Best things to do in Corsica

Looking for a holiday destination just a few hours from home yet offering the impression of having journeyed to the other side of the world? Welcome to Corsica, a true Mediterranean jewel where untamed nature, centuries-old traditions and the relaxed rhythm of island life intertwine in perfect harmony. Often nicknamed the "Isle of Beauty," Corsica boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, shifting between idyllic turquoise beaches, dramatic mountain peaks and picturesque villages clinging to hillsides.

Corsica immediately captivates with the purity of its natural scenery. From Porto-Vecchio to Calvi, via Bonifacio and Bastia, the island unfurls a breathtaking mosaic of panoramas. Long stretches of powdery sand lapped by crystal-clear waters rival the world’s most exotic shores. Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Saleccia and the crescent-shaped Roccapina are among the most coveted, prized both for their raw beauty and their unspoiled, tranquil settings. Yet Corsica is also a land rich in character and history, where Genoese citadels, watchtowers and fortified villages recall a past as turbulent as it is fascinating.

History enthusiasts and admirers of iconic figures will be enthralled by this birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio in 1769. His legacy remains tangible throughout the city, where visitors can tour his childhood home and wander across squares that still bear his name. Another revered Corsican figure is Pascal Paoli, a passionate advocate for Corsican independence in the 18th century and the visionary behind one of Europe’s earliest democratic constitutions.

The island is renowned for its fiercely preserved identity, visible in its regional language—still spoken in many mountain villages—its haunting polyphonic songs passed down through generations, and its lively calendar of traditional festivals. Notable events include the vibrant Saint John’s Day celebrations in Calvi and the moving Catenacciu procession in Sartène, one of the most poignant religious rituals in Corsica.

Exploring Corsica means unearthing a region brimming with treasures, where every twist in the road reveals new marvels. Characterful villages such as Sant’Antonino, proudly listed among "France’s Most Beautiful Villages," and Piana, famed for its UNESCO-listed calanques, delight visitors with their authenticity and jaw-dropping panoramas.

Nature lovers and avid hikers will be drawn to the legendary GR20, one of Europe’s most demanding and rewarding long-distance trails. Stretching nearly 180 kilometers from north to south, it crosses the island’s rugged backbone, unveiling a succession of breathtaking landscapes: jagged granite spires, glacial lakes, dense laricio pine forests and timeworn shepherds' huts.

Corsica’s outdoor pleasures are endless. Boat excursions, scuba diving in pristine waters, canyoning in the dramatic Restonica gorges, or basking on secret coves accessible only by foot or boat—the island abounds with unforgettable experiences. Life here moves to its own rhythm: a slower, gentler pace where distances are measured not in kilometers but in hours, and every moment invites you to pause and marvel at landscapes of enduring grandeur.

Finally, Corsica is a land of epicurean delights where locally produced specialties take center stage. Artisanal cured meats, aged ewe’s milk cheeses, intensely flavored maquis honey and full-bodied wines express the island’s generous, authentic character.

To travel to Corsica is to choose a destination like no other—where unspoiled nature, deep-rooted traditions and Mediterranean art de vivre meet. A journey promising unforgettable memories, meaningful encounters and an irresistible longing to return time and again.