- Corsica
Corte, Corsica
Corsica — “that mountain in the sea” — is a land of extraordinary landscapes, where rugged mountains, fragrant maquis and dramatic coastlines unfold around every bend. Scattered between them are picturesque villages, ancient hilltop towns and secluded beaches, creating an endlessly varied landscape to explore.
Why visit Corte?
- Explore the iconic perched buildings
- Embrace the lively and youthful vibe in the city
- Great for nature lovers ready to explore Corsica's interior
At the heart of Corsica, Corte is the island’s historic and spiritual capital, spectacularly set among granite peaks, deep gorges and pine-clad mountains. Dominated by its dramatic Citadel, the town’s cobbled streets and traditional houses offer a glimpse into Corsica’s proud past, while the surrounding landscapes invite exploration. From the chestnut-covered hills and remote villages of Castagniccia to the wild forests of Aitone and Tartagine, the glacial lakes and gorges of the Restonica Valley and the mountain villages of the south, this is an unspoilt side of Corsica made for scenic drives, walking and discovering the island at a slower pace.
What to do in Corte
Get back to nature
This region is known for its beautiful regions, mysterious forests and excellent rockpool swimming, not to mention climbing!
Discover Corsica's history
Once the capital of the island, Corte is now the educational hub of the island, with a university attended by students from around the world.
Visit Aullene
A great spot to explore mountains and find tranquillity, with fewer than 200 inhabitants it is a stunning remote village.
An in-depth guide to Corte
Once the capital of Corsica under the celebrated leader Pasquale Paoli, Corte retains a certain grandeur, amplified by the dramatic mountain scenery that surrounds it. The historic town is dominated by its craggy citadel, perched high above the rooftops and offering spectacular views across the rugged landscape.
Today, Corte has a lively, youthful atmosphere thanks in part to its university, which reopened in the 1980s and attracts students from across France and beyond. Its narrow streets and atmospheric squares are now home to pavement cafés, bars and restaurants, giving the town a distinctly cosmopolitan feel.
Corte is also the ideal base for exploring Corsica’s mountainous interior. After a day hiking in the surrounding valleys or discovering the citadel and old town, there is nowhere better to unwind than at a shaded café, watching the life of this fascinating mountain town unfold.