Summary
- 1. Bonifacio
- 2. Piana
- 3. Monticello
- 4. Calvi
- 5. Lumio
- 6. zonza
- 7. Corte
- 8. Erbalunga
- 9. Saint-Florent
- 10. Nonza
- 11. Cargese
- 12. Sant'Antonino
- 13. Centuri
- 14. Évisa
Would you like to visit the Isle of Beauty and discover its most precious assets? Here is a list of the most beautiful villages of Corsica.
Corsica is a must for French Mediterranean tourism. You can discover it through its beaches and mountains but let's not forget its villages! Indeed, these, often huddled up on the mountainside, still have considerable charm. From stone walls to olive trees, the Corsican villages have managed to preserve their authenticity despite the mass urbanization of the island. Many of them are difficult to access, the mountain roads being sometimes very complicated for the unsuspecting motorist.
However, if each of these villages in Corsica is well worth a visit, we have selected some of the most beautiful. In the hollow of a valley, along a pass or with a view of the sea, set off to conquer these Corsican villages, whose quietness and warm atmosphere will seduce you immediately.
Also read :
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1. Bonifacio
The village of Bonifacio is impressive both for the beauty of the buildings and the place where they are located. Literally on the edge of a cliff, this particularity has made its fame. On good weather days, you can even glimpse Sardinia very easily, from the Market Square, for example.
Otherwise, less than 5 kilometres away (on foot or by car), discover the Capo Pertusato, next to the "Gouvernail", the southernmost point of Corsica. Then, climb the Capo, and face the winds, sometimes very unsettling, from the tip!
2. Piana
What we know best about Piana are of course the creeks. However, it is also one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica.
With its panorama on the Gulf of Porto, Piana remains nevertheless a pleasant village to visit. The white houses in its centre and the narrow streets that make it up give it a crazy charm. So take the time to linger there and relax on the terrace of one of the troquets which are there.
3. Monticello
Once an important city, Monticello is now a quiet and peaceful village where a kind of very Italian Dolce Vita reigns. Indeed, Italy has had a lot of influence in the past, having even possessed it.
Come and discover the historical monuments of Monticello, then enjoy the serenity of the place, surrounded by olive trees and not far from the botanical park of Saleccia. Just let the charm work!
4. Calvi
Calvi is one of the most famous villages of Corsica. This is due to the great notoriety of its festival "Calvi on the rocks". However, it can only be summed up by this one event. Indeed, this village has many other assets such as the architecture of its houses, its marina and its flowered quays.
The citadel that dominates it offers a magnificent view of the gulf that opens at its feet with its turquoise waters. The old town of Calvi is also very pleasant. Come and enjoy a cocktail in one of the many bars on the quays in the early evening to appreciate the whole of it!
5. Lumio
Opposite Calvi, on the other side of the gulf of the same name, and on the mountainside, is Lumio. This authentic village will delight stone lovers. The many small streets have kept their ancient charm, and can only be discovered on foot.
We advise you to visit the Wednesday market, where you can discover the wine produced in the village, from the Clos Culombu Estate. The Campanile de Lumio is also a place to see, if only for the beauty of the building.
6. Zonza
Zonza is situated at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, one of the most famous reliefs in Corsica. Very extensive, Zonza can be visited through the many hamlets that make it up. On the mountain side, you can discover Zonza, its charming houses and its view of the Aiguilles de Bavella. On the sea side, white sandy beaches await you, as well as the Genoese tower of Fautea.
A whole day is necessary to visit the whole of Zonza, but the charm immediately comes into play.
7. Corte
A university town, Corte is one of the most touristy villages in Corsica. Tucked between several mountains that form a hollow, the village of Corte has an important historical heritage, directly linked to Pasquale Paoli.
The latter had moreover chosen it as capital of the island, when it was independent, thanks to its central position on the territory. Today, this village has kept its charm of yesteryear. The citadel perched on its promontory offers a beautiful view.
8. Erbalunga
To the north of Bastia, along the coast of the Cap Corse, lies Erbalunga. This very charming fishing village is very popular with tourists, seduced by its unspoilt character.
Discover then the small fishing port, the authentic alleys which cross the village, the pebble beach and its clear water... As well as a Genoese tower dating from the 16th century, today in ruins but nevertheless classified as a Historic Monument since 1995. All in all, a small heavenly bubble only 10 kilometres from Bastia.
9. Saint-Florent
On the edge of the Cap Corse, Saint-Florent is one of the most frequented villages of Corsica. And for good reason, it is nationally renowned that its visit is one of the island's must-see places. Spread out on the coast, on the edge of the Gulf which bears its name, Saint-Florent has managed to preserve the traces of its long past.
Today, it is more of a seaside resort than a historical landmark, but the charm is still there: colourful houses, typical architecture, citadel, cobbled streets... So take the time to stop and discover all the assets of this village which is nicknamed the "Saint-Tropez of Corsica".
10. Nonza
Nonza is one of the oldest villages of Corsica, but it is included in this selection because it is also one of the most beautiful. Clinging to its rocky promontory, it overlooks the valley and the pebble beach on one side and the sea on the other.
The colours of this village are breathtaking, and the authenticity of the buildings leaves you speechless. It is a very charming place, on which time has left its marks, to our great pleasure.
11. Cargese
Cargese is the village which punctuates the Gulf of Sagone which it borders. North of Ajaccio, some 35 kilometres as the crow flies, it is a village which will delight you with the beauty of its site.
Colours, stones, greenery, Cargèse has a lot to offer you. Its very active port makes it a port town, especially in the middle and high seasons, the highlights of the year. Discover it from the lookout at Point Molendino, offering you a panoramic view.
12. Sant'Antonino
Formed in a spiral shape on top of a mountain, the village of Sant'Antonio dominates the valley that surrounds it at 360°, down to the sea. Perched 500 metres above sea level on its peak, the view is incredible and breathtaking. It is also one of the oldest villages in Corsica.
The few houses that make it up are naturally part of the landscape. Like the finish of the mountain, the village of Sant'Antonio seduces by its picturesque aspect but for all that very charming.
13. Centuri
At the tip of the Cap Corse, subject to the north winds, Centuri stands out for the tranquillity that reigns there. A charming little fishing port offers this village a singular, peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Centuri's link with the water is very strong, and diving amat-ers will be served by the density of fish in the surrounding waters.
Moreover, discover also the ruined mills and the colourful, slightly off-centre houses of Centuri. All of this gives an incredible charm to this small village of 200 inhabitants.
14. Évisa
On the border between South Corsica and Upper Corsica, Évisa stands discreetly on a mountainside. Nestling directly in the heart of a wilderness, the Aitone valley, Évisa has adopted the cultivation of chestnuts, one of the gastronomic emblems of Corsica.
The village has several authentic heritages: architectural, religious and also pastoral. A real "coup de coeur" to be visited without waiting!
