From the rugged north to the picturesque south, Corsica seduces travellers seeking natural beauty and laid-back luxury. This island gem in the Mediterranean has something for everyone: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails through exquisite landscapes, delicious cuisine, and charming villages where you can stroll through history. And don't forget the mild weather and warm water temperatures from spring to fall. Our guide of key attractions, activities, and experiences will help you plan memorable 2025 Corsican holidays
Less crowded than the south, North Corsica offers an enticing mix of picturesque beaches, quaint hilltop villages, and gastronomic pleasures. Named for its red-rock landscape, Ile Rousse is a lovely town surrounded by white-sand beaches. Families will enjoy watching the local pastime, petanque, or taking the trinichellu (aka trembling) train along the coast to Calvi. If you're craving a city break, bustling Bastia has convivial local markets.
The charming port of Saint-Florent has a boho-chic ambiance that has given it its nickname as the Saint-Tropez of Corscia. Wine lovers should head to the prestigious vineyards in nearby Patrinomio. Just north, the peninusla of Cap Corse, known as the 'island within the island', brims with natural beauty like rugged coastlines, the black beach of Nonzo, and the 20km hiking trail, Chemin des Douaniers.
Spectacular nature intermingles with charming towns in south Corsica. Perched on a staggering cliff carved with the famous King Aragon staircase, Bonifacio delights travellers with its old town's cobbled streets, citadel, and sweeping views. The nearby Réserve Naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio is the largest nature reserve in France. Couples and families enjoy exploring this marine park, its sea caves, and the granite Lavezzi Islands on a snorkelling or kayak excursion that your Villanovo concierge can happily book for you.
Once a capital of salt production, Porte-Vecchio is beloved for its lively ambiance and narrow alleyways to get lost in. Corsica's third-largest city is ideally situated besides beautiful nature like the Ospedale Forest and Aiguilles de Bavella, aka the "Needles" for its jagged cliffs.
With its wealth of diverse landscapes, Corsica is perfect for outdoor activities. Near Porte-Vecchio, soak up the sun at the white-sand Palombaggia Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, this protected bay has shallow translucent waters that are ideal for swimming with family. In the summer, the water temperature hover at 24°C! The untamed cove of Punta di Spanu is a beautiful spot for snorkelling. Its other-worldly granite rocks also make it a good beach for sunbathing. One of the most impressive sites in Corsica, the red rock cliffs of the Calanques de Piana are best viewed on a hike or via a boat ride on the turquoise sea. Perched on the west coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is particularly dazzling at sunset when the colours pop.
Other prime hiking trails include the highest mountain in Corsica, Monte Cinto, and the Col de Bavella, a craggy peak surrounded by Mediterranean forests and rushing rivers that is part of the famed GR20 trail. Pararata Point, one of the most beautiful hikes in Corsica, is an easy hike to a 16th-century Genoese tower. Great for families, this coastal path boasts breathtaking views. To experience the flora and fauna of Corsica up close, the shallow waters of the Biguglia Pond Natural Reserve are an appealing natural habitat for dozens of bird species.
No trip to Corsica is complete without feasting on its regional fare. One of the most treasured Corsican culinary specialties is cheese. Try brocciu, a ricotta-like goat or sheep's milk cheese that can be stuffed in canneloni pasta, fried into beignet-like fritters, or baked in fiadone, Corsican cheesecake. Other prized products include flavourful charcuterie, chestnuts, and canistrelli biscuits. Visit the island's farmers' markets to find locally made foodstuffs and meet cheesemakers, bakers, and other artisans. Or, savour a Michelin-starred meal in a nice restaurant near Calvi for gourmet luxury.
More than its magnificent landscapes, Corsica brims with culture, festivals, and historic landmarks to enrich your 2025 Corsican holidays. As the birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio pays homage to the illustrious emperor with statues and the national Maison Bonaparte museum in the old town. In Ile-Rousse, learn about another Corsican notable, Pasquale Paoli, who created the island's democratic constitution when it was freed from Genoese rule.
Coriscan culture comes alive at its year-round cultural festivals. Head to Sartène during Easter to witness their famous religious processions. Celebrate Corsican gastronomy at the Fiera di U Nuciola (hazelnut) in Cervione and the Fiera di u Casgiu in Venacio with their wide array of cheeses. In Calvi, the old town fills with song at the Rencontres Polyphoniques, a traditional choral music festival that features Corsican and international singers.
Villanovo has a wide range of luxury villas in Corsica. Choose from a villa with direct access to the beach, a private swimming pool, tennis courts, and views of the sea to savour your Corsica holidays in style and comfort.
Our villas are located in the best parts of this island jewel in the Mediterranean. In North Corsica, stay in Saint-Florent, Calvi, Cap Corse, Bastia, and Île Rousse. In the south, rent a luxury villa in Porto-Vecchio, Propriano, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio. Need help choosing where to rent a villa in Corsica? Our savvy reservations team is happy to help.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your Corsica holiday. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, whether you want to book a wine tasting in Cap Corse, plan a road trip, hire a private chef, and more. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our villas. You'll find all our recommendations and great addresses for restaurants, shops and the best places to visit in Corsica.