Where to is the best place to stay in Corsica? A holiday guide

From Cap Corse in the north to the southern town of Bonifacio, Corsica is a treasure trove for every type of traveller: historical monuments for culture buffs, beautiful beaches for sun worshippers, and gourmet restaurants for food lovers. While the entire island has great options for a memorable holiday, the north is generally less crowded and the south is famous for their beaches. We also recommend sticking to one region to avoid too much driving. Read our guide of the best places to immerse in culture and dive into the island's natural beauty to help you choose which part of Corsica is best for an authentic escape.  

What to do in Southern Corsica? Highlights and places to visit 

Many travellers chart their course to the south coast of Corsica for beach time. Palombaggia, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in France, is a colourful mosaic of clear turquoise waters, green pines, and red rocks while the Santa Giulia lagoon unfurls across miles of silky white sand. Embark on one of the best hikes in Corsica in the jagged peaks of Aiguilles de Bavella. This natural wonderland sits at the foot of Porte-Vecchio, a picturesque town whose narrow streets beckon strolling. Another one of Corsica's popular seaside resorts, Bonifacio, looks like a postcard with its spectacular perch on white limestone cliffs above the sea. Just 30 minutes from Figari Airport, Bonifacio is a short drive or 1hr15 walk to the lighthouse at Capo Petrusato. 

What to see in Northern Corsica? Attractions and nature

One of the main towns of Corsica, Calvi has a wealth of historical monuments like a 15th-century citadel from its standing as a Genoese stronghold. Take the 'trinichellu' ('trembling') train along the coast to L'île Rousse, a lively town known for its beautiful beaches. Further north, the boho-chic town of Saint-Florent enchants with its elegant atmosphere. North Corsica's handle-shaped peninsula, Cap Corse, is one of the best places for travellers with diverse tastes. Take a road trip through charming villages like Nonza and Sisco. Go wine tasting in Patrimonio or hike the Chemin des Douaniers, a 20km trail that boasts views of the coastline. Which part of Corsica is the best for outdoor enthusiasts? Both...since the breathtaking 1900-hectare Scandola Nature Reserve sits at the border between the north and the south. 

Things to do off-the-beaten-path in Corsica

Head to the hilltop villages of Giussani, a string of tiny perched towns that feel like time has stopped. The Alta Rocca mountain range is a paradise for hikers eager to get off the beaten path. Another hidden natural gem is the Gorges de la Spelunca, a gorgeous river valley that offers freshwater swims and breathtaking views. Europe's only desert, the Agriates Desert, is a wild protected landscape that can be explored by foot, bike, or 4x4. For secluded beach time, it takes an hour of off-road driving or a boat trip from Saint-Florent to reach Saleccia Beach, the desert's white-sand paradise. Your Villanovo concierge would be happy to book a fun excursion for you and your loved ones.

Cultural and gastronomic delights

The best local food on the island comes from small artisans, cheesemakers, and farmers who don't export, so the most authentic Corsican gastronomy can only be tasted here. Brocciu, one of the top 10 culinary specialties of Corsica, is a sheep's milk cheese that stars in many sweet and savoury dishes. Crunchy canistrelli biscuits are flavoured with aniseed, lemon, or fleur d'oranger (orange blossom.) End your meal with the traditional digestif, ratafia, made from the island's red myrtle berries. To taste Corsican cuisine paired with sea views, head to Chez Marco in Bonifacio, a seafood restaurant that specializes in lobster pasta, orA Volta in Cargese, a hidden restaurant that also houses an ice-cream parlour.

Which part of Corsica is perfect for you?

Adventure seekers should make a beeline west to the Calanques de Piana. Located in the Gulf of Porto, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features dazzling red cliffs that spill into the blue sea. Paired with the wild Scandola Nature Reserve, this part of Corsica is one of the best areas for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can find every type of trail on the island, from the scenic Col de Bavella peak to the famous, 177km-long GR20 trail that stretches the entire island. Interested in culture and heritage? The capital city of Ajaccio has historical monuments like Maison Bonaparte that commemorate Napoleon's legacy while Cargese bears witness to the island's Greek settlers with its whitewashed houses. Foodies will fall for the famous chestnut groves of Corte that feed Corsica's chestnut delicacies like polenta-like pulenda. Beach lovers should rent a luxury villa in or near Porte-Vecchio to access its bevy of beaches. 

Villanovo in Corsica: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge services

Our exclusive collection: The best places to stay in Corsica 

Villanovo offers a wealth of luxury villas in Corsica, including villas with a private swimming pool, direct access to the beach, tennis courts, and sea views. Find our luxury holiday rentals in north Corsica (Saint-Florent, Calvi, and Cap Corse) as well as southern Corsica (Porto-Vecchio, Propriano and Bonifacio.) Prized locations for whichever part of Corsica is the best for your holiday. 

A unique experience

Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your Corsica holidays. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, booking everything from private tours, childcare, and boat excursions to sublime spots like the Iles Sanguinaires. 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 for the best restaurants, shops and the best places to visit in Corsica for great times guaranteed.