10 Best Things to Do in Haute-Corse

Haute-Corse beaches offer an idyllic alternate for solitude-seeking vacationers avoiding the crowded mainland coastlines. Unlike the packed beaches of the Cote d’Azur, the Haute-Corse coastline welcomes relatively few visitors, even during the peak summer months. Calm turquoise-tinged waters, towering mountainous backdrops, and pristine sands add to the appeal.

If you’d rather not sunbathe alone, Plage de Bodri, Plage de l’Ostriconi, and Plage de l’Arinella have the liveliest scenes. Accessible only by boat, Lotu Beach is a stunning spot home to a herd of curious cows. Nearby, Plage de Saleccia is just as lovely. For a long romantic walk, Bodri Beach can’t be beat.

Citadella di Calvi is a striking Genoese citadel set on a limestone peninsula on the edge of Calvi town. Its lofty walls and strategic position enabled the 15th-century edifice to fend off multiple attackers. Failed invasions range from Anglo-Corsican soldiers to the Franco-Turkish army. Climb to its upper echelons for sweeping 360-degree views of the island and bay.

While the well-preserved complex is free to visit, it’s worth spending a small sum on the Government-run audio guide (see the Calvi-Balagne Tourist Office). Available in 4 languages, the audio tour leads you through 11 points of interest while providing insightful historical info.

Place Saint Nicolas is a vibrant waterfront plaza in the heart of Bastia, one of Corsica’s most iconic coastal cities. The charming plaza sits right in front of the Bastia Port, which receives a steady stream of daily passenger services. A string of cafes, restaurants, and bars line its perimeter, attracting scores of newcomers as they step off the boat – the locals like to socialize here, too.

The vast public square has kids’ rides plus grandstands for concerts and events. End-of-year celebrations see a pop-up ice-skating rink, while October welcomes the Salon du Chocolat fair. Rock up on a Sunday morning to browse its weekly flea market. Here, you’ll find everything from antiques to collectables and assorted second-hand wares.

Fanale di Petra is a lovely old lighthouse perched on the top of the rocky Pietra peninsula. Located near L'Île-Rousse, the scenic spot is among the best places in Corsica to watch the sunset. Head to the highest rocky outcrop (just behind the lighthouse) for sweeping 180-degree sea views. Watching the sun’s last rays sink below the horizon is the perfect way to cap off your day.

A slightly steep 15-minute walk leads to the lighthouse from L’Île-Rousse. If that sounds too much of an effort, a few euros will score you a seat on the trackless tourist train. Visitors can scramble downhill for a swim in one of the tranquil coves.

The Corsica Museum offers an intriguing insight into the island’s culture, history, and traditions. Inaugurated in 1997, the museum houses the impressive collection of Father Louis Doazan, a pioneer of Corsican ethnography. The Doazan Gallery showcases artifacts and exhibitions highlighting the island’s age-old rural traditions. It spans over 3,000 objects, so you’ll need plenty of time to get through them all.

The museum also has a temporary gallery, which welcomes a new Corsica-related exhibition each year. Young learners can visit the educational center, where an extensive catalog comes with rich, easy-to-digest illustrations.

Torra di Nonza is an endearing Genoese tower located a short walk from the tiny village of Nonza. The Genoese built the tower in the 16th century to defend against Barbary pirates, who wreaked havoc in the region at the time. Although somewhat short, the tower sits at a lofty 155 meters above sea level for a significant strategic advantage.

That vantage point helped the villagers fend off French forces in the famous siege of 1768. Although the protected monument is now closed to the public, travelers can reach the base via a short winding path. Panoramic views from the top make the walk worthwhile, especially at sunset.

Calanques de Piana is a striking ensemble of whimsical rock formations protruding from jagged red ochre cliffs. Located near the small village of Piana in northwest Corsica, these gorgeous coastal cliffs are a pleasure to explore on foot. A string of scenic trails traverses the otherworldly landscape; the best is the famous Capo Rosso route.

Head to the nearby Plage de Ficaghjola to cool off after a sweaty day exploring the Calanques. If walking isn’t your thing, the D81 Expressway slices through rocky cliffs between Ajaccio and Calvi to offer awe-inspiring views.

Réserve Naturelle de Scandola is a marine life-rich reserve full of fluttering sea birds and scenic ocean caves. Due to the rugged topography, the best way to explore this picturesque rocky coastline is by boat. Numerous tour agencies run scheduled departures from Calvi, Porto, and Ajaccio. Some include a side trip to the Calanques de Piana.

If your budget permits, book a small boat rather than a large ferry, as these are agile enough to navigate inside the sea caves. Tours typically last three hours and include snorkeling alongside vibrant cliffs. Keep an eye out for osprey and peregrine falcon soaring overhead.

Vallée du Fango is a gorgeous hiking destination famed for its dramatic valleys and swimmable lagoons. The most popular route runs between Tuarelli and Ponte Vecchiu, home to a historic Genoese stone bridge. Over 8 km, you’ll straddle an emerald-hued river and pass pristine natural pools, centuries-old holm oak forests, and the spectacular Paglia Orba massif.

The region became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1977 and remains largely untouched today. Public transportation is limited, so hire a vehicle or look for a tour. Rustic campgrounds let nature lovers extend their time in this beautiful locale.

Chapelle de Notre Dame de la Serra is a lovely hilltop church with some of the best panoramas in Corsica. From the summit, travelers enjoy sweeping views of the Reginu Valley and the Bay of Calvi. The sanctuary itself only opens during scheduled religious services. However, it’s worth visiting for the vistas alone.

Located near the town of Calvi, the lofty steeple is accessible by automobile or a steep uphill hike. Allow an hour and a half to traverse the 5 km trail each way. During summer, avoid hiking in the middle of the day and pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential to tackle the rugged terrain.