Where to stay in Corsica – 7 BEST Towns to Visit in 2024

Hi there, welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Corsica! I love places with a strong identity, long history, and captivating nature, and Corsica has it all! 

It’s been a long dream of mine to visit Corsica, and today I share all the insights I gathered over the years because I know you’ll need them! This stunning island isn’t open to mass tourism yet, so deciding where to stay can be confusing. But that’s what I’m here for!

Corsica is all about nature, scenic drives, and secluded beaches, and there isn’t just 1 best area to stay. Begin your trip in South Corsica’s Ajaccio and use your time to see as much of the breathtaking landscapes as possible!

I’ve got you covered with 7 picture-perfect villages where you can lay your head, top-rated hotels and resorts in each of them, and precious driving tips so your stay in Corse runs as smooth as possible!

Just remember to book your stay in advance to secure the best deals!

Quick picks for your stay

Check out the best hotels in Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio:

Here’s a map of all the areas to stay in Corsica that I will be talking about in this post:

South Corsica – where to stay in Corsica for the first time

When choosing where to stay in Corsica, the main question is, North or South? Honestly, I say both if you have enough time (at least 7-10 days) and can rent a car. But if you’re short on time and are a first-time visitor to this beautiful island, then you should definitely tour the South. 

South Corsica encompasses the capital city of Ajaccio, the beach-heaven town of Porto Vecchio, and the picture-perfect Bonifacio. And while all of Corsica has breathtaking landscapes, the South is renowned for its hiking areas, best beaches, and hilltop mountain villages where you can delve into the authentic Corsican living.

You’ll also find more family-friendly and group activities in South of Corsica since this part is more commercialized. Nightlife, active sightseeing, amusement parks, food tasting, and jaw-dropping landscapes: you’ll find it all here!

There are multiple entry points if you plan to land into South Corsica, including the Figari airport (map) and Ajaccio airport (map). You can also take a ferry from Italy or Southern France directly to Porto Vecchio, Ajaccio, Propriano, or Bastia ferry ports. 

TIP: If you’re arriving from France, Ajaccio is the closest port. If you’re coming from Italy, then Porto Vecchio is the closest.

CULTURE: Corsica has a very strong identity. Corsican flag, known worldwide with a Moor’s head wearing a white bandana around his forehead, has a strong importance for Corsicans. It’s a symbol of their courage, resistance, and independence against foreign invaders. If you’ve ever been to France, you’ll notice that the people and customs here are very different; you’ll think you’re in a different country. Honoré de Balzac, the iconic French writer, humorously described Corsicans in his “The Vendetta” novel as stubborn mountain people who look like their island’s granite cliffs. It’s funny because it’s true!

Now, let’s explore what exactly awaits an adventurer in South Corsica!

1. Ajaccio – overall best place to stay in Corsica’s South

Welcome to Corsica’s capital city! Ajaccio (map, pronounced azhakseeoh) is a charming, small city with beautiful nature, a lovely old town, and plenty of historical landmarks.

In fact, Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, a ruler who has reshaped the history of France and Europe as we know it! You can visit his home (map) that is now a museum. Also check out the famous Fesch Museum of Fine Arts founded by Napoleon’s uncle!

Other interesting attractions include the historic Citadel (map) with nice views, beautiful beaches like the rocky Terre Sacrée (map), and the beautiful Cathedral de Santa Maria Assunta (map).

PRO TIP: If you’re in town for nightlife, the area between Napoleon’s house and Place de Gaulle (map) has the best late-night spots!

Ajaccio is also a great place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget. Compared to the other cities on the island, it offers a great mixture of budget and mid-range accommodations.

Oh, and when you’re in Ajaccio, make sure to stop by the Parata Point (map) nearby for amazing views of the turquoise water, an old Genoise tower, and those signature Corsican cliffs. You can drive here (it’s a 20-minute ride) or hop on the bus line 5 from Place de Gaulle!

Overall, you can see all of Ajaccio and the immediate surroundings in 1 day. You can spend 1 or 2 nights here and then drive to your next Corsica destination.

Other accommodation options in Ajaccio

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2. Porto Vecchio – where to stay in Corsica for the beaches

Porto-Vecchio (map) is a charming yacht-choked harbor town that lies on the far South of Corsica, some 140 km (86 mi) Southeast of Ajaccio. It hosts a vibrant marina and a port that dates back to Roman times! The city is filled with historical buildings and panoramic views, but you’ll enjoy it most for its beaches.

Check out the beautiful Palombaggia Beach (map), often referred to as the most beautiful beach in Corsica, and stop by the 16th-century citadel, also known as Bastione Della Marina (map). The citadel overlooks the whole city and offers unique sights of the harbor. Definitely make a stop here since it’s the most Instagram-perfect spot in Porto-Vecchio, with all its restaurants on the ramparts!

You can spend hours exploring the maze-like narrow streets and admiring the stone houses of the Old Town. Don’t be surprised if you think for a second that you’ve traveled back in time! The busy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops will bring you back to reality!

Finally, Porto-Vecchio is a great destination for boat trips. You can take a boat excursion to Iles Lavezzi archipelago (map) with granite islands and reefs which I’m sure will be one of the highlights of your trip!

Other accommodation options in Porto-Vecchio

3. Bonifacio – one of the best places to stay in Corsica for couples

The romantic Bonifacio town (map) is located just a 35-minute drive South of Porto-Vecchio, and it’s one of my favorite places in Corsica. I mean, just look at those old houses sitting on the white limestone cliffs!

Bonifacio is located on the Southern tip of the island, just a few kilometers from Sardinia, Italy. It’s best known for its Natural Reserve (map) with magnificent cliff landscapes, dozens of scenic spots, and boat excursions.

Corsica used to be part of the Genoese Republic (today’s Italy) until 1768 when it was sold to France. Although you can see both the Italian and French influence on the island, Corsica remains utterly Corsican, with its own culture, language, customs, and food.

You really can’t go wrong with Bonifacio! I call it a walker’s heaven with its cobblestone alleys, coastal vistas, a rustic 9th-century citadel (map), and a bustling marina. If you’re a yacht lover, grab a spot in one of the fancy restaurants by the port, order a drink and a meal, and take in the views!

One of the main attractions in the city includes the King Aragon steps (map). This steep staircase (entry costs €5) goes down the iconic cliffs straight into the sea. Feel free to go down to take a dip, but only do it if you’re in good shape and have no problems with your legs or knees! Definitely avoid in the summer months during the heat.

NOTE: Getting into Bonifacio (and many other coastal towns in Corsica) can be a real challenge for drivers. The roads are very narrow and limited to get in, so be prepared to wait in kilometers of lines. Parking in Bonifacio is expensive, so it’s better to buy a boat ticket that comes with free parking at the SPMB parking by the port. It’s more cost-effective, plus you’d want to take boats to explore nearby grottos anyway!

Beautiful beaches like Piantarella (map) and sunset spots like the one at Fanale di Pertusatu lighthouse (map) are additional reasons why Bonifacio is such a romantic spot ideal for couples!

Now, let’s explore the best lodgings here.

Other accommodation options in Bonifacio

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TIP: I know Version Maquis is really on the high end, so here are 2 alternative luxury options that are slightly less expensive: U Capu Biancu and Hotel Spa Genovese.

Things to do in South Corsica

• Visit the Natural Reserve of Bouches de Bonifacio (map)
• Walk the steps of Napoleon in his hometown of Ajaccio (+ go on a tour)
• Go on a sunset tour to the Sanguinaires Islands, emblematic of the region
• Enjoy the A Cupulatta turtle sanctuary (map)
• Have a boat excursion to the Iles Lavezzi archipelago
• Embark on a guided kayaking tour in Porticcio
• Take a short trip to Sartène (map), the most authentic Corsican town
• Drive to the Southernmost tip of Corsica, Capo Petrusato (map), for top Mediterranean seascapes

North Corsica – where to stay in Corsica for raw beauty

North Corsica is your getaway to the raw, unexplored, and authentic Corsican villages and landscapes. The North of the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean is covered in national parks, alpine peaks, tiny fishing villages with terracotta roofs, and bays of powdery white sand.

Some of the most dramatic nature reserves, like the Scandola (map), are located in Northern Corsica! You’ll have so much nature to explore here, and even a whole week in the North will seem little!

The Northern tip of the island, Cap Corse, is a 30-kilometer stretch with fabulous beaches and old-age villages populated by local craftsmen. There’s so much untouched beauty here waiting to be explored! Saint Florent is the best town to base yourself for this trip.

Naturally, the best way to see the North of Corsica is to drive. Must-visit places include Calvi, Bastia, and Saint Florent. 

NOTE: For simplicity, I included the main town in central Corsica, Corte, as part of Northern Corsica.

4. Calvi – the best place to stay in Corsica without a car

The beautiful town of Calvi (map), some 165 km (102 mi) from Ajaccio, is the perfect place to stay in Corsica for most travelers! A long 8-km (5-mi) stretch of white sand beaches, sea caves, and amazing nightlife, you’ll find it all in Calvi! 

Calvi is a great place to stay in Corsica if you’re traveling without a car because there’s a Tramway de Balagne railway here (links Calvi to L’Ile Rousse), regional buses (least recommended, but possible), and boat tours that will allow you to move to other places. Calvi itself is very walkable, and you don’t need a car to get around it. 

FUN FACT: According to a local legend, Christopher Columbus was actually born in Calvi, not in Genoa! It is believed he had to mask his exact origin due to the bad reputation of the island at the time. An official international DNA study aimed at determining his true origins is currently underway!

In the center of Calvi, you’ll find the Citadel (map) and the port area. Both have a wide range of restaurants and a promenade where you can indulge in local food and drinks.

Oh, and Calvi on the Rocks hosts numerous concerts and events in the summer! In the first week of July, Calvi becomes the largest open-air club in France!

The area is also popular for boat tours around Balagne Shore with its dramatic nature, notably between L’Ile Rousse (map) and Calvi. By the way, a trip to L’Ile Rousse is so worth it. It’s a small port town with tons of artisanal biscuit shows!

NOTE: There’s no public transport from Calvi airport, so if you land here, you need to take a taxi to the City Center (around €25) or to a nearby railway station near Club Olympique (map) where the coastal train runs. It may happen there are no cabs available at the airport, so in that case, you can even walk to the town or Club Olympique if you’re traveling with just a small backpack. It’s a 1-hour walk, and you’d be surprised how many people do this!

PRO TIP: If you take the tramway to explore nearby cities, check the schedule for the last departure to your lodging town. The trains don’t run very frequently, and ideally, you want to be back to Calvi (or wherever you’re staying) for dinner.ow, let’s look at the best hotels in Calvi:

Other accommodation options in Calvi

5. Bastia – the best place to stay in Corsica for nightlife

Located 110 km (68 mi) East of Calvi, the town of Bastia (map) has a very dynamic atmosphere. It’s the 2nd largest city in Corsica (after Ajaccio) and a busy passenger port for trips to and from France.

Corsica receives around 3 million tourists every year, but the vast majority is from France. Over 70% of the tourists visit from May to September, with August being the peak of the season. Almost everything in Corsica is closed in winter.

Bastia is perfect for various types of travelers: history enthusiasts, nightlife seekers, and outdoor adventurers. 

The Vieux Port (map) and Place St. Nicolas (map) are perfect for casual sunset strolls. A must for all travelers is Terra Nova (map), the high-wall citadel of Bastia, one of the biggest and oldest citadels in Corsica. And if you want to learn more about the island’s history, you can visit the Bastia Museum (map).

You’ll find various local bars, restaurants, and cafes with live music in Bastia, but note that going out in Corsica is on the pricey side. A meal for 1 person can easily cost €30 in a mid-range restaurant. Also, don’t expect to find McDonalds and other international chains on the island. Everything is super local here!

FUN FACT 1: Surprisingly enough, beer is more popular in Corsica than wine. Talk about a different culture from France! Try the local Pietra Beer, it’s Corsica’s signature product. I tried it in local supermarkets in Paris and absolutely loved it!

Now outdoor adventurers, listen out. Just South of Bastia and North of Corte is the famous Castagniccia region known for its chestnut tree forests. Hiking here both feels and smells wonderful! By the way, chestnuts are the most popular local product in Corsica, they use it to make flour, honey, put it in dishes, soaps, etc.

FUN FACT 2: Most of the island’s pork feeds on chestnuts. The cured meats from the Corsican pork taste amazing because of this! Try coppa, lonzu, and figatellu sausages to see what I’m talking about!

Other accommodation options in Bastia

NOTE: Best Western Montecristo is another excellent budget-to-mid-range accommodation in Bastia!

6. Saint Florent – another best area to stay in Corsica for beach lovers

Located 70 km (45 mi) West from Calvi, Saint Florent (map) lies at the bottom part of the Cap Corse peninsula, and it’s a small and elegant island town with cobbled streets, pink houses, and gorgeous beaches.

If you don’t plan on doing much apart from relaxing, going with the flow, and spending lots of time on the beach, then Saint Florent is perfect for you! The town’s best beach, Plage de la Roya (map) is located just by the port!

You don’t need too much time to explore the central area of St. Florent, but you might want to stop at one of the cafes around the harbor (map) to enjoy the atmosphere and mingle with the locals. I’m sure they have great stories to tell you about their hometown! Although don’t expect them to speak English. A trip to Corsica is the perfect occasion to brush up on your old French skills or pick up new ones!

While in Saint Florent, don’t miss out the famous Saleccia Beach (map) and Lotu Beach (map) at Desert des Agriates (the only desert in Europe)! You can take a boat trip and have the best afternoon there eating figs, cheese, and sipping on local Patrimonio wine!

FUN FACT: While you’re in Desert des Agriates, you’ll feel the scent of the maquis plant, a native to Corsica similar to sage, myrtle, and juniper. A legend says that the scent of maquis haunted Napoleon in his dreams while he was imprisoned on Elba just outside of Corsica!

Now these are the best hotels I picked for you in Saint Florent:

Other accommodation options in Saint Florent

7. Corte – best place to stay in Corsica for hiking

Corte (map) is the old capital of Corsica located well inside the island, and it’s the only non-coastal town on the list. It’s located 80 km (50 mi) North of Ajaccio and 84 km (52 mi) South of Calvi, making it a perfect spot on your drive from South to North!

If there was an award for the best scenic views of Corsica, Corte would win the top 3 spots for sure! The town is surrounded by rugged mountains, canyons, dolomite peaks, the beautiful Restonica Valley, and it’s the perfect place to go hiking!

The Restonica Valley is so stunning, its road starts in Corte, and takes you to Lac de Melu (map) and Capitellu (map) where you can even go for a swim surrounded by alpine peaks! What better way to enjoy yourself as an outdoor enthusiast?

NOTE: The Restonica Trail is the main hiking trail in this part of Corsica. The longest route is 110 km (68 mi) while the shortest is 6 km (3 mi). Find all details about them on the official website. For advanced hikers, the GR20 trail runs across the whole island and is considered Europe’s hardest trail!

Of course, there’s plenty of accommodation in Corti itself (it’s not all about hiking here!). You can explore the iconic citadel (map) and delicious restaurants serving local specialties, too.

Talking about food, Corsica is well-known for its curated meats, but also some dishes like civet de sanglier (wild boar casserole), veau aux olives (veal with olives), and the much-debated Brocciu cheese with alive larvae (yikes!) that helps fermentation.

Other accommodation options in Corte

Things to do in North Corsica

• Explore the UNESCO Scandola (map) and Calanques de Piana (map) natural reserves
• Take the most romantic sunset cruise off the coast of Corsica
• Enjoy a scenic ride along Cap Corse
• Visit the Regional Natural Park of Corsica (map)
• Join a boat trip to Désert des Agriates’ most attractive beaches
• Tackle GR20, the most famous long-distance trail in Europe
• Go for a hike around Monte Cinto (map), the highest mountain in Corsica

✈️ Cost of traveling:	high
☀️ Best time to go:	May – September
📅 How many days:	10
📍 Best town:	Ajaccio
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Les Mouettes
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Best Western Plus
👛 Best budget hotel:	Spunta di Mare

BONUS: Driving in Corsica + 3 best scenic rides

Before I end the article, I wanted to talk about driving in Corsica since this is the most recommended way to tour the island. You can rent a car in your town of arrival since public transport is almost nonexistent, plus the beauty in Corsica lies in its nature that spreads all over the island.

Road and driving information

First, here are 5 tips and insights about Corsican roads.

• The roads in Corsica can get extremely windy. I’m not overexaggerating!
• Locals drive very fast on the windy roads and overtake drivers a lot. This is especially a problem in the center of the island.
• It’s common to park everywhere on the road as long as it’s passable but paid parking in towns can be expensive. It’s best to find accommodation with free parking when you’re in town. You won’t need the car to explore towns anyway.
• Entering coastal towns can be hard since the roads are really small and there are often long queues to enter a town. Be prepared for the wait.
• Cows and other animals are often on the road in the mountainside, so be aware when driving here.

3 best scenic rides in Corsica

Now that you know what to expect from driving in Corsica, here are recommendations for the most scenic routes:

• Bavella drive (from Porto-Vecchio through L’Ospedale, Zonza, Col de Bavella, to Solenzara), the most scenic mountain drive through the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
  Distance: 75 km (46 mi)
  Duration: 2+ hours
• Corte to Cervione (passing through Ponte Leccia, Morosaglia, and Campana) – fabulous views of rugged mountain peaks in the first half, then lush greenery of chestnut tree forests and valleys in the second half. Ocean views and abandoned monasteries are part of the scenery as well.
  Distance: 84 km (52 mi)
  Duration: 2+ hours
• Route D81 (from Ajaccio to Calvi, but the main scenic part is through Piana Calanques) – a beautiful ride surrounded by rocky terra-cotta Piana Calanques. There are plenty of serpentines on the very narrow road here, so be really careful and only drive here if you have enough experience behind the wheel.
  Distance: 11 km (6.9 mi)
  Duration: 30 minutes

FAQs about where to base yourself in Corsica

Final thoughts on the best areas in Corsica

I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Corsica, or at least where to begin your trip! An island with such charm and scenic beauty is best explored by car and without rushing, so I highly advise you to rent one and plan at least 10 days for the trip!

I know there are so many amazing hotels here, so if it’s hard for you to pick one, here are my top 2 favorite ones:

A reminder to book your stay in Corsica months in advance, especially if you plan to visit in the summer. 

Also, leave a comment below should you have any questions about your upcoming trip! I’ll be happy to help!

Enjoy Corsica, 

Darija

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