If you are an avid foodie and getting your latest fix of delicious food is high on your holiday agenda, look no further than Corsica, an island packed with culinary delights.
As you arrive in Corsica, the smells of the island hit you, the maquis fills the air, and you will begin your Corsican culinary adventures with the aroma of herbs around you.
Corsicans take their food very seriously, and it shows, soak up the culture with a leisurely three-course meal with some refreshing Corsican wine in a local restaurant, to gain the full experience. It is not uncommon to see families spending hours in local restaurants enjoying long lunches with extended families, it makes for a great atmosphere to enjoy.
Other times when the Corsican passion for food shines through is during their food festivals, held throughout the summer, showcasing varying local produce from artisan cheese, jams, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Our experts have some wonderful festival suggestions for tourists throughout the summer in Corsica:
April
Art’e Gustu, this culinary festival in Bonifacio is the perfect opportunity to combine food and sightseeing. Held up in the ancient citadel, this is a truly stunning backdrop for a foodie festival! It has been the meeting place for 16 years for guest chefs, island producers and the public. Celebrated here are agricultural foods, olive oil, honey, and wine. There is a set theme each year, with fantastic workshops, masterclasses, pop-up restaurants and competitions. For gastronomy lovers, there could not be a better setting for a day spent in a stunning historical location, combined with good food and insights into the culinary delights of Corsica. View our accommodation in Bonifacio and L'Extrême Sud here.
May
A Fiera di U Casgiu is a rural cheese and local produce fair in Venaco, it has been featured on Rick Stein’s ‘Mediterranean Escapes’. Held in Venaco in Central Corsica, this rural food festival is perfect if you are travelling under your own steam via hire car during your holiday. The event is held to support the rural cheese-making industry, each year a competition is held as well as training courses and tastings. It is great fun if you are staying in or around the central Corsica area. View our accommodation in Central Corsica here.
July
This is one for the wine lovers – set in the heart of Luri, the Fiera di U Vinu invites members of the public to special wine tastings with produce from across Corsica, creating the perfect gathering to meet Corsica’s winemakers. Also held in July is Fiera di l’Alivu, this olive festival is celebrated in Montegrosso, in a quaint olive grove setting, a delightful way to spend a summer Corsican day, attracting around 10,000 visitors. View our accommodation in Calvi and la Balagne here.
August
A Fiera di l’Amandulu promotes the agricultural and craft industries of la Balagne region, based around the almonds and its trees that are growing on the island, celebrating a hopefulness for a good harvest that year. There are various demonstrations of how the nut is used in Corsican recipes, providing you with the perfect opportunity to taste the almonds and their by-products. This festival is celebrated yearly in Aregno, making the town synonymous with almond festivities. View our accommodation in Calvi and la Balagne here.
