Holidays to Corsica
Draaa-matic mountains, glorious beaches and a shedload of history really puts the “cor” in a Corsica holiday! So go and see for yourself why it’s nicknamed the Île de Beauté (Island of Beauty).
Cap Corse coast
Corsica’s whole coastline is drop-dead gorgeous, but on the northeast corner of the island, you’ll find the Cap Corse peninsula, which looks a bit like an old-school mobile phone antenna.
Only a few tourists make it up here, and that means all these super-beautiful beaches are chilled to the max. The area is dotted with charming fishing villages and vineyards too. Stop at Nonza for a toddle along the black-sand beach and a catch-of-the-day lunch at a harbourside restaurant.
Outdoor obsessed
From hiking and cycling to climbing and birdwatching, there are tons of outdoorsy adventures to be had in the Corsica Regional National Park, which covers nearly 40% of the island, including its highest peaks.
Pack plenty of water and head up to the Bavella massif for jagged mountainous scenery that will knock your hiking socks off. If it’s a hot day, stop for a cheeky dip in a bracing rock pool along the trail.
Nerd out on Napoleon
If you know anything about Corsica, it might be that it’s the birthplace of that larger-than-life historical figure Napoleon Bonaparte. His childhood home in the capital Ajaccio is now Maison Bonaparte – the main museum dedicated to the French emperor.
For more of the pocket-rocket military general, swing by his portraits in the Palais Fesch – Musée des Beaux-Arts. There are also works here by Titian, Bellini and Botticelli.
Vino vibes
Top vintages with top views, how’s that for a wine pairing? Well, a Corsica holiday absolutely delivers! (Geeky fact: the wide range of soils here means there’s loads of variety in Corsican wines, even across such a dinky island.)
To experience that pairing, head to Clos d’Alzeto, an hour’s drive from Ajaccio. It’s Corsica’s highest vineyard and is home to stunning sea views and quaffable wines.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Holidaymakers who love outdoor adventures as much as they love beaches 🏝️
Go... In September for warm seas and epic hikes 🥾
You have to... Explore Corsica’s dramatic mountains, and stop for a meal in a rural mountain village ⛰
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
French, Corsican (Corsu)
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€5
3-course meal
€25
Flight time
2 hours
Top beaches: Mediterranean marvels
For beach brollies and watersports, stick to southern Corsica. Ravishing Rondinara is all white sand and turquoise water. Arrive early to nab a decent spot. Meanwhile, on Palombaggia, there are sun loungers and paddleboards for hire. You can hop on the summertime shuttle from Porto-Vecchio to get here – ideal if you fancy a lunchtime tipple! The north is way quieter. Ostriconi has epic sunsets and nearly a kilometre of white sand. Up the coast, Saleccia is stunning and blissfully quiet, probably because access is via a very, very long hike or a (more appealing) 30-minute water taxi!
Food and drink: Wine and dine
Thanks to a mishmash of French and Italian influences, Corsican fare is all about hearty, food-coma-inducing meals. The best traditional grub is arguably found in rural mountain villages, where you can pig out on wild boar casserole. For afters, it’s gotta be fiadone – a cheesecake made from lemons and Corsican brocciu (ricotta-ish ewe’s cheese). On the coast, seafood like red mullet and crayfish is the order of the day, perfect with a glass of local rosé. And if you’re seeking an upscale dining experience, there are Michelin starred restaurants in Porto-Vecchio and Sartène.
Family-friendly: Wild fun
With 200-odd beaches to choose from, it’s safe to say you’ll find one to suit your family! Why not start at Plage de la Folaca, just outside Porto-Vecchio? This beautiful beach boasts clear, shallow waters. Corsica’s coastline is also a great spot to tire out older kids with windsurfing lessons or snorkelling. Inland, thrill-seeking teens can hang out on ziplines and Via Ferrata routes at G-Aventura in Bavella, or swim, leap and scramble down the river on a (guided!) canyoning adventure.
When to go to Corsica
If you’re visiting for swimming and suntanning, the hot mid-summer months are ideal. They’re also the busiest time to travel. For hiking or cycling (and fewer people), aim for the shoulder season months of May, June and September, when the weather’s a little cooler but mostly still dry. September’s great for beach days, too, with the sea still nice and warm. From November onwards, the weather’s iffier and lots of hotels and tourist restaurants close for the winter. However, if you’re not looking to top up your tan or go hiking, it’s a good time for a cheap Corsica holiday – and exploring historic sites without any pesky crowds, too.
