35 stunning Corsica landscapes (with pictures!)

My 5 favorite pictures of Corsica Island

#1 - Best picture of Corsica

This is my favorite picture of Corsica. Might not be the most beautiful, but it represents well a big part of what the island is about. Steep mountains walls, winding roads with animals in the middle and a dramatic view at every turn!

#2 - A world of turquoise water...

I don't use drone photography at all on this blog, because I want to show people only things they can see for themselves. But I love it when you can easily get a perspective from above. This is why I fell in love with Ostriconi, one of the best beaches in Corsica. The roads offer a stunning vantage point on the sand, the river and the desert behind.

#3 - A stunning Unesco Heritage Site

In the middle of the West Coast, you can find one of the best Unesco world heritage sites I have seen. Parts of it are the Calanques de Piana. They are tall pink cliffs plunging straight into the water. The hard rock stands strong against the erosion, so it has created magnificent shapes.

#4 - A Mountainous island

Corsica is actually a mountain chain. 2 third of the island is mountainous. The highest peak is Monte Cinto at 2706m (8878ft).
Which means you can spend the morning hiking in the mountains and the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
Above is my favorite view of the Bavella Needles.
Learn more in my article about the Mountains of Corsica.

#5 - Impressive Cliffs

A colorful wonderland with 5 photos of Corsica

#6 - The famous Palombaggia beach

One of the most famous beaches on the island is located in South Corsica, close to Porto-Vecchio. Palombaggia is a long white sand beach with turquoise water and pink rocks. I recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon, when the rocks turn red as the sun is low in the horizon. More pictures on my Palombaggia beach article.

#7 - Crazy rock formations

I am a big fan of geology. Finding beautiful rock formations is what I love the most when traveling. Therefore, the island of Corsica was paradise for me.

#8 - Mediterranean Maquis

To complement the white of the sand and the turquoise of the water, the lower part of the island is covered with low green vegetation (Mediterranean maquis). Even in the Desert des Agriates, it does not really look like a desert.

#9 - Off the beaten path wonders

Corsica is a touristic island (especially for French people), but you can find amazing places when driving a little away from the main touristic path... Above is an example at Galeria.

#10 - Orangy Red 

And touristic wonders... here is another picture of Palombaggia beach so that you see better the color of the rocks.

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:

Pictures of Corsican culture

#11 - Corsican Flag

Everywhere in Corsica you will see their own flag floating. Corsica is a region of France. However, they have a very strong culture and identity.
The flag dates back to 1755. It represents a Moor's head. The Bandana is above the eyes to symbolise the liberation of the Corsican people from the Genoese.

#12 - Delicatessen

Corsica is in France. Good food is essential. The island is famous for its tasty and salty Delicatessen. This is served in all restaurants, but you can also find great food on markets.

#13 - Free Farm animals

The reason why the Delicatessen is so good... animal are happy wandering in beautiful forested areas under the sun.

#14 - Corsican Polyphonic music

One of the top things to do when traveling through Corsica, is to listen to polyphonic songs: the "Polyphonies Corse". You will see a lot of concert in towns and churches.
Polyphonies are singing experience where only voices come together to produce music.
In Corsica, the typical groups are only male voices. They sing in perfect harmony, mostly in the Corsican Language.
It is very powerful, and they carry deep emotions. Even when you don't understand the words, you feel the song.

For example, I had the chance to listen to I Campagnoli in a small church in Bonifacio. LOVED IT!!!!

#15 - Cows on beaches

Many beaches have local visitors on them. You can sometimes even see signs to be careful not to approach the cows.
It is their territory, so leave them alone and stand out of the way.

#16 - Hilltop villages

Corsica is full of small villages located between the sea and the high mountains.
They are often on a hilltop with tight houses. La Balagne is the most famous region for villages.
Walking the small streets makes you travel back in time.

See more in my article about the best villages in Corsica.

Amazing Corsica Landscapes - a magical land

I have been regularly blown away while traveling through Corsica. Sometimes if felt like being in another world or another planet. Below are a few examples.

#17 - The moon?

Near Bonifacio, there is a hidden beach below Capo Pertusato. A little effort is required to reach it, but once you are there, it is incredible: the cliffs eroded by the elements, the sea stacks and the giant holes made of yellow / white limestone. Was I on the moon?

#18 - Enchanted forest

This picture represents well one of my favorite memories of Corsica. I ended up soaking wet, but the location became even more enchanting.
The 2h loop to reach Cucuruzzu is under the forest with giant mossy boulders and tortuous branches. Magical!

#19 - Defying gravity

And we are back to Bonifacio in South Corsica. The citadel is located on a peninsula right at the edge of the cliffs. And with the erosion, some houses even hang over water. You can see it really well from a boat tour. It defies gravity!

#20 - Legends...

Many locations have legends explaining their shapes. This is the Voile de la mariée waterfall (Wedding Veil). Magnificent!
However, note that waterfalls are stunning around May June when snow is melting. But they may be boring in Summer when there is not enough water.

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

Wide variety of landscapes in Corsica

You don't come to the island for architecture or towns. You come for the magnificent landscapes of Corsica. 
You have high mountains, black beaches, white beaches, giant boulders, pink cliffs, white cliffs, vineyards.... so many sceneries to admire!

#21 - Black beaches

The black beaches of Corsica are located on the West coast of Cap Corse (see my guide). They are not due to volcanic ash but to an old mine nearby.
The contrast with the turquoise water is striking!

#22 - Gulf of Porto

The whole Gulf of Porto is a Unesco protected area. The old volcanic crater of Scandola has some rare geological features. To protect it, it is only accessible by boat or by multiday hiking. In my opinion, those are some of the best Corsica Landscapes.

#23 - Coastal wonderland

For those who do not want to go on a Corsica road trip, you can pick a coastal town to stay in and spend the week exploring the area. One of my favorites was l'Ile-Rousse with its beautiful rocky promontory and white lighthouse.

#24 - Easy hikes

Many hikes in Corsica are not so easy considering the high mountains. But in the coastal areas, you can walk the 'Sentiers des Douaniers' which is an easy yet rewarding experience. The most famous section is at the North end of Cap Corse.

#25 - Vineyards

Another type of Corsican landscapes are the vineyards. On the east coast you can find typical flat ones. But there are also region where they are located on hills. One of my favorites is Patrimonio with its stunning church. Bonus: it is right by the sea and Saint-Florent.

#26 - Desert, beaches and lagoon

This is one of my favorite views of Corsica, taken in Desert des Agriates. This is one of the best places to appreciate to landscapes of Cap Corse with the mountains plunging in the sea.

#27 - Dreamy beaches

Corsica island is also full of varied beach Scenery. Some have pure white sand dunes... like Saleccia.

#28 - Postcard-perfect

One of the most photographed beaches in Corsica is the cove between Tamaricciu and Palombaggia. It has giant grey boulders and 1 single stone-pine tree.

#29 - And smaller islands

Plus you can visit smaller islands around Corsica. One of the most famous is Lavezzu. It is made of giant boulders! Such a fascinating place to explore...
A 30min boat ride from Bonifacio and you can explore this are which used to be part of the Corsica-Sardinia land millions of years ago.
See more photos here.

#30 - Quieter beaches

In Summer, most beaches are overcrowded, so paradise Corsican landscapes loose their appeal. It is not easy, but you can still find quieter beaches with beautiful scenery. San Giovanni was one of my favorites.

#31 - Even close to town...

And even just a short bus ride away from the main town Ajaccio, you can find stunning landscape. This is at the Parata tower.

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

Historical Scenery in Corsica - unforgettable!

#32 - Citadels...

The island of Corsica is not really famous for its architecture. But some of the most interesting places to visit are the Citadels. And I think the best one is in Calvi.
You can first admire it from the beach at sunrise before exploring the streets and fortification. This Genoese structure dates back to the 13th century.

#33 - Churches

I must admit that I am fascinated by the churches in Corsica. But I found this one. Love the graphic elements of the design and the setting in the mountains.

#34 - The heart of Corsica

Corte is truly the heart of the island. It has a long history and the oldest university in Corsica.
Plus, it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Corsica: from the belvedere, you have a 360° view of the mountains and the top of the citadel.

#35 - The most Corsican of the Corsican Town

And if you want to see what is considered the most typical town in Corsica, head to Sartène. Located mid-way between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, it has a great atmosphere and delicious food!

And 1 extra picture of Corsica island...

#36 - Seychelles?

Corsica island is often referred to as the Seychelles of the Mediterranean Sea. This i dues to the turquoise water and giant boulders. And with this picture, one can start wondering...

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

Planning a trip to Corsica?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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