Discover 10 awesome locations & beaches in Corsica
Corsica, a mountainous Mediterranean island, presents a mix of stylish coastal towns, dense forest and craggy peaks (Monte Cinto is the highest). Nearly half the island falls within a park whose hiking trails include the challenging GR 20. Its beaches range from busy Pietracorbara to remote Saleccia and Rondinara. It's been part of France since 1768, but retains a distinct Italian culture.
Discover 10 awesome locations in Corsica:
1. AJACCIO
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica. This port city on the rugged isle's western coast was the birthplace of French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte in 1769.
2. BASTIA
Bastia is located in the northeast of the island at the base of Cap Corse. Bars and restaurants line the Old Port, with the twin-towered Church of St. Jean-Baptiste rising behind it. Terra Nova, a centuries-old citadel with ramparts, was built by Genoese rulers.
3. BONIFACIO
The town is located on the southern tip of the island. It’s known for its lively marina and medieval clifftop citadel. To the southeast, the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands, a nature reserve, have granite boulders and sandy beaches.
4. BEACHES
Palombaggia
Corsica is renowned for its stunning beaches, boasting white and golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island offers a diverse range of beach experiences, from lively, family-friendly shores to secluded, rugged coves.
Pietracorbara
Rondinara
Santa Giulia
5. LES CALANQUES DE PIANA
The Corsican calanques are located in Piana, between Ajaccio and Calvi, in the Gulf of Porto. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes other sites in the Gulf of Porto, due to its beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and unique maquis shrubland. The jagged cliffs are made of red ochre.
6. EVISA
Evisa is a picturesque hill village in western Corsica, about 10km inland from Porto, surrounded by forests (the Aitone Forest) and mountains.
7. FRALI MONTI (GR20)
The GR20 is a mythical long distance hiking trail that traverses the island of Corsica diagonally, from Calenzana in the North, to Conca in the South. The 200km trail follows the granite backbone of mountains that divide the island in two, many of which soar above 2000m altitude. The GR20 is the best and toughest long distance hike out there. Stunningly beautiful and varied. If you do a stage per day, it takes roughly 16 days, this will depend, of course, on your fitness and the weather.
8. NONZA
Nonza is probably one of the oldest villages in Corsica. Although its legal status dates from 1109, the site is much older than this, as demonstrated by the cave paintings of the Grotta Scritta, which date from the second millennium BC.
9. PORTO VECHIO
The walls of a 16th-century Genoese citadel are the backdrop to the old town and offer views over the yacht-filled marina. Shops, bars and restaurants line the town’s narrow streets and main square, Place de la République. Nearby, renowned beaches include Palombaggia, its stretch of sand lined with pine trees, and lagoon-like Santa Giulia.
10. SPELONCATO
From the rocky hillside, Speloncato overlooks the green Regino Valley, and with a view of the sea.
EAT CHARCUTERIE
EAT CHEESE
EAT FIADONE (CHEESECAKE)
EAT SEAFOOD
WHEN TO GO: May, June, and September: Ideal for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
HOW TO GET THERE: Corsica has four international airports: Ajaccio (AJA), Bastia (BIA), Calvi (CLY), and Figari (FSC). Ferries to Corsica depart from several French and Italian ports.
HOW TO GET AROUND: Car rental: Recommended for exploring the island's villages and mountainous areas.
STAY @ Chambres d'hôtes les Hauts de Cavanello (click on the links for direct bookings at the best price)
Stay @ Domaine Les Oliviers de Palombaggia
STAY @ Hôtel Cas'Anna Lidia
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