Corsica
☀️ Bright sunshine
Located south of Marseille, it is easy to imagine that the weather is much better than along the North Sea. Corsica enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate and boasts one of the highest sunshine records in France, with an average of 2,793 hours of sunshine per year. You can visit from April to October with very little weather risk.🍽️ A mouth-watering gastronomy
Corsican cuisine is often described as a blend of French and Italian influences, so you can only be pleasantly surprised! Here is a selection of local specialties whose names may not ring a bell, but which you absolutely must try: brocciu (sheep’s milk cheese), fiadone (lemon-flavoured cheesecake), coppa (Corsican cured ham), figatelli (dried sausage), and canistrelli (almond biscuits). From aperitif to dessert, you will never go hungry!🥾 Breathtaking hikes
Mountains mean hiking! If you enjoy walking through stunning landscapes scented with thyme and sage, sitting by the roadside and admiring the sea and the villages below, then Corsica is the place for you. Of course, the famous GR20 (one of the most challenging hiking trails in Europe) crosses the island, but you will also find easier yet equally beautiful trails around Porto-Vecchio, Corte, Propriano and beyond.🏞️ Magnificent landscapes
Not everyone can claim the title “Island of Beauty”! Corsica is unique in that it offers both sea and mountains. A mountain range runs the entire length of the island, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore calanques, nature reserves and mountain villages. A must-see is the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, established in 1972, which is home to many protected species such as the mouflon and the Corsican red deer, both threatened and nearly extinct. You can also swim in natural pools in the heart of the mountains, such as the Restonica River (Haute-Corse) or the Solenzara (Bavella). Corsica is more than just one island: you can take a boat to discover the Lavezzi Islands or the marine and terrestrial nature reserve of the Scandola Peninsula.🏖️ Breathtaking beaches
Nearly 200 beaches along 1,000 km of coastline give you an idea of the island’s incredible seaside diversity. With such a climate, it would be a shame not to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Some beaches are considered among the most beautiful in France, such as those in Calvi, the Valinco Gulf, or the bays of the southern coast between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Rondinara Beach was even voted the third most beautiful beach in Europe. Santa Giulia Bay is also well known for its crystal-clear, photogenic waters.
🏰 A rich history
Like many islands, Corsica has a turbulent history and has changed hands several times due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea. The island even became independent in 1755, before being taken over by France in 1769. Emperor Napoleon I was born in Ajaccio, and his birthplace can be visited today as a national museum retracing part of his family’s history.
🎵 Regional traditions
- 🌿 Corsica is deeply attached to its history and continues to keep its culture and traditions alive. The island is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly knives, jewellery and pottery.
- 🎶 Musical traditions are also very strong, especially polyphonic choral singing, which experienced a revival in the 1970s alongside the rise of regional identity.
- 💧 Another field in which Corsica excels is cosmetics. On an island rich in plant life, many products are made using essential oils and wild plants.
🚵♀️ For outdoor and sports activities
In addition to hiking, Corsica’s rugged landscape offers a wide range of activities such as climbing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, horseback riding excursions are also available. Not to mention the many opportunities for underwater exploration at diving spots all around the island.
🎉 For its lively atmosphere
Without being Ibiza, Corsica still offers plenty of places to enjoy nightlife. A stroll through the streets of its towns will lead you to dancing bars, night markets and nightclubs, including Europe’s largest open-air nightclub, “La Via Notte” in Porto-Vecchio.
🏘️ For its beautiful hilltop villages
Southern mainland France is already famous for its “most beautiful villages”, often perched on hilltops, but Corsica has nothing to envy. Most hilltop villages are located in the north-west of the Balagne region. We recommend Sant’Antonino, the oldest continuously inhabited village in Corsica, Pigna for art and craftsmanship lovers, as well as Cateri, Avapessa and Montegrosso. Breathtaking views, winding alleys and the sound of cicadas await you.