France travel Forum

Corsica
Golf de Porto, west coast
The island of Corsica is France's 'little bit of Italy', it being close to that neighbouring country and therefore long influenced by the language, architecture and cuisine of the Italian mainland. The local language, for example, is Tuscan-inspired. Corsica has been under French rule for only 200 years after being sold by Genoa to Paris in 1768. Before that happened, this island that rises majestically out of the Mediterranean, belonged by turns to the Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Moors and Lombards, each conquering nation leaving their mark and influence to be added to the Corsican melting pot. Corsicans today tolerate French rule unwillingly, but radicals are tempered by the realisation that the island economy is heavily subsidised and islanders enjoy generous tax concessions.

Today the invaders of this island, which gave birth to Napoleon and Columbus, are thousands of holidaymakers who flock particularly to the east coast, with its long sandy beaches and pretty fishing villages, for activities like scuba diving, sailing, kite-surfing and hiking. The west coast has awe-inspiring scenery with cliffs and rocky inlets, while the mountainous interior remains largely wild, in between cultivated groves of olives, pine plantations and cork forests.

Corsicans maintain their independent ways, and you'll find a strange mixture of French and Italian culture that is both and yet neither. In Corsica you'll find local beers and soft drinks not found anywhere else, and unique cuisine including locally-produced chestnuts, olive oil, pastries, and boar meat.



Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Corsica holiday resorts: Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio


Attractions

Belgodere, Balagne area of Corsica © Judith Duk

Balagne

The inland area along the northwest coast of Corsica has been renowned since Roman times as an orchard of olive, fig and orange trees and the breadbasket of the island, crisscrossed by a network of narrow, winding roads. Tiny villages such as Sant'Antonino...  see full details



Bastia, Corsica

Bastia

Situated in the northeast of Corsica, Bastia is the island's major commercial centre. Despite this the old town has retained its charms as a holiday destination; and opulent Baroque churches and crumbling pastel houses line the maze of tightly packed streets and alleyways. The...  see full details



Bonifacio, Corsica

Bonifacio

The ancient town of Bonifacio, at the very southern tip of Corsica, dates from 833AD but there is nothing old-fashioned about the tourist trappings and commercialisation of this buzzing haven that attracts huge holiday crowds, particularly in summer. The visitors come on holiday here...  see full details



Cap Corse, Corsica © Judith Duk

Cap Corse

North of Bastia is the holiday destination of Cap Corse, a 25-mile (40km) peninsula edged with quiet and quaint fishing villages. The peninsula is divided by a narrow spine of mountains, which rise over 3,000 feet (914m) above sea level. On the east...  see full details



Corte, Corsica

Corte

For a change of pace on your island holiday, pack some hiking boots along with your swimsuit and head for the dramatic Corsican hinterland. Corte lies marooned in the centre of Corsica, surrounded by dramatic granite mountains. This independent and proud town has long...  see full details



Filitosa © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Filitosa

The most celebrated prehistoric site in Corsica, Filitosa is worth a visit for its megalithic menhir statues, which have been carved to represent human faces or armed figures. The purpose of these granite structures is still unclear, and many mysteries surround the many ancient...  see full details



Iles Sanguinaires, Corsica © Judith Duk

Iles Sanguinaires

The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking....  see full details



Les Calanques, Corsica © Judith Duk

Les Calanques

The mass of intriguing red rock formations along the coastal road between Porto and Piana are known as Les Calanques, and are a highlight of a visit to Corsica. The narrow, twisting road reveals a landscape of spectacular vistas and panoramas that outdo...  see full details



Porto, Corsica © Judith Duk

Porto

The small seaside holiday resort of Porto is watched over by the 16th-century Genoese Tower standing guard over the fishing harbour, and although crowded in summer, retains a certain charm. While on holiday, Porto is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding...  see full details



Corsica west coast with views towards the Scandola Nature Reserve © Judith Duk

Scandola Nature Reserve

The Cape Girolata peninsula is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses the Scandola Nature Reserve, an ecological treasure covering 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of scrub and sea. The promontory is marked by incredible rock formations that were formed by Monte Cinto's...  see full details


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