Corsica Holiday Guide

Corsica is one of the most gorgeous parts of the French coast. Most visitors stay around Corsica’s pretty, low-key resorts, particularly Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south of the island, or in the northwestern town of Calvi. The sophisticated town of Porto Vecchio, for example, is a delight, with plenty of gastronomic restaurants, vibrant nightlife and a glitzy marina, great for those looking for a dash of glamour from a luxury villa holiday.

Wild tortoises and wild boar roam around the countryside, and rural life goes on undisturbed in the little villages where locals keep herds of cows and tend olive groves. Geographically, Corsica is closer to Italy than France and although French is the official language, the island has its own Corsican dialect.

What We Love About Corsica

We love the way that Corsica, unlike many other Mediterranean destinations, has a natural and authentic character. Velvety sand beaches, wild scenery, stunning luxury Corsican villas and chic little seaside towns are the main features of this undiscovered island in the sun.

You can venture out from your luxury villa in Corsica to the island’s mountains and try out white water rafting, 4×4 road trips, horse riding and hiking, but many visitors just come to soak up the Mediterranean sun on the sandy beaches or your luxury villa’s terrace.

If you are feeling adventurous whilst, on your luxury villa holiday, you can hire a motor boat to explore the rocky coves around the coast or set out overland to discover the remote mountain villages of Zonza and Quenza.

The magnificent scenery ranges from vast granite canyons to fragrant pine forests and serene mountain lakes here.

The Best Time to Visit Corsica

Corsica’s Mediterranean climate is mild, with average temperatures of around 28°C in August, moderate winters and very little rain.

Getting to Corsica

There are several airports in Corsica with Ajaccio and Bastia, on the island’s south-western and north-eastern coasts, respectively, being the main ones.

Figari Sud Corse and Calvi are smaller airports operating frequent flights from mainland France. The island can also reached by regular ferries from mainland France.

Best Places To Eat and Drink in Corsica

The Corsicans are proud of their gastronomic heritage. Local specialities include cheese, sausages and honey. And there are a number of great restaurants to explore from your Corsica luxury villa whether you want to indulge in the rustic local dishes on offer or eat seafood while looking out over the sparkling Med.

Corsica’s cuisine has a distinct character of its own. The prized local honey, of which there are six official varieties, and Corsican cheese, wine and sausages, are exported around the world.

Traditional restaurants serve up speciality dishes such as dried pork sirloin, goat’s cheese and local sausage. Casadelmar steals the limelight on the island with not one but two Michelin stars, but plenty of other restaurants, beach bars and cafes offer a sublime dining experience and fresh local ingredients.

Dishes such as veal, snails and cannelloni can be tasted across the island, from Porto Vecchio to Calvi. Unforgettable Corsican culinary delights can be found at seafood restaurants overlooking the moonlit Mediterranean, and hearty farmhouse-style restaurants in the rural hinterland.

Eating out is an important ritual for Corsicans, so there is an overwhelming choice of great places to dine on delicious, fresh local produce on this island to take advantage of on the chef’s night off at your villa.

Things to do in Corsica

In Corsica, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner, whether you’re exploring nature’s wonders, delving into history, or simply basking in the island’s natural beauty.

One of Corsica’s most iconic attractions, the Calanques de Piana, is a collection of stunning red granite cliffs that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. These unique rock formations, sculpted by wind and water over millennia, offer an awe-inspiring backdrop for hiking, photography, or boat tours.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Scandola Nature Reserve is a pristine corner of Corsica that boasts dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and a thriving marine ecosystem. You can explore this unique area by taking a boat tour, enjoying snorkelling or scuba diving, and witnessing the rich biodiversity of the underwater world.

Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio, is not only a picturesque coastal town but also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. You can visit his childhood home, Maison Bonaparte, which is now a museum dedicated to his life. Stroll along the charming streets, explore historic sites, and enjoy delectable Corsican cuisine at the local restaurants.

Corsica is also known for its stunning beaches, and no visit would be complete without spending time on the sandy shores. Palombaggia Beach, with its white sand and clear waters, is often considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Santa Giulia Beach is another popular choice, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

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