Tour of Corsica's most beautiful villages
From Cap Corse to Alta Rocca, some of Corsica's most beautiful villages nestle in the maquis, on a rocky cape or on the water's edge. Immerse yourself in the intimacy of these little jewels of the island of beauty and succumb to the charm of the Corsican character.
After a visit to Bastia, Ajaccio or Calvi, the island's nuggets have some lovely surprises in store for you. In strada! (*On the road!)
Corsicatours invites you on a tour of Corsica's most beautiful villages!
Plan your customized trip now
1. To the north, Nonza, jewel of Cap Corse
Stroll through Nonza's steep streets and climb up to its paoline tower. Below, one of Corsica's most unexpected beaches awaits you. The black pebbles contrast with the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean and the sparkling green of the vegetation.
A staircase of 540 steps leads up to this fig-tree-lined bay, which has the air of the end of the world. In the village center, locals bustle around the Santa Ghjulia church, with its bright pink façade.
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- The vineyards of Patrimonio
- Gulf of Saint-Florent
- The Agriates Desert
2. Centuri, a colorful port village
Further north in Cap Corse, the charming little port and colorful houses of Centuri will have you falling in love as soon as you arrive. As you round the last bend in the road, this Corsican village comes into its own.
It's France's leading port for lobster fishing. With its nooks and crannies, tiny staircases and intimate alleyways, it's easy to stroll down to the wharves littered with fishing nets. Here, the smells of grilled fish emanating from the kitchens invite you to take a seat on a restaurant terrace.
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Château Merlacce
- Mattei mill
- Ersa chapels
3. Pigna, the pearl of Balagne
A stopover in the village of Pigna is a must if you're touring the hinterland of Calvi during your trip to the Isle of Beauty. Wander through its narrow streets and push open the doors of potters', ceramists' or painters' workshops to fully immerse yourself in local life. Passionate craftsmen and women share their ancestral know-how with you.
The vibrant voices of the locals echo between the terracotta walls of the auditorium. All year round, let yourself be lulled to sleep by Corsican polyphonic songs in this village of old-world charm.
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Calvi citadel
- Île-Rousse
- Bodri beach
4. Lama, perched medieval village of Ostriconi
Between Balagne and central Corsica, the Ostriconi region is a discreet little nugget that's full of treasures. Lama is one of them, perched in the mountains and overlooking the valley. Surrounded by scrubland, it oscillates between a medieval and a bourgeois spirit. On one side, its vaulted streets, and on the other, its Tuscan-influenced bourgeois houses, built by olive-growing families in the 18th century.
Romantics will appreciate the view over the valley from this rocky outcrop, which alone is worth the detour. To prolong this bucolic moment, you can stroll along the cobbled, flower-filled streets of Lama. Between the village's stone houses, the scent and color of hollyhocks and laurels accompany you on your stroll.
Ideas for detours near this Corsican village
- Monte Astu hike, from the heights of Lama
- The town of Corte
- Asco, at the foot of Monte Cinto
5. Visit Speloncato, clinging to the mountain
At the top of Speloncato, the view over the Reginu plain and the Mediterranean is breathtaking.
Vaulted passageways, small staircases, green and pink shutters - the setting is ideal for photo enthusiasts. Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their curiosity with the Ranfionu grotto and the Pietra tafonata (*pierced stone).
At the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun appears at the end of the day through the hole in the Pietra tafonata, allowing the sun's rays to illuminate the village square. A timeless moment in this windswept town!
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Lake Codole
- Monte Tolu
- Bocca Di in Battaglia
6. Monticello, with a touch of Italy
The tour of Corsica's most beautiful villages takes you to the peaceful village of Monticello. It's the perfect place to stop for a taste of Corsican Dolce Vita. From the Saleccia tower to the Confrérie San Carlo Borromeo chapel, Italian influences are omnipresent.
In the shade of an olive tree, near the village bar or on the church square, the sound of Corsican voices mingles with the clink of glasses. Conviviality and generosity are the order of the day, inviting you to get into the local spirit!
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Saleccia Botanical Park
- Reginu Valley
- Île-Rousse Gulf
7. South Zerubia, in the heart of tradition
Head for the south of Corsica! As you go deeper into the maquis, the Corsican hinterland reveals itself a little more intimately. Benvinuti in the Alta Rocca!
Nestled between mountains and chestnut groves, Zerubia is a charming shepherds' village, the smallest in the Alta Rocca. Along the way, you'll come across wild horses and pigs. For nature lovers, Zerubia is like paradise!
When it comes to traditions and know-how, the town has plenty to offer. Wash-houses, bread ovens, chestnut dryers... This stopover is an invitation to immerse yourself in local life!
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Caldane baths
- The Aiguilles de Bavella, one of Corsica's one of Corsica's most exceptional landscapes
- The towns of Sartène and Sorbolano
8. Zonza, a typical Alta Rocca village
Winding roads through oak and chestnut forests lead you to Zonza on the Isle of Beauty. With the Aiguilles de Bavella as a backdrop, the heart of the Alta Rocca offers numerous possibilities for nature lovers. It's an opportunity to push back your limits for a session of hiking, mountain biking, canyoning or climbing.
By the sea, immaculate beaches await you. On the mountain side, steep slopes and endless scrubland make this one of Corsica's most enchanting regions.
Detour ideas near this Corsican village
- Quenza
- Viseo racecourse
- The natural pools of the Purcaraccia canyon
Our tour ideas
Our local advisors can guide you!
What's the highest village in Corsica?
Poggio-di-Venaco, perched at an altitude of over 800 meters, lies at the heart of the Corsican mountains. Not only is this captivating village the highest on the island, it is also a living testimony to the influence of the past on its architecture and traditions. The people of Poggio-di-Venaco, proud of their heritage, maintain a way of life that reflects centuries-old customs and practices.
The village offers a journey through its narrow streets and stone buildings, inviting visitors to take a real trip back in time. Every street corner and facade tells a story, often linked to the historical events that have shaped the region. Poggio-di-Venaco is also a must-see for those seeking to discover authentic Corsica, far from the beaten tourist track.
What's the most beautiful town in Corsica?
The question of which is the most beautiful town in Corsica can elicit many answers, as the island abounds in picturesque towns and villages, each with its own unique charm. However, among those most often cited for their exceptional beauty are :
- Bonifacio - Bonifacio offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The heart of the village in the upper town is characterized by a maze of medieval alleyways surrounding the historic citadel. This elevated position gives it an eagle's nest appearance, overlooking the turquoise waters below. The Bonifacio area is also famous for its fine sandy beaches, perfect for relaxing afternoons with your feet in the water.
- Calvi - Perched like an eagle's nest on a granite peak, this town is dominated by an imposing citadel and a vibrant little fishing port, reflecting the island's maritime history. The sandy beaches around the bay are perfect for a sunny day out. The heart of the village, with its stores selling local olive oil, captivates those seeking a taste of Corsican flavors.
- Bastia - Known for its picturesque fishing port and historic buildings, Bastia is a veritable open-air museum. The town is a meeting point between past and present, where you can explore sites such as the Genoese tower while strolling along the lively quayside.
- Porto-Vecchio - Renowned for its magnificent sandy beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, Porto-Vecchio is often described as "feet in the water". The heart of this lively town, often compared to a small fishing port, comes alive particularly in the afternoon, when the café terraces fill up and the aroma of olive oil wafts through the air.
Each town offers a unique immersion in the beauty and culture of Corsica, making each visit memorable with its particular characteristics and undeniable charm. The region is rich in history, with monuments such as the Genoese towers dotting the coastal landscape.
What's the smallest town in Corsica?
Vezzani, considered Corsica's smallest town, nestles in the heart of the island, perfectly illustrating the uniqueness of small Corsican communities. An integral part of Corsica's cultural and natural heritage, the town offers an idyllic setting with its traditional stone houses and picturesque lanes winding through the village.
In the heart of Vezzani, there's a kind of timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors. The inhabitants, deeply attached to their land and traditions, contribute to the village's welcoming, authentic atmosphere. Vezzani's uniqueness also lies in its natural environment, surrounded by dense forests and mountains, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. It's a place where time seems suspended, and where history and nature coexist harmoniously.