Planning a trip to Corsica and wondering about the best places to visit? Corsica is a French island nearby France and Italy, known for its stunning cliffs and warm weather, making it a fantastic destination to explore.
Corsica is one of the warmest regions in France with some of the highest sunshine records. Located in the Mediterranean, it boasts warm summers that attract tourists from around the globe. It’s famous not only for its beaches but also as a wonderful hiking destination. If you’re looking to enjoy both hiking and beach activities, Corsica is the place to go for your next vacation.
So, what should you do in Corsica? To help plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the best attractions in Corsica. Check it out!
Calanques de Piana
Calanques de Piana in the northwest of the island is a breathtaking sight. These rugged cliffs made of red granite rock are particularly amazing at sunset when the red hues contrast beautifully with the blue sea. There are several hiking trails around this area, and it’s a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Corte
Corte is a picturesque town nestled in the mountains and is one of the largest towns in Corsica. It was the island’s capital from 1755 to 1769 and is situated on a hill, offering stunning views of the surroundings. Home to the University of Corsica Pasquale Paoli, the island’s only university, Corte features attractions like the Citadel and the Ghionga grocery store, one of Europe’s oldest. Don’t miss the Heritage Trail of Corsica to explore vital historical landmarks.
Aiguilles de Bavella
Aiguilles de Bavella consists of impressive rocky peaks, ideal for hiking and enjoying beautiful landscapes. Hikers will appreciate the rocky summits, pine forests, unique geological formations, and vast ravines in this area.
Bonifacio
Located on the southern tip of Corsica, Bonifacio is a charming coastal town famous for its white limestone cliffs. The medieval clifftop citadel protects the town, which also boasts lovely cobblestone streets. Founded in the 9th century, Bonifacio is the oldest town on the island. The Old Town sits 70 meters above sea level, offering fantastic views of the harbor below. Be sure to visit Escalier du Roy d’Aragon, 187 steps carved into the cliff, leading down to the sea.
Beaches
Corsica is renowned for its beaches. Here’s a list of some of its most beautiful beaches:
…and many more. Relaxing on a beach is a top activity in Corsica.
Corsica Natural Regional Park
Known for its mountainous landscapes and plenty of hiking trails, Corsica Natural Regional Park is a must-visit, covering nearly 40% of the island. The park features around 1500 km of marked hiking trails, making it a hiker’s paradise. It includes notable spots like Calanques de Piana and Aiguilles de Bavella. Monte Cinto, the highest mountain on the island, is also here. The Restonica valley is another highlight, celebrated for its natural beauty and scenic trails leading to the glacial lakes Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello.
GR 20
For those seeking a challenging hike, the GR 20 is the ultimate trek. Known as “Europe’s toughest long-distance trek,” the Grande Randonnée (GR) 20 trail cuts diagonally across Corsica, reaching 2134 meters in altitude. The trail is roughly 180 km long with a significant elevation gain of 12000 meters, typically taking about 15 days to complete. The GR 20 has various stages, so if you’re not up for the entire trek, you can opt to tackle a portion of it. It’s considered one of the toughest hikes in Europe.
Enjoy your trip to Corsica!