Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to go to within the Mediterranean. In actual fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s some of the 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 suggests there are heaps to see and do when you arrive on its shores.
That being mentioned, it may be onerous to whittle down an achievable record of one of the best locations in Corsica to go to should you’re visiting for a sure variety of days. Actually, 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 path when you’re right here. It’s that lovely.
So, that can assist you put collectively a manageable record of locations to go to in Corsica, I’m sharing our prime spots that you could’t miss. This manner, you’ll be able to concentrate on 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 should you solely have sufficient time for a brief journey to Corsica, be sure to go to Calanques de Piana.
Perched on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calanques de Piana might be simply reached by automotive, at the 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’ll be able to 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 make sure that to take numerous drinks, snacks and a few ice onboard with you.
Lastly, the D81 street up and across the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is completely attractive. The very best part of the street is heading south in direction of Piana with the cliffs excessive above you that descend steeply to the ocean.
You may prefer to attempt 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 top-of-the-line 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 are 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 in opposition to the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman empires? Anyway, random info apart, it’s gorgeous and you may 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 instances.
Have a look across the cobblestone streets as you make your means 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 seaside
On the southwest of Corsica is without doubt one of the island’s greatest seashores; Palombaggia Seashore. It’s expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters and shallow bay make it an absolute gem to go to in Corsica, particularly should you’re travelling across the south of the island.
Now, Palombaggia Seashore 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 mushy and white, and the gently sloping seaside means you need to wade a good distance out into the water.
Although, as with all attractive spot, it may possibly get busy on the weekends or within the top of summer season. Nonetheless, it’s an unlimited stretch of sandy shoreline, so there’s room for everybody. Oh yeah, and for a small seaside bar, head to U Furanu. It’s nothing fancy, however the meals is so good and it’s proper on the seaside.
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 should you’re brief 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 residence from 1682 till 1923. If you go to right here, you’ll be able to study some snippets of details about his beginning in 1769 and all through his youth. To assist non-French audio system, there’s an audio information accessible in a number of languages.
Fancy a day by the seaside? A brief drive away is Terre Sacrée Seashore, which is a very blissful spot should you’re searching for some seaside time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is gorgeous. In actual fact, it’s top-of-the-line 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 present, the energy of the partitions reveals how effectively they have been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! Additionally they make an excellent vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, only a few kilometres throughout the channel.
Additionally, make sure 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 decisions, 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’ll be able to see from the street as you tour across the southern a part of the island on the D268. The drives alone make it top-of-the-line locations in Corsica to go to, however you will discover 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 powerful and fairly intense within the sizzling summer season months.
When you’re uncertain 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 allow or first enter Calvi itself.
Now, to get to Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra, drive the D1B from Calvi within the path of Galeria and this can carry 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, should you’re travelling slowly across the north of Corsica, you’ll be able to 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 may take a pleasant sluggish stroll up.
It’s so gorgeous and the views at sundown are so value seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
When you love the nice open air 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 seaside 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 an excellent coastal park, and it is best to guarantee it’s included in your plans. It’s on a distant rocky peninsula, and the one smart 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, it’s possible you’ll spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply make sure that to e book your boat from Galéria upfront, particularly should you’re travelling in the summertime months.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
10.) Santa Giulia seaside
On the southwest coast, simply south of Palombaggia Seashore, is essentially the most unbelievable Santa Giulia Seashore. Its enormous, shallow waters make an ideal place to whisk away a day on the sandy shore.
Actually, it’s top-of-the-line locations in Corsica and inside simple parking (right here).
Now, across the midpoint of Santa Giulia Seashore is the place most individuals have a tendency to remain. That is the place there’s simple seaside entry and some seaside 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 a little bit 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’ll be able to 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 seaside
South of Santa Giulia seaside is one other gem to go to for a seaside day in Corsica. It’s known as Rondinara Seashore, and it’s a little bit quieter however no much less stunning than a number of the different huge coves and bays you discover on the southeast coast.
Once more, the waters are gorgeous right here and fairly shallow, too. Plus, you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat at Chez Ange Seashore Restaurant. Their tuna tartare is so good.
13.) Tour Génoise de la Parata
In all probability top-of-the-line locations in Corsica to go to for sundown views, Tour Génoise de la Parata is definitely 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 while you watch the solar go down across the Sanguinaires Islands.
We like it right here, and there’s even a small foodie spot known as Sanguinari Brasserie close by. It’s truthfully stunning at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
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