Southern Corsica
Temperature
24°
Time
3:07 AM
Southern Corsica
Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and home to some awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Southern Corsica (or Corse-du-Sud) entices with outdoor pursuits, remnants of prehistoric settlements, and a stunningly diverse scenery. From the dramatic white cliffs of Bonifacio, to whimsical rock formations of Piana, to the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands and white-sand beaches, Southern Corsica has plenty to capture imaginations with.Find your trip
No paths or roads lead to the Scandola Nature Reserve, an area of wild natural beauty accessible solely by sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is all cliffs and sensational rock formations, pristine waters, and dramatic sea- and landscapes. One company offering boat tours is Porto-based Via Mare, at the Hôtel Le Golfe (+33 6 07 28 72 72; www.viamare-promenades.com).
One of the island's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the wondrous cliffs of Piana are best seen in the evening, when the natural reds of the earth light up in in the rays of the setting sun. Another way to see the cliffs is from the water, on a boat cruise in the Gulf of Porto.
Just south of Porto-Vecchio lies Corsica's celebrated Plage de Palombaggia, an idyllic beach with crispy white sand and azure waters. There are several locations that provide sunbed and umbrella rentals, along with a couple of beach restaurants along the stretch.
The megalithic archaeological site of Filitosa is known for its curious menhirs, with detail of facial features and body outlines carved into them. Earliest artefacts dug up here date back to 3300 BC (the menhirs are estimated to have been erected around 1500 BC). There are a small museum and a thousand-year-old olive tree on site.
The capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, Ajaccio is an attractive seaside settlement with an animated yet slow-paced street life. Some of its primary attractions include the Maison Bonaparte (the Bonaparte family's ancestral home) and the fine arts museums Musée Fesch, containing works of great masters such as Titian and Botticelli.
The uninhabited Lavezzi islands off the coast of Corsica are one of its must-visit natural gems, located a short boat ride from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio. Nature is pristine and water crystal-clear, which makes for some fantastic snorkelling. Bring your own sun umbrella and plenty of water (facilities are minimal).
The island's oldest citadel sits dramatically atop a high-rise rock platform in Bonifacio, the Corsican town a mere 12 kilometres away from Italian Sardinia. It is a definitive must-visit that reads more like a place somewhere in southern Italy than a French one, and radiates a leisurely, uncomplicated air.
To see some of the island's most striking natural landscapes, follow the Col de Bavella, a mountain pass that affords spectacular views of the Aiguilles de Bavella (the Bavella "needles", called that for its spiry peaks). A part of the G20 trail runs from the Notre Dame des Neiges statue all the way up to the massif.
No paths or roads lead to the Scandola Nature Reserve, an area of wild natural beauty accessible solely by sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is all cliffs and sensational rock formations, pristine waters, and dramatic sea- and landscapes. One company offering boat tours is Porto-based Via Mare, at the Hôtel Le Golfe (+33 6 07 28 72 72; www.viamare-promenades.com).
One of the island's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the wondrous cliffs of Piana are best seen in the evening, when the natural reds of the earth light up in in the rays of the setting sun. Another way to see the cliffs is from the water, on a boat cruise in the Gulf of Porto.
Le Bilboq holds somewhat of a legendary status: the restaurant specialises on one thing only - lobster - which comes in extremely generous servings, as part of its signature "spaghettis à la langouste" dish. Payment is in cash only, and reservations strongly recommended.
Run by the talented Mezzacqui brothers, L'Altru Versu is a longstanding fine dining establishment on the Ajaccio waterfront. Using the highest quality local ingredients and fresh seafood, the team of two maintains a highly professional approach both in the kitchen and front of house.
A dinner at Le 20123 can feel as one inside an ethnography museum exhibition hall - the space is stylised to recreate a square of the village the restaurant's owner comes from, complete with a water pump and life-size dolls in traditional costumes. The menu consists of fixed 4 courses, with a focus on traditional flavours.
In a town often overrun by visitors, A Nepita is one establishment that keeps delivering authentic, high-quality Corsican meals. Fixed menus vary by day and come with a choice of two dishes for each course. Reservations in advance are highly recommended.
La Santana on Corsica's west coast embodies the perfect combination of quality cuisine and unbeatable views. Set directly on the beach, it offers front-row seats to the spectacle of an island sunset, along with an abundance of excellent fish and seafood dishes to select from.
Hailed as the best of its kind in the area, Le Piano Chez Toinou is distinguished for its impeccable service, menu variety (diners are welcome to browse through and select from nearly the entire menu rather than just two or three options per course), and exceptional quality of the dishes served.
If it's fine dining you are looking for, look no further than Terra Cotta, an excellent restaurant that serves spectacular set menus consisting of multiple courses. The full experience might come at a steep price, but is certainly worth the investment - fresh seafood is caught and delivered daily by the owning family.
Set in the rolling hills over Propriano, this family-run restaurant affords spectacular views over the Corsican landscape. Choose from an extensive menu of home-style Corsican specialities. Produce is locally-sourced, and the running family readily welcomes patrons in person.
Le Bilboq holds somewhat of a legendary status: the restaurant specialises on one thing only - lobster - which comes in extremely generous servings, as part of its signature "spaghettis à la langouste" dish. Payment is in cash only, and reservations strongly recommended.
Run by the talented Mezzacqui brothers, L'Altru Versu is a longstanding fine dining establishment on the Ajaccio waterfront. Using the highest quality local ingredients and fresh seafood, the team of two maintains a highly professional approach both in the kitchen and front of house.
To pick up some of that celebrated Corsican charcuterie, try and make your way to this shop run by the island's best charcutier (once also named best in all of France). There are multiple varieties of meats to choose from, as well as other deli items sourced from small independent producers from across Corsica.
The Ajaccio Farmers' Market takes place daily during the summer, bringing together the best of local producers selling deli foods Corsica is famous for: charcuterie, cheeses, olives and olive oil, tapenade, home-made jams as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.
Not to be confused with Napoleon's ancestral home, casa Napoleon is a deli boutique that stocks a wide array of Corsican specialities, from jars of organic jams to olive oils, charcuterie (meats and sausages), tapenade, confectionery and local organic wines.
This artisan jewellery shop is the place to go for bracelets, earrings, pendants (and more) featuring Corsica's well-known "L’œil de Sainte Lucie" (a specific part of a mollusc's shell), as well as other precious stones polished and processed, turned into wearable pieces of local art.
For a jaunt into literary Corsica, check out the La Marge bookshop located in downtown Ajaccio. The shop stocks local and international literature, music, periodicals and various paraphernalia, and occasionally hosts literary readings and events.
A product of the Masson family long-term dedication, La Taillerie du Corail is a workshop, show room and store showcasing the finest coral-cutting products. The old town store does not operate outside of high season, and visitors are welcome to the headquarters at 42 rue Marechal Juin instead.
The number one address for local goodies in Porticcio, U Cintu is a genuine deli run by a welcoming staff. It stocks Corsican favourites, from artisan charcuterie, cheeses, olives, and dried fruits to wines and Italian specialities.
The obligatory address for local specialities in Sartène, La Cave Sartenaise stocks all manner of local produce, from the island's celebrated charcuterie to various kinds of cheeses from Corsican farms, olive oil and tapenade, marmalade, jams and canistrelli biscuits.
To pick up some of that celebrated Corsican charcuterie, try and make your way to this shop run by the island's best charcutier (once also named best in all of France). There are multiple varieties of meats to choose from, as well as other deli items sourced from small independent producers from across Corsica.
The Ajaccio Farmers' Market takes place daily during the summer, bringing together the best of local producers selling deli foods Corsica is famous for: charcuterie, cheeses, olives and olive oil, tapenade, home-made jams as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.
The island's main air hub is Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, located a mere 5 km away from Ajaccio city. The airport is served by multiple airlines, with connections to multiple destinations on mainland France and seasonal routes to cities all across Europe. Bus 8 connects the airport to the city centre, and runs every hour between 6.30am and 11.20pm. The fare is paid to the driver directly. Another bus, number 12, departs from the P+R Campo dell’Oro bus stop (a 15 minute walk from the airport) and is the absolute cheapest option. Car rentals and official taxis are also readily available at the airport. The Figari–Sud Corse Airport serves the fas south of the island. Most flight connections are seasonal. Taxis and car rentals are available at arrival, but pre-arranged shuttle is the most reasonable means of transport. There is a bus service from the airport to Porto-Vecchio, timetables change depending on the season (www.corsicabus.org/busPVecchio).
Ferries run from French Nice, Marseille and Toulon to Ajaccio, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio (along with several destinations in the island's north). There is also ferry service from nearby Sardinia to Bonifacio.
France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Peak tourist season falls on the months of July and August, when the weather is hottest. Late spring (May - June) and early fall (September - October) are much more pleasant in terms of weather, and better fit for hiking and active outdoor pursuits.
It is notoriously difficult to keep track of Corsican public bus schedules, as these may change without notice or not always be reliable. There is, however, a frequently updated website containing all available information on island transport: www.corsicabus.org There are also three railroad routes on Corsica, one of which connects the capital of Ajaccio to inland Corte. Renting a car is the best way of getting around and is recommended for convenience if you plan to explore the island.
There are multiple companies that operate all across the island. For long-distance transfers, book a spot in a shuttle. Central Taxis Ajaccio +33 4 27 04 00 07 Ollandini Autocars de Tourisme +33 4 95 23 92 90
Post offices can be found in most Corsican settlements. In larger cities, these work Monday through Friday, with a short day on Saturday. Stamps may also be purchased at press and tobacco shops. Main Post Office: 13 Cours Napoleon, Ajaccio +33 4 95 51 84 75 Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm, Sat 8am-12pm
There are multiple pharmacies in larger settlements. Pharmacie Principale 65 Cours Napoléon, Ajaccio +33 4 95 23 36 61 www.materiel-medical-parapharmacie-ajaccio.fr Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-12.30pm & 2.30-8pm
The island's main air hub is Napoleon Bonaparte Airport, located a mere 5 km away from Ajaccio city. The airport is served by multiple airlines, with connections to multiple destinations on mainland France and seasonal routes to cities all across Europe. Bus 8 connects the airport to the city centre, and runs every hour between 6.30am and 11.20pm. The fare is paid to the driver directly. Another bus, number 12, departs from the P+R Campo dell’Oro bus stop (a 15 minute walk from the airport) and is the absolute cheapest option. Car rentals and official taxis are also readily available at the airport. The Figari–Sud Corse Airport serves the fas south of the island. Most flight connections are seasonal. Taxis and car rentals are available at arrival, but pre-arranged shuttle is the most reasonable means of transport. There is a bus service from the airport to Porto-Vecchio, timetables change depending on the season (www.corsicabus.org/busPVecchio).
Ferries run from French Nice, Marseille and Toulon to Ajaccio, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio (along with several destinations in the island's north). There is also ferry service from nearby Sardinia to Bonifacio.
