Corsica, an Island of Breathtaking Landscapes

Corsica's rich natural diversity, from colourful marine life to lush evergreen maquis and wildlife like various birds and mouflons, has earned its bay and coastline a spot on the UNESCO list. Most of the island is part of the Corsica Nature Reserve. With our travel tips in hand, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you set off for the beautiful island of Corsica.

Cities and villages with hiking trails

Corsica, one of the most stunning islands in the Mediterranean, is full of towns and villages that reflect the island's unique culture. The main coastal city, Ajaccio, with its stunning bay, attracts many visitors thanks to its beauty, charming landscapes, and a laid-back, peaceful vibe. Other coastal towns, such as Bonifacio, Bastia, and Calvi, in both the south and north of the island, are just as charming and well worth a visit.

Bonifacio, the island's oldest town, was founded in 830 and is centred around a historic fortress. Its charming old town with cobbled streets leads to picturesque squares with medieval monuments. The oldest villages on the island are Nonza and Sant'Antonino. The charming little villages are located in the north of Corsica, with a hilly landscape nearby offering stunning rocky and sandy beaches. You can reach the towns and villages by bus, train, or car.

There are hiking trails throughout the towns and villages across the island, offering views of one of France's most beautiful hiking destinations. The island of Corsica has hiking trails of all kinds, from short ones you can do in half an hour to longer ones that take a few days. The most challenging and longest hiking trail in Corsica and Europe, called Grande Randonnée No. 20 – GR20, runs from north to south. Every year, thousands of hikers walk the 182-kilometre trail. The trail is perfect for experienced hikers who are in good shape, as it takes about 14 days to complete. On the hiking route, known as "Fra li Monti" by the locals, you'll get to see the mountain scenery with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The route is split into two sections: the northern part, which is 94 kilometres from the village of Calenzana to Vizzavona Forest, and the southern part, 88 kilometres from Vizzavona Forest to the village of Conca. The first part of the trail is a bit less predictable due to the tougher terrain, compared to the second part, which is easier.

The best time for hiking on the island is between May and September, when the weather is most favourable. The hot, dry summer season in the lowlands attracts the most hikers throughout the year, who make their way up to the higher altitudes where it's noticeably cooler and more pleasant, even in the height of summer. For the best hiking experience, you can connect with the French Hiking Federation – Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre, before embarking on one of the following selected hiking trails:

• Capo Rosso, an 8-kilometre hiking tour can be walked in three to four hours. It leads up to the top from 330 metres above sea level to the remains of Torra di Turghju.
• The Capo d'Orto hike is a 12 kilometre-long-trail. It takes about five to six hours to reach the 1,294-metre peak. From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the Porto and Girolata bays.
• The Monte Rotondo hike is 13 kilometres long and can be completed in about six and a half hours. You can climb to the very top of the mountain, which stands at 2,622 metres above sea level.
• Les Calanches National Park, near the village of Piana, has over a hundred hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. The trails can either be walked in 45 minutes or take several hours.
• Gorges de Spelunca is a nature reserve with hiking trails along the Spelunca River, which flows through a red canyon. Large boulders, towering cliffs, and rocks rise up along the river.

Spend your time on Corsica in the nearby towns and villages in the northern Haute-Corse department or the southern Corse-du-Sud, where you'll have easy access to the best hiking trails and guided tours. For accommodation, we suggest starting in places like Corte, Porto, or Bocognano, as well as the port town of Calvi.

A few tips for the best hikes

In every travel article, we highlight the best things you can do at a travel destination, and exploring Corsica's tours is no different. Take time to explore the Gulf of Port on a three-hour boat trip and discover the beauty of the Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata Bay, the red stone formations of Calanches de Piana and Capo Rosso. Enjoy the nature, along with the captain's interesting commentary.

In the evening, watch the sunset over the Sanguinaires Islands and sample local wines with traditional Corsican dishes, like Corsican ham, cheese, spinach pie, and sweet cheese fritters. A romantic culinary tasting experience by the sea, with live music from local musicians, will make it even more special.

In Bonifacio, board a 12-metre boat that will take you to the Genoese Capicciola Tower, nearby cliffs, sea caves and beaches, such as Cal Long. You'll be able to admire the Lavezzi Islands and the Piantarella lagoon, with its sea caves in Fazzio Bay. At the end of the tour, you'll get to try diving at the beach.

A sustainable trip should be complemented by an eco-friendly boat trip from Porto to the coastal village of Girolata. A visit to the Scandola Nature Reserve takes you through coastal caves, with lots of marine life and birds to see along the way. You'll get to know the details of the nature reserve through live commentary.

The fifth tour by boat wraps up your exploration of the island's surroundings and the seabed along Corsica's coast. I'll take you to the island of Lavezzi and Cavallo, the billionaire's island, Porto Novo Bay, and some other hidden spots. At each spot, you'll have a time to swim and snorkel for one hour. After exploring the island's coast and bays, dive into an adventure in an escape room, where your challenge is to break out of a pirate prison set in the heart of Porto. Solve puzzles and crack tricky codes in the hunt for hidden treasure, all set in a unique pirate story with a realistic scenario that lasts sixty minutes.

The next four tours are perfect for recreational sports enthusiasts and anyone who loves outdoor adrenaline activities. We've picked out two activities in the port town of Calvi, and the next two in Porticcio and Porto-Vecchio. On the first two-hour activity, take a quad bike ride along the Calvi coastline, where you'll enjoy views of the stunning landscape and the Mediterranean Sea, with the Notre Dame della Serra chapel in the distance.

The other activity takes you below sea level from land to the underwater world of Calvi Bay. This two-and-a-half-hour tour with a diving instructor will get you ready for some diving and snorkelling fun. You can also try kayaking, see the Genova Tower, and stop to take time to relax in the sea. Then, keep the adrenaline going with your final activity—a half-hour jet ski ride along the stunning Corsican coastline.

A closer look at the local culture

Cultural festivals on Corsica take place all year round, offering a mix of music, art, and food through museum exhibitions and events. Cultural events on the island are perfect for travellers of all ages who want to explore Corsica's history, culture, and traditions. The island, with its small towns and larger settlements, offers rural, music, and historic festivals, as well as numerous museums where you can learn more about Corsica's history and development, or admire famous artworks.

The festival scene is busiest in the summer, especially in July and August, when different festivals happen all over the island, celebrating traditions and bringing people together. Keeping traditions alive while encouraging new ideas in many areas sets new standards, leading to development in the community and over time. Choose the festival or a traditional event that you'd like to visit:

• Madonuccia is a religious procession traditionally held every year on 18 March in Ajaccio to thank Our Lady of Mercy for sparing the city from a plague in 1656.
• Fête de la Bande Dessinée is an annual international event in Bastia, presenting European illustrators with their works at the end of April.
• Calvi on the Rocks is a summer music festival in the city of Calvi and the Balagne area, where in early July they organise a program with pop, rap, rock and electronic music.
• The Festival du film de Lama is a film festival with a thirty-year tradition that takes place every year towards the end of July, at the beginning of August, in the small village of Lama.
• Les Journées Montagnes is a monthly event to present a mountaineering programme with film, exhibitions and conferences in Corte and Ajaccio.

Besides festivals, the island has plenty of museums that you can explore. The capital Ajaccio is the place where you can see the Fesch Museum, the house of Bonaparte and the NapoRama. Porto-Vecchio invites you to the Bastion de France, a 16th-century historical monument that used to protect the city from invaders. While in Corte, visit the Corsica Museum and see the ethnographic collection as well as one of the seven Corsican citadels.

Get around the island by bike or mobile home

By far the most attractive mountain landscape in France, the island region of Corsica is one of the destinations we travel to for its mountain trails, which are designed for hikers and cyclists. From the longest hiking trail, GR20 hop on a bike and ride along the most beautiful bike trails where you can see the scenery of the island. The tool for the best cycling tours in Corsica and other travel destinations in the world, for athletes or recreational cyclists can be a book by Lonely Planet – Epic Bike Rides of the World, where you will find a lot of tips for cycling tours.

Of course, you can get countless information and other tips with the free travel online magazine Globetrotter, which collects travel articles by journalists of Hostelling International Slovenia. This time, read the interview with Neža Kurnik, who decided to travel around Corsica with her partner Blaž. Maybe you'll get inspired to go with a mobile home like they did.