Holidays in Corsica

Overview

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The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the picturesque island of Corsica offers holidaymakers an enticing mix of stylish seaside resorts, snowy-white beaches, incredible countryside, fragrant woodland, craggy mountains, cosmopolitan towns and pretty villages.

Formed by volcanic eruption, and sitting in the Mediterranean Sea south-east of France, this smallish island has so far managed to avoid the mass tourism that can be a feature of so many Mediterranean resorts. As a result, it remains largely unspoilt.

A region of France that is rich in culture, Corsica is proudly individual. The island typically basks in around 12 hours of sunshine daily in July and is renowned for its varied gastronomy. Local specialities include wild boar, honey-flavoured beer and a huge range of locally-produced cheeses.

Places to visit

Agriates desert

A desert with a beautiful beach that is lapped by turquoise waters? That’s Agriates. Rather than drive along the desert roads, however, take a boat trip to this wonderfully unspoilt beach. Plus bring along your own shade in the form of a parasol or beach tent. Once used for cultivating crops by local inhabitants from nearby Cap Corse, Agriates desert is now a protected nature reserve. You can take a boat to the desert from St Florent.

Ajaccio

Corsica’s capital is a cosmopolitan town with designer shops and plenty of restaurants. You can see the house where Napoleon was born and which has now been turned into a museum, then wander the many streets dedicated to his memory. The Museum Fesch is also a must-see, as it houses the largest Italian art collection outside of the Louvre.

Bastia

Corsica’s second largest town, Bastia is perhaps most famous for the Place St-Nicolas. Home to Napoleon’s monument and surrounded by trees that offer welcome shade, this is the perfect spot for relaxing in one of the numerous cafés or restaurants overlooking the harbour. The daily market is a great spot for sampling local produce, including goats’ cheese, honey and olive oil, or picking up some traditional souvenirs to take home. Kids will love the tourist train that takes holidaymakers around the most well-known sights of the town including the Citadel and the Old Port. Best of all, the trip is free for under 12s.

Porto-Vecchio

This picturesque town is just a short drive from the Alta Rocca Mountains, a popular spot for a wealth of outdoor activities including hiking, quad biking and rock climbing. Porto-Vecchio has many chic bars and restaurants whilst managing to retain its authentic charm. Just north of Porto Vecchio are some of the island’s most crystal clear turquoise waters and white sands. Be sure to visit ‘Palombaggia’, one of the island’s most famous beaches.

Places to visit

Patrimonio vineyards

The Patrimonio region is well-known for its vineyards which produce most of Corsica’s wine. The Route des Vins links dozens on vineyards and is signposted throughout the region. You can also stop off at the many wine cellars.

Ile Rousse diving school

If you’ve always fancied exploring the underwater world, why not learn to dive? Introduction courses to diving are available for adults and children. Alternatively, you can enjoy a snorkelling tour.

Le Paradis des Enfants

Keep the kids busy with a day at ‘Le Paradis des Enfants’, a leisure and aqua park with activities including trampolines, quad track and a mini farm.

Scandola Nature Reserve

Named a World Heritage Site in 1983, Scandola is home to many varieties of wildlife, including sea eagles and cormorants, while the clear waters host a rich marine life including dolphins, seals and rare fish. The coastline is noted for its red cliffs, some of which are 900 metres high. You can still see the strange rock formations created by the eruptions of Monte Cinto millions of years ago. Boat trips to the reserve can be arranged from the nearby towns of Calvi and Porto.

Places to visit

St. Florent

Often called the Corsican St. Tropez, St. Florent is a busy, attractive seaside town with excellent restaurants and bars, and a marina packed with expensive boats. The old town has quaint little shops, wine bars and houses which date back hundreds of years. The 15th Century Genoese Citadel and Roman-style cathedral are perfect for those looking for a little culture.

Bonifacio

Located on the southern tip of the island, Bonifacio has stunning cliffs and caves to explore. Separated from the rest of Corsica by the Strait of Bonifacio, there is a strong Italian feel here in terms of culture and architecture. From the old town you can take a one-hour ferry ride to Sardinia.