Would you like to visit the Isle of Beauty and discover its most precious assets? Here’s a list of Corsica’s most beautiful villages.
Corsica is an essential part of French Mediterranean tourism. You can discover it through its beaches and mountains, but let’s not forget its villages! Indeed, these villages, often tucked away on mountainsides, still possess considerable charm. From stone walls to olive groves, Corsican villages have retained their authenticity despite the island’s mass urbanization. Many are difficult to reach, as mountain roads can be very tricky for inexperienced motorists.
And yet, while each of these Corsican villages is well worth a visit, we’ve selected just a few of the most beautiful. In the hollow of a valley, along a mountain pass or with a view of the sea, set off to conquer these Corsican villages, whose tranquility and warm atmosphere will seduce you immediately.
1. Bonifacio
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andrea Sirri
The village of Bonifacio is impressive both for the beauty of its buildings and its location. It’s literally on the edge of a cliff, a feature for which Bonifacio is famous. On sunny days, you can even catch a glimpse of Sardinia from the Market Square, for example.
Alternatively, less than 5 kilometers away (on foot or by car), discover Capo Pertusato, next to the « Gouvernail », Corsica’s southernmost point. Then climb the Capo, and face the winds, sometimes very destabilizing, of the tip!
2. Piana
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
Piana is best known for its calanques. But it’s also one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica.
With its panoramic view over the Gulf of Porto, Piana remains a pleasant village to visit. The whitewashed houses in the center and the narrow lanes that make up the village give it a charm all of its own. Take the time to linger and relax on the terrace of one of the village’s cafés.
3. Monticello
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Phil O’nector
Once an important town, Monticello is now a quiet, peaceful village where a kind of Italian Dolce Vita reigns. Indeed,Italy has had a great deal of influence in the past, even owning it.
Come and discover Monticello’s historic monuments, then enjoy the serenity of the surroundings, surrounded by olive trees and not far from the Saleccia botanical park. All you have to do is let the charm work!
4. Calvi
Photo credit: Shutterstock – lsantek
Calvi is one of Corsica’s best-known villages. This is due to the high profile of its « Calvi on the rocks » festival. However, it can’t be summed up by this one event alone. Indeed, this village has many other assets, such as the architecture of its houses, its marina and its flower-filled quays.
The citadel overlooking it offers a magnificent view of the turquoise waters of the gulf at its feet. Calvi’s old town is also very pleasant. Come and enjoy a cocktail in one of the many bars along the quays in the early evening to get the full picture!
5. Lumio
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jon Ingall
Opposite Calvi, on the other side of the gulf of the same name, on a mountainside, lies Lumio. This authentic village will delight stone enthusiasts. The many narrow streets have retained their ancient charm, and can only be discovered on foot.
We recommend strolling through the Wednesday market, where you can discover the local wine produced by Domaine du Clos Culombu. Lumio’s bell tower is also a must-see, if only for the beauty of the building.
6. Zonza
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eva Bocek
Zonza lies at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, one of Corsica’s most famous landforms. Zonza is a very large village that can be visited through its many hamlets. On the mountain side, you can discover Zonza, its charming houses and its view of the Aiguilles de Bavella. On the seaside, white sandy beaches await you, along with the Genoese tower of Fautea.
It takes a whole day to visit the whole of Zonza, but the charm is immediate.
7. Corte
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Olesya Kuznetsova
A university town, Corte is one of Corsica’s most popular tourist destinations. Nestled between several mountains that form a hollow, the village of Corte boasts an important historical heritage, directly linked to Pasquale Paoli.
The latter chose it as the island’s capital when it was independent, thanks to its central position in the territory. Today, the village has retained its charm of yesteryear. The citadel perched on its promontory offers a fine view.
8. Erbalunga
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
North of Bastia, along the Cap Corse coastline, lies Erbalunga. This charming fishing village is very popular with tourists, seduced by its unspoilt character.
Discover the small fishing port, the authentic narrow streets that criss-cross the village, the pebble beach with its crystal-clear water… and a Genoese tower dating from the 16th century, now in ruins but listed as a Historic Monument since 1995. All in all, a little bubble of paradise just 10 kilometers from Bastia.
9. Saint-Florent
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
On the edge of Cap Corse, Saint-Florent is one of Corsica’s most popular villages. And with good reason: it’s nationally renowned as one of the island’s must-visit villages. Spread out along the coast, on the edge of the Gulf that bears its name, Saint-Florent has preserved the traces of its long past.
Today, it’s more of a seaside resort than a historic haunt, but the charm is still there: colorful houses, typical architecture, citadel, cobbled streets… Take the time to stop and discover all the assets of this village, nicknamed the « Saint-Tropez of Corsica ».
10. Nonza
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Allard One
Nonza is one of the oldest villages in Corsica, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Clinging to its rocky promontory, it overlooks the valley and pebble beach on one side, and the sea on the other.
The colors of this village are breathtaking, and the authenticity of the buildings leaves you speechless. It’s a very charming place, where time has left its mark, much to our delight.
11. Cargèse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
Cargèse is the village that punctuates and borders the Gulf of Sagone. North ofAjaccio, some 35 kilometers as the crow flies, it’s a village that will delight you with the beauty of its site.
Colors, stones, greenery, Cargèse has a lot to offer. Its busy port makes it a port town, especially in the middle and high seasons, the highlights of the year. Discover it from the panoramic viewpoint of Pointe Molendino.
12. Sant’Antonino
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pawel Kazmierczak
Shaped like a spiral on top of a mountain, the village of Sant’Antonio dominates the surrounding valley, with a 360° view all the way to the sea. Perched 500 metres above sea level on its hilltop, the view is incredible and unbeatable. It too is one of Corsica’s oldest villages.
The few houses that make up the village blend naturally into the landscape. Like the rest of the mountain, the village of Sant’Antonio has a picturesque yet charming appearance.
13. Centuri
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
At the tip of Cap Corse, subject to northerly winds, Centuri stands out for the tranquility that reigns here. A charming little fishing port gives this village a singular, peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Centuri’s link with the water is very strong, and diving enthusiasts will be delighted by the density of fish in the surrounding waters.
And don’t forget to discover the ruined mills and colorful houses just outside Centuri. All of which lend an incredible charm to this small village of 200 inhabitants.
14. Évisa
Photo credit: Shutterstock – leoks
On the border between Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse, Évisa sits discreetly on a mountainside. Nestled in the heart of the wild Aitone valley, Évisa has made the cultivation of chestnuts, one of Corsica’s gastronomic emblems, its own.
The village boasts several authentic heritages: architectural, religious and pastoral. A real must-see!
Map of hotels and accommodations –