Corsica is the perfect destination for those who enjoy life outdoors, with its mix of clean air and wide-ranging activities. There is something for everyone, whether you are a novice or an expert. So if you enjoy just lying by the sea, the beaches are some of the best in the Mediterranean; but if you're after something a little more energetic Corsica offers an array of water and land sports for the enthusiast.
There are many ways to explore the stunning scenery in this region including cycling and horse riding; or if you've really got a head for heights you could try paragliding. Of course the more relaxing option would be a boat trip. Daily boat trips leave St Florent during the summer and take you to some of the most stunning beaches, many of which are only accessible by water. The Plage de Saleccia is one of the beaches you can visit, which is where the famous war film 'The Longest Day' was filmed. We can help you arrange to charter a yacht, complete with a skipper and crew or a boat trip from the port if you prefer.
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 your representative giving at least 24 hours notice or by all means 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.
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 dependent. 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
TC St Florent
TC Erbalunga
TC Centuri
TC Ogliastro
Mountain Biking & 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 and can be hired in Ajaccio, and Propriano.
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, the best of which are near Forêt de l'Ospédale, Bavella and the Coscione Plateau in the south. The Mare e Monti Sud hiking path which runs between Propriano and Porticcio is one of the island's best opportunities for cycling as are the tracks of coastal Sartenais.
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.
Aliso Sport
Residence Ste Anne, St Florent
Rent out mountain bikes by the half or full day. You will need to leave a deposit.
St Flo Quad
station Shell, St Florent
Tel 06 18 66 10 94 / 06 10 27 83 21
Two circuits leaving from behind the “Shell” service station and through the Désert des Agriates.
4x4 St Flo
Rte de la Plage, St Florent
Tel 04 95 37 06 42
Arrange day trips in an open top 4x4 Vitara through the Désert des Agriates (2 circuits)
Cap Corse Location
Marine de Maccinagio
Tel 04 95 35 45 85
Hire out mountain bikes and scooters.
Loc’Ago
port de Maccinagio
Tel: 06 19 47 77 13/06 11 01 09 30
Hold Quad initiation sessions of 1-2½ hours and also arrange accompanied Quad trips around the Cap Corse across the Maquis.
Luri VTT
Luri
Tel 04 95 35 05 81
Hires out mountain bikes.
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.
Relais Equestre des Agriates
Casta nr St Florent
Tel 04 95 37 17 83 06 12 06 34 38
Equinature
Sisco
Tel 06 81 52 62 85
Speak English and organise treks lasting from one hour up to a whole day.
U Cavlu di Brando
Erbalunga
Tel 04 95 33 94 02
The Sentier des Douaniers, named after the customs men who walked this path, runs from Macinaggio to Centuri. Many follow just a small part of the route for a day's walking - the famous Genoese towers along the way are an impressive sight against the coastal backdrop. The Désert des Agriates is a landscape of wild maquis and rocky cliffs and it is criss-crossed with pathways. Buy an IGN map of the area and choose from the myriad of pathways that lead to otherwise inaccessible beaches.
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
