★ Top sights 20
A village carved into the rock. Authentic Corsica.
A fishing harbor with a tower in the sea. Great restaurants.
The most beautiful baroque church in Corsica. Frescoes, 45m tower.
Dark granite streets, medieval citadel. Procession U Catenaccio on Good Friday.
Greco-Roman ruins (545 BC). Forum, baths, Etruscan collection in the museum. €3.
The highest Genoese tower of Corsica (15 m, 1586). The only one with a star-shaped fortification. Sea view.
Greek Orthodox community since 1676. Byzantine interior, iconostasis from 1886. Two churches share a choir.
Parc d'Olva is a 22-hectare farm sanctuary set near Sartene in southern Corsica. The grounds of oak and chestnut woodland are home to free-roaming horses, donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, cattle and poultry. A botanical trail winds through the site with labelled specimens of Corsican and Mediterranean flora, documenting the plant communities of the island's interior. The park operates simultaneously as a working farm and a visitor destination, offering an informal encounter with traditional rural livestock in a natural landscape.
A kilometer of wild sand. Free parking.
Lagoon beach at the mouth of the river. Ideal for children.
Granite lion above the beach, Genoese tower. Turquoise water, red cliffs.
An extensive beach with dunes in the very north of the island. View of the island of Giraglia.
Dramatic grey-black shingle beach below the village of Nonza. Unique color, cliffs 100 m.
A Casana Charcuterie Ceccaldi was founded in 1981 by the Ceccaldi family in Pietralba, Haute-Corse. Operating from a 600 square metre production facility, the house specialises in traditional Corsican cured meats including lonzu, coppa, prisuttu, figatellu, and saucisson, produced from Nustrale-breed pigs raised semi-wild on Corsican pastures and chestnut forests. The range carries the AOP Charcuterie Corse designation, which requires exclusive use of the Nustrale breed, Corsican pasture, and chestnut feeding.
Wild wasteland with maquis. Accessible on foot or by boat.
The most beautiful village of France (9th century).
Potters, musicians, artists. Michelin restaurant.
Genoese citadel, port, departure point for boats on Saleccia.
Village on 100m cliffs. View of the black beach.
The historic capital. Museum of Corsican Culture.
Activities & local 29
3,000 turtles and tortoises, 130 species from all continents. Rainbow iguana, giant tortoise 250 kg. Vero, 17 km from Ajaccio. Admission: adult €14, child €10. 2.5 hour visit.
A Tyroliana is a 10-hectare outdoor adventure park in Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, set within the Cavu Valley approximately 15 kilometres from Porto-Vecchio in southern Corsica. The park offers 11 treetop pathways containing over 160 individual workshops arranged across multiple difficulty levels. Four canyoning routes follow the Cavu river downstream through its canyon, passing a succession of turquoise natural pools carved into the granite bedrock. The combination of aerial and aquatic routes makes it one of the more varied adventure venues in the south of the island.
Aquarium in a natural cave in the heart of the Bonifacio Nature Reserve. 13 tanks with fish, crabs, jellyfish Mediterranean. Central Bonifacio.
Stops at the beaches of Bodri, Algajola, Lozari. ~5 € / person.
30 min from Saint-Florent. ~15 € return.
7 a.m.: Scandola, Girolata, Piano. Dolphins.
Iconic 2h hike to the highest Genoese tower in Corsica (1h climb) on a spectacular red porphyry cape. Panoramic views of Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Porto.
Traditional chestnut mill in the Castagniccia region. Chestnut flour (farina castagnina), jam, beer, pastries. Artisan production.
8 ha park: lemurs, kangaroos, parrots, mini-farm. Zones Africa, Australia, Asia, South America. Near Saint-Florent, Olmeta-di-Tuda. Admission: adult €15.50, child €11.
Biodynamic winery in Ajaccio AOC area. Rare indigenous Corsican grapes (Sciaccarellu, Nielluccio). One of the best estates on the island.
Patrimonio AOC estate near Saint-Florent. Nielluccio red and Vermentino white. Wine tasting and direct sales.
Historic 56-hectare estate at the heart of Patrimonio AOC. Organic-certified since 2019. Offers cellar tours, oenological workshops and tastings of Nielluccio reds, Vermentino whites and Muscat du Cap Corse. Open daily in summer.
Pioneer of organic viticulture in Corsica, run by the Imbert family for over 50 years near Porto-Vecchio. Produces Vin de Corse-Porto Vecchio AOC reds, whites and rosés. Tastings in the estate cellar; summer vineyard concerts.
A unique fruit botanical garden in Balagne. 40+ types of edible fruit, rare varieties from all over the world. Guided tours with interpretation. Admission: adult €12, child €10. Daily 10h.
Educational farm by Algajola beach. Pigs, horses, rabbits, llamas. Sensory trail, garden of scents. Trampoline, swings, picnic. Adult €7, child €5. Free for children under 4 years old.
On Saleccia, to the mountains, Agriates. Children from 7 years old.
Climbing park 400 m from the beach near Moriani. 10 routes from 3 years, bouncy castles. Night route with LED lighting (summer). 10 a.m.–sunset.
4 climbing routes in the Valduniella forest, Baby Park for children 2-8 years old (20+ sites with parents). 7 km from Calacuccio on the D84. Spring, picnic. Summer daily.
Climbing park in the eucalyptus forest near Porto-Vecchio. 4 routes for children, 5 for adults. Tarzan jumps, zipline, trampolines. Rt. de Bonifacio. Open 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
14 routes, 4 hours of activities from 3 years old in the Vizzavona forest near the Cascade des Anglais. June–September. Accessible by train.
9 ha: multimedia museums, one of the largest collections of cacti in Europe, a barefoot path in cork oaks, workshops for children. Taglio-Isolaccio, Costa Verde. Adult €8, child €4.
Botanical garden 7 ha near Île-Rousse. Exotic and Mediterranean plants, cactus garden. Open since 2005. Admission: adult €11, family €30. Tuesday–Sat 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
AOC wine village. Peace, wine tasting.
Reves de Cimes is a large adventure park in the village of Vero, approximately 45 minutes from Ajaccio, situated in the same valley as the A Cupulatta tortoise conservation park. It is described as the largest aerial course park on Corsica, with 17 courses and over 220 individual workshops installed across a natural forest of holm oak and chestnut trees. The courses are arranged by difficulty, catering to a range of ages and abilities, from introductory circuits to more demanding high-rope routes through the forest canopy.
Historic Coastal Route of Customs Officers. Cliffs, Genoese towers, wilderness. Macinaggio → Centuri 7h.
Private subtropical garden near Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio. 1,400 botanical species. Entry by reservation only. Adults €10, children free.
Artisan charcuterie in mountain village of Cozzano. Pigs raised free-range on acorns and chestnuts; products cured and smoked with chestnut and beech wood in natural caves. Sells figatellu, lonzu and coppa direct from the farm.
Center for the protection and breeding of the Hermann's tortoise (endemic of Corsica). It is managed by the Regional Nature Park. 30 km from Corte on the way to Asco. Admission: €5, children €2.50. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm.
Columned markets 1844. Corsican products. Train to Calvi.
Beaches & coast 28
A perfectly round cove. Snorkeling at two headlands. One of the most beautiful in Europe.
Snorkeling around the islet of La Pietra. Girellas, salps, anemones. Watch out for currents!
Clean water, restaurants, less tourists than Calvi.
The only large beach of Porto Bay. Golden sand, snorkeling near the rocks.
The most beautiful beach of NZ Corsica. Accessible by train.
5km iconic beach by the citadel. Shallow, for children.
750 m of sand under the Genoa tower. Water sports, restaurant.
400 m of golden sand in the east. Snorkeling near the rocks. Shallow water for children.
A large bay of white sand 25 minutes from Ajaccio. Free parking.
White sand like Seychelles. Snorkeling: fish, octopus, moray eels.
A hidden cove in the Calanques de Piana. Red rocks, lobsters, moray eels. 800 m walk.
300 m of golden sand at Corbara. Dense flora in the rocks, Junquidou restaurant.
Corsica's most famous beach. Pine, red granite. Snorkeling: cuttlefish, octopus.
Transparent lagoon, Posidon meadows. Entry point to Lavezzi. Windsurfing.
Safe for kids, mountain background, bars.
Km bay at Arasu lagoons. The wild north, the south with restaurants. Distinctive blue color.
Nearest beach from Pietro Gemina. Clear, calm.
The most beautiful wild beach in the north. White sand, turquoise.
The perfect lagoon for families. Shallow clear water, snorkeling at the reefs.
Palombaggie's calmer sister. Pine trees, white sand, snorkeling.
500m of golden sand in the wilderness of Cap Corse. Clear water, snorkeling.
The cleanest water near Calvi, fish and underwater vegetation.
A cove in the Revellata Peninsula. Snorkeling: sargo, bream, posidonia 2-5 m.
The main beach of Saint-Florent. Shallow, water sports.
A small white crescent overlooking Sardinia. Excellent snorkeling. Bonifacio Reserve.
Dense school of fish, mossy rocks. Water shoes required!
Corsica's BEST snorkelling! Natural pool, parrotfish, sea bream.
Culture & history 14
Genoa Governor's Palace (1380). 7 centuries of history, Italian paintings. View of Tuscany on a clear day.
A fortified residence from the Bronze Age (1800 BC) in granite chaos + medieval Capula. 2h trail.
Genoese fortress on 70m cliffs. Drawbridge, labyrinth of alleys. Escalier du Roy d'Aragon (187 steps).
Genoese fortress above the bay. Free entry.
8,000-year-old carved menhirs with faces and weapons. The most important prehistoric site of Corsica. €8.
Birthplace of Napoleon (1769). National Museum, period furniture, delivery room.
17m granite Napoleon's unfinished column. Nobody knows him!
Museum of Corsican culture in the historic citadel of Corte. Interactive, family friendly. Adult €5.50, child €3. Daily 10am–7pm (summer).
The largest collection of Italian Renaissance painting in France outside the Louvre. Bonaparte Crypt.
Plus Beau Village de France. Gateway to Calanques de Piana (UNESCO). Baroque church.
Three megalithic sites: I Stantari, Renaghju, Funtanaccia dolmen. Carved faces and swords in stone.
Genoese fortress from 1539. Bastion de France, Porte Génoise. View of the salt marshes.
Genoese tower (1550) on the peninsula. The blood-red islands of the Sanguinaires. Grand Site de France.
A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture (1140). Two-tone stripes of white limestone and green serpentine.
Getting there 9
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Corsica
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Corsica
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Corsica
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Corsica
Ferry Port · Connections to Marseille, Toulon, Nice
Ferry Port · Connections to Nice, Marseille, Toulon, Livorno, Savona
Ferry port · Connection to Sardinia (Santa Teresa)
Ferry Port · Connection to Nice
Ferry Port · Connections to Marseille, Nice, Toulon
Nature 32
Red granite needles in a pine forest. Trou de la Bombe (natural arch). GR20.
Red porphyry rocks above the sea. UNESCO since 1983. By car, boat from Porto or on foot.
70m waterfall in the Ospedale forest. Swimming in "giant pots" above the waterfall.
Cascades and pools in a pine forest.
Hidden cascades into an emerald pool. Google Maps is wrong!
25m waterfall into the sapphire pools on the Golo River. GR20 trail. Cold but beautiful!
15m waterfall into an emerald pool in a chestnut forest. Easy access (15 min).
Pink granite, natural slides into emerald pools. 20-30 min walk along the river.
The crown of the Corsican canyons. Two 40m waterfalls, slides. Mandatory guide 16.6.–30.9. (fine €135).
20+ cascades in a pine forest. Accessible by train. Cold water (12-15°C).
12 ha park with old olive trees, arboretum of Mediterranean flora. Napoleon's native summer residence. Free entry all year round. Route des Milelli, Ajaccio.
70-100m white limestone cliffs with a citadel. Sea caves. By boat or on foot along the walls.
Mountain river lakes just behind Calenzana.
UNESCO settlement accessible only by sea or on foot. Red cliffs, clear water. Ships from Porto (~€35).
A canyon with pools of different depths - shallow for children, deep for adults. "Natural Jacuzzi". 15 min walk.
The lake under the 17th century Genoese bridge. Jump 3-4 m. Several pools along the river.
Canyon with natural pools, suitable for 9-11 years.
The most accessible gorge from Ajaccio. Natural pools and small cascades in granite, turquoise water. Swim under the Tolla dam. Popular with locals.
Wild canyon accessible only on foot. Turquoise pools, granite walls. An alternative to Restonica.
Corsica's second largest lake on the Tibetan Plateau. Wild horses. 1,743 m above sea level
Three pools in polished white granite. Natural slides. Upper Chisa pools (2h walk) – 20m jumps!
Two deep pools by the old Ponte Vecchu bridge. Mill ruins. Endemic species of fish. 15 min from the village.
The most famous natural pools of the South. Turquoise pools in granite, sun rocks. Shuttle from the parking lot.
Crystal clear blue pools in unspoiled nature. "Almost nobody even in July." 5-10 min to the first pools.
Swimming under the iconic Eiffel Viaduct (1891). Emerald Pools. Steep access.
Nearest river swimming from Ajaccio (20 min). Large pool with sandy shore, shade. Ideal for families.
500m meander with shallow and deep pools. Three zones: jet massage, children's pool, deep pool. Great for families!
Genoa Bridge over the Golo River. Calm pools in the mountains. Cold water (14–17°C). Few tourists.
Emerald pools in a pine forest. 20m Méli waterfall. Warmer water than Restonica.
Red reefs, dolphins, swimming. 7h expedition.
Emerald Lakes. Shuttle bus from Corte (book in advance).
The warmest river for children. Natural slides.