The most beautiful beaches

The number of beaches that can be found in Corsica is over 200! Each one is definitely worth a visit, but since you probably won't be able to visit all of them on your stay, here are some tips on the most beautiful ones.

PALOMBAGGIA BEACH is probably the most famous place among holidaymakers. The beach is located a short distance from Porto-Vecchio and stretches for over 3 km. This area is part of a nature reserve, so the water is beautifully clear, the sand is white and the majestic mountains stand out in the background.

RODNIDARA BEACH gets its name from its circular shape. It can be found between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. It is part of a protected nature reserve and perhaps for this reason it has beautiful white sand. You can sometimes find cows grazing freely a short distance from the beach.

Don't miss ROCCAPINA BEACH, which is shaped like a lion's head and thanks to its limited accessibility you can take advantage of the empty beaches. Moreover, the whole place is a nature reserve, so you'll be treated to views of beautiful pine bushes and greenery.

You'll even find a UNESCO-listed beach that at first glance you'd classify as Caribbean. This is SANTA GIULIA, which is very popular among families with children because the water is shallow in these parts. There are also many rounded stones that give the beach a different feel. Just behind the beach you will also find a freshwater lagoon where birds like to gather. LOTU BEACH is also another place that has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

SANTA MANZA, on the other hand, is not suitable for the typical holidaymaker, but rather for the more adventurous. Along the beach you will find plenty of caves to explore. Don't forget to pack your snorkelling gear. Due to the good weather conditions, you can also try windsurfing.

Near Calvi is the quiet beach of BODRI, which is perfect for relaxing and snorkelling. It is easily accessible on foot and, thanks to its short distance from Calvi, has become a very popular holiday destination for families with children.

Diving in the underwater world of corals and sunken wrecks

Each resort on the coast has its own water sports centre, offering a variety of attractions, from equipment hire to training. Activities on offer include scuba diving, snorkelling trips, surfing and kayaking.

Diving in Corsica takes advantage of the exceptional Mediterranean nature, during which you can also explore some UNESCO World Heritage sites.

THE ALCIONE – This 53 metre long cargo ship was torpedoed off Cervioni during the Second World War. The wreck lies directly on the sand at a depth of 33 metres. It is a veritable oasis for many fish and crustaceans.

THE B17 CALVI – This American bomber made an emergency landing in front of the Calvi citadel in February 1944. The wreckage lacks a tail, but the flying fortress is still impressive with its 31 meter wingspan. In the wreckage, at a depth of 27 metres, live moray eels and other rockfish. If you're lucky, you might even spot the occasional lobster.

THE MIOMO P47 – This American fighter plane landed on the water at Miomo Cemetery during World War II. It rests in a bed of seagrass at a depth of 20 meters. The wreckage is well preserved and is accessible just minutes from Bastia.

THE TORO ISLET – South of the Porto-Vecchio bay is the Toro islet, which is part of the Cerbicales Islands nature reserve. Many wild animals live around this islet, and it is not uncommon to see a large flock of barracuda. The depth varies between 5 and 25 metres.

Snorkelling and diving in the BOUCHES DE BONIFACIO International Marine Park, you will see an underwater world that will take your breath away. The protected islands of Îles Cerbicale are also beautiful.

The best places for paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is becoming an increasingly popular sport and the Corsican coastline is perfect for this activity. Here are a few places where you can enjoy paddleboarding to the full.

CAPO DI FENO is the ideal place to calm your mind on the water, especially at sunset, which is spectacular at this spot. Capo di Feno is located on the Gulf of Ajaccio.

LAC DE TOLLA, a lake in the Prunelli Valley near Ajaccio, is situated at an altitude of about 550 metres. An unusual setting for paddling in the middle of the mountains. Other water sports such as kayaking and pedal boating can also be tried on site.

The beaches in the south of Corsica are ideal for beginners, especially Piantarella, Palombaggia, Santa Ghjulia and Pinarello. They are among the most beautiful places and the water is so clear that you can even see the bottom.

Canyoning between the gorges

Corsica is the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean, so it is full of gorges, beautiful rock slides and breathtaking cliffs. Canyoning is an outdoor activity that you definitely have to try in Corsica.

LA RICHIUSA CANYON is located near Ajaccio and is considered one of the most famous canyons in all of Corsica. This canyon is suitable for beginners and overall it is a great place to explore in a beautiful mountain setting.

PULISCHELLU is not only suitable for beginners, but also for those looking for adventure. This canyon is located in the Aiguilles de Bavella mountain range in the south of Corsica. You will be blown away by the crystal clear water and the beautiful landscape.

One of the most beautiful yet unpretentious canyons in Corsica is the VERGHELLU CANYON. It is located between the towns of Venaco and Vivario in the Verghellu Valley. Here you can enjoy jumps, slides, abseiling and zip-lining.

The canyoning from BARACCI TO PROPRIANO is one of the liveliest in the region, with several drops, natural slides, rappelling, obstacles, a monkey bridge and a zip line at the end.

GRAVONA CANYON is the perfect place to learn the basics of canyoning. The route is suitable for families with children, but also for experienced individuals.

Explore the coast from a different perspective

The best way to explore the hidden corners of the island is by sea kayak. The best area is the west coast of Corsica. You can venture around the Calvi Fortress, visit beaches that are less accessible by land (meaning they'll be more deserted), explore hidden coves and other interesting places.