Activities in Corsica
There are numerous activities available on the island during the summer season – for all ages and interests. If you wish to book an activity, please call them giving at least 24 hours notice or call by the activity centre itself. Most operators now take credit cards, but you should clarify this beforehand and credit card details may be required as a form of deposit, particularly when equipment is being hired. Please also ensure you check the extent of the cover provided by your holiday insurance as certain activities may be specifically excluded.
Some facilities are only available in July/August and may also only be operational between 10h00 and 12h00 and from 16h00 until 20h00.
Beaches
Corsica is renowned for its stunning beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, and with around a thousand kilometres of coastline and 200 beaches there is plenty of choice wherever you are staying on the island. However, the majority of beaches in Corsica do not have a lifeguard so please be aware that there can be strong winds and strong undercurrents on certain coastlines. We recommend that you do not go in the sea under such conditions.
Beach safety:
Familiarise yourself with the local flag warning system (if applicable) and try to find out which are the potentially dangerous swimming areas.
Beware of local conditions (e.g. tides, winds, currents).
Bear in mind many of the beaches in Corsica do not have a lifeguard.
Supervise children at all times.
Do not swim after eating.
Beware of any ‘zones’ for powerboats, jet skis etc.
Always use adequate protection against the sun’s rays (sunscreen and sunglasses).
Avoid the midday sun, but if you have to go out cover up with loose clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
Climbing
The region is not particularly renowned for its climbing amenities, many of the climbs are quite technically difficult and require a degree of competence and fitness so should only be attempted by confident climbers.
Escalade Association Sportive du Niolo, Calacuccia
Tel 04 95 48 05 22
An affiliated climbing organisation that specialises in climbs on and around Paglia Orba (Corsica’s 3rd highest peak) including the mountain’s vertical north face and the jagged pinnacles of the Cinque Frati.
In Terra Corsa
Gare de Ponte Leccia
Tel 04 95 47 69 48
Organise daily trips of varying difficulties into the Asco valley. Via Ferrata is an excellent and safe way of experiencing the mountain trails, all the while assured by ropes and safety harnesses. They will not accept groups larger than 10 people.
Paragliding, parachuting and hang-gliding
A fabulous way to view the stunning scenery! It is advisable to contact the clubs earlier rather than later during your stay if you are interested as places are limited and activities are weather dependant. The d’Alturaghja (the place of the eagles) is the aptly named site where some of the islands best paragliding is provided, at over 1,000 metres on the slopes of Monte Cinto.
Altore Ecole Professionnelle de Parapente
Montegrosso
Tel: 06 08 72 67 19
Located approx 3km east of junction of D451 & D151 between Calvi and Montemaggiore. The tandem or solo flights offered provide excellent views of the Monte Grosso massif, the valley of the Fiume Secco and Calvi bay.
Escalade Association Sportive du Niolo
Calacuccia
Tel : 04 95 48 05 22
The company offers tandem glides or solo glides on production of the appropriate documentation. The site is easily accessed from Lozzi, just a few kilometres north west of Calacuccia, and, on a clear day, your flight will give you views of west coast, all the way from Calvi up to St Florent.
Tennis
There are Tennis clubs in most main towns
Complexe St Francois
Monticello,
Tel 06 18 02 07 32
4 courts, lit at night open from 17h. Very popular so it’s advisable to book in advance.
Tennis Club Ile Rousse
Route de Calvi, Ile Rousse
Tel 04 95 60 20 71
Tennis Club Calvi
Plage de Calvi
Tel 04 95 65 21 13
Open from 16h30, it is a very popular club so it’s advisable to book in advance. Equipment hire available.
Tennis Davia
Route de Vignola, Davia
Courts available for residents of the area.
Mountain Biking and Quad Bikes
Due to Corsica's mountainous terrain, cycling is not an easy option but fairly active and experienced cyclists will find the challenging climbs and winding routes enjoyable.
For those with enough determination and stamina, the views from some of the coastal roads and mountain tracks are breathtaking. Because of the rough terrain, mountain bikes (vélos tous terrains or VTTs) are preferable over other types of bicycles.
The best time for cycling is during mid-season: May - June and September - October, when the weather is slightly cooler and the roads quieter. To escape the traffic completely there are numerous footpaths, woodland trails and 1,900 kilometres of bridleways which will enable you to discover more of the island's natural beauty.
For those who prefer to have more than just pedal power, quad biking through the maquis may be a better choice.The following all arrange accompanied trails on quad bikes.
Corse Voyages
Blvd Wilson Calvi
Tel 04 95 65 00 47
Half day trips to Fangu/Marsulinu, St-Florent/Murato and Desert des Agriates and full day trips to Corte/Restonica valley.
Corsi 4x4
Ile Rousse
Tel 06 12 38 86 57
Arrange day trips to the surrounding area.
Loc Moto
Ave Christophe Colomb, Calvi
Tel 04 95 47 31 30
Have mopeds & motorcycles of all sizes for rent by the day
Tra Mare e Monti
Port de plaisance Calvi (next to port office on marina)
Tel: 04 95 65 21 26
Have a fleet of Quad bikes for hire
Balagne Evasion
L-D Guadelli (on the Calenzana road)
Tel: 05 95 60 17 12
Organise Quad excursions
Leader Sports
Ave Paul Doumer, Ile Rousse
Tel: 04 95 60 15 76 or 06 14 89 04 19
Situated on the main road at the entrance of Ile Rousse on N197 they have a wide selection of cycles to hire, including mountain (VTT) and road bikes. They will also deliver and collect the bikes from our accommodations for an extra fee. Also have helmets & child seats available to hire.
Horse riding
Treks of differing lengths can be booked ranging from two hours to a whole day. When reserving don’t forget to mention whether or not you are experienced. During the heat of the summer, outings are usually limited to early morning and early evening.
A Cavallu
RN197 (close to the roundabout for Calvi airport.)
Tel 04 95 65 22 22
Cercle Equestre de Balagne
Le Cormoran, Lumio
Tel 04 95 60 66 66 or 06 13 42 27 62
D’Arbo Valley
Monticello (off the main road approximately 4km the east of Ile Rousse.)
Tel 06 12 06 34 38
Walking
The main walking season is between mid-May and early June as well as September. For those who want a real challenge, the internationally renowned GR20 trail is a real must and with other lesser-known pathways, you will be spoilt for choice. Crossing Corsica from northwest to southeast, the GR20 is 170 kilometres long with an average altitude of 1000m to 2000m, starting in Calenzana in the Balagne, and finishing in Conca near Porto-Vecchio. The path follows the mountain ridge that cuts across Corsica and attracts many hiking enthusiasts every year. Practicable from June to September, the hike requires a high level of fitness, the right equipment, a good head for heights and some climbing experience – in its entirety it takes approximately two weeks to complete. Only one in three walkers complete the trail but you can just do half if desired, thanks to the train station mid-trail in the pine-hidden village of Vizzavona. Many refuges can be found en route, marking the end of each stage which offer basic accommodation with cooking / dining facilities as well as supplies’ stock. More comfortable gîtes d’étapes are also available.
There are a number of shorter circular walks around Calvi and Ile Rousse for the more casual walker, further information can be found from your representative or why not buy a Sunflower guide before travelling.
Wine Tasting
There are many wine producers in the North of Corsica, many of which boast the coveted Appellation d'Origine Controlée Corse accreditation, and all of which are open to the public and offer tastings and sales direct from the vineyard or cave, just look for the signs for the Route des Vins.
AOC Coteaux du Cap Corse
AOC Patrimonio
AOC Muscat du Cap Corse
AOC Corse - Calvi
