The Best Travel Guide to Southern Corsica (UPDATED 2025) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Southern Corsica

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Overview

Southern Corsica The guide was updated: 2025-06-18

Birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte and home to some awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Southern Corsica (or Corse-du-Sud) entices with outdoor pursuits, remnants of prehistoric settlements and stunningly diverse scenery. From the dramatic white cliffs of Bonifacio to the whimsical rock formations of Piana to the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands and white-sand beaches, Southern Corsica has plenty to capture your imagination.

Facts

Population:	351,255 (2023)
Currency:	1 euro = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Medical: 15 Police: 17 Fire: 18 Mobile emergency number: 112
Newspapers:	Corse-Matin – www.corsematin.com
Opening hours:	Although business hours vary, there is often a lunch break at most shops and small businesses, making the customary working hours from 8:30/9am to 1/1:30pm and from 2/2:30pm to 6/7pm. Most businesses close on Sundays.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Centre in Ajaccio 3 Boulevard du Roi Jérôme, Ajaccio Open Mon–Sat 9am–12:30pm / 2pm–6pm +33 4 95 51 53 03

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Section in Southern Corsica

Southern Corsica boasts a wealth of natural beauty, ranging from the imposing Bonifacio cliffs to the majestic landscapes of the island's interior, as well as its idyllic white-sand beaches and deserted islands just a stone's throw from the coast. With its vibrant hues of yellow and orange, Ajaccio is yet another captivating highlight of this region. Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities to enjoy amidst these awe-inspiring landscapes.

Scandola Natural Reserve

Scandola Natural Reserve

No paths or roads lead to the Scandola Natural Reserve, an area of wild natural beauty accessible solely by sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is all cliffs, sensational rock formations, pristine waters, and dramatic sea and landscapes. One company offering boat tours is Porto-based, Via Mare:

Calanques de Piana Cliffs

Calanques de Piana Cliffs

One of the island's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the wondrous cliffs of Piana are best seen in the evening when the natural reds of the earth light up in the rays of the setting sun. Another way to see the cliffs is from the water, on a boat cruise in the Gulf of Porto.

Palombaggia Beach

Palombaggia Beach

Just south of Porto-Vecchio lies Corsica's celebrated Plage de Palombaggia, an idyllic beach with crispy white sand and azure waters. There are several locations that provide sunbed and umbrella rentals, along with a couple of beach restaurants along the stretch.

Filitosa

Filitosa

The megalithic archaeological site of Filitosa is known for its curious menhirs, with detail of facial features and body outlines carved into them. The earliest artefacts dug up here date back to 3300 BC (the menhirs are estimated to have been erected around 1500 BC). There are a small museum and a thousand-year-old olive tree on site.

Ajaccio

Ajaccio

The capital of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, Ajaccio is an attractive seaside settlement with an animated yet slow-paced street life. Some of its primary attractions include the Maison Bonaparte (the Bonaparte family's ancestral home) and the fine arts museum Musée Fesch, containing works of great masters such as Titian and Botticelli.

Lavezzi Islands

Lavezzi Islands

The uninhabited Lavezzi islands off the coast of Corsica are one of its must-visit natural gems, accessible by a quick boat ride from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio. These islands boast pristine nature and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling. Remember to bring your own sun umbrella and plenty of water, as facilities are limited.

Bonifacio

Bonifacio

Perched atop a towering rock platform in Bonifacio, just 12 kilometres from Sardinia, Italy, is the island's oldest citadel. This must-visit attraction exudes a relaxed and uncomplicated vibe that feels more like southern Italy than France. Its dramatic location adds to its charm and makes it a unique experience.

Aiguilles de Bavella

Aiguilles de Bavella

To see some of the island's most striking natural landscapes, follow the Col de Bavella, a mountain pass that boasts spectacular views of the Aiguilles de Bavella (the Bavella "needles", called that for its spiry peaks). A part of the G20 trail runs from the Notre Dame des Neiges statue all the way up to the massif.

Catenacciu Procession

Catenacciu Procession

Once known for its notorious banditry and rival gangs, the scenic town of Sartène has long left the grim of its past behind. However, it still maintains the historic tradition of reenacting Jesus' journey to Calvary on Good Friday each year. The town's church of St Mary displays the 35-kilogram cross and 17-kilogram chain used in the reenactment, preserving this important aspect of its history.

Canyoning

Canyoning

Corsica's diverse landscape is home to many natural canyons that are ideal for families and beginners to explore. Organised tours take groups to canyons such as the Richiusa at Bocognano, as well as lesser-known canyons throughout the island. These canyons offer an exciting and unique way to experience Corsica's natural beauty. One company offering guided excursions is Canyon Corse.

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