From rugged mountains to turquoise coves and hilltop villages, Corsica blends French flair with wild Mediterranean soul.
Corsica is a magnificent island
with numerous beautiful beaches that will entice you - it's simple to spend your days resting on a sunbed, occasionally taking a plunge in the clear blue water. It would be a crime not to continue exploring Corsica during your visit, taking in the culture, mountain scenery and lovely villages. To help you make the most of your time on the beautiful island of Corsica, here are the top places to explore to get the best experience.
Ajaccio
Corsica’s capital is a rocky port city located on the island’s west coast. Ajaccio is well-known for being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and there are various memorials to him throughout the town. The capital is an excellent starting place for people interested in history and culture. With this in mind, the Norte-Dame House of worship, the Fesch Museum, and the Maison Bonaparte Museum, which is housed in Napoleon’s ancestral home, should be of interest.
Best beaches of Corsica
If you want to spend most of your time on the island going from one beach to another, continue reading. Corsica boasts more than 1000 kilometres of coastline and approximately 200 beaches, so there are lots of options. Calvi Beach is a long beach with the island’s most transparent water. If you enjoy snorkelling, Arinella Beach in Lumio is a good option. Those who prefer quiet coves may select the beaches of Loto and Saleccia. Both of these beaches have lush green hills in the background. In the same breath, Palombaggia Beach should also be on your itinerary. This gorgeous expanse of sand appears to be from the Caribbean rather than the Mediterranean.
Calvi Citadel
Ajaccio undoubtedly has some of the island’s most important historical sites. Calvi, a throw in the north, is also well worth visiting. This mediaeval city is well-known for its beaches, but the hilltop citadel takes the show. Today, guests can take an audio tour of the grounds. Inside the ramparts, you will find cobbled streets, the remnants of Christopher Columbus' residence. Once you have visited the grounds of Calvi Citadel, return to the beach. From here, you have unrivalled views of the old fortress and its surrounding walls. Alternatively, take a boat trip to the coast and enjoy the views from afar.
The Grand Canyon of Corsica: Les Calanches
No vacation to Corsica is complete without visiting Les Calanches. The stunning environment, also known as the Grand Canyon of Corsica’, is a hiker’s dream. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated between the towns of Calvi and Ajaccio. For years, hikers have been drawn to western Corsica’s stunning red rock formations. Several routes wind through the granite rocks, with stunning views of the sea at each bend. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the cliffs from a distance, consider exploring the shoreline by boat. FranceRent can organise a luxury yacht hire to ensure you experience the best of Les Calanches. There are also several blue lagoons to explore, which should be done with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide.
Scandola Nature Reserve
The Scandola Nature Reserve is another UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Corsica. To get to the reserve, take a boat from the port of Calvi and head north. Before reaching at the reserve, travellers will pass through secluded coves and volcanic headlands. Several walking pathways run through the diverse woodland. Keep an eye out for dolphins on the way!
Corsica, with its affluent seaside villages, rocky cliffs and countless hiking paths, offers a refreshing respite from the subtleties of the mainland.
