City: Corsica
Top Things to do in Corsica
What to do and see in Corsica, France: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Corsica is a laid-back French island, with a breezy vibe that’s part European weekend and part tropical honeymoon. The port city of Bastia flings its arms wide open to weary travelers disembarking from a long ferry trip. For a truly charming Corsican experience, catch a train through the mountains to the beach, passing by rustic villages and grazing cows along the way. Take a few hours or even a few weeks to explore the island’s famous walking trails, including the varsity-level GR 20.
Restaurants in Corsica
1. Les Calanche Cliffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 621 reviews
These gorgeous red cliffs tower over the Mediterranean.
Reviewed By GlinysW - Witney, United Kingdom
Allow plenty of time to drive and take care in the narrow bits- its all too easy to clip a tyre on the jagged rocks. Piana is a good place to aim for for lunch. Plenty of viewing points but not so easy to find a circular trail
2. Nature Reserve of Scandola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 569 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieK075 - London, United Kingdom
A boat trip to Scandola and the Calanques de Piana reserve is a must if you have time while in Corsica - the mountainous formations really are spectacular. On choosing the tour... - The sea can get a bit rough (nothing much though), so larger boats might go easier on sensitive people - Check the larger boats as some are not ideal for sightseeing with block-view seats, especially in a 4.5 hrs tour (= Hybrid brand). If you must take them, try to arrive early and go for the upper deck seats - The smaller boats will offer a more unfiltered experience with the sea and mountains - just make sure to take a hat & sunblock - The stop at Girandola seemed rather pointless, and Calanques de Piana was the most impressive part, so if you are pressed for time, just go for the Calanques tour (ca. 1.5 hrs) If you don't like boats, you can still try the drive through the Piana gorges - the naked mountains look majestic, bathed in the warm sunshine while contrasting with the deep blue sea.... one of those sighs of mother-nature that will stay with you. Yes, you will have to be very careful with nutty French drivers, but hey, nothing is perfect.
3. Gorges de la Restonica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 583 reviews
This forest is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers.
Reviewed By nofla - Corsica, France
Swim in the natural pools in fresh spring water in quiet natural enviroment in hot summer days are so refreshing and energized.
4. Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,006 reviews
Reviewed By RoryAtkins - Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
Catholic Church high up in the old part of town with great walks, alleyways and views. Also some street art worth discovering. Well worth the steps and time.
5. Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,619 reviews
Reviewed By muchmooching - Ramsbottom, United Kingdom
We took the citadina the free electric bus up the hill and meandered at a snails pace down the little streets checking out the menus and window shopping in the fancy shops, the views over the port are lovely. Loads of places to sit for a drink and to watch the world go by.
6. Iles Lavezzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,400 reviews
Reviewed By 28travellb - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The boat trip was nice even if there was a lot of wind and waves. Once on the island we spent a lovely day. Bring you picnic as there is nothing on the island. We walked little. We sat on a small sandy beach but the wind was too strong. Did some snorkeling and found the elephant shaped rock. Then went to another beach on the opposite side that had less wind but no sand. Last boat was at 17h30. We couldn’t do the grottos because of the agitated sea but passing next to the them was already impressive.
7. Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Reviewed By MAF-M_France - Paris, France
We did the trek during not so nice weather, so could mostly see the clouds around:). The trail starts in the forest to take you to the less protected side of the mountain - it was windy, so we needed to cover well. We could not do the full trail due to risk of rain (the train could get muddy so it would be harder to go down).
8. Bonifacio Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,678 reviews
Reviewed By Londonmum35
We went in the last week of July, and booked the ferry about a month in advance as we couldn't get a clear idea of whether it could become fully booked. However, there did seem to be spaces on the ferry, it wasn't full (for passengers without cars at least), so it's probably fine just to turn up if you prefer not to commit to a date. We arrived allowing plenty of time to find parking - think we arrived at 8.30 for our 10am ferry. We followed the road signs for the ferry terminal, and in fact drove down to it through the tunnel to see if it was possible to park at the terminal itself but it was short term or disabled or staff parking only. On coming back out of the tunnel we immediately turned right and there was plenty of empty blue parking bays right there (just along Piazza Bruno Modesto). Paying was easy using the easypark app (details on the parking meter) and we just needed to then write easypark on a piece of paper and leave it on the dashboard. We hung around at the small cafe kiosk in the coach car park across the grass, and then headed down to the terminal for about 9.20am. If you have print outs of your tickets there's no need to do anything else - just after 9.30 everyone rushed into the ticket office but when we went in they said no need. Perhaps they hadn't bought tickets or it was car related. We didn't board or get asked for tickets till about fifteen minutes before leaving. On arriving at Bonifacio, everyone headed along the harbour. My husband thought they were part of a tour group, so we left the harbour and just started heading up the road to the citadel. In fact on the way back we realised that we had used unscenic roads that were for cars. Along the harbour there are pretty stairs taking you up a more pleasant route to the citadel, so do go that way instead of the road. We did the self guided tour of the walls first, which were fun, then had lunch at a lovely restaurant by the cathedral. The whole area was very full of character and had a lovely atmosphere. Then we meandered through the streets till we reached the King of Aragon stairs, which take you to a nice walkway along the sea. The way back up is tiring, but the steps are wide enough that you can stop for a rest and people can still get past you. We then headed across to the cliffside walk. We didn't go too far as we were tired, just far enough to get a photo looking back to the citadel. We then decided to head down to the harbour, and stopped in the first ice cream place we came too. The shops around here are actually really nice and I wish I'd spent less time just hanging around the ice cream place but had spent a little more time looking around here. I wish I'd also walked around the harbour too to get a photo of the citadel from this angle. We took the 5pm ferry back. The time had flown by in the town - a very lovely day out. Afterwards we drove to the centre of Santa Teresa Gallura to have a stroll through the pretty main street. Would have been lovely to stop for dinner here but we were keen to use the opportunity to see Capo Testa.
9. Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (King Aragon Steps)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,273 reviews
Once used to carry water to the citadel, these 187 steps carved into the limestone cliff now take visitors from the city down to the sea. In the winter, the king of aragon steps open only the morning to monday to friday ( 11h-12h) and when the weather is good !
Reviewed By fedebenp
We read about this staircase before our visit to learn about the history and how it had been used in the past. A truly special place! The steps take your breath away both because of the stairs themselves carved into the stone but also from the magnificent views (also from the steps coming back up ;-) ). A suggestion... we took one of the boat tours first and saw the steps from the sea - it gave us a great perspective of what an immense undertaking hewing these stairs into the cliff must have been hundreds of years ago!
10. Plage de Palombaggia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,863 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingfrenchy - Prague, Czech Republic
As an incredibly famous spot in Corsica, Palombaggia’s reputation for being one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world is fully justified by its stunning beauty. The white sand contrasting with the gorgeous blue water makes you want to take a dip right away! Bordered with pine trees, this little slice of paradise is one of the busiest beaches in the South. So head there early or off-season!
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