Villas in Corsica

Corsican cuisine largely celebrates fresh local produce, making charcuterie a particularly popular appetiser. The board’s meats are often sourced from the island’s central mountains, including cochon nustrale (a regional species of pig that’s fed with chestnuts, acorns and local roots) and figatellu (pork liver sausage made with wine).

Of course, you’ll find ample fish dishes served across Corsica too, with grilled swordfish, oysters, red mullet and lobster featuring on many restaurant menus. You’ll then need something to wash it down, and with Corsican wines making up around 45% of the local wine production, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Prefer your cheeses to meats and seafood? Brocciu is the island’s most beloved variety. It’s similar to ricotta, and you’ll find the tender cheese incorporated into soups, omelettes, and even cakes.

Speaking of which, it’s time for something sweet. Fiadone is a type of Corsican cheesecake that’s baked without any base, instead using brocciu, sugar, lemon zest and eggs. Whether served hot and fresh from the oven or cold, it’s always delicious! Chestnut flour is also an essential ingredient in many Corsican desserts such as tarts, cakes and even gingerbread.

Corsican Sausage and Cheese market

There’s no shortage of beaches to explore in Corsica – in fact, you’ll find around 200 beaches dotted along its 1000km of coastline! But as the island’s biggest draw, you’ll want to do your research ahead of time to make sure you’re hitting the best ones.

Calvi Beach is undoubtedly a top choice, offering picture-perfect views of the town. It also comes with plenty of facilities, including bars, cafes and restaurants to keep you fed throughout the day. For something a little more peaceful, choose Arinella Beach or Loto Beach – they’re rarely busy, so you won’t be fighting for a spot of sand among other tourists!

You may want to simply spend your holiday in Corsica relaxing by the pool or on the beach, but you’d be missing out on the wealth of things to do on this sun-drenched island. For those who want to get active, you can hike through Corsica’s sprawling wild countryside, and even enjoy swimming in the rivers or lakes – what better way to reconnect with nature?

Found on the west coast, the Scandola Nature Reserve is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, defined by its staggering red cliffs and sweeping bays. Be sure to take a boat trip from Porto to truly appreciate its beauty.

If you like your outdoor sights with a side of history, there are plenty of archaeological spots to visit too, including the 16 sculpted statues of Filitosa – they’re thought to date back as far as 4000BC, and you can still make out some of the human features that have been carved into them.

For those looking to truly step back in time, head to Bonifacio, an old town situated in the south that was established back in 833. This spot is known for its ancient houses sat atop a limestone plateau. You’ll also find a natural harbour below, with plenty of coves to explore. However, it’s the coastal town of Calvi that’s the most visited area of Corsica, boasting beautiful Roman architecture among colourful houses and cafes.

Corsica also hosts many music, food, and cultural festivals throughout the year, including Calvi on the Rocks and A Fiera di U Casgiu – so you never know what might be taking place during your visit!

View of Bonifacio Old Town

While Corsica is renowned for its beaches, you’ll want to carve out some time in your trip to visit the towns and villages across the island. From the most popular tourist destinations to lesser-known secret spots, there’s plenty to keep you and your travel party entertained on a day out. So, change out of your swim clothes, slap on the sunscreen, and go see something new!

Due to its remote location, you won't be able to travel directly to Corsica. However, many airlines from across the UK fly into Paris and connect to Bastia Airport from there, with an average journey time of 5 hours. 

From Bastia airport, you can either get the bus, hire a taxi or your own car, taking around an hour to reach Corsica.

By Plane

The flight time from London to Bastia Airport is around 2.5 hours. However, there aren’t many direct flights available, so you’ll often connect via Paris Airport. This takes your total travel time up to between 5-6 hours.

By Car

Renting a car is considered essential if you’re looking to explore anything beyond your luxury villa in Corsica. The island’s winding roads aren’t the easiest to navigate though, so only confident drivers should get behind the wheel here. We suggest hiring your car in advance – particularly if you’re visiting in the peak summer months of July and August..

By Taxi

If you only want to have one or two days out, consider hiring a taxi, with online book-ahead services available. Airport transfers are also offered at set prices, taking around 15 minutes to drive into the city from Ajaccio Airport and 40 minutes from Bastia Airport.

By Bus

Buses are the main form of public transport on the island, but they mainly run between the larger towns. Keep in mind that the service is fairly irregular, typically departing only once or twice a day, so get a copy of the most up-to-date timetable to stay in the know.

By Train

Corsica’s famous U Trinighellu (little train) is not just a means of getting from A to B, but also provides many exciting viewpoints along the way. It’s far from being the fastest service, but as you cross the mountains from Ajaccio to Bastia via Corte, you’ll end up wishing it went even slower!

By Foot

There’s plenty of opportunities for hiking in Corsica, with various mountain trails ready to conquer. The most famous is the GR20, also known as Europe’s toughest hiking trail, and while it does have some easier sections for novice hikers, the trickier parts should only be attempted by those who are experienced, fit, and have the appropriate gear.

What is Corsica famous for?

Corsica is famous for its stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains and beautiful beaches, as well as its unique culture and history, which blend Italian and French influences.

How many days do I need in Corsica?

The number of days needed in Corsica can vary on what you plan to do and see. But to get the most out of your experience, many travelers recommend spending at least 5-7 days exploring Corsica.

What is the best time to visit Corsica

The best time to visit Corsica is generally from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and most of the island's attractions are open. July and August are the peak tourist months, so if you prefer fewer crowds, it's best to visit in May, June, or September. Keep in mind that the mountainous regions of Corsica can be cooler and wetter than the coast, so pack accordingly if you plan on hiking or exploring those areas.

Is Corsica expensive to visit?

Corsica can be quite expensive to visit during the peak season in July and August, but if you're on a budget it's better to travel during the shoulder months (May, June and September) to avoid the crowds and high prices.

What is the most beautiful area in Corsica?

Corsica has many beautiful areas, including the Calanques de Piana, Scandola Nature Reserve, Bonifacio and its cliffs, Lavezzi Islands, and Palombaggia and Santa Giulia beaches. The Bavella Massif, Corte and Restonica Valley, and Cap Corse are also highly recommended for their stunning natural landscapes.