Corsica

Known as the “Island of Beauty,” Corsica is a stunning Mediterranean gem boasting rugged mountains, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rich blend of French and Italian cultures. This unique island captivates visitors with its dramatic coastline, charming villages, and wild, unspoiled landscapes. The historic city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, offers a lively mix of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and seaside charm. Bastia, with its vibrant port and colorful old town, provides a gateway to the island’s northern treasures. Further south, Porto-Vecchio and Calvi enchant with their beautiful beaches, medieval citadels, and vibrant nightlife. Corsica’s vast natural parks, like the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, showcase breathtaking hiking trails, deep gorges, and pristine forests, making it a paradise for outdoor lovers. The island’s rich culinary traditions, featuring chestnut specialties, wild boar, and fresh seafood, add another layer to its irresistible appeal. Whether exploring ancient history, savoring local flavors, or soaking in spectacular scenery, Corsica offers a captivating escape that feels both wild and welcoming.

Where to Stay in Corsica?

Hotels, B&Bs in Corsica

HÔTEL MARINCA

SANTATERESA

AUBERGE LUSTINCONE

GRAND HOTEL DE CALA ROSSA

HOTEL ARTEMISIA

HÔTEL LE SAINT ERASME

ROYAL PALM

HÔTEL LE SUBRINI

LES PAVILLONS DU GOLFE

HÔTEL DES NACRES

HÔTEL LA CARAVELLE

KALLISTE

HÔTEL ORIZONTE

RÉSIDENCE CASA D'ORINAJU

HÔTEL SAN DAMIANU

HOTEL MARIANA

MACCHIA E MARE

HÔTEL CYRNOS

DOMAINE DE MURTOLI

HÔTEL SAINT JOSEPH

HOTEL NAPOLEON

HÔTEL PALAZZU

CASA DEL TORRENTE

HÔTEL RESTAURANT L 'ALIVU

HOTEL KILINA

HÔTEL LA PIETRA

HÔTEL U PARADISU

RÉSIDENCE ALBA ROSSA

HOTEL RESIDENCE DE LA LAGUNE

HÔTEL RUESCO

HÔTEL MARINA DI LAVA

RÉSIDENCE FIOR DI RENA

HÔTEL U FRASCONE

RÉSIDENCE DOMAINE DE LA TESTA

HOTEL LES VOYAGEURS

HOTEL MERCURE AJACCIO CENTRE

HOTEL SPUNTA DI MARE

HÔTEL CASTELL VERDE

HÔTEL GENOVESE

AUBERGE FERAYOLA

RÉSIDENCE BELVÉDÈRE DE PALOMBAGGIA

HÔTEL L'EMPEREUR

HOTEL DUC DE PADOUE

GOLFE HOTEL

LES JARDINS DE LA MADRAGUE

HÔTEL DEMEURE LOREDANA

HÔTEL PERLA ROSSA

RÉSIDENCE LE PADRO

GRAND HÔTEL MARE E MONTI

MOTEL LES PINS

HOTEL L'ESCALE COTÉ SUD

PALM BEACH

RÉSIDENCE LE CLOS DES VENDANGES

HÔTEL CARRÉ NOIR

HÔTEL LE SAINT-JEAN

LE BON ACCUEIL

BEST WESTERN PREMIER DOLCE VITA

HOTEL LE ROCHER

HOTEL LE BELVEDERE

HÔTEL DU PONT DE L'OSO

ACQUA LINDA

HÔTEL OSTELLA

SAN PIERU

RÉSIDENCE CHIAR DI LUNA

HOTEL CASTEL VECCHIO

HÔTEL DE PORTICCIO

RÉSIDENCE LES CALANQUES

HÔTEL FESCH

VILLAGE DE VACANCES PAESE DI LAVA

HÔTEL LE MAQUIS

HOTEL BRISE DE MER

HÔTEL ALIVI

HÔTEL BALANÉA

LE GRAND HOTEL

HOTEL MARE E MONTI

REGINA HÔTEL

HÔTEL CASE LATINE

HOTEL PUNTA E MARE

LES JARDINS DE LA GLACIÈRE

RÉSIDENCE BLUE MARINE

LA FLORENTINE

HÔTEL LA PLAGE CASADELMAR

MOTEL TA KLADIA

RÉSIDENCE DE TOURISME PAVIDDONU

HÔTEL CINQUE ARCATE

HOTEL MARENGO

LE CALIFORNIA MOTEL

HÔTEL CALA DI L'ORU

HÔTEL L'ESCALE CÔTÉ PORT

HÔTEL LES GALETS

HOTEL RESTAURANT DE LA PLAGE ""LES ARCADES""

LES VILLAS DE BELGODÈRE

HÔTEL L'ONDA

HÔTEL IBIS BUDGET

HÔTEL LE ROI THÉODORE

HÔTEL LE FLORIDA

AUBERGE LES OLIVIERS

HOTEL LE SAINT JEAN

SAN PELLEGRINO

HÔTEL CASTEL D'ORCINO

LE DAUPHIN

HÔTEL EDEN PARK

HÔTEL FUNTANA MARINA

HÔTEL MONDOLONI

HOTEL SOLEMARE

HÔTEL RESTAURANT DE LA TERRASSE

RÉSIDENCE U CANTU DI I CARDELLINI

HÔTEL LE SCANDOLA

E CASELLE VILLAS HÔTELIÈRES

HOTEL AÏTONE

HÔTEL LE MARIOSA

HÔTEL BEAU RIVAGE

HÔTEL LA SANTA

U PATRIARCU

RÉSIDENCE CALA BIANCA

HÔTEL PINETO

HÔTEL MARINA CORSICA

HOTEL ALIVI

DOMAINE SAINT PIERRE

HOTEL A MADONETTA

CASADELMAR

HOTEL STELLA MARE

MARINA D'ORU

HÔTEL LES ROCHES ROUGES

HÔTEL THALASSA HELIOS

VALINCO VILLAGE

HÔTEL LE TILBURY

HÔTEL RESTAURANT COLOMBA

HÔTEL U RICORDU

HÔTEL DE LA PAIX

RÉSIDENCE HELIOS

HÔTEL DU GOLFE

LODGE DE CHARME A CHEDA

MOTEL LE VIEUX MOULIN

HÔTEL REVELLATA

HÔTEL SUN BEACH

HÔTEL DES ROCHES

HÔTEL CALA DI GRECO

HÔTEL CASA VECCHIA

STELLA MARINA

HÔTEL DEMEURE LES MOUETTES

LES HAUTS DE SANTA GIULIA

HOTEL RESTAURANT U LIBECCIU

U CAPU BIANCU

HOTEL CALA DI SOLE

HÔTEL CYRNEA

RÉSIDENCE LECCI E MURTA

LA DIMORA

HOTEL MADAME MERE

HÔTEL IDÉAL

DOMAINE DE RIVA BELLA

HOTEL CAMPO DELL'ORO

UPALAZZU SERENU

LE REFUGE OREZZA

HÔTEL DEMEURE CASTEL BRANDO

CORS'HÔTEL

RÉSIDENCE LES VOILES BLANCHES

HOTEL LA PINEDE

ISOLA HÔTEL

HÔTEL L'ESCALE PLAGE

RÉSIDENCE TRAMARICCIA

SOLE E MONTI

RÉSIDENCE MARE E SOLE

HÔTEL ISULA ROSSA

HÔTEL DU ROY D'ARAGON

HÔTEL A TRAMA

HÔTEL LILIUM MARIS

HÔTEL SPA LA MADRAGUE

HÔTEL PIETRACAP

ADONIS SAINT FLORENT CITADELLE RESORT

HÔTEL MOBY DICK

HOTEL MARIA STELLA

RESIDENCE ARIA MARINA

RÉSIDENCE DE TOURISME A-NUCIOLA

MAORA VILLAGE

HÔTEL DE LA PLAGE SANTA VITTORIA

LES VILLAS

HÔTEL CAS'ANNA LIDIA

HÔTEL LA ROYA

HOTEL LE PINARELLO

HÔTEL DAVIA

HÔTEL PALAZZU PIGNA

RÉSIDENCE MARE E MONTE

RESIDENCE SANTA GIULIA PALACE

HÔTEL SOFITEL GOLFE D'AJACCIO

HÔTEL LES EUCALYPTUS

HOTEL PASCAL PAOLI

HÔTEL BARTACCIA

RÉSIDENCE SANTA MONICA

HOTEL SHEGARA

MARINA D'ORO

HOTEL SAINT CHRISTOPHE

HÔTEL L'AMIRAL

HÔTEL DU TOURISME

BEST WESTERN HOTEL SANTA MARIA

HÔTEL CLAIR DE LUNE

HOTEL A CASA DI MARIA CICILIA

PAESE SERENU

CHEZ CHARLES

RÉSIDENCE BENISTA

HÔTEL ACQUAVIVA

HÔTEL LA VILLA

HÔTEL LE LIDO

HÔTEL ABBAYE

HÔTEL A RENA D'ORU

BEST WESTERN HOTEL ALCYON

HÔTEL MAQUIS ET MER

HÔTEL ALBION

PERLA DI MARE

HÔTEL COSTA VERDE

HÔTEL LE NARVAL

LE VILLAGES DES ISLES

HÔTEL THALASSA

A PIATTATELLA

HOTEL DU GOLFE

HÔTEL LE CORSICA

HOTEL COSTA SALINA

RESIDENCE U VENIQUI

HÔTEL POSTA VECCHIA

SPLENDID HÔTEL

SAMPIERO CORSO

HÔTEL BONAPARTE

MOTEL SAINT MICHEL

HÔTEL SERENADA

RÉSIDENCE MAQUIS BELLA VISTA

RÉSIDENCE FUNTANA MARINA

RÉSIDENCE SAN MARTINU

HÔTEL NAPOLÉON

HÔTEL LES LENTISQUES

HÔTEL LE TOURISME

SUD HÔTEL

RÉSIDENCE LES HAMEAUX DE CAPRA SCORSA

HÔTEL SANTA MARIA

RÉSIDENCE DOMAINE DE CARANELLA

HÔTEL CAPO ROSSO

HÔTEL LE KALLISTE

LES OLIVIERS

LIBERATA

HÔTEL LE MAGNOLIA

CALVI HÔTEL

HÔTEL OSTERIA A STALLA SISCHESE

HÔTEL SCOPA-ROSSA

HOTEL E CASELLE

LA CARAVELLE

RESIDENCE U PIRELLU

HÔTEL PORETTA

HÔTEL DON CESAR

HÔTEL IMPERIAL

HOTEL KALLISTE

HÔTEL ARMONIA

HÔTEL LA SIGNORIA

DOMAINE DE LICETTO

Bastia

Historic port city with a mix of Italian and French influences, known for its citadel, vibrant old town, and beautiful waterfront. It's a cultural hub with numerous festivals and events.Historic port city with a mix of Italian and French influences, known for its citadel, vibrant old town, and beautiful waterfront. It's a cultural hub with numerous festivals and events.

Calvi, Haute-Corse

Famous for its stunning citadel, beautiful beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Calvi is a popular tourist destination with a lively atmosphere and rich history.Famous for its stunning citadel, beautiful beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Calvi is a popular tourist destination with a lively atmosphere and rich history.

Corte, Haute-Corse

Located in the heart of Corsica, known for its rugged mountains and historic university. Corte is a great base for hiking and exploring the natural parks of the island.Located in the heart of Corsica, known for its rugged mountains and historic university. Corte is a great base for hiking and exploring the natural parks of the island.

Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud

Perched on limestone cliffs, Bonifacio is famous for its dramatic views, historic architecture, and proximity to beautiful beaches. The old town is a must-visit for its charm and history.Perched on limestone cliffs, Bonifacio is famous for its dramatic views, historic architecture, and proximity to beautiful beaches. The old town is a must-visit for its charm and history.

Porto-Vecchio

Renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, this town is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. The nearby cliffs and natural landscapes are breathtaking.Renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, this town is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. The nearby cliffs and natural landscapes are breathtaking.

Filitosa

An archaeological site featuring prehistoric stone sculptures and megaliths. It offers insight into Corsica's ancient history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.An archaeological site featuring prehistoric stone sculptures and megaliths. Filitosa is significant for its historical importance and offers insights into Corsica's ancient civilizations.

Cap Corse

A scenic peninsula known for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and hiking trails. It's a great spot for outdoor activities and enjoying local cuisine.A scenic peninsula known for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and hiking trails. It's a great spot for outdoor activities and enjoying local cuisine.

Scandola Nature Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning coastal cliffs, rich biodiversity, and unique geological formations. It's a paradise for nature lovers and offers boat tours for exploration.A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning coastal cliffs, rich biodiversity, and unique geological formations. It's a paradise for nature lovers and offers boat tours for exploration.

Ajaccio's Fesch Museum, Ajaccio

Home to a vast collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, this museum is significant for art lovers and showcases Corsica's cultural heritage.Home to a vast collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, this museum is significant for art lovers and showcases

Things to see or do in Corsica

Ajaccio

Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and a rich history. The city offers stunning coastal views and is a gateway to explore Corsica's natural beauty.Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and a rich history. The city offers stunning coastal views and is a gateway to explore Corsica's natural beauty.

Ajaccio Market, Ajaccio

A bustling market offering local produce, cheeses, and crafts. The Ajaccio Market is a cultural hub where visitors can experience Corsican flavors and meet local artisans.A bustling market offering local produce

Musée Pascal Paoli - Museu Pasquale Paoli

The Musée Pasquale Paoli is a compelling small museum offering authentic insight into the life, ideals, and legacy of U Babbu di a Patria. Whether you're walking through his birthplace, exploring the political artefacts of Corsican self-rule, or visiting the chapel that houses his repatriated remains—the museum provides a personal, enlightening experience. 🏛️ What You’re Seeing Exterior of the Paoli family house in Stretta (Morosaglia)—this preserved 18th-century home, with its traditional slate roof and chestnut floors, now welcomes visitors as a museum. Interior exhibition room featuring portraits, interactive screens, and historic artefacts that narrate Paoli’s story. Collection displays including personal items—furniture, weapons like rifles and revolvers, rare coins (“soldi”), and original documents such as the 1755 Corsican Constitution. Funeral chapel adjacent to the exhibition room, which holds Paoli’s ashes repatriated from London, along with the original tombstone plaque from St. Pancras.

Prehistoric station Filitosa

Filitosa is one of Europe’s most extraordinary open‑air museums of prehistory, where visitors can walk among monumental carved menhirs and ancient ruins. From the Neolithic to Bronze Age civilizations, the site reveals a long human presence marked by artistic and architectural achievement. Sculpted warrior‑statues, fortified structures, and a thoughtful new museum bring to life Corsica’s deep past in a beautifully preserved natural setting.

Les Aiguilles de Bavella - I Forchi di Bavedda

The Aiguilles de Bavella are one of Corsica's most dramatic natural landmarks: a sculptural granite skyline set above a mountain pass, rich with hiking options, geological intrigue, and alpine vistas. Whether you're walking a gentle trail at the col or ascending through the alpine variant of the GR20, these needles offer an unforgettable mountain experience set against the wild backdrop of Corsican wilderness. 🏔️ What You’re Seeing Jagged granite pinnacles rising sharply above the Col de Bavella, their colours shifting from ochre to golden hues with changing light A sweeping vista where forested slopes merge into vertical rock walls, often capped with twisted laricio pines shaped by the wind . Close views of the famous “towers of Asinau,” numbered pillars that form the seven main needles of the massif Panoramic views from the Col de Bavella (1218 m), with the jagged skyline and even glimpses of the sea or Monte Incudine on clear days 📍 Overview Location & Geology The Aiguilles de Bavella form part of the Massif de Bavella, connecting the Alta Rocca to Corsica’s eastern shoreline. The col sits at 1,218 m, while the needles rise up to 1,855 m (Punta Alta) These 7 granite pinnacles—named Punta di l’Acellu, di l’Ariettu, di a Vacca, di u Pargulu, Longa, Alta and Iolla—are sculpted by intense erosion and tectonics, creating dramatic tafoni caves and sharp profiles Hiking & Trails The GR20 long-distance trail passes near the needles via the Refuge d’Asinau (~1,536 m), with an optional alpine variant that allows hikers to approach the higher towers via Bocca di u Pargulu (~1,662 m) From the Col de Bavella itself, there are several well-marked loops and scenic routes—such as the “Trou de la Bombe” and Purcaraccia waterfalls—ranging from 2 to 5 km, suitable for moderate to strenuous hiking (900 m elevation gain for longer circuits) Visitor Tips Access the site via Quenza (Alta Rocca) or Solenzara, then drive up the D268 road to the col—~2 h from Ajaccio, ~1 h from Porto‑Vecchio, ~30 min from Solenzara Parking is available at the col; arrive early in summer to avoid crowds and potential passing delays on narrow mountain roads . Ideal visiting times are early morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the granite’s colour and hikes feel more comfortable in cooler temperatures . Nature & Wildlife The rocky, wind-swept slopes and high valleys host unique wildlife such as Corsican mouflon, bearded vultures, and the endemic Corsican nuthatch and finch .

Plage de Saleccia

Plage de Saleccia is a pristine, white-sand beach located in the Désert des Agriates, a protected area in northern Corsica. Renowned for its turquoise waters and natural beauty, it's often considered one of the island's most beautiful beaches. 🏖️ Beach Highlights Length: Approximately 1.2 kilometers of fine, white sand. Water: Crystal-clear and shallow, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Setting: Surrounded by a dense maquis (Mediterranean shrubland) and pine trees, providing a natural and serene environment. Facilities: Minimal infrastructure to preserve its wild charm; no restaurants or sunbeds directly on the beach. 🚗 Access Options Due to its remote location, reaching Saleccia requires some planning: By 4x4 or Quad: From the village of Casta, a 12 km unpaved track leads to the beach. It's advisable to use a 4x4 vehicle or quad for this route. The journey takes about 30–45 minutes, and there's a €10 parking fee near the beach. By Boat: Regular shuttle boats operate from the port of Saint-Florent, especially during the summer months. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, with round-trip fares ranging from €25 to €35 for adults, depending on the season . On Foot: For avid hikers, a 15 km coastal trail from Saint-Florent offers stunning views and a rewarding experience. The hike takes approximately 4 hours one way .

Gorges de la Spelunca

The Gorges de la Spelunca (also known as Gorges de Spelunca) is a stunning natural canyon located in southern Corsica, nestled between the villages of Ota and Évisa. This dramatic gorge stretches approximately 2 kilometers and is carved by the Tavulella River, which converges with the Aïtone and Onca rivers. The result is a breathtaking landscape of towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. 🥾 Hiking Trails One of the most popular ways to explore the Gorges de la Spelunca is by hiking the Tra Mare e Monti trail. This historic mule track begins in Évisa at an altitude of 850 meters and descends through a shaded forest of chestnut and holm oak trees. Along the way, hikers can learn about the local flora and fauna, the construction of muleteer yards, and the building of Genoese bridges through informative signs. The trail culminates at the double bridge, where it connects with the road leading to Ota. This easy walk offers cultural insights and opportunities for a picnic and a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the river. 🌉 Genoese Bridges The gorge is home to two remarkable Genoese bridges: Pont de Zaglia: Built in 1797 by Genoese mason Antonio Bensa, this bridge was constructed to facilitate movement for transhumant herders and residents facing land crises. Its impressive single-arch design is a testament to Genoese engineering. The bridge was classified as a historical monument in 1990. Wikipedia Pont de Pianella: Located downstream where the Tavulella River merges with the Lonca stream, this 18th-century bridge is also classified as a historical monument. 🌿 Flora and Fauna The Gorges de la Spelunca boasts a rich ecosystem: Flora: The area is home to wild pear trees, Laricio pines, holm oaks, and arbutus trees, which provide shelter and sustenance for the local wildlife. Fauna: Visitors may encounter species such as the Corsican nuthatch, green and yellow whip snake, wall lizard, and the Corsican salamander. 📍 Access and Recommendations Location: The Gorges de la Spelunca are situated between the villages of Ota and Évisa in southern Corsica. Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Safety Tips: Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return time. Avoid hiking alone, stay on marked trails, and be cautious of sudden weather changes that can lead to swift water rises.

Castellu di Cuccuruzzu

The Castellu di Cucuruzzu is an iconic casteddu (fortified village) attributed to the Torrean culture of Bronze Age Corsica (~1800–400 BC) Nestled at about 700 m elevation on a rugged granite outcrop dominating the northern slope of the Levie plateau, the settlement incorporates natural boulders into its defenses. The primary feature is the Torra, a circular tower approximately 8 m in diameter and 4–5 m tall. Its upper floor and vaulted interior remain an exceptional architectural relic in Corsica. At the entrance, massive granite blocks form a chicane leading into the complex, including internal chambers (diverticules labeled C1–C3) likely used for storage and food reserves. Excavations conducted from the 1960s into the 1990s uncovered ceramics, stone tools, bronze fragments, and evidence of agricultural and pastoral life in the adjacent village terraces. These artifacts are now in the Museum of Alta Rocca in Levie. The fortified village is recognized as a Monument Historique (designated in 1982) and underwent restoration and visitor infrastructure upgrades in 2016–2017. A 3 km circular trail through Mediterranean forest links Cucuruzzu with the neighboring medieval Castellu di Capula, with a recommended visit time of ~2 hours. Suitable footwear and water are strongly advised. 

Plateau de Cauria

The Plateau de Cauria is a compact but powerful journey into Corsica’s prehistoric past—where carved menhirs stand guard in open fields, a sacred dolmen crowns a hill, and subtle alignments hint at shifting belief systems over millennia. A fascinating fusion of history, landscape, and mystery—perfect for a reflective walk in southern Corsica’s quieter corners. 📍 Visual Highlights I Stantari alignment: The best-known grouping of standing stones—eleven monoliths arranged in two parallel rows, five of which are carved as anthropomorphic statues showcasing faces, swords, belts, and limbs. Renaghju alignment: A more scattered meadow of roughly 50–180 menhirs—some upright, others lying down—set amid a grove of kermès oaks. These stones are generally smaller and less sculpted than those at I Stantari. Dolmen de Fontanaccia: A strikingly well-preserved corridor tomb atop a natural knoll, consisting of six upright slabs supporting a massive horizontal capstone weighing over 15 tonnes. It is referred to locally as “Stazzona di u Diavulu” (Devil’s forge). Location & layout: The plateau is located about 10–14 km south of Sartène. There’s a small car park and a roughly 1 km walking loop connecting the three main sites: I Stantari → Renaghju → Fontanaccia. Total hiking time: ~1–2 hours.

Museo archeologico di Aleria

The Musée Jérôme-Carcopino is a hidden gem of Corsica, ideal for history enthusiasts. It provides a window into the island’s complex past—from prehistoric roots to Greek, Etruscan, Carthaginian, and Roman dominions—all housed in an atmospheric fort. Plan about 1–2 hours for a combined visit to the museum and the neighboring archaeological site. 📚 About the Museum Named after historian Jérôme Carcopino, it was established in 1978 within the Genoese-built Fort de Matra, whose origins date from the 14th–16th centuries. The museum presents fifteen centuries of Corsican history, from the Neolithic era through Greek, Etruscan, Carthaginian, and Roman periods, up to the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. 🏛️ What You See in the Images Interior galleries displaying archaeological ceramics, bronze artifacts, and daily-life objects unearthed from the ancient site of Aleria. Zoomorphic rhytons—decorative vessels shaped like animals (dog, mule, horse)—highlights of the collection. Wikipedia Exterior view of the Fort de Matra, which houses the museum and overlooks the surrounding plains and vineyards.

Isole di Lavezzi

The Lavezzi Islands (Îles Lavezzi) are a stunning archipelago located off the southern tip of Corsica, near the town of Bonifacio. Comprising several granite islands and islets, they are renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations, and rich biodiversity. 🌿 Nature & Ecology Designated as a nature reserve in 1982 and part of the larger Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve, the Lavezzi Islands are home to a unique ecosystem. The islands support over 1,000 animal species, including endemic birds like the Audouin's gull and the Cory's shearwater. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. 🏝️ Visiting the Islands Access: The islands are accessible only by boat. Regular shuttle services operate from Bonifacio, with departures approximately every 30 minutes during the summer months. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Le Collectionist Magazine Island Lavezzu: The largest and most visited island, Lavezzu offers walking trails, pristine beaches, and the historic Lavezzi Lighthouse, built in 1874. Visitors can explore the island's unique granite formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding sea. Island Cavallo: The only inhabited island in the archipelago, Cavallo is a private estate with limited access. It is known for its luxury accommodations and is often referred to as the "billionaires' island." Corsicamore Regulations: As a protected area, the Lavezzi Islands have strict regulations to preserve their natural beauty. Visitors are required to stay on marked trails, refrain from disturbing wildlife, and avoid anchoring in seagrass beds.

Fesch Museum

🏛️ About Palais Fesch – Musée des Beaux‑Arts Founded in 1852 by Cardinal Joseph Fesch, Napoleon I’s uncle, who bequeathed around 843 paintings from his extensive personal collection (over 17,000 works) to Ajaccio. Located at 50‑52 rue Cardinal Fesch, within a 19th-century palace with a chapel built between 1857–59, now housing the tombs of Letizia Bonaparte and the Cardinal himself. 🎨 Collections on Display Italian paintings (14th–18th centuries): One of the largest collections in France after the Louvre, featuring works by Botticelli, Titian, Bellini, Poussin, and others Napoleonic department: Portraits, sculptures and memorabilia of the Bonaparte family—ranging from grand portraits to uniforms, medals, and intimate objets d’art. Corsican paintings: A dedicated gallery since the museum's 2010 renovation, showcasing local and regional artists such as Lucien Peri and Charles‑Léon Cannicioni.

Archipel des Sanguinaires

The Archipel des Sanguinaires is a stunning group of islands located at the northwest entrance of the Gulf of Ajaccio in Corsica. It consists of four islands: Mezu Mare (also known as Grande Sanguinaire), Isolotto, Cala d’Alga, and Porri. The name "Sanguinaires" likely refers to the deep red hues the rocks take on at sunset or the blood-red flowers that bloom in autumn. Highlights: Mezu Mare (Grande Sanguinaire): The largest island, featuring a historic Genoese fort and a 19th-century sailors’ lazaretto. It’s also home to the Phare des Sanguinaires, one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean. Isolotto: Known as the island of the cormorants, serving as a sanctuary for seabirds. Cala d’Alga and Porri: Smaller, uninhabited islets that complete the archipelago. Pointe de la Parata: A nearby coastal point on the mainland offering panoramic views of the islands, a Genoese tower, and scenic hiking trails like the Sentier des Douaniers. Access: By boat: Daily boat tours depart from Ajaccio or Porticcio, offering swimming stops and local tastings. By foot: The coastal trail Sentier des Douaniers connects Pointe de la Parata with Capo di Feno, perfect for hikers. Nature and Conservation: The archipelago is a protected Natura 2000 site due to its rich biodiversity. Over 150 plant species grow on Mezu Mare, including rare ones like the flycatcher plant. The islands also serve as breeding grounds for seabirds such as the Mediterranean gull and the storm petrel.

San Ciprianu

The Torra di San Ciprianu is a historic Genoese coastal defense tower located in the commune of Lecci, in southern Corsica. Constructed between 1589 and 1591, it was part of a series of towers built by the Republic of Genoa to protect the island from Barbary pirate attacks. Unlike most Genoese towers, which are circular, the San Ciprianu tower is square in design, making it unique among its counterparts. The tower stands at an elevation of 57 meters and once guarded the entrance to the port of Porto-Vecchio Today, the Torra di San Ciprianu lies in ruins but remains a protected monument, having been listed as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture in 1995 . It is situated near the beautiful Bay of San Ciprianu, known for its white sandy beach and turquoise waters, making it a picturesque spot for visitors interested in history and natural beauty . The tower is located approximately 7 km from Lecci, accessible via the D468 road. While the site is privately owned, it can be viewed from the surrounding area, offering a glimpse into Corsica's rich historical heritage.

Réserve Naturelle de l'Étang de Biguglia

The Étang de Biguglia is Corsica's largest lagoon, covering 1,790 hectares with 1,450 hectares of water. Located near Bastia, it spans four communes: Furiani, Lucciana, Borgo, and Biguglia. This shallow lagoon, with an average depth of 1.5 meters, is a vital ecological site, recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1991 . 🦆 Biodiversity & Wildlife The lagoon is a sanctuary for over 250 bird species, including flamingos, herons, and the rare white-headed duck, which has been reintroduced since 2001 . It also hosts various reptiles like the European pond turtle and amphibians such as the Sardinian painted frog. The aquatic vegetation includes seagrasses like Zostera and Ruppia, supporting a rich ecosystem . zones-humides.org 🏞️ Activities & Access Eco-Museum: The Fortin Eco-Museum offers educational exhibits on local wildlife, fishing traditions, and wetland ecology. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–5 PM. Entry is €2 for self-guided tours and €4 for guided tours (June–September) . Discovery Trails: The "Tombulu Biancu" trail is a 3 km loop along the eastern shore, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks . Fishing: Traditional fishing is practiced, yielding approximately 100 tonnes of fish annually, including mullet and eels. Fishing is regulated and requires a valid permit . Prohibited Activities: Swimming, motorized boating, camping, and open fires are strictly prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem .