10 Things to do in Corsica, France
Are you craving an island adventure with jaw-dropping views, laid-back vibes, and Mediterranean charm? Then Corsica might just be your new favorite escape. Known to the locals as the Ile de Beauté, Corsica combines rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and mountain trails into one unforgettable destination.
If you're planning a trip to Corsica, I highly recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons—April to June or September—when the crowds are lighter, and the weather is just right. We visited in May, and while there were a few chillier days, we still got plenty of sun, sea, and stunning hikes.
Let’s dive in. These are my top ten things to do in Corsica, France
Walk the cliffs in Bonifacio
Bonifacio is the oldest town on the island and sits dramatically atop white limestone cliffs in southern Corsica. Whether you drive (parking can be a challenge) or hike up the long staircase, the panoramic views are worth every step. You can explore the charming old town or head toward the Pertusato Lighthouse trail—a roughly 5 km roundtrip coastal walk with epic sea views. Pro tip: bring a windbreaker. It gets gusty up there.
Go Camping in Corsica
Budget-Friendly Travel in Corsica
If you love spontaneous budget-friendly road trips and sleeping under the stars, Corsica is a camper’s dream. We camped nearly every night without reservations, which wouldn’t be possible during peak season but worked perfectly in May.
Just make sure to carry cash, as most campgrounds don’t accept cards (look for signs that say "No CB"). Also, don't miss the morning bread delivery—fresh baguettes, pain au chocolat, and German-style breakfast rolls. Ummm, yes please.
Camping in Corsica
Some of our favorite campgrounds in Corsica:
Drink a Capo Spritz
What to Drink in Corsica
Corsica’s go-to apéritif? The Capo Spritz. This island twist on the classic spritz uses Cap Corse Mattei (a local aperitif) with Prosecco and citrus. You’ll find both white and red versions—try both and decide which one you love more.
Taste the Local Corsican Cuisine
What to Eat in Corsica
Corsican food is rustic, hearty, and perfect for carb lovers. While we mostly cooked at camp, we did splurge a few times—and wow, was it worth it.
Must-try dishes in Corsica:
Chèvre pancakes – soft, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Côte de Veau Corse à la Pancetta – veal wrapped in pancetta with crispy potatoes and a buttery sauce. Unreal.
Street crêpes – go savory with ham and cheese or mushrooms.
Gnocchi in Corte – cheesy, comforting, and impossible to resist.
Drive the Scenic D81 Route
Best Road Trip in Corsica
If you’re into scenic drives, the D81 is a must. Winding through cliffs, coastal roads, and mountain views, this route runs from Ajaccio to Calvi, but the highlight is between Ota and Plage d’Arone—especially at sunset. I highly encourage you to stop at all the scenic viewpoints, especially the Point de vue - Affacatoghju. Additionally, be extra careful driving on this road as it can get very narrow at some points and be difficult when you meet tour buses or other cars. Thankfully, I was the passenger princess on this one!
Explore the Calanques de Piana
These dramatic rock formations are just off the D81 and offer sweeping views of Corsica’s west coast. We parked here and did a circular hike starting on the Sentier Muletier (yellow trail) and returning via Le Roches Bleues (blue trail). It took about 1.5 to 2 hours and was one of our favorite medium difficulty hikes on the island. I cannot recommend it enough! Note that to get from the yellow to the blue trail, you will need to walk on the road very carefully for about 200m.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the views over lunch at the nearby Le Roches Bleues restaurant.
Visit the Village of Nonza
Hidden Gems in Corsica
Colorful buildings, steep cliffs, and a black sand beach—Nonza is straight out of a postcard. Recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, this town is tiny but packed with character.
Don’t miss the milk café in town—I had a scoop of strawberry ice cream that might have changed my life.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Best Beaches in Corsica
No Corsican itinerary is complete without a beach day (or two). The water is crystal-clear, the sand is soft, and the sun is strong—don’t forget your sunscreen and sun hat.
My favorite Corsican beaches:
Stroll Around Bastia
What to Do in Bastia, Corsica
Before catching your ferry or flight home, spend a few hours exploring Bastia—Corsica’s second-largest city.
Highlights from our day:
Sampling liquors like Limoncello (literally the best) at the Mattei Concept Store
Enjoying a beer at Brasserie Malacella
Grabbing a great coffee from Okoffee Roasters
Perfect way to wrap up a trip to Corsica!
Final Thoughts on Corsica
If you’re still asking yourself whether Corsica is worth the trip, I hope this post answers your question with a big, fat yes. Whether you're road-tripping, camping, hiking, or just beach-hopping your way through, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Planning your Corsica trip? Let me know what’s on your bucket list—or if you’ve been before, what I missed! Happy travels.