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Whether you're hiking your way across the famous GR20 or stretching out on the powdery sands of Palombaggia, Corsica provides a natural paradise, perfect for anyone who enjoys the Mediterranean sun, spectacular panoramas, good food and delving into a wealth of history.
Beyond the limelight-stealing hiking trails and beaches, the island is home to some gorgeous historic villages and coastal towns, many of which capture the essence of Corsica's timeless beauty. Given the size of the island, a stay in or near one town will not necessarily limit you from discovering another, nor the rich natural treasures that pervade the Isle of Beauty.
With this in mind, we take great pleasure in sharing with you our favourite towns and villages in Corsica.
When discussing Corsica, it's impossible not to mention the otherworldly beauty of the island's rustic beaches. While neighbouring Sardinia often - and rightfully - receives high praise for its Caribbean-like coastal treasures, the white sand beaches and heavenly natural bays that make up a third of Corsica's coastline are every bit the equal of those of its larger half-sibling and equal to almost anywhere in the vast Mediterranean Sea.
Never is that more apparent than in the region surrounding Porto-Vecchio. A delightfully picturesque town in its own right with a gorgeous marina, where it really comes into its own is in its proximity to some truly breath-taking beaches. These unspoiled spots are characterised by sweeps of soft sand peppered with smooth boulders, a scattering of trees and gentle dunes all lapped by pristine waters. Perhaps the most iconic among them are the beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and Cala Rossa, but there are plenty more waiting to be discovered and enjoyed upon a stunning coastline whose beauty reaches all the way down to Bonifacio in the far south of Corsica.
The Haute-Corse also has its fair share of spectacular beaches in easy reach of its towns and villages. One pretty village not to be missed is that of Saint-Florent, perched on the cusp of both the Cap Corse peninsula and the breath-taking Desert des Agriate. Boasting a charming square and church, as well as pretty marina, the relaxed, old-time feel of the village is exactly the sort of thing that draws visitors to Corsica in the first place. But its proximity to the Agriates desert and its achingly beautiful coastline (including the celebrated Plage de Saleccia) are what truly set it apart.
Setting off from Saint-Florent, those willing to hike a little further can complete the trail to Plage de l'Otriconi, a wonderfully rugged, deserted slice of paradise guaranteed to inspire memories to last a lifetime.
For anyone googling the coast of Corsica, it won't be long before they come across the strikingly beautiful photos showing views of the Gulf of Porto and its nearby Calanques de Piana and Scandola nature reserve.
This UNESCO recognised site on the west coast of Corsica is one of the most instagrammable of sites on the Isle of Beauty, and absolutely worth a visit.
The Scandola nature reserve is near-impossible to reach by foot, and is therefore most often appreciated via boat trips leaving from Calvi and Porto. These trips will stop off along the way at the splendid small village of Girolata, a mere scattering of houses and cafes tucked away in a bay with truly awe-inspiring views. For those not arriving by boat, the path to Girolata takes about an hour and half from Col de la Croix. The turquoise waters and rugged mountainous landscapes of this most remote of Corsican villages set against the full majesty of the panoramic bay make the journey more than worthwhile.
This pretty town set on the west coast of Corsica a little south of Las Calanques de Piana, offers a simple, authentic slice of Corsican life, albeit one with remnants of an almost forgotten Greek history.
In the 17th century, several hundred Greek Maniots fleeing from the high taxes and oppression of the Ottoman Empire, were invited to settle in Cargèse by the Genoese then-rulers of the island. They helped to build the village, including their own Orthodox church, and created new lives in this charming village. However, the new inhabitants of Cargèse were hounded out of the coastal town on more than one occasion by the local Corsican population, notably after siding with the Genoese during the push for Corsican independence. They left a Greek orthodox church as a testament to their inhabitancy.
Blessed with an understated, rugged beauty, the coastal town of Cargèse and the surrounding countryside reveals its charms through gorgeous architecture, an unhurried pace of life, and the discovery of its secluded creeks, the majesty of its verdant hills and the serenity of its unspoilt bays. It represents a great choice for those in search of a complete disconnection from the world.
By contrast, the sophisticated restaurants, bars and bistros of Calvi in Corsica's celebrated Balagne region offer a different kind of holiday experience. The picturesque marina and citadel alongside a seemingly endless stretch of soft sand that makes up its local beach set the scene for days spent basking in the hot sun, as well as the town's luxuriant elegance and cultural offerings.
In the summer the town (which some believe may be the true birthplace of Christopher Columbus) plays host to the popular Calvi Jazz and Calvi Rocks music festivals which draw large but different crowds, while the town's easy access to the splendid town of Pigna and L’ile-Rousse, as well as a starting point for boat trips to the Scandola nature reserve, make it an ideal place to explore the best of what Corsica has on offer.
The largest town on the Isle of Beauty is also its capital. Ajaccio, found about halfway down the west coast of Corsica, enjoys great fame as the birthplace of Napoleon, something which won't escape you if you take the time to visit. The lively atmosphere and small city vibe lend Ajaccio a different ambience to that of, say, Saint Florent or Porto-Vecchio.
Beyond the former emperor with whom its name will always be associated, the capital of Corsica is characterised by a vibrant marina and waterfront, the narrow winding streets of the old town and 15th-century citadel, a number of fabulous museums, galleries, restaurants and other landmarks, all surrounded by one of the most stunning bays on the island, the Golfe d'Ajaccio. Where it really sets itself apart, however, is in the friendliness of its hospitable locals, who pride themselves on providing a warm welcome to all who visit.
Deep in the south of Corsica, the high, limestone cliffs and simple elegance of Bonifacio makes for a picture-perfect image of one of Corsica's most iconic towns and a suitably popular destination. The famous King of Aragon Staircase cut into the cliffside provides a truly unique experience for visitors, while the boat trips to the Lavezzi Islands in the Strait of Bonifacio offer an opportunity to explore a wonderfully preserved wild space, quite unlike anything else on the island.
Perhaps where it best distinguishes itself is by the selection of ivory white sands and crystalline waters that make up its nearby beaches, such as the Petit Sperone, Stagnolu and Fazzio beaches, with the beauty of its coastline extending all the way up to Porto Vecchio.
The second largest city on the island, the historic town of Bastia, perched on top of a hill on the north-east coast is a beautiful historic town, with charming galleries, great restaurants, pretty churches (such as the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste, the largest in all of Corsica) and a sensational view across the bay over which it towers.
Beyond the easy charm that imbues the narrow streets and alleys of the city itself, Bastia's privileged location also provides fantastic access to the hiking opportunities around the wild 'island within an island' of the Cap Corse. The famous 'Sentier des Douaniers' of customs officers' path is one of the main attractions along with the Plage de Barcaggio, a gorgeous, unspoiled beach whose regular visitors include a herd of cows.
>>> Explore our exclusive selection of luxury villas in Corsica
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