A 'Mountain in the Sea', the expression that best defines Corsica, our Island of Beauty. Nature here remains wild and preserved. Mysterious and impenetrable maquis, crystalline waters, steep mountains, forests of pine and chestnut trees, secret coves, paradisiacal beaches, and breathtaking panoramas - these are all the promises kept by Corsica. The island is the best-preserved territory in France. The absence of industry plays a significant role. Wildlife is protected, waters are pure, dozens of sites are classified, and 6 nature reserves have been established. Notable examples include the Fango Valley Biosphere Reserve, remarkably beautiful with landscapes of maritime pines, holm oaks, and the pristine Fango River, which flows from the high mountains to the Mediterranean. Another is the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its red granite cliffs and exceptional fauna.

For which traveler(s) is intended Corsica ?

Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones
The instagrammer
The instagrammer
The adventurer
The adventurer
The Hedonist
The Hedonist
The gourmet
The gourmet
The trekker
The trekker

Corsica: Charming Villages and Dreamy Beaches

If the landscapes are paradisiacal, the villages and the coastline are also fabulous! Let's start with Erbalunga, a fishing village located 10 km north of Bastia, ideal for enjoying fresh fish. Then there's Centuri in Cap Corse, followed by the incredible village of Nonza, seamlessly blending with the rocky peak of U Monte. As for beaches, head to Agriates, Loto, Saleccia, or Île-Rousse. Continuing north, visit Calvi, known for its immense citadel, bay, and beaches, then explore Porto and its incredible gulf while passing through Pointe de la Revellata. Inland, embark on a journey to discover Castagniccia with its hidden villages or the captivating beauty of the Restonica Valley. In the south, there's Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands. After exploring the Prunelli Valley and Bastelica, head to the beaches at Porto-Pollo for a well-deserved rest. Further south: Bonifacio, the Lavezzi Islands, Porto-Vecchio, Santa Giulia Cove, or Palombaggia Beach.

Exploring Corsica through the Iconic GR20 and Mare a Mare Trails

All this nature naturally calls for hiking. It's impossible not to mention the legendary GR20, the hiking trail that traverses Corsica from north to south, from Calenzana to Conca, across the mountains. Beware, novices should refrain! The GR20 is considered the most beautiful but above all, the toughest hiking trail in Europe! Improvisation is out of the question. For those less experienced, it's possible to tackle only certain stages. Less challenging than the GR20, the Mare a Mare trails allow you to cross Corsica from west to east. The most famous ones are Mare a Mare Nord from Moriani to Cargèse, Mare a Mare Centre from Ghisonaccia to Porticcio, and Mare a Mare Sud from Porto-Vecchio to Propriano. Beyond these routes, there are plenty of other hiking trails from village to village, without significant difficulty and easily doable as a family.

Corsican Cuisine

Corsica also boasts a fantastic terroir! Rustic, high-quality, and generous all at once, food enthusiasts will relish in Corsican specialties. First and foremost, the charcuterie: prisuttu, lean ham; coppa, salted and dried pork shoulder; lonzu, pork fillet; and figatellu, a sausage made from offal. For meats, you'll find numerous game recipes and spit-roasted veal. Along the coast, we recommend freshly caught fish, lobsters, mussels, oysters, and aziminu, the local bouillabaisse. You can't miss out on brocciu, the local cheese, found in many dishes like cannelloni with brocciu, or in desserts like fiadone. Corsica is also renowned for its honey, olives, chestnuts, and of course, its clementines. The local wines are excellent, including powerful reds, fruity whites, and refreshing rosés, as well as their beers from the Pietra brewery and liqueurs.

The 3 must-sees of Corsica


South of Porto, the stunning site of the Calanques de Piana, or Calanche in Corsica. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they stand out for their red-colored rock formations. We recommend exploring them by sea to admire their splendor. With cliffs reaching a height of 400 meters, the Capo Rosso cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto. An ideal spot for diving enthusiasts. Further south is Sartène, the most picturesque village on the island. Located inland in the southern part, it's often described as the 'most Corsican of Corsican towns.' Built in 1550 by the Genoese, this fortified town with cobbled streets and numerous hidden passages is simply magnificent. Lastly, on the southern tip of the Isle of Beauty, perched on limestone cliffs, is the fortified town of Bonifacio. Visit its harbor, citadel, the Bastion de l'Étendard, the small chapel of Saint Roch, the King of Aragon's staircase, as well as its calanques, beaches, the Lavezzi Islands, and its sea caves.

A true earthly paradise, set off to discover Corsica! A genuine national treasure, the Island of Beauty has plenty more to amaze you with. You'll likely have only one desire: to return!

Did you know ?

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica.

The Regional Natural Park of Corsica covers 40% of the territory.

Angelo Mariani, a Corsican, is responsible for the original recipe of Coca-Cola. Initially, the recipe was based on wine.