The best things to do in Corsica

Here at The Thinking Traveller, we are dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your holidays with us. To help you do so, our team of experts has put together a list of four of the best things to do on the gorgeous island of Corsica, from exploring castle ruins to playing on the sand and in the sea.

The top 4 things to do in Corsica

When it comes to holidays in France, Corsica is one of the best places to visit. This mountainous Mediterranean island has an ideal mix of thick forests, sharp mountain peaks, beautifully diverse beaches and lovely coastal towns. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a majority of the best things to do across Corsica involve the great outdoors, from hiking trips to watersports and sailing. Conversely, guided tours of the cities, archaeological sites and more are a fantastic way to experience this beautiful island’s history and culture.

To help our guests uncover everything Corsica has to offer, we have carefully crafted a list of the four best things to do on the island, alongside a selection of fully customisable Experiences. Should you wish to amend or personalise any of the below experiences, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts.

Please note: Experiences are available exclusively to clients of The Thinking Traveller. Please view our full terms and conditions here.

View our entire selection of villas in Corsica.

1. Corsica walking tours

Please keep the following in mind before booking or participating in one of our guided Corsican walking tours:

• You can expect a dedicated guide and transport to and from the meeting point.

• Fees to enter museums and galleries are not included.

• The terrain is relatively flat but the paths can be a little rough and muddy in places. Sturdy shoes or walking boots are recommended, especially for the menhirs of Cauria tour and our Cucuruzzu to Capula tour.

Ajaccio walking tour

Discover the secrets of Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Your expert English-speaking guide will let you in on the secrets of this beautiful city with a walking tour around all of its main sights.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

The menhirs of Cauria

The history of Corsica is long and fascinating. This guided walking tour gives participants an insight into the island’s ancient past, in particular the monumental Neolithic and Bronze Age menhirs that dot the beautiful plateau and archaeological site of Cauria.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Cucuruzzu to Capula

There aren’t many Bronze Age castles around, which makes the remains of Cucuruzzu Castle all the more special. This guided archaeological trek loops across the gorgeous hilly landscapes of central Corsica, from Cucuruzzu to Capula and back, taking in a host of fascinating ruins along the way.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Discover the magic of Filitosa and Sartène

One of the island’s most renowned archaeological sites, Filitosa is home to a host of Bronze Age and Neolithic remains that give a teasing insight into how people lived and how villages developed in pre-historic Corsica. A guided walking tour of the site is the best way to learn about its significance, especially when coupled with a visit to evocative Sartène, which French novelist Prosper Mérimée called “the most Corsican of Corsican towns”.

Duration: Up to about 5 hours.

2. Corsica hiking trips

For keen hikers, Corsica is a paradise. Home to the 180km GR20 walking route, towering forested mountains stretch from north to south, rising up to over 2,700m. Coastal paths weave through pristine aromatic maquis and atop dramatic limestone and granite cliffs, where awe-inspiring, 360-degree panoramas take in vast swathes of the Mediterranean Sea. For those in the south, Sardinia’s pristine, untouched nature reigns supreme, with 40% of the island's surface area protected by the Parcthethinkingtraveller Naturel Régional de Corse.

Our expert Corsica hiking guides know the terrain like the back of their hands, and we offer a series of trekking itineraries that allow you to discover the island up close and personal and learn about its flora, fauna and geology. Here are three of our favourite options, each of which can be tailored to you and your travelling companions’ specific levels of fitness, experience and interests.

The cliffs and coastline of Bonifacio tour

Discover the pure white limestone cliffs, the maquis-scented coastline and the precariously positioned historic town of Bonifacio as you walk from the Ermitage de la Trinité to Capo Pertusatu, Corsica's southernmost point. Routes can be adapted to suit levels of fitness, and our expert guide - who is also a professional photographer - will be happy to immortalise your hike on film and help you get the best possible shots yourself.

The shores of Campomoro

Explore the southwestern tip of Corsica, trekking along ancient coastal paths near the little-known town of Belvedere-Campomoro. On your way you'll come across a series of imposing centuries-old Genoese towers, some dramatic creeks and a few idyllically secluded off-the-beaten-track beaches where you can cool off with a swim.

L’Ospedale massif

The Ospedale massif, about 10km northwest of Porto Vecchio, is one of the best places to hike in Corsica, with many trails and a 700-hectare beech forest. Your tour guide will let you into the secrets of the area and take you to some spectacular landmarks, including Piscia di Ghjaddu, a canyon and waterfall that drops an impressive 70m. At over 1,300m in altitude, the massif and its walking trails offer unforgettable views of southeast Corsica.

3. Watersports in Corsica

The transparent, summer-warm waters of southern Corsica are perfect for learning or mastering watersports. With a great mix of calm, shallow bays and more wind-blown venues, there are ideal sea conditions for all levels. 

If you're staying in one of our villas near Pianottoli, we'd be happy to help you arrange the following watersports activities:

• Kite surfing

• Windsurfing

• Kayaking

• Paddleboarding

You can book a course - from beginner to advanced - or just hire equipment for a day or two.

View our entire selection of villas in Corsica.

4. Yacht and boat charters off Corsica

Exploring the beautiful coast of southern Corsica by boat is an unforgettable experience. Myriad idyllic coves only accessible by water, magnificent cliffs, transparent waters, hidden sandy bays, the best beaches in Corsica, stunning views of coastal towns… all this and more awaits anyone who embarks upon a Corsica sailing charter, with or without a skipper. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange a Corsica sailing itinerary for you - we would be more than happy to do so.

See all Corsica has to offer with a bespoke Experience

From treks across the coasts and countryside to guided tours of ancient archaeological ruins, Corsica has an unparalleled selection of exciting and fascinating activities for visitors to try. We would be more than happy to help you choose and personalise the perfect experience to enhance your holiday. Experiences are available exclusively to clients of The Thinking Traveller - to book any of these unique enriching additions, contact your Villa Specialist.