Corsica is a beautiful and diverse island, offering a multitude of landscapes, beaches and activities. Whether you’re drawn to Northern Corsica or Southern Corsica, this article is designed to help you choose between these two fascinating regions for your Corsican vacation. Here, we’ll highlight the particularities of each part of the island. Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio… If you’re wondering where to go in Corsica, here’s something to help you choose between Corse du Nord and Corse du Sud.
North Corsica: Bastia, Cap Corse and the Treasures of the North
Where to go in Corsica: Bastia and the towns of Haute-Corse
Bastia, the capital of Haute-Corse, is a city rich in history and culture. It’s an ideal base for visiting the north of the island, offering easy access to sites such as Cap Corse and the Alta Rocca mountains. Must-sees in Bastia include the Old Port, Place Saint-Nicolas, the citadel, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, not forgetting the beaches and the Etang de Biguglia nature reserve.
The town of Calvi offers a unique blend of natural beauty with the most charming sandy beaches, spectacular mountain scenery and a rich history. Calvi’s citadel, built in the 13th century, offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The port of Calvi is renowned for its lively atmosphere and its many restaurants offering delicious Corsican cuisine. Calvi’s proximity to other sites of interest, such as the Scandola nature reserve and the town of Île-Rousse, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Northern Corsica: Cap Corse, the island’s most beautiful beaches
Cap Corse, a narrow peninsula in the north of Corsica, is a must-see destination appreciated for its varied landscapes, Genoese towers, magnificent luxury villas, paths that take you through the maquis or along the seafront, wild beaches, picturesque coves and exceptional villages. The region offers splendid views, breathtaking walks, outdoor activities and the chance to discover the wildest part of the island. Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, Cap Corse promises a memorable experience, with the chance to visit historic villages such as Barrettali, Brando, Cagnano, Canari and Centuri.
South Corsica: Ajaccio, Bonifacio and the wonders of the south
Ajaccio and the south of the Île de Beauté
Ajaccio, the capital of southern Corsica, is a dynamic, sunny city. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the south of the island, including southern beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, recognized as some of the most beautiful in Corsica.
Bonifacio and the Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Bonifacio, with its impressive cliffs and historic citadel, is a must-see. Nearby, the Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer breathtaking scenery, making this region one of the most popular tourist destinations.
North or South: decide where to stay in Corsica during your holiday
Accommodation in Corsica: between North and South Corsica
Choosing where to stay in Corsica depends on your preferences.
- Northern Corsica offers authentic, traditional accommodation,
- while the south offers more luxurious, modern options.
Both regions offer luxury villas for rent, offering unique experiences. We recommend that you consider your preferences in terms of scenery, activities and amenities offered by the different properties before making a choice.
Family vacations: North and South Corsica
For a family holiday in Corsica, whether in the north or south, you’ll find activities to suit young and old alike.
- Northern Corsica offers magnificent landscapes, beaches, authentic villages and original activities. What’s more, accommodation is generally less expensive.
- Southern Corsica, meanwhile, also offers superb scenery, historic sites and activities suitable for children.
If you’re interested in historical sites and varied landscapes, southern Corsica may be the place for you. Activities in northern Corsica include visiting villages, hiking, nature walks and discovering historic sites. Southern Corsica, on the other hand, also offers beautiful scenery, activities ideal for children and historical sites to visit. Listen to your family’s preferences and choose the activities that interest you most.
North or South Corsica: the most beautiful places to visit
Explore North or South Corsica
Corsica boasts a wealth of natural and cultural riches well worth exploring. If you have the time, we advise you to travel from north to south to make the most of the island’s beauty. From north to south, each region has its own particularities. Visiting the north of Corsica will enable you to discover lesser-known but absolutely magnificent sites, while the south will offer you more iconic landscapes and dream beaches.
The Cerbicales Islands and the Aiguilles de Bavella: what to see during your stay in Corsica
The Cerbicales Islands
Near Porto-Vecchio, and the Aiguilles de Bavella, in the Alta Rocca region, are examples of the diversity of Corsican landscapes. These sites offer not only sublime views of the Corsican landscape, but also thrilling mountain hikes and boat excursions.
Santa Giulia Bay
This magnificent bay, south of Porto-Vecchio, is renowned for its fine sand and turquoise waters. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
The Gulf of Porto
This gulf, located on the west coast of Corsica, offers exceptional landscapes and seabeds. The Gulf of Porto is also close to the Scandola Reserve, offering a combination of breathtaking natural sites.
Conclusion: North Corsica or South Corsica for your vacations?
Corsica is a destination of natural beauty. Whether you choose the north or the south, each region offers unique experiences, from magnificent beaches and impressive mountains to towns and villages steeped in history. Whether you’re hesitating between North Corsica and South Corsica, or planning to explore the whole island, Corsica promises an unforgettable vacation.
