16 best villages and towns in Corsica (with photos)

8 Most beautiful villages in Corsica - map & short answer

The list

Below is my selection of the most charming villages in Corsica.
Many mountain villages are beautiful from the distance, but not so much when exploring them, as they are slowly abandoned.
The following are interesting to visit:

• Pigna 
• Speloncato 
• Evisa
• Nonza
• Vescovato 
• Sant'Antonino
• Piana 
• Erbalunga 

I am introducing all of them with pictures, further in the article.

The map

Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate them:

8 Best towns in Corsica - short answer

The list

Below is my selection of the most beautiful towns in Corsica.
It is difficult to compare them as they are very different. Except for Sartène and Corte, they are all coastal towns.

• Bonifacio 
• Calvi
• Sartène 
• Corte 
• Bastia
• Saint-Florent 
• L'Île-Rousse 
• Ajaccio 

I am introducing all of them with pictures, further in the article.

The map

Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate them:

#1 - Bonifacio

• Location -
  South Corsica
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Bonifacio is definitively the most fascinating town in Corsica. Established on white cliffs, it is hanging over the water.
  Its harbour is well protected, and the entire town offers a lot to explore.
  Its most famous feature is the Aragon King staircase with 189 steps cut inside the cliffs to reach a source of fresh water.
  Boat tours allow you to admire it from the sea.
  Learn more in my article about Bonifacio.
• Practical tips -
  Plan at least 1 day to explore the town with all its monuments, views and the staircase, but I also recommend to spend a night to really soak it in.
  Do not miss seeing it from a boat, it is very impressive.
  Several carparks inside the old town (for a fee)
  From the marina to the old town, it is uphill.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Bonifacio

#2 - Pigna

• Location -
  North Corsica, West Coast
  La Balagne region, between Calvi and L'Ile-Rousse
• Why it is worth visiting -
  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 shops where artists work and sell their pieces.
  And to the back you can have a delicious lunch with views over Corbara village.
• Practical tips -
  Plan 1h to explore, or more if having lunch and visiting the shops.
  Pedestrian only village.
  Exploring is uphill on cobbled streets.
  Several restaurants.
  Carpark for a fee during touristic season
• Check out the best rated accommodations near Pigna

#3 - Speloncato

• Location -
  North Corsica, West Coast
  La Balagne region, between Calvi and L'Ile-Rousse
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Built on a rocky outcrop, Speloncato is a typical village from the Balagne region.
• 570m above sea water, it combines old houses, a great square, beautiful views and fun streets with houses around rocks.
  The location has a long history, with evidence that the place was inhabited during the Neolithic. The village started developing during the Bronze age
  This was one of the village where I had the most fun looking around. I enjoy the views, how the hill and rocks are part of the architecture and the "real" vibe it offers. 
• Practical tips -
  Plan 1h to explore
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Speloncato

All my favorite places are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Corsica road trip:

#4 - Evisa

• Location -
  Central Corsica, West coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  One of the most beautiful villages in Corsica, not so much for the village itself but for its environment.
  It is surrounded by forested hills (mostly Chesnut trees) and mountains, including the peaks of the Piana Calanques in the background.
• Practical tips -
  1h to explore on foot.
  Easy drive.
  Can be crowded at lunchtime. Not easy to park.
  Don't forget to drive past the village for the best views.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Evisa

#5 - Calvi

• Location -
  North Corsica, West Coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Calvi is the main town in the Balagne region with picturesque views from every angle.
  You either see the beach and the high mountains, or the sea and the citadel, or the La Revellata Peninsula…
  The citadel is located on a peninsula  
  Calvi is rumored to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
  Learn more in my article about Calvi
• Practical tips -
  Easy to explore on foot but there is uneven pavement inside the citadel.
  Park outside the citadel (for a fee).
  Plan at least 1 day to enjoy the town and beach
  ut I recommend spending at least one night to enjoy a sunset over the citadel.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Calvi

#6 - Sartène

• Location -
  South Corsica
  Near Propriano, Mid-way between Bonifacio and Ajaccio
• Why it is worth visiting -
  It is a town with the feel of a village.
  It is considered the most Corsican of the Corsican towns, as it is very representative of the Corsican rugged spirit.
• Its history dates back to medieval times, and part of it was built in the early 16^th century.
  You can find several viewpoints with mountain and town views, charming streets and a photogenic church.
• Practical tips -
  Few carparks and parking places along the streets
  Staircases and steep streets.
  Many restaurants and shops. Gets crowded around lunch time.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Sartène

#7  - Nonza

• Location -
  North Corse
  West coast of Cap Corse
• Why it is worth visiting -
  One of the most famous villages on Cap Corse, Nonza offers old houses perched on  100m high cliffs.
  A stroll through the village is a must-do: old houses, pink church with 17^th century paintings, Paoline tower from the 18^th and the ruins of the ancient castle.
  Nonza is also famous for its black beach created by the asbestos factory that operated in the 1950s.
  Learn more in my article about Nonza.
• Practical tips -
  Very limited parking spaces. Visit early or late.
  Staircase to the square tower and viewpoint.
  Few restaurants in the village.
• Check out the couple of accommodations in Nonza

#8 - Corte 

• Location -
  Center of the island, in the mountains
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Corte is the historical capital of Corsica in the mountains and the heart of the island.
  It has a dramatic setting, with a Citadel from the 15^th century and 360° views of the mountains.
  It is a great departure point to explore the mountains of Corsica.
• Practical tips -
  Small fee to park near the Citadel and avoid climbing on foot - Plan half a day for city and museum
  Steep cobbled streets - not so easy to walk around
  Many bars and restaurants
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Corte

Need to rent a car in Corsica?
My tips:

• Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (not too big but with enough power for mountain roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Corsica

#9 - Bastia

• Location -
  North Corsica
  East Coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Main town in the North of Corsica, it dates back to the Roman era when it was called Cardo.
  Its historical center overlooks the old port with a walled citadel.
  It is very enjoyable to stroll through the old streets and around the marina.
  The atmosphere is lively.
  Don’t miss the fortifications of the citadel.
• Practical tips -
  Cobbled streets, wear comfortable shoes.
  Plan half a day to a day to enjoy the town and its citadel.
  Many restaurants and shops.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Bastia

#10 - Vescovato

• Location -
  North Corsica
  East Coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Vescovato is a typical Corsican village on the East coast. It is not in the best shape, but still fascinating to visit.
  It was established during the 8^th century and still has elements from the Middle-Age.
  The best section is the tunnel under the church San Martinu with the stables.
  During the 15^th century, Vescovato was the residence of the bishop before it transferred to Bastia, hence the name.
• Practical tips -
  Plan 1h to explore the entire village
  Some steep slopes
  Small carpark outside the village.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Vescovato

#11 - Saint-Florent

• Location -
  North Corsica
  West coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Saint-Florent is a popular destination: a small charming harbour with an old fort in a natural bay with the mountains in the background.
  Its Genoese citadel dates back to the 15^th century and its small Nebbio Cathedral from the 12^th century.
  Its main beach is Plage de la Roya but the most famous ones are reachable only by 4WD or boat in the nearby Agriates Desert.
  Learn more in my article about Saint-Florent
• Practical tips -
  Plan at least half a day to stroll around the old town and enjoy the views of the gulf.
  Walkable town
  Many restaurants, and famous ice-creams!
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Saint-Florent

#12 - L'Île-Rousse

• Location -
  North Corsica
  West coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  L’Île Rousse is a resort town with beautiful white sand beaches nearby.
  The main attraction is the island (île de la Pietra) from which its name comes, because it is formed by red granite.
  The island is joined to the town by a narrow strip of land where the ferry wharf has settled.
  And in the city center you can discover an old marketplace and interesting buildings.
  It is a town with a peaceful vibe.
  Learn more in my article about l'Île-Rousse
• Practical tips -
  Easy to explore on foot
  Plan half a day for the island and the city center, longer if you want to enjoy the beach.
  Many restaurants
  Great at sunset
• Check out the best rated accommodations in l'Île-Rousse

#13 - Sant'Antonino

• Location -
  North Corsica, West Coast
  La Balagne region, between Calvi and L'Ile-Rousse
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Sant’Antonino is one of the oldest villages in Corsica (9^th century).
  It is located on a hilltop 500m above sea level. Its houses are very close to each other, creating a maze of narrow streets to make it easier to defend against attackers.
  And right by the carpark, don’t miss the Annunciation church from the 17^th century.
• Practical tips -
  Carpark outside the village for a fee.
  Steep hill and staircase to explore the village
  Mots of restaurants, popular place.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Sant'Antonino

#14 - Piana

• Location -
  Middle of the West Coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Charming village established in 1725 and surrounded by the red rocks of the famous Piana cliffs.
  It has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France thanks to its situation in the protected area of pink granit: the Calanques de Piana.
  Piana is a small maze of narrow streets and traditional houses.
  Learn more in my article about the Calanques de Piana.
• Practical tips -
  Parking can be difficult, especially around lunchtime.
  Easy to walk around.
  Fabulous at sunset, with the sun hitting the pink rocks.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Piana

#15 - Erbalunga

• Location -
  East Coast of Cap Corse
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Cute little village where old houses are stuck together on a small peninsula, one of the most attractive villages on the East coast of Cap Corse.
  Strolling around the village is charming, with old stone houses, decorative paved floors and a small fishing harbor.
  At the end of the small rocky peninsula stands the ruin of a Genoese tower.
  Learn more in my article about Erbalunga.
• Practical tips -
  Easy to explore.
  Easy drive to Erbalunga and large carpark near the old peninsula.
  Several restaurants.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Erbanlunga

#16 - Ajaccio

• Location -
  South of West coast
• Why it is worth visiting -
  Ajaccio is the main town in Corsica.
  It probably developed during the 2^nd century BC and its Genoese citadel dates back to 1492.
  Ajaccio is mostly buildings surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the sea on the other.
  It is not the most charming to explore, in my opinion, but it has several buildings and monuments worth a visit.
• Practical tips -
  Plan 1 day to explore the town
  Easy to walk around the old center and marina.
  However, know that many accommodations are on higher ground.
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Ajaccio

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

Where to stay in Corsica?
My tips:

• South Corsica:
  Porto-Vecchio for a city (see best rated accommodations)
  Bonifacio for history and scenery (see best rated accommodations)
  Propriano for beach holiday (see best rated accommodations)
• Central Corsica:
  Ajaccio for a city (see best rated accommodations)
  Piana for the magnificent pink cliffs (see best rated accommodations)
  Corte for access to the mountains (see best rated accommodations)
• North Corsica:
  Bastia for a city (see best rated accommodations)
  Saint-Florent for a practical location with e -verything (see best rated accommodations)
  L'île-Rousse for lots to do nearby (see best rated accommodations)

More tips on my article about where to stay in Corsica

Honorable mentions

Of course, there are many more that could be listed.
It is a matter of personal opinion and what type of scenery or point of interests you like most.

• Porto Ota - with the cliffs and rock formations
• Ota - for the stunning mountain views
• Porto-Vecchio - for glamour by the sea
• Cargèse - for a great place to stay close to attractions and beaches
• Propriano - for the beautiful church and surrounding vineyards
• ...

Want to see more of the best Corsica has to offer?

• 35 best places to visit in Corsica - read article
• 21 best beaches in Corsica - read article
• 9 best things to do in Corsica - read article
• 35 of the most beautiful Corsica landscapes in photos - read article
• How to plan a road trip in Corsica - read article
• Tips to drive in Corsica - read article
• Beaches of Palombaggia (read the article), Tamaricciu (read the article) and Rondinara (read the article)
• The famous Calanques de Piana - read the article
• The tour of the Cap Corse - read the article
• Best things to do in Bonifacio - read the article

Planning a trip to Corsica?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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