Corsica Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Corsica, France)

Probably the main reasons tourists decide on the island as their favourite holiday destination are the pristine Corsica beaches, the unspoilt nature of the countryside, the plentiful historic attractions, and the old-world charm of the towns and villages. However, outdoor types will find many activities to keep them busy, with water sports at the top of the list, and adventure sports a close second.

Sailing, windsurfing, jet and water-skiing, snorkelling and diving are all there on the beaches of Corsica, with everything from kayaking, rock-climbing, trekking and hiking, parachuting, paragliding and quad-biking in the hills. More sedate but still healthy tourist attractions include horseback riding, golf, fishing and walking, either on your own or with a donkey!

Bonifacio

Address: Bonifacio, Corsica, France, FR
If you are not actually staying in Bonifacio, it's a must-visit! This picturesque medieval town on Corsica's southern tip is the oldest on the island and is spectacularly set high on rugged cliffs, overlooking a natural harbour. Expect cobbled streets, ancient homes and an amazing sea view. Much of the sightseeing is situated within Bonifacio's elevated citadel, which was built on a rocky promontory directly above the Mediterranean Sea and comes with a several historic churches. This popular seaside town also features some good beaches and walking trails, a number of which begin at the Montee Rastello.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Scandola Nature Reserve (Reserve Naturelle de Scandola)

Address: Between Calvi and Porto, northern Corsica, France, FR
Located on the western coast, this spectacular region is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site famed for its craggy headlands, grottos, sheer red cliffs, sandy beaches and hidden inlets, and has two sections, the Elpa Nera Inlet and the Scandola Peninsula. Between April and October, regular tour boats depart from Porto for the Scandola Nature Reserve, stopping at the remote fishing village of Girolata. Alternatively, you can hire private boats at any time and take in the spectaular coastline at your leisure.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Ajaccio (Ajacciu)

Address: central Corsica, France, FR
Lively Ajaccio, inhabited since Roman times and Corsica's capital city, has an old quarter and a number of interesting heritage buildings, including the 16th-century Ajaccio Cathedral and the house where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, now a museum. This really is a cosmopolitan city brimming with designer labels, trendy eateries and a modern vibe, although it is hard to escape the Napoleonic heritage. Several good beaches can be found between Ajaccio and the Pointe de la Parata, being connected by regular buses from the Place du General de Gaulle.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Porto Vecchio

Address: southern Corsica, France, FR
Set on a magnificent bay in the south-east of the island, Porto Vecchio, originally a Roman port, was re-founded in the 16th century. Things to see include the old city walls, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Place de la Republique, and, of course, the stunning beaches. One of the best is the Palombaggia Beach, which stretches approximately 3 km / 2 miles to the south-east.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Araghju Castle (Castellu d'Araghju)

Address: Arragio, Corsica, France, FR
This Torreen prehistoric site is the largest and best preserved archeological attraction among the many here. The remains of the Castellu d'Araghju fortress are quite fascinating and consist of large granite rocks, forming a semi-circular wall. Built around 1600 BC and looming over the village of Arragio, the fort boasts a covered entrance, individual rooms and even a few of its original stone roofing slabs - and the views of the coast certainly are quite breathtaking.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Bastia

Address: Bastia, Corsica, France, FR
Central to the island's commerce and business scene, Bastia is also known for its 15th-century citadel (home to the Cathedrale Sainte Marie), narrow alleyways and public plazas, which are often surrounded by mature trees. The Place St. Nicholas forms the heart of Bastia and is a popular seafront esplanade, while both the Avenida Marechal Sebastiani and the Boulevard Paoli are busy shopping streets. Particular attractions in Bastia include the market on the Place de l'Hotel de Ville, the baroque-style Oratoire de l'Immaculee (formerly home to the Anglo-Corsican parliament), and the twin-towered Eglise St. Jean Baptiste (Church of Saint Jean Baptiste). At lunchtime, be sure to head into the Old Port, where a good choice of restaurants now reside.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Calvi

Address: Calvi, Corsica, France, FR
The bustling harbour town of Calvi is located next to a curving bayfront and enjoys an especially scenic backdrop, provided by a series of mountain peaks, including Monte Cinto. Much of the interest in Calvi is based around its Upper City citadel (Haute Ville) and modern-day marina. The Governor's Palace (Palais des Gouverneurs) is another notable sight and is now used by the French Foreign Legion. However, it is the 4-km / 2.5-miles of beachfront that tends to draw the most tourists, as well as the summer jazz festival.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Evisa

Address: Evisa, Corsica, France, FR
Evisa is a charming highland village, surrounded by some breathtaking scenery, which comes in the form of lush chestnut groves, pine forests and a deep valley. This area is a good place for hiking, and trails lead to the neighbouring attractions of the Aitone Forest (Foret d'Aitone), the Vergio Hill (Col de Vergio), the Aitone Falls (Cascades d'Aitone) and the Spelunca Gorge (Gorges de Spelunca). Daily buses connect Evisa with Ajaccio, passing by Ota and Porto along the route.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cargese (Carghjese)

Address: Cargese, Corsica, France, FR
A small and characterful clifftop town, Cargese has an interesting Greek past and some much-celebrated religious festivals. For sightseers, the principal attractions in Cargese are the twin churches (Catholic and Orthodox), which face each other from a distance. There is also a port used by both fishing boats and luxury yachts, some ancient Genoese towers, and a glorious white sandy beach, the Plage de Pero.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Corte (Corti)

Address: Corte, Corsica, France, FR
The centrally located town of Corte was briefly the capital of the island during the latter part of the 18th century and is home to the national university, the Universita di Corsica Pasquale Paoli. Bounded by dramatic mountains and hills, Corte lies to the west of the Castagniccia forests. Various attractions are based around Corte, including a dramatic citadel, standing high above the Restonica River and the Tavignanu River. The Museum of Corsica is also based here, while hikers often pass through Corte, via the Mare a Mare Nord trail.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free