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Corsica, France is a gorgeous little island located in the Mediterranean Sea. Located a mere hour from Sardinia, Corsica features the best aspects of French and Italian culture. Covering around 8,680 square km, this is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus.
The island is renowned for its beautiful landscapes with rugged mountains, dense forests and glistening beaches. At each stop, there’s a handful of locally run cafes offering a blend of French and Italian snacks and views of dramatic scenery.
You will find yourself utterly enchanted by this European postcard island of Corsica and its atmosphere. Spend your days engulfed in its traditional festivals, historic sites, epic climbing sites and bustling markets.
Where to Eat in Corsica
First things first, when you initially arrive in Corsica, your priority should absolutely be your first meal. Remember that French and Italian influence I just mentioned? These two concepts blend effortlessly resulting in some of the best food you will ever taste. From beef bourguignon to flamiche to coda alla vaccinara there is something for everyone. Some of my favourite places to snack at are:
La Caravelle
A beautiful restaurant with a waterfront terrace, furnished with velvet armchairs and intricate paintings spanning across whole walls. Gorge yourself on freshly caught fish and wine and fall in love with this gorgeously gastronomic cuisine.
Dali Bonbon
A whimsical little sweet shop with barrels filled to the brim with caramels, foam bananas and – you guessed it – bonbons. Walk in and surround yourself with the sweet scent of sugar. Then leave with armfuls of paper bags ready to make you re-think your entire diet.
Le Petit Palais
A tiny cafe in a tiny square. Here you can sit with sparkling water and a plate of pastries, looking out at the organised chaos around you. The waiters are the friendliest on the island and are always happy to offer suggestions of where else to visit.
Chez Vincent
An elevated stone restaurant, where the sun shines around you onto millions of little red flowers, and each nearby building is an example of exquisite old French architecture. It’s absolutely beautiful and encompasses the aesthetics that cause tourists from all over the world to visit this little island.
Rocca Serra
A super cute ice-cream shop, where you can try the creamiest, tangiest, sweetest flavours on the whole island. Located right on the seafront, it’s perfect for grabbing a scoop and going for a waterfront wander, taking in the views around you.
What To Do in Corsica
It could be argued the best thing you can do in Corsica is sit back, smell the coffee and enjoy sunny island life. But where’s the adventure in that? There are endless extreme sports such as canyoning, rappelling and parachuting. But there are also more laid-back activities, such as taking in the history and taking a boat to Italy. If you ask me, some of the best things to do are:
Visit a Citadel Town
The most beautiful of the Corsican towns (such as Bonifacio – my favourite) all have one thing in common – a towering Citadel offering stunning views of the whole island. Go for a wander through the old barricades. Then stop for lunch at a little medieval cafe and take in the glorious history of the place.
Support Local Artists at the Galleries
It seems to me that cute little island galleries are almost always run by the most interesting people, offering beautiful artistic renditions of the island they have grown up on. There’s no better way to understand a place than through its artists.
Planning a last-minute trip to France?
Top Experiences and Tours in France:
- See the sights with a tour of Louvre Museum Paris – Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)
- See Paris with Eiffel Tower Skip the Line and Small Group Tour with Summit Access by Elevator
- Explore more with Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
Where to stay in France:
- Find accommodation with Booking.com
- Get a rail pass through Rail Europe
- Find Bus, Train, and Flight tickets with one search through Omio
Go for a Walk
It’s a simple pastime, sure. But there is no better way to find hidden antique stores, secret caves and tiny little houses chiselled into the white cliffs? And who knows – you might just find your own secret island spot.
Spend a Morning (or two) at Church
Corsica is still a largely Catholic island. This means that the locals have dedicated a lot of time to building the best cathedrals and churches that they can. Some of my absolute favourites include St Jean Baptiste and Sainte Marie Majuere.
Take a Boat to Italy
Let’s be honest, you’re not exactly far. A ferry between Corsica and Sardinia transports you a mere eight miles on the very boat that made me want to become a fisherman. Pro tip: don’t ask for water in French when you get there. You’re now in Italy, baby.
Shop for Antiques
The most incredible antique stores are located on the south of the island. Inside you will find items that go for thousands at Sotheby’s. In my opinion, the best store in Corsica is Cornelia Antiquites. This lovely place is filled with very, very beautiful things.
Shop for Literally Every Other Possible Beautiful Thing
I bought the most gorgeous bright blue harem pants on this island. Sadly I spilled moules juice on them soon after and ruined them forever. However, if you fancy visiting a lovely local store and purchasing an array of harem pants and send over to me, that’d be swell. It can be your good deed of the day.
Where to Stay in Corsica
- Cala Di Sole Ajaccio
- Ostella Hotel Spa Restaurant
- Santa Giulia Palace
- Marina Viva Hotel Club and Residence
- Best Western Plus Ajaccio Amiraute
If You Go
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the stunning beaches, exploring the Genoese towers gloriously dotted along the coastline, tasting the local charcuterie and cheeses (the best cheeses you will ever try), or simply enjoying the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, Corsica is sure to capture your heart.
The island is so pretty, vibrant and historic, that the only issue you’ll face is having to catch a flight home. The pull of the island will not let you go easy.
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Author Bio: Amy Aed is a freelance adventurer that loves to write raw, off-the-beaten-track guides to gorgeous places.
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