Corsica – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Corsica?
Corsica is a large island in the Mediterranean that’s part of France. It is AMAZING and stunningly beautiful! In fact, it may well be one of the, if not the, best places in Europe! Pictures really do not do it justice!
Its population is around ⅓ million people, although as you drive around the island there are few people to be seen in the main. The island is mostly a mix of giant mountain ranges with many twisting and turning roads that put a proper smile on your face, and gorgeous beaches and coves!
The mountains cover over ⅔ of Corsica, with Monte Cinto as the highest peak at 8,878 ft (2,706m) above sea level. There are also approximately 120 other mountains on Corsica with heights greater than 6,600 ft (2,000m).
The world rally championship was held periodically in Corsica until 2019. The Tour de Corse, as it was known, at one time circumnavigated the whole island, but eventually was paired back to the west of the island around the capital, Ajaccio. Today, the Tour de Corse Historique still runs, featuring classic cars only. When we were there, we saw many classic cars driving the fantastic roads, in particular around Evisa and Aleria 🙂
A bit about the history of Corsica
Corsica has a unique and turbulent history, shaped by its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea and its mix of cultural influences.
Early History
Corsica has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the ancient Greeks and Romans both leaving their mark on the island. The island was known for its rugged terrain and fierce resistance to outside rule.
Medieval and Genoese Rule
In the Middle Ages, Corsica was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantines and the Moors. By the 13th century, the island came under the control of the Republic of Genoa, which ruled Corsica for several centuries. During this time, Corsica became a battleground for power between local clans and foreign invaders.
French Rule and Revolts
In 1755, Corsican nationalist Pascal Paoli declared independence, establishing the short-lived Corsican Republic. However, the island was soon conquered by France in 1769 after a military campaign. Corsica became a French territory, but local resistance to French rule continued for many years.
Napoleon Bonaparte
One of Corsica’s most famous figures is Napoleon Bonaparte, born on the island in 1769, the same year it became part of France. Napoleon rose to prominence during the French Revolution and later became Emperor of France. His rise to power brought global attention to Corsica, though his rule did little to resolve local tensions on the island.
20th Century and Corsican Nationalism
In the 20th century, Corsican nationalism resurfaced with calls for greater autonomy or independence from France. This led to political movements and violent clashes between separatists and the French government. The nationalist group FLNC (National Front for the Liberation of Corsica) was involved in a long-standing campaign for independence, which included bombings and other acts of violence.
Modern Corsica
Today, Corsica remains a region of France, but it has a unique status as a territorial collectivity with a degree of autonomy. While there are still nationalist sentiments on the island, Corsica enjoys a peaceful period of cultural revitalisation and increased recognition of its distinct identity. The island is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a mix of French and Italian influences.
Corsica road trip
We’ve been to France many, many times, although in 2024 we also travelled through Corsica, which is a long time ambition for us. Our Corsican road trip was part of a much larger European road trip.
Our Corsican road trip was initially going to involve taking the ferry from Livorno in Italy to Bastia in Corsica. However time was against us, so we opted for the Genoa, Italy – Ajaccio, Corsica ferry instead. We booked the cheapest room to sleep, as it was an overnight ferry, although we got a free upgrade to a four-bed indoor cabin for the 12 hour journey – it was very comfortable, although there was no wifi 😯
When we arrived in Ajaccio, it was still pitch dark as it was so early in the morning. Driving around was tricky, as the only drivers on the road were driving at breakneck speed (presumably to get to work), so we parked up and waited for dawn to break to take in the glorious views 😁
Map of our Corsican road trip
This is a map of our road trip through Corsica Our route took us from Ajaccio – Calanques de Piana – gulf of Porto – Balogna – Calcatoggio – Venaco – Corte – Bastia – Barcaggio – Saint Florent – Calvi – Evisa – Aleria – Ajaccio – Filitosa – Viggianello – Propriano – Sartene – Sari-Solenzara – Porto-Vecchio – Plage de Rondinara – Bonifacio
Our favourite places in Corsica
These are some of the best places that we explored on our road trip through Corsica. We’ve put them in alphabetical order.
Agriates Desert
The Agriates Desert lies in northern Corsica, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Mount Ghjenuva dominates the centre, sitting 1,381 ft (421m) above sea level – it’s easily recognised by its pyramid-type shape.
Aiguilles de Bavella
The Aiguilles de Bavella, or the Bavella needles, are a magnificent set of rock formations, lining the crest of Bavella hill in the Bavella massif mountains of south east Corsica. The highest point stands at 6,086 ft (1,855 m) above sea level.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is a lovely city on the west coast of Corsica, and is the capital of the island. The population is around 75,000 people (2023) and Napoleon Bonaparte was born there. It’s very popular with tourists who are well provided for in the city.
Balogna
Bologna is a small, remote, mountain village in between the gulfs of Porto and Sagone on the west coast of Corsica. The roads and scenery in the area are great.
Baragogna and Pecorile
Baragogna and Pecorile are two small hamlets, nestled together on the west coast of Cap Corse in the far north of Corsica.
Barcaggio and Giraglia island
Barcaggio is the northernmost settlement in Corsica. Sitting at the top of Cap Corse, it overlooks the island of Giraglia, which is home to a 16th century tower and lighthouse.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is a beautiful little town on the south coast of Corsica, that serves as the port to and from Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia, Italy. The town sits on cliffs of white limestones
Calanques de Piana
The Calanques de Piana are an amazing set of outlandish rock formations close to the Gulf of Porto, on the west coast of Corsica. They’re part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole area is very popular, and unfortunately this includes coaches filled with tourists that try to navigate the single track roads, regularly forcing traffic to a halt and forcing queues of traffic to reverse so that they can get around tight corners – a ridiculous state of affairs! 🤣
Calcatoggio
Calcatoggio is a small village in the centre of the west coast of Corsica, with great beaches and beautiful views. It’s also a great place for a base when exploring the west side of the island.
Calvi
Calvi is a lovely, bustling, tourist town on the north west coast of Corsica, dominated by the amazing 13th century citadel that overlooks the town and the marina. There are claims that Christopher Columbus was born here, although they are disputed. Admiral Horatio Nelson famously lost his eye when invading Calvi.
Centuri Port
Centuri is a small, pretty village in on the west coast of Cap Corse in the far north of Corsica. It’s home to one of the many 16th century Genose towers, and overlooks the island of Capense.
Col de Larone
The Col de Larone is a stunning mountainous area located in the Bavella massif mountains of south east Corsica, close to the Aiguilles de Bavella (see above). The views from the col are very impressive.
Cuccia and the Ruda Gorge
Cuccia is a small hamlet in central Corsica that sits on the river Erco. There is a hydroelectric plant close by, as well as some great climbing routes. The Ruda gorge runs eastwards from Cuccia, and is a spectacular drive.
Fontanone
Fontanone is a hamlet in north-eastern Corsica with a great little restaurant, and a pleasant bathing in the river Golf.
Mela
Mela is a small, pretty hamlet in south central Corsica, nestled in the mountains.
Monte Cinto massif
The Monte Cinto massif is located in the north west of Corsica, and is named after Corsica’s highest mountain, Monte Cinto.
Piana
Piana is a lovely village close to the amazing Calanques de Piana rock formations. Because of the latter, it is heavily geared towards tourism and thus has many cafés and restaurants.
Piazza
Piazza is a small village in the far north of the the Cap Corse peninsula, that’s home to a 17th century catholic convent of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, which also houses the town hall and the school.
Pietracorbara Marina
Pietracorbara Marina is a lovely little hamlet on the far north east coast of Corsica, north of Bastia. It has a couple of lovely little beaches, one shingle and one sand, and is a great place for a base to explore the Cap Corse peninsula.
Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano
Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano is a small, pretty hamlet in south central Corsica, nestled in the mountains.
Sartène
Sartène is a small, pretty, touristy town, nestled in the mountains in south west Corsica.
Scandola Nature Reserve
The Scandola Nature Reserve is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the north west coast of Corsica, and includes both the Gulf of Porto and the Gulf of Girolata. The port of Girolta is only accessible by boat or on foot.
Sorba pass
The Sorba pass is an excellent serpentine road in central Corsica, located 4,301 ft (1,311 m) above sea level. It runs from Ghisoni to Vivario, and has some fantastic view points along the way.
Venaco and Casanova
Venaco and Casanova are both very small villages located around 2,035 ft (620 m) above sea level in central Corsica.
Vergio Pass
The Vergio pass is located in the west of Corsica, 4,850 ft (1,478 m) above sea level. There is a large statue of Christ at the peak of the pass.
What’s it like to drive in Corsica?
Driving in Corsica
As Corsica is so mountainous, driving in Corsica is never a quick affair, unless you’re one of the locals with a supercar or a WRC rally car 😉 or it’s early morning and desperate to get to work! Most drivers are pretty sedentary in Corscia we found, especially the multitude of tourists. That said, most are polite and pull over regularly.
The only poor road that we encountered in Corsica was the D268 close to Sartène, which was in a very poor state (2024), which large potholes and areas that had been destroyed altogether.
Do you require an international driving permit in Corsica?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Corsica?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Corsica?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in Corsica?
As with almost everywhere on the continent of Europe, they drive on the right hand side of the road in Corsica.
The speed limits for cars in Corsica are:
- 30 mph (50 km/h) for urban driving
- 50 mph (80 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 70 mph 110 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 80 mph (130 km/h) on motorways
What currency do they use in Corsica?
In Corsica they use the Euro. The use of credit / debit cards is now widespread. ApplePay is accepted in some petrol stations and some stores in major towns, although it is not as widespread as in the UK or Spain for example. Travellers cheques are accepted. There are lots of ATMs.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Corsica?
They speak French in Corsica. We’ve found that they also speak English in most tourist areas, particularly if you attempt to speak French but you’re not fluent!
What time zone is Corsica in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Corsica?
Remember, Corsica is part of France! We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Corsica?
No, wild camping is illegal in Corsica, although it’s widely tolerated.
What plug / socket type do they use in Corsica?
In Corsica they use plug / socket type E.
Health issues in Corsica
Is it safe to drink water in Corsica?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Corsica. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Corsica?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Corsica.
Phones in Corsica
What is the country calling code for Corsica?
The country calling code for Corsica is +33 495
What are the emergency phone numbers in Corsica?
- The emergency number for police in Corsica is: 112 / 17
- In Corsica, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112 / 15
- The emergency number for fire in Corsica is: 112 / 18
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
Don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!