Corsica: Mountains, Coast and Island Culture

Corsica combines mountain scenery with the sea, a long coastline and a distinctive island culture. When searching for a hotel, you can start by deciding which aspects of the island you want to focus on during your trip: nature and hiking, coastal scenery, or regional cuisine and culture. The landscape ranges from peaks over 2,000 metres high to coves by the sea; in between, rivers and forests shape the island’s character.

Mountain and Coastal Landscapes

Corsica is described as a mountain in the sea: the island has 120 peaks over 2,000 metres, 25 waterways and more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline. The Corsica Regional Natural Park covers about two-thirds of the island and spans 3,500 square kilometres of land and sea. These figures reflect a range of landscapes that you can take into account when planning your trip.

Scandola is a peninsula made of porphyry rock. Macchia, seabirds, clear water, small islands, inaccessible caves and rich marine life define the area. The nature reserve is a protected land and sea area within the Regional Natural Park and is associated with the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitor rules may change; check them before your visit.

In the Agriate Desert, you can explore the landscape on foot, by boat or by sea kayak. Protected coves and white-sand beaches include Lotu, Saleccia and Malfalcu. The Aiguilles de Bavella combine a mountain range, a pass and forest; there, unusual red to grey rock formations meet extensive Corsican pine forests. At the Calanques of Piana, a narrow, winding corniche road runs alongside red granite cliffs that descend to the sea. Check road conditions before setting out.

Hiking: a Long Trek or a Short Heritage Walk

The GR20 crosses Corsica from north to south and is about 180 kilometres long. The route is estimated to take around 16 days, with approximately seven hours of hiking per day. It is considered a very demanding alpine route for experienced hikers, with considerable elevation changes and technical sections. In good conditions, it is generally considered suitable from June to mid-October. At other times of the year, the highest sections are often snow-covered. Check the latest weather and trail conditions before setting out.

The heritage trails known as «I chjassi di a mimoria», supported by the Regional Natural Park, offer a different kind of hike. These short, easy circular trails lead from village to village. Along the way, you’ll encounter dry-stone structures, ovens, fountains, washhouses and mills. Compared with the multi-day GR20, they are a much shorter hiking option and combine walking with insights into rural architecture.

Regional Cuisine and Cultural Heritage

Recognised Corsican products include AOP Brocciu, chestnut flour, Corsican olive oil and honey. Wine options include Corsican wines as well as Patrimonio, Muscat du Cap Corse and Ajaccio. AOP olive oil is made from local olive varieties, whose fruit is harvested when fully ripe; its aromas are associated with the macchia.

Charcuterie-making is also part of the island’s culture: traditional methods include dry salting, smoking over local hardwood and time-honoured craftsmanship. AOP Lonzo de Corse, also called Lonzu, is made from the loin of Corsican pig breeds, then salted, dried and cured. Corsican polyphonic choral singing is another aspect of the island’s culture; UNESCO lists it as intangible cultural heritage.

Whether you want to focus on a longer mountain trek, short heritage walks, coastal landscapes or regional products, these themes give your trip to Corsica its own direction. Use them as a guide when searching for hotels and choose the focus that suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: South Corsica, Upper Corsica, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Lorraine, Centre, Paris, Pays de la Loire, Champagne-Ardenne.

Go to the main travel overview: France.