Summer Getaway in Corsica
Summer Getaway in Corsica
This year I decided to have a Summer getaway in Corsica, the fourth biggest Mediterranean island, that is part of France. Because of its considerable size, diversity of landscapes and historical cities, it’s a great destination all year round but especially on summertime.
From vibrant and historical coastal cities, to crystal clear beaches, secluded islands and impressive mountain ranges, there is no shortage of things to do in Corsica. You can easily spend one or two weeks exploring the island, depending on your interests and what you want to do.
Corsica is famous for its pristine beaches, but it is also a renowned hiking destination and there are many trails available around the island (from coastal to mountain trails). It also offers a variety of beautiful and historical cities to visit. Some of the most well-known cities and towns are Ajaccio (Corsica’s capital), Bonifacio, Bastia, Calvi, Porto-Vecchio and Corte.
It’s very easy to get to Corsica as it is very well connected by air. There are four international airports – Ajaccio, Calvi, Porto-Vecchio and Bastia. It is also possible to get there by sea. There are ferries from mainland France and from Sardinia, so you can also combine both islands.
I flew to Corsica from Lisbon to Bastia, and I rented a car at the airport. I really recommend to rent a car to travel around. As I mentioned before, the island is sizeable and there are many different areas with interesting attraction. So that’s the easiest way to explore Corsica at your own pace.
I spent one week in the island and I focused mostly in South Corsica, which is famous for having some of the best beaches. I would love to have had more time to explore other areas of Corsica. But I decided to stay in this region as I wanted to relax and enjoy summertime in the beautiful Mediterranean beaches of the island. It also allowed me to explore the cities of Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, which are really worth to visit.
Let me share with you the highlights of my Summer Getaway in Corsica, based on my own travel experience to South Corsica. But I recommend to spend more time and visit other areas, if you have enough time.
Explore Bonifacio
With a rich history dating back to 830 when it was founded, Bonifacio is the oldest town in Corsica and a mandatory visit in any trip to the island. It was the highlight of my week in Corsica and I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s important to consider that the city is built in two levels: the Citadel and Old Town at the top of the hill, and the harbour area below at sea level.
Perched on some impressive limestone cliffs with more than 70 meters overlooking the sea, Bonifacio’s Citadel is an iconic landmark of Corsica. In order to get there, you can either take a small train running from the harbour or walk up to the hill. Be aware that it’s a steep walk, but it is totally worth it. In the middle of the path you will find a viewpoint to the citadel with the best angle to the fortress suspended at the top of the hill. This viewpoint is just next to Saint Roch Chapel, a beautiful white washed chapel facing the Mediterranean.
Going up, you enter the wallet city through Genoa Gate and the views to the harbour below are amazing from that viewpoint. It’s worth to spend some time walking around the Old Town with narrow cobbled stone streets and alleyways that are full of restaurants and shops.
Some of the sites not to miss inside the walled city are the Bastion d’Etendard, Santa Maria Maggiore Church and Saint Dominique Church. The heart of this medieval town is around Place d’Armes, Place du View Marche and the surrounding streets.
Another great place in Bonifacio Old Town is the famous King of Aragon Staircases, dating back from 1420. Carved into a cliff face, this staircase has 189 steep steps that takes to a walk at the bottom of the cliff overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean waters. According to the legends, the staircase was built in one night by King Aragon’s soldiers when they invaded the city in the 15th century. But it seems that the reality is quite different. The natural fault always existed, and Bonifacio inhabitants built the staircase to access a source of drinking water.
On your way back from the citadel, just next to Saint Roch Chapel, there is a pathway through the cliffs. It’s an easy 10m walk to another viewpoint with some of the best views to Bonifacio.
At the foot of the citadel, the harbour area is also lively with many options of restaurants, coffees and bars with terraces facing the sea. The marina is usually full of fancy yachts and typical fisherman boats. It is also the starting point for many tour options to see the impressive coastal landscapes from the sea, or the Lavezzi Islands. At the right side of the harbour (facing the sea), you will have some great views to the marina and the citadel in the upper town.
Sail to the Lavezzi Islands
If you go to Corsica, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Lavezzi Islands, which are 30 minutes sailing from Bonifacio. This small archipelago became famous for its secluded pristine beaches surrounded by unique huge granite boulders.
It’s very easy to get to the Lavezzi Islands from Bonifacio. There are many boat tours available in Bonifacio (and even other locations in South Corsica like Porto-Vecchio). You can opt for a full-day or mid-day cruise, rent a private boat with a skipper or even rent your own boat in case you have a licence.
There is also a ferry departing every hour from Bonifacio harbour, which is probably the most convenient and affordable way to visit the islands. I chose this option, which was a great way not only to get to the Lavezzi, but also to see the surrounding coastal landscapes, cliffs and caves around the town.
It’s important to bear in mind that the archipelago is totally deserted and unspoiled, so there are no facilities there. Make sure you pack water, food, rubbish bag, sun cream and a parasol.
When you arrive to the main island you will need to walk for around 15 minutes through some hiking trails to get to the most beautiful beaches of the island like Cala della Chiesa, Achiarina Beach, Cala di Ghiunco, Cala Lazzarina and Cala di Greco.
Visit Porto-Vecchio
Located in the South of Corsica at 40 minutes drive from Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio is another great place to explore this region of the island. It’s an old Genoese walled town at the top of a hill, facing the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea below.
Like Bonifacio, it also has two different areas to explore. The 16th century citadel with the Old Town in the upper part of the city, and the harbour at sea level. It is a lively and vibrant city where you can find a huge offer of restaurants, bars, international and local shops. It has been considered one of the most trendy towns in the island.
You can start your visit to Porto-Vecchio walking around the Old Town at the citadel. Get lost in the narrow streets that keep a charming atmosphere from the past. Stop by some of the historic buildings and landmarks of the city, like Place de la Republique, St. Jean Baptiste Church or the Genoese Gate. It’s also worth to visit the France Bastion, and from its panoramic terrace you have a great 360 view to the harbour.
Below the town, spend some time walking in the marina area and enjoying the fresh air from the sea. Being one of the most famous harbours in Europe, you will probably see some impressive boats docked there. You can also get some food or drinks in one of the many restaurants with terraces. Porto-Vecchio is also a great place to try the typical Corsican gastronomy which is rich in stews and soups, or fresh fish and seafood.
Beach-Hoping in South Corsica
Porto-Vecchio is also the starting point to discover the famous beaches of the region, that are considered the best in Corsica. So beach-hoping in South Corsica is a great way to spend your time while visiting this region, especially in Summer.
Probably the most known beach in entire Corsica is Palombaggia Beach and it’s easy to understand why. The crystal clear and warm waters framed by shoreline scenic granite rocks, makes it the most photographed beach in the island.
Even if it’s quite popular, it still feels somehow unspoiled. Surrounded by a pine tree forest that you have to cross to get to the beach (there is a big parking available nearby the forest), you will be completely surrounded by nature. But there are good facilities available, like beach bars where you can also rent umbrellas or sunbeds for the day.
Five minutes walking from Palombaggia through the pine trees, you will get to another beautiful beach, Tamaricciu. This wide white sand and turquoise waters beach with big rocks and small islets, is another perfect postcard from Corsica.
Don’t miss Santa Giulia Beach, bordered by the mountains and offering to visitors pristine and calm waters that are ideal for a relaxing day. Some other famous beaches around Porto -Vecchio are San Ciprianu, Pinarellu, Carataggio or Rondinara.
Explore the Countryside and the Mountains
Around Porto-Vecchio, it’s also possible to explore the countryside and surrounding mountain areas. One of the most famous places nearby is Ospedale forest. In your way to Ospedale you will find some viewpoints with fantastic views, so you can stop for some pictures. There are several hiking trails in this area, including one taking to the highest waterfall in Corsica, Piscia di Gallu.
Other great places for hiking around Porto-Vecchio are Aiguilles de Bavella or Valle de Cavu. There are also several mountain villages that are worth to explore, the Alta Rocca villages located near Aiguilles de Bavella and Ospedale. Carbone, Levie, Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano or Zonza are some of them.
For some more travel Summer Mediterranean inspiration, check my Travel Guide to Mallorca and my Travel Guide to Cyprus.
