Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
- Home
- Destinations
- France Corsica
Holidays to Corsica: Explore The Island of Beauty
Nicknamed ‘L’Île de Beauté’ (The Island of Beauty), Corsica is a Mediterranean paradise filled with breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches and rich history. Start your journey in Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and explore its charming streets and lively markets. Beach lovers will adore the crystal-clear waters of Palombaggia and Rondinara, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you're up for an adventure, go hiking through the Scandola Nature Reserve, with dramatic red cliffs and marine life. For a scenic road trip, drive to the famous Calanques de Piana, where rugged rock formations meet the deep blue sea.
Corsica is a fun holiday escape in France, offering relaxation and excitement. Don't forget to check out our best deals on hotels and flights to Corsica.
Corsica at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 2 hours 30 minutes
Main airport: Bastia-Poretta Airport
Population: 355,000
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
Getting to Corsica from the UK
Are you planning a getaway from the UK to Corsica? Several airlines offer direct flights to this stunning Mediterranean island. British Airways operates seasonal flights from London Heathrow to Figari-Sud Corse Airport in the south and Bastia-Poretta Airport in the north. For budget-friendly options, easyJet provides direct flights from London Gatwick to Bastia.
When you land at Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA), you are 11 miles south of Bastia's city centre. You can take a shuttle bus to the city, which takes about 35 minutes. If you land at Figari-Sud Corse Airport (FSC), you can take a taxi to Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio. While public transport options are limited in Figari-Sud Corse Airport, taxis and car rentals are available to get you to the hotels in Corsica.
When to visit Corsica
Are you looking for the best time for your Corsica travel plans? Each season has something to offer, from beach holidays to hiking adventures and cultural festivals.
In spring, Corsica is covered in wildflowers and lush greenery. The temperatures are mild, and the crowds are few, which means you can score deals for cheap flights to Corsica. It's the perfect season for hiking the GR20 trail, exploring hilltop villages like Corte and enjoying the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve without the summer rush.
Summer is peak season, and Corsica's beaches are simply irresistible. Head to Palombaggia, Rondinara or Saleccia Beach for turquoise waters and soft, white sand. You can expect hot temperatures, buzzing nightlife and cultural events like Festiventu (the Wind Festival) in Calvi. Be sure to book Corsica hotels early.
If you want warm weather without the crowds, autumn is ideal. The sea is still warm enough to swim, and you can explore Bastia's Old Town, go wine tasting in Patrimonio or drive to Calanques de Piana without the summer traffic. Winter in Corsica is peaceful, with snow in the mountains and mild weather along the coast. It's a great time to enjoy thermal spas, quiet coastal walks and the festive Christmas markets in Ajaccio and Bastia.
Fun experiences in Corsica
Hike the GR20 (Fra li Monti)
The GR20 trail is one of Europe's toughest hikes, stretching 112 miles across Corsica's rugged mountains. While the full trek takes about 15 days, you don't have to do the entire thing to experience its magic. Popular shorter sections, like the Vizzavona Forest hike, take just a few hours and offer stunning views of waterfalls and rocky peaks. If you're up for a challenge, climb to Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak. Along the way, you'll find mountain refuges serving hearty Corsican meals, so you can refuel with charcuterie, local cheese and freshly baked bread.
Relax on the beaches of Palombaggia and Rondinara
Corsica's beaches are some of the best in Europe, and Palombaggia and Rondinara are two of the most beautiful. Located near Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia Beach is famous for its white sand, clear turquoise waters and scenic pine trees. It's a nice place to swim, sunbathe or try paddleboarding along the calm shore. If you want a quieter beach, head to Rondinara, a horseshoe-shaped bay with shallow, crystal-clear waters, ideal for families and snorkellers. You'll find a few beachside cafes serving fresh seafood, so why not enjoy a plate of grilled fish while soaking up the Mediterranean vibes?
Discover the charm of Bonifacio
Bonifacio is one of the most dramatic and beautiful towns in Corsica. Its walled medieval citadel looks like it's balancing on the edge of the cliffs, offering breathtaking views over the Strait of Bonifacio. Walk through its cobbled streets and visit the King of Aragon's Staircase, a steep 187-step staircase carved into the cliffside. You can also explore the old fortress, which has defended the town for centuries. If you are feeling adventurous, take a boat tour to the Lavezzi Islands, which is perfect for snorkelling and swimming in turquoise waters.
Go wine tasting in Patrimonia
Corsica isn't just about beaches and mountains; it's also home to fantastic wines. Are you looking for the best place to sip and swirl? Patrimonio, the island's most famous wine region, is known for its bold reds, crisp whites and delicious roses. Take a wine tour at one of the many family-run vineyards, where local winemakers will happily share their passion. Some of the top wineries to visit include Domaine Orenga de Gaffory and Domaine Leccia, both offering spectacular views of rolling vineyards and the sea. If you visit in late summer, don't miss the Patrimonio Wine Festival.
FAQs about Corsica holidays
Q: What is the best month to visit Corsica?
A: The best month to visit Corsica is September. There are no summer crowds, the weather is still warm, and the sea remains perfect for swimming. It's also the ideal time for hiking, wine tasting in Patrimonio and exploring charming coastal towns without the peak-season rush.
Q: Is Corsica expensive for a holiday?
A: Corsica can be expensive, but it depends on how you travel. Luxury hotels and beachfront resorts can cost £150 to £300 per night, while budget-friendly options start around £60 to £100. Dining out varies, but you can expect to pay £30 to £50 per person at mid-range restaurants. Car rentals and activities add to costs, but visiting outside peak season can help you save money.
Q: Which part of Corsica is best to stay?
A: The best place to stay in Corsica depends on your travel style. For beaches and nightlife, Porto-Vecchio offers luxury resorts and stunning spots like Palombaggia Beach. If you love history and scenic views, Bonifacio has a dramatic clifftop old town. Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace, is great for culture and seaside charm, while Bastia offers a lively port atmosphere.
- Packing list for every type of breakPacking list for a city breakPacking list for a beach holidayPacking list for a winter holidayPacking list for a hiking trip
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalised content. To deny, .