green mountains under white clouds and blue sky during daytime
A view of a city from a hill
a close-up of a rock
a beach with a body of water and a sunset
A person in a red kayak in the middle of the ocean

Holiday in Corsica

Island in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷

Country

France

Type

Island

Best time to travel

May–October, GR20: June–September

Budget/day

110–190 €

Getting there from Germany

Flights to Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari, or Calvi (about 2 hours with a layover). Ferries from Nice (6 hours), Marseille (12 hours), or Livorno/Italy.

About Corsica

Corsica, the French Mediterranean island known as "Ile de Beauté", combines rugged mountain ranges, turquoise bays, and a wild, untamed nature that is unparalleled. The mountains rise to over 2,700 meters (Monte Cinto) and drop almost vertically into the sea at many points — a backdrop that clearly distinguishes Corsica from other Mediterranean islands. The Calanche of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site made of red granite cliffs, forms one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in Europe. The GR20 is considered the most challenging long-distance hiking trail in Europe, crossing Corsica in 16 stages from north to south. Experienced mountain hikers complete it in two weeks, but individual daily stages also offer breathtaking alpine landscapes with glacial lakes and granite deserts. Bonifacio perches on steep chalk cliffs high above the sea — the old town with its Genoese houses seems to float above the abyss, and the stairs of Roi d’Aragon lead down 187 steps to the water. Calvi on the northwest coast enchants with its Genoese citadel, fine sandy beach, and legendary nightlife. In the hinterland, shepherds and farmers maintain traditions that are centuries old: chestnut flour is the basis for numerous Corsican dishes, and the charcuterie from semi-wild pigs (Lonzu, Coppa, Figatellu) is among the best in the entire Mediterranean region. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon, surprises with the Maison Bonaparte and Mediterranean flair. Corsica's beaches range from the white sandy coves at Palombaggia and Santa Giulia in the south to hidden pebble coves like Saleccia, which can only be reached by boat or off-road vehicle. Divers find sunken wrecks and a diverse underwater world off the coast. Whether mountain adventure, beach dream, or culinary exploration — Corsica is the wildest and most diverse island in the Mediterranean.

Nature
85
Food
85
Safety
80
Beach
75
Adventure
70

Top 5 highlights in Corsica

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Bonifacio

The fortified town on white limestone cliffs above the sea is Corsica's most spectacular sight – the houses seem to float above the abyss.

2

Calanques de Piana

The red granite cliffs on the west coast form bizarre formations above the deep blue sea – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France's most beautiful natural wonders.

3

GR20 Long-Distance Trail

The legendary 180 km long hiking trail through the Corsican high mountains is considered the toughest long-distance trail in Europe – even shorter stages are rewarding.

4

Plage de Palombaggia

The dream beach near Porto-Vecchio with fine sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of pines is among the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

5

Corte & Restonica Valley

The former capital in the mountainous interior and the wild Restonica Valley with its glacial lakes offer authentic Corsica away from the coast.

Hotels in Corsica

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
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Hotels in Corsica vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Corsica

Recommended travel time

May–October, GR20: June–September

Summer

Hot at the coast, 28–35 °C, cooler in the mountains

Winter

Mild at the coast, 8–15 °C, snow in the mountains

How much does a holiday in Corsica cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

55–80 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

110–190 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

250–500 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Corsica

Compare thousands of package holidays to Corsica and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

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5 travel tips for Corsica

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

A rental car is essential in Corsica – the winding mountain roads are adventurous but breathtakingly beautiful.

Book ferries and accommodations for July/August months in advance – Corsica is full then.

The maquis (bushland) smells of herbs – Corsica is called the 'Island of Fragrances'.

Try Corsican cheese (Brocciu) and wild boar salami (Lonzu, Coppa) at the markets.

The Calanche de Piana at sunset is one of the greatest natural spectacles in the Mediterranean.

Food & drink in Corsica

These specialties you must try!

Brocciu (fresh cheese)
Lonzu & Coppa (wild boar charcuterie)
Fiadone (cheesecake)
Civet de sanglier (wild boar stew)
Pulenta (chestnut flour porridge)
Pietra beer (chestnut beer)
Suitable for:IslandHikingGR20BeachMountainsNatureWildernessMediterranean

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