Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to go to within the Mediterranean. In actual fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s probably the most lovely 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 exhausting to whittle down an achievable checklist of the perfect locations in Corsica to go to in case you’re visiting for a sure variety of days. Actually, 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 which you could’t miss. This fashion, you’ll be able to give attention to seeing as a lot of this beautiful French island as potential. Have enjoyable in Corsica.
1.) Calanques de Piana
Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO-protected web site in Corsica, together with the effortlessly beautiful Gulf of Porto. It’s completely lovely, and in case you solely have sufficient time for a brief journey to Corsica, ensure you go to Calanques de Piana.
Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana will be simply reached by automotive, no less than to the city of Porto. That mentioned, you’ll need a ship to actually 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 can 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 lease 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 make sure that to take a lot of drinks, snacks and a few ice onboard with you.
Lastly, the D81 street up and across the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is totally beautiful. The very best part of the street is heading south in direction of Piana with the cliffs excessive above you that descend steeply to the ocean.
You may prefer to strive 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 absorb a few of the routes between Piana and Ota, and it’s beautiful.
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 beautiful nevertheless it’s probably the greatest 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 info apart, it’s beautiful and you’ll simply spend a number of hours strolling the small streets and stopping off for a chunk to eat.
You’ll enter the citadel through the tunnel. There’s additionally restricted parking close by, nevertheless it fills up quick at peak occasions.
Have a look across the cobblestone streets as you make your method as much as the ramparts and cease for a chunk 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 without doubt one of the island’s greatest seashores; Palombaggia Seaside. It’s expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters and shallow bay make it an absolute gem to go to in Corsica, particularly in case you’re travelling across the south of the island.
Now, Palombaggia Seaside isn’t overly far (by automotive) from the coastal metropolis of Porto-Vecchio – and it’s one spot you shouldn’t miss. Belief me, the sand is comfortable and white, and the gently sloping seaside means you must wade a great distance out into the water.
Although, as with all beautiful spot, it could 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: Greatest 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 just some hours in case you’re quick on time. Take a while to walk the harbourfront and cease by the little cafes overlooking the bay. It’s beautiful.
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. While 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 obtainable 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 in case you’re in search of some seaside time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is beautiful. In actual fact, it’s probably the greatest 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 in the present day, the energy of the partitions exhibits how effectively they have been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! In addition they make an excellent vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, just some 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 appears like a cave-like room. Their fish soup and their swordfish are nice decisions, by the way in which.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
6.) Bavella
The pure great 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 probably the greatest locations in Corsica to go to, however you’ll find the perfect surroundings by leaving your automotive behind and going to the hills.
The GR20 mountaineering path climbs by means of 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 will be powerful and fairly intense within the scorching summer season months.
If you happen to’re uncertain if you are able to do it, don’t. Keep within the automotive and benefit from the beautiful 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 allow 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 deliver 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, in case 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 number 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 beautiful and the views at sundown are so value seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
If you happen to love the nice outdoor and mountains, exploring Gorges de la Restonica is a must-do!
Fancy a hik? Now, with all of the mountaineering routes round Gorges de la Restonica require good footwear. Go away the flipflops by the seaside 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 technique.
Oh, and don’t overlook about stopping off at Lake Melo. The views are beautiful.
9.) Scandola
Look, I’ve touched on the fantastic 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 you must 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, you must see seals and dolphins, and up above, you could spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply make sure that to e book your boat from Galéria prematurely, particularly in case you’re travelling in the summertime months.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
10.) Santa Giulia seaside
On the southwest coast, simply south of Palombaggia Seaside, is essentially the most unbelievable Santa Giulia Seaside. Its big, shallow waters make an ideal place to whisk away a day on the sandy shore.
Actually, it’s probably the greatest 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 all the way down to this parking spot. It may be a little bit quieter.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
11.) Speloncato
To the east of Calvi, within the north of Corsica, is the beautiful hilltop commune of Speloncato. It’s so beautiful and it nearly 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 chunk 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 referred to as Rondinara Seaside, and it’s a little bit quieter however no much less lovely than a few of the different huge coves and bays you discover on the southeast coast.
Once more, the waters are beautiful right here and fairly shallow, too. Plus, you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat at Chez Ange Seaside Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is so good.
13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata
In all probability probably the greatest locations in Corsica to go to for sundown views, Tour Génoise de la Parata is definitely reached by automotive 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 beautiful, particularly at sundown whenever you watch the solar go down across the Sanguinaires Islands.
We find it irresistible right here, and there’s even a small foodie spot referred to as Sanguinari Brasserie close by. It’s truthfully lovely at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
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