35 best places to visit in Corsica (with pictures!)

Let's discover 35 of the best places to visit in Corsica with inspiring photos. 
Corsica tourism is pure outdoor pleasure with a mix of beaches, mountains and charming villages. It is not possible to get bored.
Below is my selection of the 35 most beautiful places in Corsica with pictures.

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I must admit this list was difficult to compile. Every day on a road trip around Corsica, you will SHOUT how much this island is beautiful. Seriously!

But still, I have chosen my favorite Corsican places to help you plan your itinerary: best beaches, best villages, best views, best regions...
Before I start each section, I am sharing with you a photo of my favorite tree in Corsica. LOL. It is on the path to Saleccia Beach that we will see further below in the article.

This is one of my favorite pictures from my travels in Corsica. What do you think? Inspired?

Let's start with some of the best areas in Corsica, where there is much to see and do in a confined region. This is my selection of the most stunning scenery you can find on the island. Some may disagree, but this is where I said the highest numbers of WOW per day. The cream of cream of Corsica Tourism.

Which means that those areas make for great places to stay when taking a Corsica Holiday.

#1 - Bonifacio Cliffs

I was very much looking forward to the famous historical town of Bonifacio and its cliffs. And I was not disappointed.

• Why visit the region
  Stunning chalk-white limestone cliffs that have been sculpted by the erosion; There are many places where your can admire them.
  Plus the Citadel of Bonifacio has been built on a narrow peninsula of those cliffs. The scenery is very impressive and the location unique!
• Best things to do in this region
  You can visit the Citadel, walk along the cliffs, head the Capo Pertusato (the south tip of Corsica), get down to Saint-Antoine beach - all those offer impressive views of the cliffs. In the Citadel, you can even get down a historical staircase cut inside the cliff at 45°!
  The boat tours to admire the cliffs from the sea are some of the best things to do in Corsica. You can clearly see how some of the houses are hanging over water!!!
• Where to stay in this region
  The best option to explore the region is to stay in Bonifacio itself. I enjoyed my nights at Hotel Santateresa with modern rooms and fantastic staff! Check out photos and availability - or check out other accommodations in Bonifacio
• See my article dedicated to Bonifacio here

#2 - Gulf of Porto

• Why visit the region
  Impressive red cliffs, great geological formations, Unesco protected area... This gulf is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in Corsica.
  Driving around takes quite some time because the roads are cut in the cliffs but it gives you time to appreciate the views! Learn more on my article about the Gulf of Porto.
• Best things to do in this region
  Drive through the Calanques of Piana (see my article about the best ways to visit them) and pick one of the hikes to appreciate it more
  Go on a boat tour from Porto to admire the calanques de Piana: you will sail right along the pink cliffs all the way to Capo Rosso on a stable boat - learn more
  Another famous boat tour is the Scandola Reserve. The area is only accessible on foot or by boat. The tour takes you along the shore to discover some of the unique geological formations and to the isolated village of Girolata - learn more & book
  You can also combine both tours into one amazing exploration of the gulf. I loved it. Do it via the Scandola link, select option after showing availability
  Inland you can also enjoy the Spelunca gorges and the drive from Evisa to Porto Ota (see later in this article in the best roads)
• Where to stay in this region
  2 options: the Piana village in the Calanches is on higher ground so many hotels have incredible views of the gulf. If you are looking for a memorable place to stay I recommend Hotel Capo Rosso for its views and swimming pool facing the sea (check it out) or have a look at the accommodation options in Piana.
  Porto, which is centrally located and practical to take the boat tours - Check out the accommodations in Porto Ota.

#3 - Agriates Desert

• Why visit the region
  This region is not often listed in the best of Corsica Tourism articles. Yet it is a fascinating place with some of the most amazing beaches in Corsica.
  Plus from the desert you have perfect views of the mountains of Cap Corse
• Best things to do in this region
  Drive the road between île Rousse and Saint-Florent around the desert
  Stop explore the magnificent Ostriconi beach (see further below in the best beaches)
  Take the boat from St-Florent to Lotu beach and hike to Saleccia Beach
  Join a 4WD adventure to learn more about the desert
  See my article
• Where to stay in this region
  To admire the desert, it is best to stay in the charming coastal town of Saint-Florent or in the nearby wine region of Patrimonio - I stayed at Auberge Lustincorne and really enjoyed the views (check it out) - Otherwise check out the accommodations in Saint-Florent

#4 - South Corsica Beach Paradise

• Why visit the region
  Well if you love beaches that look like the society's idea of Paradise, this is where to go! White sand, pine trees, turquoise transparent water and beautiful rock formations... Stunning (but know that Paradise gets crowded in Summer...)
• Best things to do in this region
  The most famous beach in the area is Palombaggia, often rated one of the best beaches in the World
  Tamaricciu offer postcard perfect views, Rondinara is a fascinating bay to explore and Santa Giulia is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach
  There are magnificent beaches everywhere in South Corsica (see my guide)
• Where to stay in this region
  The area has a really large choice of accommodations. For luxury check out les Bergeries de Palombaggia.
  I personally stayed 10min drive from Palombaggia at residence U Pirellu and it was one of my favorite accommodations in Corsica with great views, large mini-villas and an enjoyable swimming pool. Check out photos and availability

#5 - West Coast of Cap Corse

• Why visit the region
  Wild landscapes where the mountains drop into the sea. The drive along the West coast of Corsica is mesmerizing (but still focus on the road, careful!)
  Tips: I recommend touring Cap Corse counterclockwise - Check out my Cap Corse Guide
• Best things to do in this region
  Simply drive along the coast from Port Centuri to Patrominio
  Don't miss a stop at Nonza village with its promontory set up and view over its black beach
  You can also detour to hike up to the Seneque Tower
• Where to stay in this region
  You can tour cap Corse in one day. In that case you can stay in the wine valley of Patrimonio, check out accommodations. 
  If you take 2 days, you can spend the night in Macinaggio. I really enjoyed the views from the Adonis apartment. Check out photos and availability

Best destinations in Corsica - Map

To get you oriented, below is a map to locate those 5 regions:

When planning a trip I am always looking for the best open views to photograph. especially with layers of landscapes. I go as far as going through entire roads using Google street views!
I have seen many many amazing viewpoints in Corsica (and you can find them all in my eBooks), but below are my 5 favorites:

#6 - Corte Belvedère

• Location / Access
  At the top of the Corte town, in the center of Corsica
  Less than 10min walk from the Museum carpark - uneven ground
• About the view
  It is one of the most famous views in Corsica and it does not disappoint.
  Corte has a long history. This viewpoint allows you to see the citadel on its promontory and the mountains all around with 360° views

#7 - Roccapina

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  Along the main road, between Bonifacio and Propriano
• About the view
  A viewpoint has been set up with carpark to have a look at Rocappina beach and the rock formations around.
  It is especially famous for its tower and the formation to the right that looks like a lion protecting the island.

#8 - Patrimonio

• Location / Access
  North Corsica, close to Saint-Florent
  Road in the village of Patrimonio
• About the view
  The region is dedicated to wine agriculture. The village has one of the most beautiful churches in Corsica and hills separate the area from the sea.
  So if you goo up over the village you get views like the one on the photo above!

#9 - Evisa

• Location / Access
  Central West Corsica - Inland from Porto
  Easy drive from Porto to Evisa
• About the view
  After the town center along the road are signs to help you understand the view. On clear day you can see the village and all the way to the calanques de Piana.
  A mix of charming village and mountain peeks.

#10 - L'Ile-Rousse

• Location / Access
  L'Ile-Rousse, North Corsica
  Walk from the town or the ferry terminal
• About the view
  On the way to the lighthouse of L'Ile-Rousse, there is one section that I loved. You see one of the coves with the seastack behind, the lighthouse at the top and the orange rock that is the reason behind the name of the island ("redhead island")
• More information and photos on my Ile-Rousse article

When you decide to travel to Corsica, one of your first interests is of course the beaches. I have never seen such a large amount of beautiful beaches in any destinations I have done so far. It is really difficult to reduce to only 5. 

So if you want more ideas, check out my article about the best beaches in Corsica HERE

#11 - Ostriconi beach

• Location / Access
  North Corsica, just South of the Agriates Desert
  Short drive from main road to Saint-Florent - 5min walk down to the beach
• Why visit this beach?
  Because it has a great view from above, and I love that! 🙂
  White sand, turquoise water, wild environment and the beginning of the Agriates desert... isn't it picture perfect?

#12 - Tamaricciu beach

• Location / Access
  South Corsica, close to Porto-Vecchio
  5min walk down from the carpark along the coastal road
• Why visit this beach?
  Despite Palombaggia being the most famous, I think I prefer Tamaricciu. But it is a close call.
  From the road great views of the bay. And once at beach level, you can walk to the left to reach a small cove full of grey rocks and famous for its single stone Pine. This is one of the most photographed spots in South Corsica
• See my article on Tamaricciu beach

#13 - Palombaggia beach

• Location / Access
  South Corsica, close to Porto-Vecchio
  Bumpy carpark and short walk to beach
• Why visit this beach?
  White sand, shallow turquoise water, pine trees and rocks of deep orangy-red colors.
  There is a good reason it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
  Best appreciated early or late to avoid the large crowds and to get more intense colors on the rocks.
• See more pictures

#14 - San Giovanni beach

• Location / Access
  South Corsica? West of Bonifacio, Figari Bay
• Why visit this beach?
  It is kind of a "secret spot". You have to know where you are going to find it. I personally fell in love with how rounded the grey rocks were by the erosion. This beach give sa peaceful natural vibe. GPS and info in my eBook

#15 - Saleccia beach

• Location / Access
  North Corsica, shore of the Agriates Desert
  Access either by small boat from Saint-Florent or large boat to Lotu beach + 1h hike in the desert (Le Popeye)
• Why visit this beach?
  Long pristine stretch of white sand with sand dunes and pine forest behind. This is wild and pure and perfect.
  Note: this is where I took the photo of the tree I shared at the beginning...

You can find detailed maps and all the Corsica places listed in this article with their GPS coordinates in my eBooks: 

Some people might be anxious about driving in Corsica. It is true that most roads are winding all the time and a few can bit quite narrow but generally it is not that difficult (especially outside of Summer time- check out my driving guide)
So below are my 5 favorite sections of roads to drive in Corsica to reach some of the best places in Corsica.

#16 - Evisa to Ota

• Location
  Central West Corsica
  Near the Calanques de Piana
• Why drive this road
  The road starts in the village of Evisa (viewpoint with saw earlier) and goes along the Solenzara gorge to the Calanques of Piana.
  The canyon is deep and the rocks are red. There are many layers of mountains and steep cliffs.
• Driving Difficulty
  The road has 2 lane with a clear central line. It is large enough.
  Just be careful as you can have animals on the road and you can get distracted by the amazing views

#17- Solenzara Gorge up to Bavella

• Location
  South Corsica, North of Zonza
• Why drive this road
  The road starts with the Solenzara Gorge along the river. Trees, emerald water and summits are your companions (many go for a swim to refresh in Summer)
  Then as you get higher, you get fantastics views of the Bavella Needles. I think the view is even better from the road than from the famous Bavella Mountain Pass.
• Driving Difficulty
  No major difficulty (until the last drive up to the mountain pass as it gets narrower). Many carparks along the way

#18 - Restonica

• Location
  Central Corse, near the town of Corte
• Why drive this road
  This is considered one of the most scenic drives in Corsica, one of the best roads; It goes through a narrow canyon to the start of hiking trails to the Melo lake
  It is wild, raw with sharp summit, snow, river and small waterfalls when the snow melts.
• Driving Difficulty
  Very difficult drive. If you have vertigo or don't feel confident don't go there, you will endanger everyone!
• More pictures here

#19 - Inzecca Gorge

• Location
  Central East Corsica, near Aléria
• Why drive this road
  Not as famous as the other road, I really enjoyed it. We were only 2 cars to drive through when I visited. It is a short drive between 2 walls of rock. The canyon is narrow, the road cuts into it and the river is filled with white boulders in some area
• Driving Difficulty
  Not too difficult. A little bit of precipice views but large enough. Not many places to stop.

#20 - West Road of Cap Corse

• Location
  North Corsica, Cap Corse
• Why drive this road
  I already introduced the region above, but I am sharing it again here, because the West coast is truly one of the most beautiful roads in Corsica. Best to drive from North to South. All the way you can see the mountains plunging directly into the sea. A great combination!
• Driving Difficulty
  Winding but generally easy. A few sections are narrow and might get difficult if you cross path with a bus...

In the hills and mountains, Corsica is full of small villages, historical or not. Some of the most sought after are in the Balagne region near Calvi.
They are often very similar to each other located on top a hill, with similar houses. So it is not easy to make a choice for the best ones. I picked the villages which inspired me the most.

Note: Sant'Antonino has been listed by the French people as one of the most beautiful villages in France but I was not inspired by it at all, so it did not make it to this list.
Find more ideas in my article - 16 best villages and towns in Corsica

#21 - Pigna Village

• Location / Access
  North Corsica, between Calvi and L'Ile-Rousse
  Easy access by road - pedestrian only village
• Why explore this Corsican village?
  Small village not far from the sea. Quite touristic but charming nonetheless. It has been made to stand out with its blue shutters on all houses.
  It is full of little shop where artists work and sell their pieces. And to the back you can have delicious lunch with views over Corbara village.

#22 - Speloncato

• Location / Access
  North Corsica, between Calvi and L'Ile-Rousse
  Easy access by road - You can drive to the main square before exploring the narrow streets on foot.
• Why explore this Corsican village?
  This was one of the village where  had the most fun looking around. Not sure exactly why. I enjoy the views, how the hill and rocks are part of the architecture and the "real" vibe it offers. 

#23 - Erbalunga

• Location / Access
  East Coast of Cap Corse
  Easy drive to Erbalunga and large carpark near the old peninsula
• Why explore this Corsican village?
  Cute little village where old houses are stuck together on a small peninsula. Easy to tour with the old port, tower ruins and dark grey rocks.
• More info and photos on my article about the village of Erbalunga Cap Corse

#24 - Nonza

• Location / Access
  West  Coast of Cap Corse
  Some narrow passage around Nonza (while on the magnificent road described earlier in the article). Limited parking spaces
• Why explore this Corsican village?
  One of the most famous villages in Corsica because it is on a promontory stuck between mountain and sea. Plus it has a fantastic view of its black beach
• Read my article about Nonza

#25 - Sartène

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  Near Propriano, Mid-way between Bonifacio and Ajaccio
• Why explore this Corsican village?
  I know it is more of a town than a village, but when you explore the old center, it is like being in an old village. It is considered the most Corsican of the Corsican towns. Nice church.

Considering how much I love geology and rock formations, Corsica was paradise for me!!! Have a look at my favorite 5 locations to admire and photograph:

#26 - Calanques de Piana

• Location / Access
  Central West Corsica
  Around Piana, you can enjoy on foot, driving or by boat from Porto or Ajaccio (Book boat tour from Porto)
• What makes it special?
  First of all for the colors of the cliffs, mostly pink/orange/red and then for how steep they have plunging directly into the sea like needles. (see my article about the best ways to visit them). This is a Unesco World Heritage site

#27 - Scandola Reserve

• Location / Access
  Central West Corsica
  Around Porto, you can enjoy on foot (long day walks) or by boat from Porto or Ajaccio (Book boat tour from Porto)
• What makes it special?
  With the calanques de Piana, the Scandola Nature Reserve forms a Unesco World Heritage site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get really up close to them.
• Check out my Scandola article

#28 - Lavezzi island

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  Boat tour from Bonifacio - no roads on the small island
• What makes it special?
  Fascinating island with giant boulder of various shapes and colors. You have light and dark grey, pink and orangy. Every coves look different and it is fun to explore! It would deserve many pictures because of the variety.
• More photos on my article

#29 - Saint-Antoine Beach

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  At Capo Pertusato near Bonifacio. Steep 15min descent to beach after 25min walk from carpark/
• What makes it special?
  Not famous at all and yet fascinating!  Everyone knows the cliffs of Bonifacio. But here you can go to the bottom to a beach. And around it the limestone has been eroded a lot by the elements creating a lunar-like landscapes and giant hole. Great place to explore but be careful with kids.

#30 - Rondinara Bay

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  Mid-way between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio
• What makes it special?
  The bay is famous for its round almost closed shape and great sand.
  Personally I fell in love with the West tip of it. Just walk to the right (when facing the sea) and take the small path all the way to the end. The rocks here are not impressive by size but with their colors. This is the most colorful place I have found in Corsica.
• More photos in my article about Rondinara Beach Corsica

Corsica Tourism is mostly great for outdoor travel. Although it is not famous for its architecture, it has a few historical sites worth visiting.

#31 - Bonifacio Citadel & Staircase

• Location / Access
  South Corsica, Center of Bonifacio
  Several carparks (for a fee) with easy access through the old town
• About
  Fortified city build on a long and narrow peninsula. It integrates with the limestone cliffs in an impressive way. Inside you can explore the fortifications, get inside the cliff to reach the Gouvernail (a hole mid way in the cliff) and visit the main church . But the highlight is the Aragon King staircase that allows you to reach the bottom of the cliffs through a 45° angle way down (187 steps). it descends to a natural spring and a cave.

#32 - Cucuruzzu

• Location / Access
  South Corsica, near the town of Levie
  Winding road, not large but not too difficult - large carpark
• About
  Filitosa is the most famous archeological site in South Corsica but I found it boring compared to Cucuruzzu. Here you have a 2h walking loop under a forest that looks mystical with giant boulders (the beginning is the most difficult part of the walk with some big steps). You reach structures from the Bronze age using the local granit. Plus it offers a great view of the Bavella Needles in the distance

#33 - Calvi Citadel

• Location / Access
  North Corsica
  In the town of Calvi, carpark in the center (for a fee) - uneven pavements inside
• About
  Built in the 13th century, it is still inhabited. You can walk around (with an audioguide if you want to learn more).
  From the fortification walls, don't miss the views of the bay and mountains on one side and the Revellata peninsula on the other side.
  The Citadel is best admired from the Calvi beach
• Learn more in my article about Calvi

#34 - Parata Tower

• Location / Access
  South Corsica
  Near the town of Ajaccio, large carpark, easy road
• About
  Corsica is full of Genoese towers that used to be a communication system in case of attack.
  The Parata tower is not the best preserved or the most significant, but is a wonderful place in alignment with the Iles Sanguinaires (Bloody islands). The simple raw beauty of the area makes this tower special

#35 - Bastia Citadel

• Location / Access
  North Corsica 
  In the town of Bastia, best to leave the car at the hotel and use public or touristic transportations
• About
  You may have noticed, I have not mentioned much the 2 major towns. It is because I was not fascinated. If I had to choose between Bastia and Ajaccio, I would pick Bastia because its Citadel is on a hill and you can explore it. It has great churches and nice views.

If you hesitate between visiting Ajaccio or Bastia, head to this article.

As I said, it is really difficult to choose the best of Corsica Tourism. There are fantastics places to see around: more views, more beaches, more villages and also some charming churches, impressive waterfalls, nice hikes, protected islands... 

I have listed all my favorites in my eBooks:

Want to see more of CORSICA?