Get ready for an extraordinary adventure in Corsica! Our guide reveals the best-kept secrets of the Isle of Beauty. From spectacular landscapes to secluded beaches, picturesque villages and cultural treasures, you’ll discover Corsica from a whole new angle. Let yourself be seduced by the authenticity and beauty of the hidden treasures of this typically Mediterranean island.
The island is full of secret spots with unforgettable surprises in store.
- Away from the crowded beaches, explore unspoilt mountain villages like Evisa, nestled in the heart of the Corsican mountains, or the Calanques de Piana, veritable geological wonders sculpted by time.
- The crystal-clear Golo and Fango rivers invite you to enjoy a refreshing swim in a spectacular natural setting.
- For an authentic experience, visit the village of Nonza, perched atop a black schist cliff.
- History buffs won’t want to miss the prehistoric remains of Filitosa.
- For an adventure in the heart of nature, head for the Coscione plateau. A true hiker’s paradise.
What to see and do in Corsica off the beaten track?
Get ready to discover Corsica from a unique angle.
The wonders of Santa Giulia
Santa Giulia, Corsica’s exceptional beach, offers crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Ideal for relaxing in the sun and enjoying Mediterranean cuisine in the seaside restaurants. A must for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.
Good address: the U Santa Marina restaurant in Porto-Vecchio offers a superb view of the Gulf of Santa Giulia. It offers contemporary cuisine, with the option of dining indoors or on the beach, for relaxed waterside dining. The restaurant offers a stunning combination of Corsican and Breton cuisine, with innovative dishes such as bouillabaisse and pork chop with squid. The Michelin guide describes the view over the Gulf of Santa Giulia as superb and the cuisine as tasty and inspired.
A unique experience in Bonifacio
In Bonifacio, Corsica, visit the incredible sea caves hidden beneath the limestone cliffs. These caves are accessible by boat, and some contain natural pools of crystal-clear water that you can explore by diving from the boat. One of the most famous caves, Grotta del Sdragonato, is renowned for its dragon-like shape sculpted by the waves over the centuries. A captivating adventure that allows you to discover a unique aspect of Corsica’s natural beauty.
Exploring Corsica’s hilltop villages
You’ll be amazed by the unspoilt medieval architecture here. Villages like Sant’Antonino and Pigna rise majestically from the hills, offering winding cobbled streets, stone houses of authentic charm and spectacular panoramic views of the Corsican countryside.
An unusual experience is to sample Corsican specialities in local restaurants, such as the famous brocciu cheese or locally-produced chestnut honey. You’ll also discover artisans’ workshops with their traditional manufacturing techniques, such as pottery or wood carving.
These hilltop villages are Corsica’s hidden treasures, inviting you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island of beauty.
Secret beaches to discover in South Corsica
South Corsica’s secret beaches are real gems hidden along the coast.
- Among them, Roccapina beach stands out for its fascinating rock formations, including the Roccapina lion, a natural sculpture in the cliffs.
- At Cala di Conca, a small, secluded cove, you can swim while enjoying the scents of the fragrant maquis.
- For an even more unique experience, explore Campomoro beach and its ancient Genoese tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Diving Corsica’s secret seabed
The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean hide incredible underwater treasures, including shipwrecks, mysterious caves and abundant marine life.
- A dive at the wreck of the B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber in Calvi takes you back to the Second World War,
- while the Noah’s Ark cave near Porto conceals a series of enigmatic tunnels and passages.
- And don’t miss the Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can dive among multicolored corals and schools of fish.
Discover the beauty of the Val d’Ese in Corsica
Corsica’s Val d’Ese is a true paradise. Located in the mountains of the island’s interior, this site offers breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most unusual experiences you can have here is to venture into the laricio pine forest, where you’ll discover thousand-year-old trees with impressive, gnarled trunks.
Hiking trails offer views of the surrounding mountains and high-altitude lakes, perfect for swimming in summer.
From December onwards, Val d’Ese is transformed into a winter sports resort offering activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Discover the little-known nooks and crannies near Zonza
Near Zonza in Corsica, you can explore hidden trails such as the “Sentier des Roches”, which offers spectacular views of the Aiguilles de Bavella, and the “Sentier des Pozzi”, which leads to natural pools. On these trails, you can encounter wildlife such as Corsican mouflons, wild boar, golden eagles and even Egyptian vultures, adding a touch of magic to these unspoilt corners of Corsican nature.
Unusual spots not to be missed in Corsica
- Les Bergeries de Grotelle: a peaceful, secluded mountain hamlet, offering a starting point for hikes and a breathtaking view of Monte Cinto.
- The Alzo Plateau: a vast expanse of alpine meadows offering incredible scenery, ideal for hiking.
- Plage de Tamarone: a secluded beach near the Bay of Girolata, accessible only on foot or by boat.
These lesser-known sites will allow you to discover Corsica from a more authentic and unspoilt angle.
