We spent 5 days exploring southern Corsica…and it surprised us in the best way. A little French, a little Italian, and full of wildly different landscapes that changed every hour. This wasn’t a “check the box” trip. It was about wandering the island, surprising cliffs, coastlines, and discovering Corsica one corner at a time.
Why Corsica Feels Like Two Countries at Once
Corsica may be part of France, but you can’t miss its Italian roots. The street names, architecture, cuisine, and even the rhythm of life all hint at the island’s complex history.
Napoleon was born here (yep, that Napoleon), and while it’s been French for centuries, the island still carries that blended identity — French style and wine culture, with Italian food, espresso, and warmth folded into daily life.
It’s also not overly touristed, at least outside of the high-season beach clubs. We barely encountered any Americans — mostly French visitors, a few Italian families, and locals. The whole vibe felt untouched in the best way.
Where to Stay
If we were planning this trip again, we’d probably stay in Bonifacio. You can easily walk to restaurants, shops, boat tours, and the marina, which makes day-to-day exploring super simple (especially if you don’t want to rely on the car for every outing).
That said, we stayed in Sotta, a tiny inland village about 15 minutes from both Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio — and we really loved the privacy and quiet. Our Airbnb had a private pool, two bedrooms (great for two couples or a family), and was really peaceful. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to silence and coffee by the pool — not beach clubs and scooters.
There’s not much in Sotta (which is honestly part of the charm), but we did love:
- Sucré Salé Bakery – A small, local gem. Everything is made fresh that morning and sells out fast. Easily some of the best pastries of the trip.
- A few surprisingly great pizza spots, thanks to Corsica’s Italian heritage.
So: if you want walkable access to Bonifacio’s restaurants, shopping, and boat tours, stay in town.
If you’re after quiet mornings and a little more privacy, Sotta is a great alternative.
Towns to Visit in Southern Corsica
Bonifacio
Perched on limestone cliffs above the sea, Bonifacio is hands-down the most jaw-dropping town we visited.
- The Marina is bustling, full of restaurants, gelato shops, and boutiques
- The Citadel is the historic old town above — climb up for panoramic views and old stone streets
- Great for boat tours, seafood lunches, and exploring on foot
- More touristy than other places, but still has tons of charm
Porto Vecchio
Chic, lively, and full of shops — this is where you go for a relaxed afternoon of wandering, shopping, and aperitifs.
- Feels a bit like a small coastal Provence town
- Excellent wine shops and boutiques
- A little more polished than Bonifacio, but less visually dramatic
Solenzara
A laid-back beach town with mountain views and a quiet harbor vibe.
- Known for beaches and river swimming
- The gateway to the Bavella mountains, making it a great launch point for hiking
- Not a must-stay, but a lovely stop for a beach day or coffee break
Where to Eat
- Bar Plage (Tarco) – Great pizza and pasta steps from the sand. Book ahead if you want a prime shaded seat.
- La Bohème (Bonifacio) – Beachside dining with your feet in the sand. Grilled fish and clam pasta were standouts.
- L’a Cheda (Bonifacio) – One of our favorite meals. Hidden garden vibes, a tasting menu, and intimate atmosphere.
- Les Bergeries de Palombaggia – Romantic views and upscale dining, but pricey and there are dozens of bees when any fish or meat comes.
- U Santa Marina – Beautiful setting and once held a Michelin star. Food was just okay for the price, but we’d try their more casual beachside spot next time.
- Del Ferro (Bonifacio marina) – Excellent lunch stop. Steak frites & octopus were on point & fun to watch the boats pass by.
- Sucré Salé (Sotta) – Incredible little bakery. Go early — they sell what they make that morning, and it’s all good.
Top Things To Do
🚤 Take a Boat Tour from Bonifacio
If there’s one thing we’d recommend adding to your Corsica list, it’s seeing Bonifacio from the water. Cruising beneath the towering limestone cliffs, with the old town perched dramatically on top, gives you a whole new perspective — it’s jaw-dropping in the best way. We booked the Bonifacio: Lavezzi Islands and Caves Guided Tour, and it was a wild (and very fun) ride. You sit straddle-style on the boat and hang on tight — not exactly a gentle cruise, but definitely a memorable one.
If you’re looking for something slower and more relaxing, the Bonifacio: Catamaran Trip with Snorkeling at the Lavezzi Islands is a smoother, scenic option. No water rodeo vibes — just ocean breeze, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back way to take in the coastline.
🏖 Hit the Beaches
- Palombaggia
Corsica’s most famous beach for good reason: soft white sand, shockingly blue water, and pine trees lining the shore like a beachy postcard. Busy in peak season, but still feels unspoiled.
Pro tip: park in the paid lot early and bring cash for the beach clubs or snack stands. - Plage de Tarco
A quieter beach with more of a local feel — clear, calm water and two casual cafés right on the sand. Ideal for a chill afternoon with no fuss. - Plage de Campomoro
Gorgeous cove with shallow water and a natural, untamed vibe. It gets windy, and parking is limited, so arrive early.
Don’t miss the 15-minute hike to the Genoese fortress — views are worth it, but check the hours (it closes for lunch, classic Corsica). - Roccapina Beach
Tucked between cliffs and known for its rock formation that looks like a lion. The water here is glassy and warm, and the beach is wide and clean.
You’ll need to drive down a rough dirt road to get there — but if you’re up for it, the payoff is huge. - Santa Giulia Beach
Super calm and shallow — great for kids or floating with a cocktail. There’s a beach club here if you want loungers and service, or bring your own towel and snacks.
🍷 Wine Tasting in Corsica
- Domaine Zuria (Bonifacio)
Beautiful modern winery just outside Bonifacio. €14 tasting gets you four pours and a stunning view over the vineyards. Best part? That fee is credited if you buy a bottle (which you’ll definitely want to do). Casual, friendly, and zero pretense. - Clos Canarelli (Figari)
One of Corsica’s most celebrated wineries. Known for organic and biodynamic wines that really reflect the island’s terroir. Tastings are a little more structured, and you may need a reservation, but the wines are next level. - Domaine de Torraccia (near Porto Vecchio)
A Corsican classic with a reputation for quality. The tasting room is rustic and welcoming, and you can also walk the vineyard grounds. Great place to try niellucciu, Corsica’s signature red grape. - Domaine Vico (near Corte, central Corsica)
If you’re venturing inland, this estate is worth the drive. One of the oldest on the island, with wines that are complex and very reasonably priced. Gorgeous mountain views from the tasting terrace.
🥾 Hiking in Corsica
- Aiguilles de Bavella
These jagged, cathedral-like peaks are Corsica’s most famous mountain range — and you’ll see why as soon as you get close.
The trails here range from casual forest loops to full-on scrambles and ridge hikes.- Trou de la Bombe is one of the more accessible routes (~2-hour round trip), leading to a natural rock “window.”
- GR20 also runs through here — one of Europe’s most legendary (and toughest) long-distance trails.
- Capo di Feno Trail (near Ajaccio)
A coastal trail with jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and open sea. Easy to moderate hike, depending how far you go. Ends at a beautiful beach that’s never too crowded. - Sentier du Littoral (Bonifacio)
A scenic coastal walk along Bonifacio’s cliffs — not a strenuous hike, but it gives you postcard views over the turquoise sea and the famous limestone stacks. Great at golden hour. - Cascade de Piscia di Gallo (near Ospedale)
A short but steep hike to a dramatic waterfall. Rocky in places, so wear good shoes. The drive there through the forest is beautiful, too.
Corsica doesn’t shout for your attention — it just quietly keeps impressing you. Beaches, mountains, bakeries, and no big crowds? We’re already talking about going back. Whether you’re here to hike, sip wine, or nap on a beach (ideally all three), this island delivers.
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