Corsica: what to do, what to see...

• Ajaccio City and Napoleon Bonaparte House Museum Wander through the charming saffron-colored streets of Ajaccio's old town and don't miss visiting Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, where he was born on August 15, 1769. Now transformed into a national museum, the Bonaparte House displays portraits of the young emperor and his family, alongside authentic 18th-century furniture and daily life artifacts.

• Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio: Corsica's Southern Jewels In southern Corsica, two unmissable destinations await: Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Bonifacio features a spectacular fortress perched dramatically above the Mediterranean Sea, with 187 steps connecting the Upper Town to the cliff base. Porto-Vecchio, another historic citadel built on pink porphyry rocks, served as protection against 16th-century Barbary pirates.

• Bastia Historic City Center Located in northeastern Corsica, Bastia's ancient center reveals a historic stronghold featuring baroque churches and oratories, Terra-Vecchia's narrow streets, charming buildings with curved facades, and the Governor's Palace housed in a 14th-century Genoese tower.

• Inzecca Gorge: Hidden Natural Wonder Just kilometers from Ghisoni, this scenic mountain road winds between green cliffs and wild rivers. Discover hidden natural swimming pools carved upstream from the lake—a perfect spot for nature lovers and hikers.

• Lavezzi Islands Archipelago: Mediterranean Paradise This archipelago of 23 pristine islands is easily accessible from Bonifacio. Experience fine sandy beaches, granite rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life (the archipelago is a protected natural reserve). Cavallo, the largest island, features exclusive private villas.

• Corsica's Best Beaches: Year-Round Beauty Corsica boasts some of Europe's most stunning beaches. In the south, Palombaggia Peninsula offers kilometers of white sand coves bordered by pine trees and emerald waters. Santa Giulia resembles a tropical lagoon nestled at the foot of verdant mountains. Other paradise beaches include Rondinara, Roccapina, St Ambroggio, and Porto Pollo.

• Balagne Region, Calvi and Île-Rousse In Upper Corsica, the Balagne region perfectly combines mountains, forests, and coastline. Explore perched hilltop villages, challenging hiking trails, Île-Rousse's fortified walls, and Calvi's impressive Genoese citadel.

• Scandola Nature Reserve and Piana Calanques On Corsica's western coast, the Scandola Marine and Terrestrial Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boat excursions from Ajaccio reveal protected coves with remarkable biodiversity. After visiting isolated Girolata village, continue to Piana's calanques—stunning red porphyry geological formations contrasting with turquoise Mediterranean waters.

• Castagniccia, Morosaglia and Corte: Cultural Heritage In northeastern Corsica, Castagniccia is a mid-mountain region filled with chestnut groves and preserved stone villages. In Morosaglia's hamlets, visit Santa Reparata church at 900 meters altitude and Saint-François convent. Corte, the historic and cultural capital, houses the Traditional Corsica Museum where you'll taste local charcuterie and chestnut-flavored cheeses.

• Cap Corse Peninsula: Corsica's Crown Jewel This northeastern peninsula perfectly balances sea and mountains, offering quintessential Corsican experiences: beautiful villages like Nonza, long beaches such as Saint-Florent and Tamarone, coastal hiking trails, and picturesque fishing ports with colorful houses like Erbalunga.

• Meditate in the Desert of Agriates: Corsica's Secret Wilderness Corsica harbors a surprising secret—a desert! West of Saint-Florent, this "Desert of Agriates" covers 15,000 hectares of wild, arid maquis shrubland bordered by magnificent fine sand beaches accessible via coastal hiking trails. Among ridges, valleys, and dunes, spot traditional shepherd houses, ancient Genoese towers, and prehistoric dolmens. This pristine area sees few tourists, with only one village: Casta.

• Conquer the Legendary GR20 Hiking Trail Every serious hiker is captivated by this legendary long-distance trail, considered among Europe's most challenging. The GR20 crosses Corsica from northwest to southeast in 16 stages, covering 200 kilometers from Calenzana to Conca. Navigate varying terrain from steep passages (reaching nearly 3,000 meters altitude) to rolling hills—always spectacular and demanding.

• Discover Corsican Immortelle: The Golden Healing Plant Corsican immortelle (Italian helichrysum) is a golden sun-colored plant covering the island's maquis. This organic essential oil effectively treats bruises and offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. Bonus: it emanates a distinctive curry-like fragrance!

• Dive into Marine Life at Cerbicales Islands Off Porto-Vecchio's coast, this protected natural reserve encompasses 6 islands where diving reveals underwater treasures. Encounter conger eels, groupers, and sea breams swimming freely in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Corsica protects its biodiversity through six marine and terrestrial reserves: Scandola, Finnocchiarola, Bigulia, Bonifacio, Cerbicales, and Suartone.

• Taste Authentic Corsican Products at Local Farmers Markets Sweet or savory, Corsican terroir products reflect the island's bold character with distinctive flavors. Indulge in honey-almond croquants, melt for sheep's cheese and fresh brucciu cheese, and savor coppa and other charcuterie featuring delicious chestnut notes.

• Experience "Calvi on the Rock" Music Festival For five days each July, this eclectic festival features electronic music alongside soul, funk, disco, and rock. Dance day and night on beaches or within the citadel—always in relaxed island style!

• Enjoy Sea Urchin Season During "Oursinade" Gatherings From December to April, sea urchins become Corsica's signature delicacy, shared in convivial gatherings. Whether at restaurants, on rocks, or beaches, savor the coral-colored flesh with fresh bread and chilled white wine. Bon appétit!

• Explore 9 Corsican Wine Appellations: A Unique Vineyard Experience Corsica boasts 30 grape varieties, with three featured in Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines: Sciaccarellu, Niellucciu, and Vermentinu. Located throughout the island's southern half (Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Sartène, Ajaccio), Cap Corse, and eastern coast from Bastia to Solenzara, these varietals produce intense red wines, fruity rosés, and floral white wines. Visit local producers for authentic wine tasting experiences.

• Relax at Caldane Thermal Baths: Natural Hot Springs Corsica is also a thermal island! Near Sartène, at the foot of Alta-Rocca massif, the ancient Caldane spring releases 37°C sulfurous water that treats skin conditions and sinus problems. Three granite pools are set outdoors in natural surroundings along Fiumicicoli river. Experience absolute wellness for 20 blissful minutes.

• Take a Corsican Island Cruise: Maritime Discovery What better way to discover Corsica than by sea? Choose from sailing yacht charters, luxury yacht cruises, or cruise ship options to access secluded coves and hidden beaches. Maritime exploration reveals Corsica's most spectacular coastal scenery and pristine natural harbors.