
Sant’Antonino is officially classified as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’. It has a history dating back to the 9th century – the location was originally chosen because of its natural defences – making it one of the oldest villages in Corsica.
Much of the village is a warren of narrow lanes, steep pathways passing through vaulted passages, and ancient traditional houses, making Sant’Antonino a pleasure to explore.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Go to I Scalini for a Moroccan feel roof terrace with panoramic views over the city.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Cas’Anna Lidia – Hôtel De Charme, a boutique hotel with an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub overlooking the surrounding mountains.
10. Speloncato, the best place in Corsica to watch the sunset
If there’s one town in Corsica that has to be on your must visit list it’s Speloncato. This is one of the most beautiful towns in the entire region and after about 10km driving through winding mountain roads you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over this picturesque town.
Speloncato is the perfect town to visit in the early evening, wander through the small alleys and sit down on one of the terraces on the main square. Afterwards you should definitely catch the sunset over the town which will be covered in a golden glow.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – U Sechju for a delicious lunch in a historical setting.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Hotel A Piattatella, which is set in gardens, overlooking the Reginu Valley.
11. Erbalunga, a stunning coastal village in Corsica
Erbalunga was once the most important harbor on the Cap Corse, a fact supported by the magnificent houses that still stud the peninsula to this day.
There’s a small network of squares and streets which really give off that old city harbor vibe. There is a good range of facilities including shops, a cash dispenser machine, post office, bars and restaurants and a dive school at Sisco Marina, slightly further north.
If you’re looking for an old town experience, then Erbalunga is one of the best places to go in Corsica.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Dine at Le Pirate for the most perfect setting and a Michelin star experience.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at the most stunning Misincu, a 5 star hotel that forms the perfect base for exploring the area of Cap Corse.
12. Nonza, the most colorful town in Corsica
Nonza has to be one of my favorite places in Corsica and it’s also listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s colorful buildings make it stand out from all of the other picturesque towns and form a wonderful contrast to its black beach all the way down below.
Nonza is a rather small town and is best explored on foot once you’ve parked your car down.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at La Sassa for incredible views and the best food! This is also a wonderful restaurant to have a sunset dinner cause it overlooks the entire bay of Cap Corse. Just make sure to call ahead to make a reservation.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at the most stunning Misincu, a 5 star hotel that forms the perfect base for exploring the area of Cap Corse.
13. Aiguilles de Bavella
In the heart of South Corsica you’ll find one of the most beautiful places this island has to offer. The Aiguilles de Bavella is a mountain range consisting of rocky spikes of red granite. The name means needles of Bavella. At 1218 m, the hill connects the Alta Rocca to the east coast of Corsica.
The island’s most iconic mountain drive meanders through the astonishingly beautiful scenery of Alta Rocca, a southern mid-mountain territory located within the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
This massif is smaller yet much more popular than the “aiguilles de Popolasca”. The site is characterized by jagged peaks, large rock walls and pine trees twisted by the wind.
The 75km route can be done in only 2 hours but it’s safe to say that you’ll want to make a couple of stops along the way to take in the views and visit some of the following places: Zonza, Lac de L’Ospedale, Col de Bavella and Piscia di Gallu.
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Auberge du Col de Bavella and indulge in one of the typical Corsican dishes such as Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole) or Veau aux olives (Veal with olives).
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Grand Hôtel De Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca to fully relax after an adventurous day.
14. Cascades de Purcaraccia
The Cascades de Purcaraccia hiking trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Corsica but it’s not the easiest. The trail isn’t marked at all and it’s very easy to miss a turn off at the end.
The biggest advice I can give you is to follow the trail on the AllTrails app, combined with Maps.me. Make sure to download the map of Corsica before you set off on your adventure!
The trail pretty much starts on the side of the road, in the hairpin bend that follows the Col de Larone. There’s a very small turn off where you can park your car but make sure to arrive early cause it only has space for like 3 cars. Otherwise you’ll have to park your car at the Parking Bocca di Larone which is only 2 minutes walking from the start of the hiking trail.
The first part of the Cascades de Purcaraccia hiking trail goes through a small forest and offers incredible views over the Aiguilles de Bavella.
Afterwards the trail leads more inwards into a gorge where you’ll have to do a lot of scrambling over rocks and also cross the river at some point so keep an eye on that offline map or you’ll end up at a dead end.
But the final destination is definitely worth the struggle and in the summer months you can even swim here!
🥘 WHERE TO EAT – Have lunch at Auberge du Col de Bavella and indulge in one of the typical Corsican dishes such as Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole) or Veau aux olives (Veal with olives).
🏨 WHERE TO STAY – Stay at Grand Hôtel De Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca to fully relax after an adventurous day.
FAQ on where to visit in Corsica
Which part of Corsica is the most beautiful?
When it comes to pinpointing the most beautiful part of Corsica, it’s like asking me to choose my favorite dessert – almost impossible! But if I had to pick, the rugged charm of the Calanques de Piana would surely top the list.
What is the most beautiful port in Corsica?
Corsica boasts many picturesque ports, but the port of Bonifacio stands out with its dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient stone buildings overlooking the deep blue sea. Its rich history and captivating views make it an unmissable gem for any visitor to the island.
Which part of Corsica has the best beaches?
Corsica is renowned for its pristine shores, but the southern region, especially around Porto-Vecchio, claims the crown for the most idyllic beaches. With its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and secluded coves like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, the south offers a sublime coastal experience that beach aficionados dream of.
The Best Places To Visit In Corsica Map
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- The 14 Most Beautiful Places In Corsica
- The 6 Best Hikes In Corsica, Incredible Hiking Trails You Can’t Miss
- The 21 Most Beautiful Towns And Villages To Visit In Corsica
Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
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