France · Corsica

Corsica travel guide

Mountains that rise straight from turquoise bays

Calanques de Piana, Corsica. Photo: Myrabella, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2hflight from London

AJAnearest main airport

25° in Augwarmest month

8° in Febcoolest month

Corsica feels like a separate country, with its own language, food and fierce pride. The 'island of beauty' has white-sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, granite mountains, and cliff-top towns built by the Genoese.

It's best explored by car, though the roads are twisty and slow. Pick a base or two rather than trying to see it all in one week.

Good forBeachesHikingRoad tripsIslands

Top things to do in Corsica

1
Bonifacio
A town perched on white cliffs, with boat trips into sea caves.
2
Palombaggia beach
Pine trees, pink rocks and turquoise water near Porto-Vecchio.
3
The Calanques de Piana
Red granite cliffs above the sea, best seen by boat at sunset.
4
Ajaccio
Napoleon's birthplace, with a lively market and a sweeping bay.
5
The GR20
One of Europe's toughest long-distance hikes, or walk a single day of it.
6
Calvi
A citadel above a long sandy beach in the north-west.

Tours and tickets in Corsica

Where to stay in Corsica

Porto-Vecchio
Near the best beaches in the south.
Calvi
Beach and citadel, with flights and ferries.
Ajaccio
The capital, with the most hotels and restaurants.

Find a hotel in Corsica

Best time to visit Corsica

Best value: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. June and September: warm sea and long days, without the August crowds and ferry prices.

Best valueBusy and pricierQuietAverage temperature in Corsica, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h from London to AJA, and flights from most UK airports.

Hire a car: buses are sparse and the train only links a few towns. Allow plenty of time, as mountain roads are slow. Flights go to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari.

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