Rocks in the Palombaggia Beach near Originals Hotels in France

Your travel guide to Corsica

France's largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica is one of the 18 regions that make up the country. It is split into two departments, North and South Corsica. The history of the island is varied. It used to be ruled by the Genoese before becoming a republic and then became part of the Kingdom of France. Its most famous inhabitant was Napoléon Bonaparte and his ancestral home, in the Corsican capital of Ajaccio, remains one of the most visited sites on the island. Corsica is the perfect destination as it has it all: sun, beach, mountain, traditions, culture… Our local hoteliers are the perfect guide for your stay in the “island of Beauty”. Find their recommendation on unique attractions and things to do.

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What to do, to see, to hear...

Language French is widely spoken on the island but so is Italian, so visitors with either language will feel at home. In some rural places, the local Corsican tongue is still spoken.

Cuisine A mountainous area, Corsican cuisine often seems like it would be at home in the Balkans. Try Corsican wild boar for a typical example.

Tour The Tour de Corse is a World Rally Championship stage and many of the island's roads are challenging for drivers especially when you get off the beaten track so hiring a four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable.

Sightseeing Corsica has some rare birdlife to spot. Species like the hooded crow and the bearded vulture are to be spotted.

Nature Scandola Nature Reserve is located on the western side of the island and this stunning area has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1983.

Beaches Some truly stunning beaches are to be found on Corsica. Its rugged coastline means not all are easily accessible, however, meaning boat hire can be in order.

To know

Northern Corse et Southern Corse, "it has nothing to do with" Corsican word!

To do

Take a small portion of the GR20 (hiking trail) to admire the exceptional panoramic view of the Bavella aiguilles massif.

Go down

And go up the 187 steps of the Staircase of the King of Aragon, which, according to legend, was dug in one night by hand in the heart of the high cliffs of Bonifacio.

Transports in Corsica

Much of the transport network around the island relies on ferries to transport people and goods to and from each of its ports. The main railway connections run between Bastia and Ajaccio with only one branch line to complement the network. Buses provide road transportation all over the island but timetables are not always stuck to and services dwindle on public holidays, to say the least.

WHEN TO GO TO CORSE ?

July and August can be stifling in Corsica unless you are staying in an elevated position where some cooling sea breezes can be felt. The temperature remains high between May and October. A festival of Corsican cuisine takes place in late April with some top French chefs working in collaboration with local cooks. For over 20 years, a jazz festival has taken place in Calvi. This is held in June when a series of open-air concerts are put on. In September, two separate Corsican festivals are staged, one devoted to the island's figs and the other to its honey production so this is a good time for foodies to consider coming.

WHAT TO DO IN CORSE ?

Corsica has so much to offer holidaymakers that it is impossible to mention it all. “The island of Beauty”, between sea and mountains, is a heaven for nature lovers. Discover our hoteliers’ recommendation on the best things to do during your stay.

SNORKELLING AND DIVING

Is a favourite activity among visitors. You can find a school at nearly every built-up area of any size on the Corsican coast.

MOTORBOAT HIRE

Is common on the island. You can obtain a boat for a day to go sea fishing or to head off to a secluded sandy bay depending on what takes your fancy.

BALAGNE MONTAGNE AVENTURE

Is a rock climbing tour that takes place just outside of Calvi in which you must negotiate some high cliffs under expert tutelage.

The best restaurants in Corsica

La Rivière des Vins is an unusual Corsican restaurant in so far as it does not overlook the sea, like so many do. Instead, this bistro is located in the centrally positioned hilltop town of Corte where some superb local cuisine is on offer, much of it prepared traditionally over an open charcoal pit.