Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to go to within the Mediterranean. In truth, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the vital stunning islands to go to, together with its neighbouring island of Sardinia, which is shut by. Corsica is a fairly 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 listing of one of the best locations in Corsica to go to for those who’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 will help you put collectively a manageable listing of locations to go to in Corsica, I’m sharing our prime spots that you may’t miss. This manner, you possibly can deal with seeing as a lot of this gorgeous French island as doable. 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 for those who solely have sufficient time for a brief journey to Corsica, be sure you go to Calanques de Piana.
Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana might be simply reached by automotive, at the very least to the city of Porto. That mentioned, you will want a ship to really discover the dramatic shoreline right here.
For one of the best 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 possibly can 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 that to take a number 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 attractive. The very best part of the street is heading south in the 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 soak up a number 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 completely unbelievable (and historic) half on the port metropolis of Calvi to go to. Not on is it gorgeous but it surely’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’re 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 gorgeous and you’ll simply spend just a few 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 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 pretty and the meals is scrumptious.
3.) Palombaggia seashore
On the southwest of Corsica is likely 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 for those who’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 seashore means you need to wade a great distance out into the water.
Although, as with every attractive spot, it could possibly get busy on the weekends or within the top of summer time. Nonetheless, it’s an unlimited 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 for those who’re quick on time. Take a while to walk the harbourfront and cease by the little cafes overlooking the bay. It’s pretty.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Fesch Museum, which is definitely inside an outdated palace.
Oh, and naturally, you need to 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 possibly can 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 seashore? A brief drive away is Terre Sacrée Seaside, which is a very blissful spot for those who’re in search of some seashore time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is gorgeous. In truth, 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 this time, the energy of the partitions exhibits how properly they have been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! Additionally they make a superb vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, only a few kilometres throughout the channel.
Additionally, ensure 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 selections, by the way in which.
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 possibly can 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 will see one of the best 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 might be robust and fairly intense within the scorching summer time months.
If you happen to’re not sure if you are able to do it, don’t. Keep within the automotive 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 this can deliver 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, for those who’re travelling slowly across the north of Corsica, you possibly can hike as much as Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra over just a few 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 price seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
If you happen to love the good 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 seashore 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 method.
Oh, and don’t neglect about stopping off at Lake Melo. The views are gorgeous.
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 it is 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 is best to see seals and dolphins, and up above, you could spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply ensure that to e-book your boat from Galéria upfront, particularly for those who’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 Seaside, is essentially the most unbelievable 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 straightforward 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 straightforward 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 just a little 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 virtually feels prefer it’s been caught again in time.
Now, Speloncato is tiny, however you possibly can 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 Seaside, and it’s just a little quieter however no much less stunning than a number of the different large coves and bays you discover on the southeast coast.
Once more, the waters are gorgeous right here and fairly shallow, too. Plus, you possibly can 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 among the finest locations in Corsica to go to for sundown views, Tour Génoise de la Parata is well 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 gorgeous, particularly at sundown if 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 truthfully stunning at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
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