Corsica Holidays - Travel Guide

Unspoilt Mediterranean

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, located halfway between France and Italy. It is rare to find such a rugged and unspoilt destination in this part of the world, but Corsica is perfect for those looking to get away from it all. The island was popular with Hollywood stars and European royalty for generations before being discovered by the public, but still has an exclusive feel.

Holidays in Corsica offer a welcome respite for families and couples, with pretty little fishing villages and more than 200 sandy beaches dotting the island’s coastline. Corsica has been spared the invasive development seen in many other islands, leaving spectacular views of green mountainous landscapes tumbling to white sandy coves and turquoise sea. Most of the island is a protected national park so you’ll be able to explore the forests, mountains and coast as they were centuries ago.

Despite being a French island and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica has a distinct culture of its own. Most Corsicans speak their own language, and their traditions have mixed with French and Italian flavours over the years to create a unique character. There are many excellent restaurants where you will be able to taste gourmet wine from ancient vineyards as well as the world-famous cheese, meat and honey produced on the island.

Things to Do in Corsica

The fashionable southern towns of Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio are known for their café culture and yacht-filled marinas. Relax in a sun-filled old town square for lunch and a glass of rosé wine before going shopping or exploring the award-winning Palombaggia Beach.

Head north to visit Napoleon’s birthplace of Ajaccio and the beautiful town of Calvi, situated on a clear blue bay and flanked by stunning mountains and a walled citadel. Enjoy some fresh seafood and head inland to wander the vineyards and orchards of the Balagne.

Diving is also a popular pastime on Corsica, and there are dive centres at most of the main resorts. A particularly impressive site is near Calvi where you can dive down to the wreck of a B-17 bomber, shot down by Messerschmitts after a bombing raid over Verona in February 1944.

Head to the island’s interior to go hiking through mountainside chestnut forests, with the sweet smell of flowers in the air and a spectacular view of the sea below. There are numerous options for walkers and hikers of every level of experience, with some of the more demanding routes taking days to complete.

From pristine family-friendly beaches to romantic getaways and wild Mediterranean landscapes, Corsica’s unique culture and scenery means that there is something for everybody.