Corsica
Corsica stands apart from mainland France in both landscape and character, offering a compelling mix of rugged mountains, dense forests and unspoilt coastlines. Hikers will be drawn to the GR20 trail, considered one of Europe’s toughest and most beautiful long-distance walks, while beachgoers can unwind along the island’s southern coast, where Palombaggia and Santa Giulia offer white sands and turquoise waters. Water sports such as kayaking, diving and paddleboarding are popular in the clear coves around Bonifacio, and sailing enthusiasts often explore the coastline by boat for a more secluded experience.
Cultural influences in Corsica reflect its unique identity — part French, part Italian, but distinctly Corsican. Towns like Bastia and Ajaccio are full of life, with historic citadels, lively harbours and weekly markets that spill into the streets. Ajaccio, the island’s capital, is also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his legacy can be seen in the museum housed in his former family home. Across the island, smaller hilltop villages such as Corte and Sartène reveal centuries-old stone buildings and a slower, more traditional pace of life, while museums and art galleries explore Corsican heritage through sculpture, painting and religious artefacts.
Corsican food is shaped by its landscape — expect earthy dishes made with wild boar, chestnuts, and local cheeses like brocciu. Seafood is also central, particularly along the coast, where grilled fish, octopus salads and sea urchins are regular features. Local wines, from vineyards in Patrimonio or the Figari region, pair well with this rustic cuisine, and you’ll find small family-run wineries offering tastings in scenic countryside settings. For those looking to shop, artisan markets and independent boutiques sell everything from handmade knives and pottery to charcuterie, preserves and essential oils made from the island’s aromatic maquis.
Highlights of Corsica
Our Favourite Hotels in Corsica
Casadelmar
Overlooking the bay of Porto Vecchio, the Casadelmar is surrounded by beautiful Italian gardens and has unrivalled sea views. Its 31 rooms all face the sea and are decorated in a contemporary style with bright colours and modern furnishings.
There is a two star Michelin gastronomic restaurant with a panoramic terrace for al fresco dining and an additional restaurant on the hotel’s private beach and a pool bar by the heated infinity swimming pool. The extensive ‘ESPA’ spa has a range of body and beauty treatments as well as a fitness centre. The private villa benefits from all of the hotel’s services and has four bedrooms and its own private infinity swimming pool.
Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa
A member of Relais & Châteaux, this fine hotel is located in the south-eastern tip of Corsica, close to one of Corsica’s most stylish resorts, Porto Vecchio, and just an hour by car from Figari airport.
Overlooking a beautiful bay, it is set in lush gardens shaded with pine trees and has 42 rooms either looking inland or across the gardens to the bay. Meals are served in the elegant dining room, outside on the garden terrace or out by the water’s edge at the hotel’s more informal beach bar. Sea swimming is from the hotel’s private pontoon or from the beach close to the hotel and there is a large heated indoor swimming pool located in the Nucca spa.
U Capu Biancu
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Gulf of Santa-Manza, U Capu Biancu is a tranquil and remote hideaway, located off the beaten track, just 10 kilometres from Porto-Vecchio and 30 minutes from Figari airport.
The 42 rooms either look out over the bay or inland over the countryside with partial sea views; all have a private balcony or terrace. The style here is traditional and the rooms are all individually furnished and have cool tiled floors.The focal point of the hotel is the outdoor infinity swimming pool. A steep path leads down to the hotel’s secluded private beach which is served by a casual beachside restaurant in the summer months.
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01442 879787
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