Things to do & places to visit in Corsica, France

Corsica is a laid-back French island, with a breezy vibe that’s part European weekend and part tropical honeymoon. The port city of Bastia flings its arms wide open to weary travelers disembarking from a long ferry trip. For a truly charming Corsican experience, catch a train through the mountains to the beach, passing by rustic villages and grazing cows along the way. Take a few hours or even a few weeks to explore the island’s famous walking trails, including the varsity-level GR 20.

Corsica #13 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.40 based on 55.4k traveler reviews, of 66 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 18:36.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Les Calanche Cliffs (623 reviews)
- Spectacular coastline
Points of Interest & Landmarks

These gorgeous red cliffs tower over the Mediterranean. See more..
5.0 Nature Reserve of Scandola (600 reviews)
- Well worth a boat trip
Nature & Wildlife Areas

You can really only appreciate the towering cliffs and rock formations of the national park by boat. Well worth a trip, usually combined with a short stop at what was the old fishing village of Girolata. They were spectacular in September, but apparently better in the Spring when the ospreys nest and there are flowers on the rocks. The quickest and cheapest trips are from Porto but you can also get a boat out of Calvi or Ajaccio. See more..
5.0 U Porcu Ranger (402 reviews)
- Great day out
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

Visit of the farm of Corsican pigs, the Nustrale breed, of Maxence Finidori in a 6-seater buggy with tasting of his PDO charcuterie and his terrines, all accompanied by red wine, Corsican cheese and a good country bread . Located on the heights of Figari in southern Corsica you can drive the buggies through the maquis and discover beautiful views. Above all, don't forget to pet the pigs, they love it. Duration: 2h30 See more..
5.0 D81 (337 reviews)
- Awesome views
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

This is an amazing route going from Calvi to Ajaccio. The route is quite narrow and it’s necessary to drive carefully and slow, what is not a sacrifice at all, since the views are so astonishing, that you really want to keep that experience as much you can. See more..
5.0 Calanques de Piana (314 reviews)
- A must-see in Corsica!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

Such a wonderful place! We were lucky to drive through this UNESCO site in the evening at the end of May. The light was perfect and the road really quiet. We took our time and stopped a lot to take pictures. You have to see this beautiful and free site :) Enjoy! See more..
5.0 Plateau de Coscione (264 reviews)
- Amazing landscape, enjoyable walk for kids and adults
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We did the Sentier de l’au hike with our three kids (2, 5 & 9 yrs) and we all enjoyed it very much. It’s an easy walk, manageable also for young kids: we came early and started at around 9am, so it was not too hot, we didn’t hurry and let the kids explore. Tranquillity and beauty of the landscape is amazing! Animals are curious but kind and came really close. Just keep your snacks away from them. On a sunny day don’t forget about good sun protection as there is no natural shade. We were quite worried about the road leading to the starting point, but were positively surprised as we expected it to be in much worse condition- we manged it without problems with our “normal” car! Just before you reach the parking you can buy an excellent sheep cheese in one of the shepherds’ huts. See more..
4.5 Plage de Palombaggia (6.036 reviews)
- One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica!
Beaches

This is definitely one of the most gorgeous beaches in Corsica - and one of the longest! Perfect turquoise water and white sand. There are a few bars on the beach where you get snacks (even a proper lunch but a bit pricey), ice cream and cocktails. In addition the beach is supervised by lifeguards. Tipp: be there early (at approximately 9:30 am) to get one of the rare parking spots near the beach! If you are too late you won’t get a parking spot and you have to walk down a road for 15 minutes (imagine walking the road uphill after the beach day) See more..
4.5 Iles Lavezzi (4.507 reviews)
- Worthy to spend the day
Islands • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Worthy to spend the day there, characteristic island. Bring your umbrella, it is almost impossible to get some shed otherwise. Also, bring food and plenty of water with you. The journey to get to Lavezzi island was worth the trip to be honest. Amazing. See more..
4.5 Bonifacio Citadel (3.778 reviews)
- Beautiful
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Bonifacio is probably the most interesting and picturesque of all the towns in Corsica. Any visit to Corsica should include a visit here. Lots of history and amazing setting. Very hilly so good walking shoes suggested. If you take one of the boat tours (one hour and high recommended - around 18.50 euro per adult) you can park for free for the day in the Promenade sur la Mer carpark just above the harbour. You can also take a 'petit train tour of the town if you don't fancy too much walking which also leaves from the harbour. ' See more..
4.5 Citadel (2.673 reviews)
- Worth the walk to see the views
Historic Sites

Well-preserved fortifications – you have to wonder what life was like way back then. Walking through the steep winding cobbled streets, the little houses and churches are quaint. The views of Calvi and the coast in both directions from various vantage points are excellent. See more..
4.5 Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (2.353 reviews)
- A true highlight of Corsica
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Once used to carry water to the citadel, these 187 steps carved into the limestone cliff now take visitors from the city down to the sea. In the winter, the king of aragon steps open only the morning to monday to friday ( 10h-12h) and when the weather is good !La visite de l'Escalier du Roy d'Aragon est réglementée. La descente de ce monument se fait en chaussures adaptées, fermées et sans talons . Tongs, chaussures sabots type crogs, chaussures compensées ou à talons seront refusées . See more..
4.5 Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles) (1.610 reviews)
- A "Must-see" on Corse
Mountains

We've been on the needles of the Bavella massif today. It was an absolutely stunning and magnificent hike through this amazing mountain site. We took the alpine version of GR20 to the top of the fourth needle, descended to the Ascinao valley and made our return on the main path of GR20. And now my advice: if you are physically at least a little fit, do that hike!! It is a fantastic experience and if you catch a nice day, the view from the summit is incredible! We had some clouds drifting by for some time so we didn't go to the top of the third needle (which is possible but optional) but still, I'd always do this trip again. Another highlight: the cows, that were chilling on the pass street near the parking ;) See more..
4.5 Piscines Naturelles de Cavu (1.278 reviews)
- Stunning! A must see!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Really quite a spectacular view and experience. One not to miss if you’re visiting the area. Bathing in the pools is so refreshing and revitalising!! Really relaxed atmosphere too. Some advice: Bring some water and something to eat/cash with you as the local restaurant only takes cash, no exceptions. See more..
4.5 Grottes de Bonifacio (1.209 reviews)
- A feast for the eyes
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

The caves are one more wonderful thing offered by the Bonifacio coast. Some caves can be visited by boat, others, smaller, can be approached by jet-ski or kayak. A feast for the eyes. The surrounding water is crystal clear. Hundreds of fish are swimming around you. The caves offer rare moments of contemplation and photography opportunity. See more..
4.5 Plage du Petit Sperone (1.058 reviews)
- Perfect spot
Beaches

Lovely little beach, quiet and nice for swimming. You need a car to get there and parking may be tricky. Drive to Plage Piantarella and walk from there to the Sperone. See more..
4.5 Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra (1.050 reviews)
- Pretty chapel, spectacular view
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Having just visited the Revellata Peninsula, we saw the turn-off to this chapel and thought we might as well take a look seeing we were nearby. The drive up is quite spectacular, with excellent views of the peninsula and its beaches, and also of the interesting rock formations formed by wind erosion over time. The view at the top is the best! You can see all of Calvi, and a long way north – all the beautiful bays and beaches. Wow. The Chapel itself is also gorgeous. It is small and intimate, with predominantly a ‘Mary-blue’ colour. There was a fellow inside selling religious items, but there was no cost to enter and no pressure to buy. He told me I could use the little steps at the back to go up to the choir for a different perspective. The stairway is extremely narrow – more like a spiral ladder – but worth the effort to see some of the higher paintings up close. See more..
4.5 Plage de Saleccia (1.026 reviews)
- what a feeling ...
Beaches

Great white sandy beach in the middle of nowhere. The way to the beach is very adventurous. 4WD is beneficial - drive on your own risk. See more..
4.5 Plage de Tamaricciu (927 reviews)
- Favorite spot in earth
Beaches

Love the beaches in this area - happy that the area is well kept and protected. Remains my favorite vacation place in the world. See more..
4.5 Phare de la Pietra (768 reviews)
- Beautiful view
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We really liked the view of this lighthouse, beautiful rocks, transparent water that invites you to swim, very good See more..
4.5 Plage d'Arone (691 reviews)
- Probably my most favorite beach in Corsica.
Beaches

This beach was really, really great. Light golden sand, super soft and clean. Ultra clear & clean water, no seagrass of any sort. Beautiful mountain setting with a couple great restaurants. Best of all not crowded at all!! What's not to love. I loved the western Corsican beaches the most for sure but this one might have been the best of them. If you want crowds and water sports, go to Santa Giulia. This beach is for true beach lovers. See more..
4.5 Gorges de la Restonica (611 reviews)
- Wonderful, but be prepared for some serious climbing
Hiking Trails • Forests

This forest is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. See more..
4.5 A Cupulatta (540 reviews)
- Wonderful!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wonderful place, extremely interesting. Does NOT cater for ignorant English visitors. There is a lot of uneven ground and wooden steps and platforms so you need to be fairly mobile. I hope they soon arange an English guide book/information pamphlet. It was the best excursion of our holiday. See more..
4.5 Plage De Roccapina (494 reviews)
- my favourite beach in corsica
Beaches

simply amazing.. white sand, wonderful sea, wild and not too crowded (even in august).. and no bar or restaurant or hotel to disturb the nature.. anyhow, it is not too difficult to reach it: there is a parking near an hotel/restaurant if you wanna go by foot (but it is around 45 min by walking..). but there is also a dirt-road going very near the beach. there is only a short piece of the road that is difficult, but you can do that if you drive carefully, even if you have a small car! instead, almost no problem for big car and 4x4. my advice is to go down by car. BUT, one warning: if you go by car, you should arrive to the beach: for me there is no sense in leaving the car half way because there is only a very short piece of the road that is troublesome and then, wherever you park, you should not forget that you will also do the maneuver to go back! See more..
4.5 Village d'Occi (488 reviews)
- Stunning sunset
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

My advice is to go by the time of the sunset. The location is perfect to see one perfect sunset. After leaving the car near a Camping, you have to climb an easy path, it take about 20 minutes walkig, to arrive on the top of the hill where the abandoned village is located. The village is a group of ruined stones houses which aren't allowed to enter, but the view is stunnig. The only problem is that the site is not mentioned or signaled anywhere, so the beginning of the path is hard to find, but you can ask to peolpe with backpack! See more..
4.5 Vallée du Fango (463 reviews)
- Beautiful walking route!
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Valleys

We went in this valley for a very nice walking trip. It starts at ponte vechju, where there is a parking at the d351 and goes alongside the Fango river for 4 km till the Tillajuara bridge. Can be done the other way around as well. Very nice walk, easy to follow by the orange markings, only good shoes are recommended due to the rocky underground. Take bathing stuff for taking a dive in the river! Well recommended, except when it is wet, then the rocks might be very slippery! See more..
4.5 Nonza Beach (457 reviews)
- views of the beach Nonza Breathtaking and amazing
Beaches

This is an amazing place. Above the beach is a mountain village with an old fortress. You can go down the stone stairs to the beach or drive around it by car. Striking beauty of the place. See more..
4.5 Îles Sanguinaires (428 reviews)
- A must-see near Ajaccio!
Islands

What a beautiful site! Worth visiting even if it is not sunset :) We spend more than an hour and took the time to walk around the site. There is car park, not too expensive but not free. There are toilets near the car park. Not many food options on site. Worth stopping by! See more..
4.5 Lac de Melo (406 reviews)
- Amazing and challenging walk to Lac du Melu and Lac du Capitello
Bodies of Water

Drive to the car park is amazing scenery with very narrow roads. An experience in itself. From the car park, there is a clear path to the Lac du Melu and Lac du Capitello. It is a challenging day hike, with some scrambling. You need to have a bit of training / at least average fitness to complete this walk. It is rewarding. Amazing mountain views. See more..
4.5 Plage Cupabia (399 reviews)
- Magnificent beach
Beaches

It is quite a long drive to reach this unspoiled beach but it is really worth it. You can park your car a few steps from this large white sand beach with a beautiful scenery. There are absolutely no construction around. You have rocks at each extremities of the beach. In October, we were almost alone. Bring your snack as there is nothing around. See more..
4.5 Plage de Ghjunchitu (379 reviews)
- Stunning natural beauty
Beaches

Amazing beach with white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Looks like a Caribbean beach. There is a bar directly on the beach and a restaurant hidden from the sight on the left . On the right there’s a passage to Bodri beach which is another amazingly beautiful beach. Parking costs Eur 2.50 all day this summer. But it gets busy very fast so it’s a struggle to get a parking space. See more..