Friends, look over here! Today, I’d like to recommend my favorite – Corsica! As a veteran who has been in France for over a decade, I can say with a clear conscience that this is definitely the most underestimated treasure island in the Mediterranean!
The name of L ‘lle de Beaute in France is truly not an exaggeration. Once you visit it, it will surely leave you longing for it
If you want to visit France but still don’t know how to plan your itinerary? How is the route arranged? Which cities can be connected? How to find the best accommodation and authentic cuisine in a niche town?
Don’t worry! Why not take a look at my recommendations – Selected routes, or ask me to customize your itinerary
About Corsica
Corsica is definitely a “big guy” in the Mediterranean Sea, ranking fourth in area! Two-thirds of the island is covered with undulating mountains, and with a 1,000-kilometer-long coastline, it is simply a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! When you come here, you’ll know that the sea water is as clear as a “jelly sea”. When snorkeling, fish swim around in front of you, so beautiful that it takes your breath away!
As an island enthusiast, I can responsibly say that the most outstanding feature of Corsica is its “versatile” nature – want to lie flat and bask in the sun? There are so many stunning beaches for you to choose from! Want to go hiking and mountain climbing? The GR20 Trail is waiting for you to take on! Want to go shopping and have some food? Medieval ancient towns are getting better and better for taking photos!
Here, the scenery is breathtaking and there is a profound accumulation of historical and cultural heritage. For instance, this is Napoleon’s hometown. In short, no matter how you visit, you will never get tired of it
- Must-visit City list
A Guide to Visiting and Dining in Napoleon’s Hometown, Ajaccio
As the capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is undoubtedly most famous for being Napoleon’s “hometown”! His shadow is everywhere in the entire city – the museum of his birthplace, the streets and squares named after him, and even the airport is not spared! But seriously, even without Napoleon, it’s still super fun to wander around here!
The winding alleys in the old town are particularly charming. Any corner can produce a blockbuster! The port is filled with all kinds of luxury yachts, giving a very prosperous impression. The most amazing part is that there is a beach right beneath the castle. When you get tired from walking around, you can just lie flat. This is just too refreshing!
My private collection Tips
Stay for at least two days! One day I strolled around the old town, and the other day I played in the water and sunbathed by the seaside
You must try the wild goat meat and seafood. They are so delicious that you’ll cry!
It’s so romantic to go to the port to watch the sunset in the evening!
Sartene: The wildest cub of Corsica
This small town hidden in the southwestern mountainous area claims to be “the most Corsican city”. It was once notorious as a “bandit’s den”, but now it has become a favorite place for artistic youth. Personally, I think its church, town hall and archaeological museum are all quite worth visiting.
I love wandering around the old town the most. There are so many surprises hidden in those arcades and alleys. The carnival every spring is even more exciting, with parades, concerts, masquerade balls… At that time, the whole town was having a wild time!
Bonifacio: A Fairy tale World on the Cliff
Bonifacio is a medieval ancient city built on a cliff. It’s just like stepping out of a fairy tale! The old town, which is over 800 years old, is as interesting as a maze. It seems that these houses have grown out of the stones and been carved into extremely special shapes by the sea breeze.
It’s only 12 kilometers away from Sardinia, so the Italian flavor here is particularly strong. Even the dialect is Italian! The small port below is bustling with activity, with all kinds of small boats coming and going
Must-read for photography: Take a boat from the sea at dusk to capture the cliffs and get stunning photos in no time! This landscape photo that blends French and Italian styles will definitely get a flood of likes when posted on Moments!
Calvi: A paradise for history enthusiasts
This old port that has been around since the Roman era is super charming! The castle from the 13th century remains a landmark to this day. The cobblestone paths and the cathedral in the old town are all great for taking photos. It is said that Columbus was from here, and related memorials can be seen everywhere in the city!
Must-do: Take a walk along the city wall and enjoy the scenery of the La Balagne Mountains and the bay. It’s so beautiful that it makes you forget to breathe!
- Recommendations for breathtaking beaches in private collections
Porto-Vecchio: The ceiling of island vacations
When it comes to which beach in Corsica is the best, no one dares to claim that Port Vecchio is the second best! The white sand and jelly sea at Parongbaja Beach are simply amazing! SAN Giulia Beach is also super beautiful. Both are surrounded by bays, making swimming safe and comfortable
The Genoa Castle from the 16th century is also well worth a visit. The fortifications are extremely well-preserved and it’s particularly enjoyable to take photos with them!
Beach Selection Guide
The top choice for taking kids: SAN Giulia Beach, with shallow water and safe
Couple’s date: Parongbaja Beach, romantic to the fullest
If you want to do water sports, Rondinara Beach is the best choice
Scandola Reserve: Breathtakingly beautiful
This place listed as a World Heritage Site is definitely Corsica’s “appearance standard representative”! Because it can only be reached by boat, it is well-preserved in its original state. The sea water is crystal clear, and the various strangely shaped rocks are extremely impressive. You can also see seals and dolphins!
Take a boat from Calvi or the port of Vecchio. The scenery along the way is so beautiful that it leaves you at a loss for words! Trust me, this is definitely the highlight of my trip to Corsica!
- A must-read for outdoor enthusiasts
GR20 Trail: Tormenting yet Joyful
This hiking route, which is claimed to be one of the most difficult yet most worthwhile in Europe, is truly no exaggeration! The entire 170-kilometer journey is in the mountains, with altitudes often reaching one or two thousand meters… But the scenery is truly breathtaking! Forests, glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains… All kinds of landforms are available!
Important Notice
The best time: June to September
It will take about two weeks to complete the whole journey
The difficulty is off the charts. Novices, be cautious!
You can take a rest in the village of Vizavona on the way, where there is a railway station
Even if you don’t walk the entire route, it’s still well worth experiencing a few sections in the middle! Remember to bring enough equipment ~
- Niche treasure recommendations
Piana Postcard This film
This small town, which has been rated as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, is simply in a prime location! Facing the Bay of Porto directly, the frescoes in the Baroque church are extremely distinctive. The surrounding mountain and sea views are so beautiful that they seem unreal. Calanques de Piana, 11 kilometers away, is a must-visit place. It’s guaranteed to leave you amazed!
Sant ‘Antonino: A Time Machine on the Mountain Top
This ancient town built on a 500-meter-high mountain top is just like an eagle’s nest! As one of the oldest villages in Corsica, it has been around since the 9th century. The maze-like stone paths and traditional houses are super interesting. You can discover surprises just by strolling around casually!
Cap Corse: Hidden Gameplay
This “Island within an island” is super special! The 40-kilometer-long peninsula is covered with pristine coastlines – on the west side are cliffside villages, and on the east side are small fishing ports and beaches. It takes about 4 hours to drive around the island
Self-driving tip: Always drive clockwise! The road is extremely narrow. Safety comes first! The Centuri fishing port in the northwest corner is super cute. Colorful little houses are paired with small fishing boats. Every snap you take is in the style of Instagram
- What about the traffic?
The train: The scenery on the line from Ajaccio to Bastia is simply breathtaking, but it’s a bit slow… Bus: The frequency is pitifully low. During peak season, there are only one or two trips a day. Self-driving is not very recommended. Most recommended! Flexible and convenient cycling: Experts can give it a try. It’s super cool to ride on mountain roads!
- Why do I love Corsica so much?
To be honest, what really touches me about Corsica is its “unpretentious” feel! Without overdevelopment, it retains the most original beauty. The elegance of the French, the passion of the Italians, and the wildness of the Mediterranean, this combination is simply invincible!
Whether you want to lie flat for a vacation, go on a wild hike, or just wander around, eat and take photos, all your needs can be met here! Moreover, the locals are super nice and will share with you those hidden beaches that tourists don’t know about. Of course, you can also ask the owner of the homestay or the hotel front desk about their off-the-beaten-path beaches! Those places that can only be reached on foot or by boat are the true paradises!
In conclusion, if you truly want to deeply explore Europe and experience France, then Corsica is definitely not to be missed!