Corsica brings together high mountains, coastal landscapes and a distinctive culture. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first asking what you would especially like to discover: protected nature, challenging hiking trails, cultural traditions or Corsican produce. The island offers a wide range of themes, and not every trip needs to have the same focus.
Mountain island, nature park and coastal landscapes
Corsica is described as a mountain island in the sea: 120 peaks rise above 2,000 metres, alongside 25 waterways and a coastline stretching for more than 1,000 kilometres. The Corsica Regional Nature Park covers about two-thirds of the island and extends across 3,500 square kilometres of land and sea. This illustrates the diversity of the landscape, from mountain regions to protected coastal areas.
The Scandola Peninsula is made of porphyritic rock and covered in maquis. Its landscape includes seabirds, clear water, small islands, inaccessible caves and abundant marine life. The Scandola Nature Reserve is a protected marine and land area within the Regional Nature Park and is associated with the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitor regulations may change; check them before making specific plans.
The Agriates can also be explored in different ways: on foot, by boat or by sea kayak. Protected coves and white-sand beaches include Lotu, Saleccia and Malfalcu. In the Calanques of Piana, a narrow, winding corniche road runs alongside red granite cliffs that descend to the sea. Check road conditions before driving. The Aiguilles de Bavella combine a mountain range, a pass and forest; their red to grey rock formations lie amid extensive Corsican pine forests.
Hiking and cultural discoveries
For a shorter hike, consider the heritage walks supported by the Regional Nature Park, I chjassi di a mimoria. Described as easy, these short circular trails lead from village to village. Along the way, dry-stone structures, ovens, fountains, washhouses and mills shape the landscape. This combines exercise with insights into the villages’ building and everyday traditions.
The GR20 is on a completely different scale: this long-distance trail crosses Corsica from north to south for approximately 180 kilometres. The route is estimated to take about 16 days, with an average of around seven hours of walking per day. It is considered a very challenging alpine route for experienced hikers, involving significant elevation changes and technical sections. It is therefore a substantial long-distance hiking undertaking in its own right, not a casual addition to a few days of walking.
In good conditions, the period from June to mid-October is generally considered suitable. Outside this period, the highest sections are often covered in snow. Planning should also take account of violent, unpredictable storms, sudden flooding and significant temperature changes—even in summer. Before setting out, check the latest mountain and weather information as well as trail conditions.
Water activities offer another focus: these include stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, funboarding, sailing, water skiing, diving and surfing. They are mentioned as available year-round; check current weather and provider availability for your travel dates. Corsican polyphonic choral singing, in turn, is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This cultural tradition and the heritage trails complement the nature-focused activities without requiring a particular itinerary.
Corsican cuisine and choosing a travel focus
Recognised Corsican products include AOP Brocciu, chestnut flour, Corsican olive oil and honey, as well as Corsican wines, including wines from Patrimonio, Cap Corse Muscat and Ajaccio. The olive oil is made from local varieties harvested fully ripe; its aromas are associated with the Corsican maquis. Charcuterie also tells the story of the island’s culinary traditions: its established artisanal methods include dry salting and smoking over local hardwood.
One specific example is AOP Lonzo de Corse, also known as Lonzu. It is made by salting, drying and curing the pork loin of Corsican breeds. Such products make cuisine a travel focus in its own right, alongside nature and culture.
Discover more destinations: Corse-Du-Sud, Haute-Corse, Rhône-Alpes, Paris, Limousin, Pays De La Loire, Centre, Normandie.
For the overview of destinations: France.
