Visit South Corsica in one week: our 10 favourites

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

1. Visit South Corsica in one week: Top 1 Ajaccio

Ajaccio is the city to discover the Corsican soul. Many people arrive directly in Ajaccio as there are many connections from France (Ajaccio airport or by ferry). Otherwise, there is also Figari airport.

Not to be missed in the city and the Gulf of Ajaccio:

• Take the time to stroll around the old town, around the citadel as far as the famous Place Foch. 
• Go and see the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, born in 1769.
• Go on a cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands
• Walk the customs officers' path, between sea and cliffs
• Enjoy a family outing to the tortoise village A Cupulatta
• Go to the Parata site by walking out to the Point
• Don't miss the Palais Fesch, Ajaccio's Fine Arts Museum with its collection of Italian paintings.

Fancy a beach? There is Saint-François beach at the foot of the old town (with a direct view of the citadel), the Trottel beach not far away or the Marinella beach on the road to the Sanguinaires. We recommend the first two if you don't have a car. 

2. The Sanguinaires Islands, a must-see site 

A few minutes from Ajaccio, set off to discover this protected natural site with its breathtaking panoramas. The Sanguinaires Islands are a total of 4 islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, a must if you come to visit South Corsica in one week. So what better than to get there by boat; you can go ashore on the main island, and even enjoy the beaches for a swim. 

N.B: If you come in high season, it is strongly advised to book in advance to avoid finding the site sold out. 

What to do on Mezzu Mare, the main island? You will find more than 150 different plant species (such as the famous sea heaths) and can observe many birds. With a little luck, you may spot a cormorant or even a peregrine falcon, so keep your eyes open!

For those who like hiking, don't hesitate to visit the island by following the Tower Path or the customs officers' path along the coastline. Allow about 2h30 for the round trip. 

A bit of history: Alphonse Daudet  refers to the Sanguinaires Islands in Lettres de mon moulin, published in 1869. 

Must-dos:

• Admire the sunset from the Pointe de la Parata or during a boat cruise
• Swim at Capo di Feno, a magnificent beach on the island.
• Take pretty walks along the coastline
• Capture your visit near the Genoese Tower

Practical info: If you want to see the Sanguinaires Islands, the best thing is to leave your car in the car park of the Parata peninsula. You can then take electric shuttles between the car park and the Point. Note also that there are no restaurants on the Sanguinaires Islands, nor any hotel.

3. Spend a day in Propriano and its surroundings

Another splendid stop on the road to the south of Corsica, Propriano and the famous Gulf of Valinco. 

Not to be missed nearby:

• The harbour and its atmosphere at the end of the day
• Make a stop to see the beaches of the Gulf of Valinco (such as the Plage d'Argent, also called Mare e Sole, or Verghia beach)
• Take a break to recharge at the Bains de Caldane (natural sulphurous hot spring at about 38°C) 
• Visit the prehistoric site of Filitosa nearby
• Go and see the Isolella peninsula 
• Go sea kayaking at Campomoro, located at the southern end of the Gulf of Propriano.

4. Bonifacio for its citadel and panoramas

It is impossible to visit South Corsica without stopping in Bonifacio. The town impresses from the moment you arrive with its citadel built on top of limestone cliffs about 70 metres high, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The fortified upper town can be visited on foot and offers a unique atmosphere, between narrow lanes and steep staircases, with sublime panoramas. Below, the natural harbour, tucked into an inlet, is ideal for a bite to eat if needed.

What to see in Bonifacio?

• Visit the citadel and its ramparts, accessible from the Genoa Gate
• Go down (or not) the King of Aragon's staircase, cut into the cliff and counting 187 steps
• See the marine cemetery, located on a rocky promontory facing the sea
• Admire the cliffs seen from the sea on a boat trip
• Take a boat trip to discover sea caves and cliffs
• In clear weather, try to spot Sardinia :)

Practical info: Bonifacio is very busy in high season. We therefore really advise you to book boat trips in advance and to favour off-peak times if you want to visit the citadel.

5. Porto-Vecchio for its incredible beaches

Porto-Vecchio is one of the most popular destinations in South Corsica. It is also a bit of a favourite of ours! A former Genoese town, it is now known for its proximity to some of the island's most beautiful beaches such as the magnificent Santa Giulia, Palombaggia or Rondinara. A must if you come to visit South Corsica in one week.

You will see, the old town, set on a hill, has kept its ramparts and offers pretty views over the gulf. The newer marina is lively in summer and is a starting point for many excursions.

Want to know more? Check out our guide What to do in Porto Vecchio with the family.

So, what to see or do in Porto-Vecchio?

• Stroll through the old town with its lively squares and marina
• Feel like you're in the Caribbean spending an afternoon lounging on one of its beaches. Real natural pools, we promise!
• Make use of the pools to cool off away from the crowds in the Cavu valley or at the Purcaraccia waterfalls, 
• Go to the Coscione plateau and its famous pozzines (pools marking the site of an ancient glacier)
• Go for a walk in the pretty Ospédale forest
• Admire the sunset while eating an ice cream at the harbour

6. Spend a day on the most beautiful beaches in the south of Corsica

South Corsica is renowned for the exceptional quality of its beaches, often cited among the most beautiful in France and Europe. Around Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, the beaches alternate between long stretches of pale sand, shallow lagoons and wilder coves, reached by small roads or paths.

These beaches concentrate much of the tourist appeal of the south of the island, while offering very different atmospheres depending on their layout and how busy they are.

Our favourite beaches in South Corsica?

• Rondinara: shell-shaped beach, surrounded by hills, much appreciated for its natural setting, but above all more intimate than its neighbour Palombaggia.
• Palombaggia: large white sand beach lined with umbrella pines, turquoise water and an open panorama over the Cerbicale islands
• Santa Giulia: vast shallow bay, often compared to a lagoon, ideal for swimming
• Cupabia: wilder, lined with maquis scrubland, with few buildings nearby

Wandersand tips: In July and August, access and parking can be limited at some beaches. It is advisable to bring water and sun protection and to check access before setting off. But above all, arrive early in summer to avoid the crowds!!

7. The Bavella Needles with their famous rocky peaks

Located inland in the Alta Rocca region, the Bavella Needles offer a spectacular contrast with the coast, far from mass tourism. This granite massif is famous for its rock wall, visible from the Col de Bavella at about 1,200 metres altitude. A circuit not to be missed if you want to visit South Corsica in one week!

What to do at the Bavella Needles or nearby?

• Admire the rocky needles visible from the road and the pass
• Go and see the laricio pine forests
• Set off to discover the Pulischellu Canyon and try canyoning
• Go on a hike to admire the sublime panoramas this region offers and observe the local fauna and flora.

Wandersand tips: The weather can change quickly at altitude, so bring water and suitable shoes + check conditions before setting off.

8. Visit Sartène, the most Corsican of Corsican towns

Located inland, Sartène is about 45 minutes from Propriano. It is often described as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns". Built on a rocky spur overlooking the Rizzanese valley, it offers a dive into a more austere, more mineral Corsica, far from the heavily visited coast.

The town is discovered slowly, along its cobbled lanes, stone staircases and granite houses packed tightly together. Sartène is above all a strong identity, marked by its history and traditions. Perfect for spending half a day there during your special road trip "Visit Corsica in one week". 

What to see in Sartène?

• Visit the historic centre with the Place de la Libération and the church of Sainte-Marie (central point of the traditional processions)
• See its magnificent amphitheatre 
• Admire the panoramas over the Rizzanese valley

A bit of history: Sartène is known for the Catenacciu, a penitential procession held every year on Good Friday, one of the most famous in Corsica.

9. Spend a day at sea, between cliffs and caves

Exploring South Corsica by boat gives access to landscapes that are inaccessible by land. On the programme, you will see limestone cliffs, sea caves, and also secluded coves reachable only by boat, notably around Bonifacio and along the south coast.

In short, all you have to do is dive your eyes into the turquoise water! The luckiest may even see dolphins :)
N.B: Excursions are in high demand in high season. It is advisable to book in advance, especially in July and August. 

10. Go to the Calanques de Piana, an exceptional natural site

UNESCO-listed, the Calanques de Piana are famous for their red granite cliffs sculpted by erosion, plunging straight into the sea. Even though they are further north-west, they are often included in a special Visit South Corsica in one week itinerary as part of a road trip.

Why go and see the Calanques de Piana?

• For the rock formations with astonishing shapes
• For the scenic road between Piana and Porto
• For its incredible play of light at the end of the day

On the way, don't miss stopping at the viewpoints to admire the landscape
Practical info for getting there: The road is narrow and very busy in summer. We advise you to go early in the morning or at the end of the day to enjoy the site fully.