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 probably the most 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 implies there are heaps to see and do when you arrive on its shores.
That being mentioned, it may be exhausting to whittle down an achievable checklist of one of the best 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 route 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 high spots that you may’t miss. This fashion, you may deal with 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 web site 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 will be simply reached by automobile, at the very least to the city of Porto. That mentioned, you have to a ship to really discover the dramatic shoreline right here.
For one of the best time, guide this agile rib boat that may get you into the smaller coves and bays (which bigger boats can’t). You can guide 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 may lease a personal 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 make sure that to take numerous drinks, snacks and a few ice onboard with you.
Lastly, the D81 highway up and across the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is totally attractive. One of the best part of the highway is heading south in direction of Piana with the cliffs excessive above you that descend steeply to the ocean.
You may wish to strive the Sentier Muletier path; it follows a ridge excessive above the D81 highway and is the historic pathway for farmers within the space. You’ll absorb a few of the routes between Piana and Ota, and it’s gorgeous.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
2.) Citadel of Calvi
Perched on the north coast of Corsica, Calvi Citadel is a fully unbelievable (and historic) half on the port metropolis of Calvi to go to. Not on is it gorgeous but it surely’s the most effective 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 towards the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman empires? Anyway, random details apart, it’s gorgeous and you may simply spend a couple of hours strolling the small streets and stopping off for a chunk to eat.
You’ll enter the citadel through the tunnel. There may be additionally restricted parking close by, but it surely fills up quick at peak instances.
Have a look across the cobblestone streets as you make your approach as much as the ramparts and cease for a chunk to eat at Ô Fao and sit of their little terrace. It’s so pretty and the meals is scrumptious.
3.) Palombaggia seashore
On the southwest of Corsica is without doubt one of the island’s finest seashores; Palombaggia Seashore. 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 Seashore 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 mushy and white, and the gently sloping seashore means you must wade a good distance out into the water.
Although, as with every attractive spot, it might probably get busy on the weekends or within the top of summer season. Nevertheless, it’s an enormous stretch of sandy shoreline, so there’s room for everybody. Oh yeah, and for a small seashore bar, head to U Furanu. It’s nothing fancy, however the meals is so good and it’s proper on the seashore.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
4.) Ajaccio
The coastal city of Ajaccio, on the west coast of Corsica, is a superb 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 pretty.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Fesch Museum, which is definitely inside an outdated palace.
Oh, and naturally, you must go to Maison Bonaparte. You see, Maison Bonaparte in Ajaccio was Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace and his household dwelling from 1682 till 1923. If you go to right here, you may 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 accessible in a number of languages.
Fancy a day by the seashore? A brief drive away is Terre Sacrée Seashore, which is a very blissful spot when you’re on the lookout for some seashore time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is gorgeous. Actually, it’s the most effective 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 the moment, the power of the partitions reveals how nicely they had been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! In addition they make a very good vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, only a few kilometres throughout the channel.
Additionally, make sure that 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: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
6.) Bavella
The pure fantastic thing about the Aiguilles de Bavella close to Zonza is a sight you may see from the highway as you tour across the southern a part of the island on the D268. The drives alone make it the most effective locations in Corsica to go to, however you will see one of the best surroundings by leaving your automobile behind and going to the hills.
The GR20 climbing path climbs via thick forest as you ascend as much as over 1600 metres above sea degree. The stroll will take you round 5 hours to stand up and down. A few of these trails will be powerful and fairly intense within the sizzling summer season months.
Should 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 route of Galeria and it will convey you to this tiny chapel sitting on the high 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 may hike as much as Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra over a couple of hours in whole. It’s not too removed from the shores of Calvi and you may take a pleasant gradual stroll up.
It’s so gorgeous and the views at sundown are so value seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
Should you love the good outside 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. Go away the flipflops by the seashore as a few of the trails are upwards 8km. Plan to spend all day as a few of the path routes take round 3.5-4 hours a method.
Oh, and don’t overlook 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 is best to guarantee it’s included in your plans. It’s on a distant rocky peninsula, and the one wise possibility is to go there on a ship tour from both Calvi or Ajaccio. Within the water, it is best to see seals and dolphins, and up above, it’s possible you’ll spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply make sure that to guide your boat from Galéria upfront, particularly when you’re travelling in the summertime months.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
10.) Santa Giulia seashore
On the southwest coast, simply south of Palombaggia Seashore, is essentially the most unbelievable Santa Giulia Seashore. Its enormous, shallow waters make an ideal place to whisk away a day on the sandy shore.
Truthfully, it’s the most effective locations in Corsica and inside simple parking (right here).
Now, across the midpoint of Santa Giulia Seashore is the place most individuals have a tendency to remain. That is the place there’s simple seashore entry and some seashore bars and eating places.
Although, if you wish to keep away from the crowds, head all the way down to this parking spot. It may be slightly quieter.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 nearly feels prefer it’s been caught again in time.
Now, Speloncato is tiny, however you may 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 chunk to eat. A Funtana’s crostini with island goat cheese is so good.
12.) Rondinara seashore
South of Santa Giulia seashore is one other gem to go to for a seashore day in Corsica. It’s referred to as Rondinara Seashore, and it’s slightly quieter however no much less stunning than a few 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 may seize a chunk to eat at Chez Ange Seashore Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is so good.
13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata
In all probability the most effective 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 whenever you watch the solar go down across the Sanguinaires Islands.
We adore it right here, and there’s even a small foodie spot referred to as Sanguinari Brasserie close by. It’s actually stunning at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
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