Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to go to within the Mediterranean. Actually, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the crucial stunning islands to go to, together with its neighbouring island of Sardinia, which is shut by. Corsica is a reasonably large island, so far as Mediterranean islands go, which suggests there are heaps to see and do when you arrive on its shores.
That being mentioned, it may be arduous to whittle down an achievable checklist of the perfect locations in Corsica to go to when you’re visiting for a sure variety of days. Truthfully, the alternatives of the place to go and which components of Corsica to remain in are mind-boggling. It sounds tacky, however the island pulls you to journey in each path when you’re right here. It’s that lovely.
So, that can assist you put collectively a manageable checklist of locations to go to in Corsica, I’m sharing our prime spots you can’t miss. This fashion, you’ll be able to give attention to seeing as a lot of this gorgeous French island as attainable. Have enjoyable in Corsica.
1.) Calanques de Piana
Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO-protected website in Corsica, together with the effortlessly gorgeous Gulf of Porto. It’s completely stunning, and when you solely have sufficient time for a brief journey to Corsica, be sure to go to Calanques de Piana.
Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana might be simply reached by automobile, at the very least to the city of Porto. That mentioned, you’ll need a ship to really discover the dramatic shoreline right here.
For the perfect time, e book this agile rib boat that may get you into the smaller coves and bays (which bigger boats can’t). You can e book this tour from Porto, which is able to take you out for 3 hours to see Girolata and the pink granite that makes this space so well-known.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to hire a non-public boat from the coastal city of Galeria. You’ll have this boat for the entire day, and you are able to do all of it by yourself—there’s no want for a license. It’s a lot enjoyable, simply ensure to take numerous drinks, snacks and a few ice onboard with you.
Lastly, the D81 street up and across the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is completely attractive. The most effective part of the street is heading south in direction of Piana with the cliffs excessive above you that descend steeply to the ocean.
You would possibly prefer to attempt the Sentier Muletier path; it follows a ridge excessive above the D81 street and is the historic pathway for farmers within the space. You’ll soak up a number of the routes between Piana and Ota, and it’s gorgeous.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
2.) Citadel of Calvi
Perched on the north coast of Corsica, Calvi Citadel is a fully unimaginable (and historic) half on the port metropolis of Calvi to go to. Not on is it gorgeous nevertheless it’s among the finest locations in Corsica to go to if you wish to discover the island’s cultural historical past.
As quickly as you arrive at Calvi Citadel, you’re feeling like you might be strolling again in time, surrounded by the excessive Fifteenth-century partitions erected when the island was a part of the Republic of Genoa.
Do you know it was constructed to defend in opposition to the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman empires? Anyway, random info apart, it’s gorgeous and you’ll simply spend a couple of hours strolling the small streets and stopping off for a chew to eat.
You’ll enter the citadel through the tunnel. There’s additionally restricted parking close by, nevertheless it fills up quick at peak instances.
Have a look across the cobblestone streets as you make your manner as much as the ramparts and cease for a chew to eat at Ô Fao and sit of their little terrace. It’s so beautiful and the meals is scrumptious.
3.) Palombaggia seaside
On the southwest of Corsica is among the island’s finest seashores; Palombaggia Seaside. It’s expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters and shallow bay make it an absolute gem to go to in Corsica, particularly when you’re travelling across the south of the island.
Now, Palombaggia Seaside isn’t overly far (by automobile) from the coastal metropolis of Porto-Vecchio – and it’s one spot you shouldn’t miss. Belief me, the sand is gentle and white, and the gently sloping seaside means it’s a must to wade a great distance out into the water.
Although, as with all attractive spot, it may well get busy on the weekends or within the top of summer season. Nonetheless, it’s an enormous stretch of sandy shoreline, so there’s room for everybody. Oh yeah, and for a small seaside bar, head to U Furanu. It’s nothing fancy, however the meals is so good and it’s proper on the seaside.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
4.) Ajaccio
The coastal city of Ajaccio, on the west coast of Corsica, is a good spot to discover on a day journey or for only a few hours when you’re brief on time. Take a while to walk the harbourfront and cease by the little cafes overlooking the bay. It’s beautiful.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Fesch Museum, which is definitely inside an previous palace.
Oh, and naturally, it’s a must to go to Maison Bonaparte. You see, Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio was Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace and his household dwelling from 1682 till 1923. Once you go to right here, you’ll be able to study some snippets of details about his beginning in 1769 and all through his youth. To assist non-French audio system, there may be an audio information out there in a number of languages.
Fancy a day by the seaside? A brief drive away is Terre Sacrée Seaside, which is a very blissful spot when you’re searching for some seaside time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is gorgeous. Actually, it’s among the finest locations in Corsica to go to if you wish to discover centuries of historical past.
Bonifacio Citadel was constructed within the 16th century by the then-ruling Genoese after the city of Bonifacio had been attacked by the Kingdom of Aragon and the Turks.
Even at present, the power of the partitions exhibits how effectively they had been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! In addition they make a great vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, only a few kilometres throughout the channel.
Additionally, ensure to cease off at U Castillé for a pichet of wine and a tasty lunch in what seems like a cave-like room. Their fish soup and their swordfish are nice decisions, by the best way.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
6.) Bavella
The pure fantastic thing about the Aiguilles de Bavella close to Zonza is a sight you’ll be able to see from the street as you tour across the southern a part of the island on the D268. The drives alone make it among the finest locations in Corsica to go to, however you can find the perfect surroundings by leaving your automobile behind and going to the hills.
The GR20 climbing path climbs by thick forest as you ascend as much as over 1600 metres above sea stage. The stroll will take you round 5 hours to stand up and down. A few of these trails might be robust and fairly intense within the scorching summer season months.
In the event you’re not sure if you are able to do it, don’t. Keep within the automobile and benefit from the gorgeous views round Aiguilles de Bavella.
7.) Chapelle ‘Serra’
Not too removed from the citadel of Calvi, the Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra is one epic spot to see in Corsica as you permit or first enter Calvi itself.
Now, to get to Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra, drive the D1B from Calvi within the path of Galeria and this may carry you to this tiny chapel sitting on the prime of the mountain. Right here’s the Google Maps hyperlink incase that makes it simpler.
Additionally, when you’re travelling slowly across the north of Corsica, you’ll be able to hike as much as Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra over a couple of hours in complete. It’s not too removed from the shores of Calvi and you’ll take a pleasant sluggish stroll up.
It’s so gorgeous and the views at sundown are so value seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
In the event you love the good open air and mountains, exploring Gorges de la Restonica is a must-do!
Fancy a hik? Now, with all of the climbing routes round Gorges de la Restonica require good footwear. Depart the flipflops by the seaside as a number of the trails are upwards 8km. Plan to spend all day as a number of the path routes take round 3.5-4 hours a technique.
Oh, and don’t neglect about stopping off at Lake Melo. The views are gorgeous.
9.) Scandola
Look, I’ve touched on the great thing about the shoreline round Galéria within the northwest of Corsica, however I needed to name out the broader Scandola Reserve (right here on Google Maps) particularly.
Near Galéria, the Scandola Reserve is a superb coastal park, and it’s best to guarantee it’s included in your plans. It’s on a distant rocky peninsula, and the one wise choice is to go there on a ship tour from both Calvi or Ajaccio. Within the water, it’s best to see seals and dolphins, and up above, you could spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply ensure to e book your boat from Galéria upfront, particularly when you’re travelling in the summertime months.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
10.) Santa Giulia seaside
On the southwest coast, simply south of Palombaggia Seaside, is probably the most unimaginable Santa Giulia Seaside. Its enormous, shallow waters make an ideal place to whisk away a day on the sandy shore.
Truthfully, it’s among the finest locations in Corsica and inside simple parking (right here).
Now, across the midpoint of Santa Giulia Seaside is the place most individuals have a tendency to remain. That is the place there’s simple seaside entry and some seaside bars and eating places.
Although, if you wish to keep away from the crowds, head right down to this parking spot. It may be a bit of quieter.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
11.) Speloncato
To the east of Calvi, within the north of Corsica, is the gorgeous hilltop commune of Speloncato. It’s so gorgeous and it virtually feels prefer it’s been caught again in time.
Now, Speloncato is tiny, however you’ll be able to simply spend an hour strolling the little streets and seeing the Church of San Michele. Cease off at Bar de La Voute or A Funtana for a chew to eat. A Funtana’s crostini with island goat cheese is so good.
12.) Rondinara seaside
South of Santa Giulia seaside is one other gem to go to for a seaside day in Corsica. It’s known as Rondinara Seaside, and it’s a bit of quieter however no much less stunning than a number of the different massive coves and bays you discover on the southeast coast.
Once more, the waters are gorgeous right here and fairly shallow, too. Plus, you’ll be able to seize a chew to eat at Chez Ange Seaside Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is so good.
13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata
In all probability among the finest locations in Corsica to go to for sundown views, Tour Génoise de la Parata is definitely reached by automobile and a stroll while within the south of the island.
One of many issues that makes Tour Génoise de la Parata so particular is the views. They’re gorgeous, particularly at sundown if you watch the solar go down across the Sanguinaires Islands.
We find it irresistible right here, and there’s even a small foodie spot known as Sanguinari Brasserie close by. It’s truthfully stunning at sundown.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sardinia
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