It can be difficult to get an overview of the possibilities the first time you visit Corsica. The island is larger than you might think, and some places can be a bit tricky to reach. But we promise you that if you give the island a chance, it will reward you tenfold with everything your heart could desire – from true authenticity to the most beautiful beaches and wild, rugged mountains.
To make it a bit easier for you, we have selected 20 attractions in Corsica that we can warmly recommend. There are many, and you will probably not reach them all on a single trip, but if you experience just a good handful of them, your backpack will already be filled with the most wonderful memories.
#1 Experience the dramatic cliffs of Bonifacio
Our first encounter with Corsica was precisely these white, dramatic cliffs outside Bonifacio. We were standing on the ferry from Sardinia, eagerly looking toward the new land we were about to visit. They are unbelievably beautiful. The white limestone cliffs are best experienced from the sea, but you can also admire them from land.
#2 Feel the atmosphere at Bastia’s Old Harbor (Vieux Port)
You don’t truly experience Bastia until you’ve visited its old harbor, Vieux Port. The harbor is connected to Bastia’s historic old town. You’ll get the best view of the old harbor from the citadel or from the park, Jardin Romieu, which you reach via a truly beautiful old staircase winding up from the waterfront. The harbor is charming, with pastel-colored and rustic buildings surrounding it all.
#3 Discover Citadelle Terra Nova, the heart of Bastia
Corsica has many hearts. Bastia’s heart lies in the old town, near the harbor, perched high on a cliff. Here you’ll find the old citadel, the cathedral Église Sainte-Marie, and the park Jardin Romieu, all beautifully woven together among the most charming narrow streets, with stunning views out over the sea.
You can drive there, but you can also reach it from the harbor via the staircase, through the park – or by taking the elevator from Bastia’s old harbor.
#4 Experience the Citadel of Corte, Corsica’s pride
Another of Corsica’s “hearts” can be found in the middle of the island, in the town of Corte. Corte is Corsica’s former capital, dramatically perched on a cliff surrounded by deep valleys and rivers. You’ll likely recognize Corte by its citadel, which towers high above the town and is often used as a symbol of Corsica.
Today, Corte is known as the island’s university town and a symbol of its independence and national pride. The Citadel of Corte houses one of the island’s most important museums, but you can also simply enjoy the beautiful streets, buildings, and the breathtaking views.
#5 Explore the beautiful Restonica Valley
From the citadel in Corte, it’s just a short distance to a fantastic hike in the Restonica Valley. The Restonica Valley is one of the most popular areas in central Corsica. Due to its natural beauty and the need to protect its environment, it has been granted “Site Classé” status as part of Corsica’s regional natural park.
The road up to the area follows the mountains and the Restonica River and ends at a parking area where many begin their trek. From here, you hike into the mountains and eventually reach the stunning natural pool, Lake Melo.
#6 Experience the most beautiful route from Corte to L’Île-Rousse (Balagne)
From Corte heading toward L’Île-Rousse, you drive through the absolutely stunning Balagne region. Balagne covers a vast natural area, and there are almost no limits to what you can experience here. The coastline is, as mentioned, truly breathtaking, and the beaches are remarkable.
Beyond that, you’ll find charming historic villages scattered throughout the region, inviting plenty of hiking adventures, as well as local food and wine. I can hardly wait to explore more of this area myself.
#7 Fall in love with the old town of L’Île-Rousse
It’s the old town of L’Île-Rousse that truly captivates. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets surrounded by historic buildings, churches, and squares.
Here, the old town connects the city, the beach (the most beautiful beach, ever), the train station, and access to the stunning rocky peninsula, Fanale di Pietra. Don’t miss a scenic walk out to the peninsula, which offers the most incredible views over the sea and the town, with the mountains as a breathtaking backdrop.
#8 Visit the charming town of Saint-Florent
Saint-Florent is a beautiful little fishing town located on the north coast of Corsica, nestled between the sea and the mountains. In summer, the town attracts many tourists who come to experience its charm and swim at the stunning beaches of Saleccia and Lotu Beach. Many also visit to explore the Agriates Desert or follow the Patrimonio wine route, which stretches toward Cap Corse.
We had quite a long drive from where we were staying, so for us it became a day trip to the town, where we explored the old quarter, enjoyed some delicious food, and took a stroll along the small harbor. So, if you’re looking to spend a day in town, we highly recommend experiencing these five adventures in Saint-Florent.
#9 Discover Corsican history at Calvi Citadel
On the northwest coast of Corsica, you’ll find the historic town of Calvi. We have visited the town several times. Calvi is known for its beautiful bay, long sandy beach, and historic citadel that rises dramatically above the harbor. Here, you can explore the old town, enjoy great food by the lively waterfront filled with cafés, restaurants, and sailboats. Calvi is often described as one of Corsica’s most beautiful towns – a place where medieval atmosphere, beach life, and mountain views come together all at once. Read more about Calvi here.
#10 Experience Corsica’s largest city, Ajaccio
On the southwest coast of Corsica, you’ll find the beautiful city of Ajaccio. Ajaccio is a relaxed city with a strong Corsican identity and a touch of French elegance. The city buzzes with life, and the old town is filled with beautiful buildings, cafés, and restaurants. Every time we visit, we’re drawn to the harbor and the citadel, with their salty breezes and stunning views. Ajaccio is also the birthplace of Napoleon, and his childhood home, Maison Bonaparte, is now a museum.
#11 Cool off at the Cascade des Anglais
It’s true that Corsica is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches, but if you venture into the heart of the island, the mountains offer stunning rivers and enchanting waterfalls. One of them is the Cascade des Anglais, located in the Vizzavona mountain area. You can take the train here from Ajaccio, Bastia, or Calvi and experience the beautiful waterfalls that attract families and hikers of all ages.
The walk is short but offers a rich nature experience, and along the way you’ll meet everyone from seasoned adventurers to parents carrying their children on their shoulders. The water is crystal clear and ice-cold – a wonderfully refreshing contrast to the Corsican summer heat.
#12 Play and swim at Corsica’s beautiful beaches
If you love swimming and enjoying beach life, you won’t be disappointed in Corsica. The island offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, with turquoise-blue waters. Calvi and Porto-Vecchio feature long, inviting stretches of coastline, while Palombaggia and Rondinara are small, picture-perfect bays surrounded by pine trees. Many beaches are protected and set in stunning natural surroundings, making them ideal for both relaxation and swimming. On the east coast, you’ll also find Corsica’s longest naturist beach.
#13 Enjoy Corsica’s local cuisine
Corsica doesn’t just tempt you with wild mountains, beautiful beaches, and rustic mountain villages – it also delights with local Corsican delicacies and excellent Corsican restaurants. Corsican food is some of the best we’ve ever tasted (as long as you steer clear of heavily tourist-focused restaurants). The cuisine is a blend of French (strongly inspired by Nice and Provence) and Italian influences.
Many of the ingredients are likely produced on the island, and several products carry the distinctive taste and aroma of the Corsican maquis – dense, wild-growing shrubs and herbs that give the food its unique character. Something to truly look forward to!
#14 Explore Corsica’s rustic mountain villages
If there’s anything that truly captures Corsica’s depth and authenticity, it’s the island’s mountain villages. They are scattered all across Corsica, and you’ll spot them dotted along the mountains as you drive through the landscape. These villages are wonderfully rustic, and if you haven’t visited them, you could argue that you haven’t yet experienced the real Corsica.
Take the car, head inland, and drive up into the mountains to explore these villages. Feel the silence, listen to everyday life unfolding through open windows, and sense Corsica in its purest form. We’ve visited several Corsican mountain villages – here, we’ve written a bit about one of them, Chiatra, one of the oldest villages in Corsica.
#15 Bonifacio – Escalier du Roi d’Aragon
If you’re in Bonifacio, don’t miss the staircase carved into the cliffs. Bonifacio can be scorching hot, yet you’ll still feel drawn to climb through the town’s many steps to take in the views from the top. From here, King Alfonso V of Aragon’s 187 steps – cut directly into the rock – lead down toward the sea on the other side.
It’s intensely hot, with sunlight reflecting off the white limestone walls, but the views over the turquoise and deep blue sea make every step worthwhile. The view is stunning from above – but just as rewarding when you reach the beach below.
#16 Explore Corsica by train
One of the great experiences we still have to look forward to in Corsica is definitely taking a train through the island’s stunning landscapes. Riding the train across Corsica is said to be an incredible experience, as the route winds through mountains, valleys, and small villages.
The journey between Ajaccio, Corte, and Bastia offers dramatic views of gorges, bridges, and forests. I imagine the train ride will be an unforgettable journey through the island’s wild nature – often hailed as “the most beautiful train ride in Europe.”
#17 Take a refreshing dip in one of Corsica’s many rivers
Summer in Corsica isn’t just mild – it can be scorching hot. Park the car in a scenic spot, climb down to one of the island’s many rivers, and cool off in the crystal-clear water! The rivers are ice-cold and offer an incredible rush on a sweltering summer day.
There’s something truly special about swimming in rivers where you know the water comes straight from the island’s wild mountains. Many rivers form natural pools and small waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip on hot days. The rivers are fun to splash around in, and at the same time, you get to experience Corsica’s wild, untouched nature at its most beautiful.
#19 Spot the lion and the stunning view over Roccapina
We discovered it by chance: the Lion of Roccapina! We were driving along Corsica’s southern coast when we were suddenly struck by the most breathtaking view of Roccapina. From the rocky formations, you can see the deep blue Mediterranean, small bays with golden sand, and the wild, rugged landscape that characterizes Corsica’s southern coast.
We couldn’t help but notice that the mountains here resemble a resting lion – hence the name “Le Lion de Roccapina.”
#20 Discover the Genoese towers
You’ll likely notice them – the Genoese towers of Corsica. They often stand on dramatic cliff edges overlooking the sea, with their distinctive round or square silhouettes. These towers tell the story of the island’s history and are definitely worth noticing, as they are historic defensive structures from the 16th and 17th centuries, built to protect the island from pirates. Exciting, isn’t it?
#21 Discover Aléria’s prehistoric gem
Corsica is brimming with history, and the excavations at Aléria are no exception. In this remarkable area, you get a unique glimpse into the island’s long past – from the ancient Greeks and Etruscans to the Romans. We visited the site and found beautiful ruins of towns, temples, and fortifications scattered across a stunning landscape. The area reflects centuries of trade, culture, and life on Corsica.
Are we missing a must-see?
There are endless exciting things to experience in Corsica. Feel free to leave a comment below and give us a tip on what we should explore the next time we visit the island!
Enjoy 🙂
