Things to do — Corsica

The south of Corsica is the most visited. Bonifacio is one of the iconic sites: medieval upper town perched on white limestone cliffs 70 m above the turquoise sea. Visit the citadel (Genoa gate, Standard bastion), the Saint-Antoine necropolis, the King of Aragon's Staircase (187 steps cut into the cliff, sea access). Boat trip to the sea caves (Sdragonatu cave, Madonetta island). At the Lavezzi Islands (nature reserve, 1h boat access from Bonifacio), deserted beaches and crystal waters.

Porto-Vecchio and its surroundings concentrate the most beautiful beaches in Corsica: Palombaggia (the most iconic, white sand and umbrella pines), Santa Giulia (turquoise water in a protected bay), Rondinara (perfect shell shape), Pinarello, Plage du Rondinaru. The Bavella needles (spectacular D268 road, Hole of the Bomb hike) are 1h from Porto-Vecchio — essential hike. Sartène ("the most Corsican of Corsican cities", according to Mérimée) unfolds its austere granite medieval lanes. Further south, Roccapina Beach with its famous Lion rock.

Ajaccio, capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), houses the Bonaparte house (museum), the cathedral (where Napoleon was baptised), Place du Diamant and the equestrian statue of Napoleon. The Fesch Museum (Italian paintings, France's 2nd collection after the Louvre) is worth the detour. The Sanguinaires Islands (sunset boat trip, 2h) offer an unforgettable spectacle. Capo di Feno beach for surfing and preserved nature.

The north unfolds other wonders. Calvi and its Genoese citadel built in 1268 — legend says Christopher Columbus was born there (the house is visitable). The Balagne with its perched villages (Sant'Antonino, Pigna, Lumio, Speloncato, Lavatoggio) between sea and mountains. Saint-Florent on its gulf with neighbouring beaches (Lotu, Saleccia, Tamarone) — Saint-Florent is nicknamed "the little Corsican Saint-Tropez". The Agriates Desert (expanse of maquis and deserted beaches, 16,000 hectares classified by the Coastal Conservatory) houses the legendary Saleccia beach (white sand, turquoise water, accessible on foot via 5 km path or by 4WD via rough track, or by boat from Saint-Florent in 20 min).

The Calanques de Piana (UNESCO since 1983, part of "Gulf of Porto, Calanche de Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve") are one of Corsica's most beautiful landscapes. The D81 road between Porto and Piana crosses spectacular pink granite chaos, sculpted by erosion into strange forms (the dog, the bishop, the heart). Mandatory viewpoint at the Dog's Head. The Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO) is accessible only by boat (from Porto, Calvi or Sagone) — red cliffs, wild coves, ospreys.

Cap Corse (peninsula north of Bastia) is one of the most authentic sub-regions: perched medieval villages (Erbalunga, Centuri, Nonza), Genoese coastal towers, Nonza beach with black pebbles (absolute aerial view from the elevated church), Tollare village and its windmill. The Cap Corse tour by car (110 km) takes a full day.

The interior reveals mountainous Corsica. Corte, historic capital of Pasquale Paoli (Corsican University), houses the Museum of Corsica (excellent presentation of Corsican identity) and an exceptional panorama over the citadel. The Corsica Regional Nature Park (created in 1972) protects most of the central massif. Hikes: Lake Nino (3h, cows in the water, exceptional), English Cascade (1h, family-accessible), Coscione Plateau (authentic Corsican mountains).

The GR20 (180 km, +12,000 m cumulative elevation gain, 15-16 stages) crosses the island from north to south. Very difficult level — one of the toughest long-distance hiking trails in Europe. Reserved for experienced and trained hikers. Booking mandatory in refuges. More accessible alternative: Mare a Mare (North/Centre/South, gentler island crossings) and Mare e Monti (west coast).