With a little effort, you'll discover Corsica is so much more than just beautiful beaches...
If you’re looking to by-pass the beaches on your holiday to Corsica, here are some ideas to get your imagination flowing, as after all, as beautiful as the beaches are, there’s so much more to Corsica!
6 great days out in Corsica...
Scandola Nature Reserve
Located on the west coast of the island not too far from Calvi, the Scandola Nature Reserve - a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, is made up of 1900 hectares, including both land and sea. One way to explore this unique natural setting is by boat – which you can catch from Calvi or Porto, where you can witness some beautiful bird life including giant gulls, stunning landscapes such as unusual rock formations plus a vast array of marine life. A wonderful time to make this trip if you can is late afternoon, so you can catch the golden hues reflecting off the scenery.
MARTAFR | Shutterstock
The fortress town of Bonifacio
Right on the southern tip of Corsica and perched elegantly on a limestone platform, an ancient citadel awaits exploration. Stunning views of the town and historical memoirs can be witnessed from the clifftop walk, and the harbour side offers many a café and restaurant as well as boat trips to explore the nearby grottoes and caves.
L’Ile Rousse
An ideal spot to grab an ice cream, have a wander around and stop for endless snacks and coffee, L’Ile Rousse is a laid back seaside town in the northern La Balagne region of the island. The morning markets sells all manner of fresh local produce, and then once you’ve had your fill of local food stuffs, you can always spend an afternoon lazing around on the gorgeous beach or swimming in the crystal clear water (we couldn't not mention as it's just so stunning). For even more spectacular views of the town, head up to L'Ile de la Pietra Genoese tower.
Cap Corse
A place where you can discover dramatic, raw natural beauty at one end and bustling seaside villages and rolling vineyards on the other, Cape Corse is like an entirely new island offering lots for those who like an adventure or two! Trying not to put too much emphasis on the views (as they are all simply incredible), there are lots of little towns which are well worth a visit. Nonza with its black beach, Macinaggio which is ideal for hikers and the fishing villages of Erbalunga and Barcaggio are wonderful little places which all showcase something a bit different to your traditional beach holiday.
Anilah | Shutterstock
Anilah | Shutterstock
Restonica Valley
River pools, pine forests, gorges and mountains grace this wonderful natural landscape, making it a true hiker’s haven. Popular walks for experienced hikers are in abundance; especially ones between Lac de Capitello and Lac de Melo and up to Monte Rotondo (2,600m), but you can also appreciate the area just by visiting for a few hours. Pack up a picnic, find one of the area’s beautiful pools and relax in the glorious sunshine…
Jack Jelly | Shutterstock
The 'U Trinighellu' (little train)
For a day out where you’ll get to see lots of Corsica’s beautiful scenery, embark on some slow travel and hop on Corsica’s ‘little train’. Heading from Ajaccio in the south along the coast up to Bastia and back again, you’ll most certainly get some wonderful photographs along this route, where you’ll see dramatic cliffs and mountains, crystal clear paradisiacal waters and everything in between. You’ll even pass right by 'Bridal Veil Falls' – a beautiful waterfall in central Corsica near the village of Bocognano. Timetables can be obtained from Ajaccio’s tourist office, or ask your rep for information.
If you’re now looking for a holiday in Corsica which doesn’t revolve around the beach, visit our holiday ideas page.
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Amandine's walks in southern Corsica Read more
The twists and turns that shaped Bonifacio Read more
