The nature is so overwhelming in Corsica that admiring the stunning mountains and beaches are already the worth the drive from the Netherlands! But of course there are more things to do at this French Mediterranean island. See below some suggestions, but of course there is more to do. Name it and I’m sure you can do it in Corsica!!

Walking and hiking

Corsica is truly a hiking and walking destination with up to 1500 km of marked hiking trails. The relatively high mountains, up to 2,706 meters (Monte Cinto), that make up the majority of this island is an ideal place for sometimes multi-day hikes.

Fun fact: over 85% of Corsica is mountainous

I’m more of a beach girl and not much into hiking, but I certainly did some hiking in the beautiful surroundings. So bring a pair of good hiking boots and head into the mountains! In particular, the area around Corte is known for starting several hiking trails. Corte is also a nice town to visit anyway, especially the citadel built on a rock is stunning. But most impressive were the Calanques de Piana on the west side of Corsica, these red rock formations are really very impressive and beautiful with the blue sea and sky in the background. You will pass by this UNESCO hotspot if you drive by car on the D81 from Calvi to Ajaccio, or vice versa.

Activities in and on the water

Corsica is of course a beautiful island with many mountains but also with many beautiful beaches. Around the island you will see ports with many boats and sailboats. Wonderful to sail around here and even make the crossing to Sardinia, the Italian island is only 12.5 km from the southern point! I myself took a boat trip from Bonifacio to the Îles Lavezzi, beautiful clear turquoise water great for cooling off and snorkeling or even diving. On the southwest side of Corsica you can also wave surf if conditions are good, I saw a few surfers in the water at Plage du Santana (above Ajaccio). Furthermore, you can do beautiful Stand-Up Paddling if the clear sea water is flat. But there is often a breeze, especially when I was there in September. This breeze is of course super for kitesurfers; especially the south coast is perfect for kitesurfing or foiling from May to September. Lovely warm water and constant wind, so enjoy the stunning waters!

Shopping and buying souvenirs

I noticed that in the villages in Corsica there are many nice little stores, both with clothes but also nice gift and souvenir stores but of course also the deli stores. What I found really cool are the printed posters of the different cities; Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi and Bonifacio. I bought the poster of the beach Porto-Vecchio and a magnet of Calvi. Furthermore, I bought a beautiful olive oil in Pigna, in a nice store where you could buy all kinds of things, the store was ridiculously small and dark and is part of an old building. In Pigna there are also a number of pottery shops. Beautiful pottery in various colors, where the maker of the pottery next door is still baking the clay. So plenty of fun things to take away, and don’t forget the local kind of cantuccini cookies “canistrelli”! So go in search of local island made products or; produits corses.

Camping

Corsica is really also a camper country, on the boat and along the way I saw many campers. It is beautiful camping on the beach but also in the mountains of course. I would like to go back again with a camper to be honest. SUP, snorkel and surfboard in the van and go! The roads can be challenging but the views from the campgrounds are beautiful. And of course the advantage is also that you don’t have to book a hotel, and hotels are far from cheap in Corsica, so double advantage!

Wine tasting

France is of course a famous wine country, but in Corsica you can certainly find wineries as well. Especially in the North of Corsica you will see many vineyards, in total up to 6300 hectares! Nice to visit those and do a wine tasting. The town of Patrimonio between Bastia and Saint-Florent is known for its delicious local wines. I went to Clos Marfisi a small winery with delicious wines. It is a beautiful area and of course the mountains and beaches are not far away!

More blogs on why you must visit Corsica and tips to travel to this stunning island you will find here!