Corsica is an absolute gem of an island to go to within the Mediterranean. In truth, I’d go so far as to say it’s some of the lovely 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 stated, it may be onerous to whittle down an achievable record of the perfect locations in Corsica to go to for those who’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 course 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 high spots which you can’t miss. This fashion, you possibly can give attention to seeing as a lot of this beautiful French island as attainable. Have enjoyable in Corsica.
1.) Calanques de Piana
Calanques de Piana is a UNESCO-protected web site in Corsica, together with the effortlessly beautiful Gulf of Porto. It’s completely lovely, and for those who 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 will be simply reached by automobile, at the very least to the city of Porto. That stated, you will want a ship to actually discover the dramatic shoreline right here.
For the perfect time, guide this agile rib boat that may get you into the smaller coves and bays (which bigger boats can’t). You can guide this tour from Porto, which is able to take you out for 3 hours to see Girolata and the pink granite that makes this space so well-known.
Alternatively, you possibly can hire a personal 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 be sure to take a number of drinks, snacks and a few ice onboard with you.
Lastly, the D81 highway up and across the west coast between Calvi and Ajaccio is completely attractive. The very best part of the highway is heading south in direction of Piana with the cliffs excessive above you that descend steeply to the ocean.
You may prefer to strive the Sentier Muletier path; it follows a ridge excessive above the D81 highway 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 beautiful.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
2.) Citadel of Calvi
Perched on the north coast of Corsica, Calvi Citadel is a fully unimaginable (and historic) half on the port metropolis of Calvi to go to. Not on is it beautiful 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 might be 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 towards the allied fleets of the French and Ottoman empires? Anyway, random info apart, it’s beautiful and you’ll 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 approach as much as the ramparts and cease for a chunk to eat at Ô Fao and sit of their little terrace. It’s so beautiful and the meals is scrumptious.
3.) Palombaggia seaside
On the southwest of Corsica is likely one of the island’s greatest seashores; Palombaggia Seaside. It’s expansive shoreline, crystal-clear waters and shallow bay make it an absolute gem to go to in Corsica, particularly for those who’re travelling across the south of the island.
Now, Palombaggia Seaside isn’t overly far (by automobile) 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 it’s important to wade a great distance out into the water.
Although, as with all attractive spot, it may well get busy on the weekends or within the peak 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 good spot to discover on a day journey or for just some hours for those who’re quick on time. Take a while to walk the harbourfront and cease by the little cafes overlooking the bay. It’s beautiful.
Additionally, don’t overlook to go to the Fesch Museum, which is definitely inside an outdated palace.
Oh, and naturally, it’s important 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 possibly can be taught some snippets of details about his start in 1769 and all through his youth. To assist non-French audio system, there’s an audio information obtainable in a number of languages.
Fancy a day by the seaside? A brief drive away is Terre Sacrée Seaside, which is a very blissful spot for those who’re on the lookout for some seaside time.
5.) Bonifacio
Proper on the southern tip of Corsica, the Citadel of Bonifacio is beautiful. In truth, 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 power of the partitions exhibits how properly they had been constructed; they’re nonetheless standing! Additionally they make an excellent vantage level from which to look throughout to Sardinia, just some kilometres throughout the channel.
Additionally, be sure to cease off at U Castillé for a pichet of wine and a tasty lunch in what looks like a cave-like room. Their fish soup and their swordfish are nice selections, by the best way.
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 possibly can see from the highway 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 one can find the perfect surroundings by leaving your automobile behind and going to the hills.
The GR20 climbing path climbs by means of thick forest as you ascend as much as over 1600 metres above sea degree. The stroll will take you round 5 hours to stand up and down. A few of these trails will be powerful and fairly intense within the scorching summer season months.
Should you’re uncertain if you are able to do it, don’t. Keep within the automobile and benefit from the beautiful 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 course of Galeria and this can deliver you to this tiny chapel sitting on the high of the mountain. Right here’s the Google Maps hyperlink incase that makes it simpler.
Additionally, for those who’re travelling slowly across the north of Corsica, you possibly can 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’ll take a pleasant sluggish stroll up.
It’s so beautiful and the views at sundown are so value seeing.
8.) Gorges de la Restonica
Should you love the nice outdoor and mountains, exploring Gorges de la Restonica is a must-do!
Fancy a hik? Now, with all of the climbing routes round Gorges de la Restonica require good footwear. Depart 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 overlook about stopping off at Lake Melo. The views are beautiful.
9.) Scandola
Look, I’ve touched on the great 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 possibility 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, you could spot peregrine falcons, eagles, or ospreys.
Simply be sure to guide your boat from Galéria upfront, particularly for those who’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 Seaside, is probably the most unimaginable Santa Giulia Seaside. Its large, 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 Seaside 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 right down to this parking spot. It may be just a little quieter.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
11.) Speloncato
To the east of Calvi, within the north of Corsica, is the beautiful hilltop commune of Speloncato. It’s so beautiful and it virtually feels prefer it’s been caught again in time.
Now, Speloncato is tiny, however you possibly can 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 referred to as Rondinara Seaside, and it’s just a little quieter however no much less lovely than a number of the different huge coves and bays you discover on the southeast coast.
Once more, the waters are beautiful right here and fairly shallow, too. Plus, you possibly can seize a chunk to eat at Chez Ange Seaside 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 well reached by automobile 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 beautiful, 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 referred to as Sanguinari Brasserie close by. It’s truthfully lovely at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sardinia
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