Although Corsica belongs to France, Italian culture reverberates throughout the country with great force. The island dazzles for its wild nature, which can be found in a virgin state in many parts of its territory. The mountain landscapes are also spectacular, with peaks that exceed 2,700 meters in height. Likewise, its coasts, quite rugged, are the bosom of various gulfs adorned with residues of pink granite rocks, a material that makes up 95% of the island .
With regard to its history, there are many references that you will be able to find during your trip to this Mediterranean paradise, although it is true that the figure with the greatest depth was, is and will be Napoleon Bonaparte . Born in Ajaccio, the capital, the future Emperor of France was born here in 1769, just the same year that the island passed into French hands. Who could imagine that this son of the new provinces, who learned French by obligation at the military academy, would put the rest of the European powers in check.
On the other hand, monumentally speaking, there are vestiges of almost all the great classical Mediterranean cultures, such as the Phoenicians, the Etruscans, the Carthaginians and the Romans.
Essential places in Corsica that you must visit
There is much to see on this coveted island, and depending on the time you have, you will have to take longer or shorter distances. Below we show you, condensed, the essential places that you cannot miss , which can be covered in their entirety during a 5-day trip. If you can rent a car, surely you will not have problems to undertake an itinerary as complete as this one.
Bastia
Famous for its airport, this city, the second in the country in importance and size, is home to the island’s main port , and the busiest for goods and passengers from Italy.
Its walled fortress stands out in the distance, and serves as a sheepfold for the historic center of the city . In the Citadel , with narrow and cobbled streets, you can enjoy a coastal landscape with mountainous overtones. Of course, get ready to climb the steep slopes and take on the many slopes.
Very close to there is our next point of interest.
San Michele de Murato Church
The Church of San Michele de Murato is located in the middle of a beautiful meadow, and can be seen from the road that connects Oletta with Murato. The temple is in the Pisan Romanesque style, and is famous for the detailed reliefs on its capitals. From the top of the hill you can see the coast, so for the price of one, you get two basic experiences.
Calvi
It is one of the most beautiful population centers in Corsica. The most representative points are the Port, the fortified square and the Citadel. The Chapel of Notre Dame de la Serra , which is meticulously made, also deserves a mention.
The city has a lot of nightlife, so you can take the opportunity to try the local cuisine and enjoy a good wine.
court
Its trajectory as the capital of independent Corsica that emerged in the 18th century did not last long: more or less 20 years . In that autonomic dream, a marked sense of identity was promoted, which still prevails today and points to the metropolis as the source of all evils.
Leaving its history aside, we now focus on its points of interest, such as the fortress; the most unusual on the island. It is of medieval origin; Being located in the interior, its role was not to repel naval attacks, but terrestrial ones, which marked the construction of its defensive elements. If you want to visit this magnificent vestige of the past, you must buy a ticket for the Museum of Corsica. In addition to the aforementioned visit, you can access the local collection if you ascend to the highest part of the city. Archeology, traveling exhibitions and permanent rooms is what you can find if you give culture a chance.
Later, after the visit, it is possible to relax in the historic center, and enjoy the delicacies of the land in one of the many bars and restaurants that are crammed inside. Special mention should be made of the two main streets, which converge in a square dedicated to the most illustrious son of the city: Pasquale Paoli . This independentista led the Corsican Revolution, which culminated in the Independence of Corsica during the years 1755-1769, and was the main promoter of the First Liberal Constitution of the old continent.
Porto
At one time, a defensive watchtower of Genoese origin that is still preserved was the only construction. From its walls you could control the entire mouth of the neighboring mountain river that dies in a deep gulf.
The beaches in this area are not sandy, but pebbled, and although it is difficult to access them, they are quite crowded due to the unusual landscape they provide. One of the activities you can do during this stop is hiking . This healthy plan will allow you to get to know the neighboring alpine valleys, crowded with conifers and rugged mountain ranges.
Piana
From Piana the cultivated lands begin, another spectacle that you cannot miss. In turn, this small town serves as a stopover to the beaches of Plage d’Arone or Capu Rossu . To get there it is necessary to take the road to Ficajola. The last section has to be done on foot, crossing a path that is not signposted that connects with the Turghiu Tower , a fortified enclave located 300 meters above sea level.
Ajaccio
It is the capital of Corsica. And, although it is the most relevant city in the country, it is not as interesting for tourists as Calvi; however, it also has its charms. Once there, you cannot miss the Napoleon Monument , erected on the outskirts, on a hill nicknamed Austerlitz Square.
Another point of cultural interest is represented by the Fesch Museum , located in the Cardinal Palace of Napoleon’s mother’s stepbrother. It took advantage of its influence during the imperial era to protect a lavish art collection, whose Renaissance references are only surpassed in number and splendor by the Louvre collection.
Filitosa
Not far from the capital is the archaeological site of Filitosa , where various elements of the island’s prehistory come together. Numerous menhirs and dolmens scattered throughout the region serve as examples of Neolithic art, and shed some light on the Corsican villages. A small museum serves as a lair for various pieces found during excavations
Bonifacio
We are facing a natural port with difficult access in which one of the jewels of the Mediterranean is located. The high cliffs that border the city are one of its attractions, although the Marina neighborhood, which juts out into the sea, is the strong point of the visit.
Of course, the Citadel is well present in the current layout of the city. It has to be covered on foot, but if you bring a car, don’t worry, you can leave it in some of the public car parks scattered around the perimeter. Once inside, ask about the Cathedral, the Staircase of the King of Spain , or the Bastion, its most interesting monuments. And if you have time to spare, take a walk around the Cemetery: the family mausoleums are very beautiful, and some rather ornate funeral sculptures will undoubtedly attract your attention.
Col de Bavella
This mountain pass is one of the most famous in Corsica, perhaps because of the spire formations of the granite ridges . Some compare them with those that can be seen in Montserrat , however, these are higher and much more pronounced. Many excursions depart from the port to explore the nature of the place.
It is also a popular destination for professional mountaineers and climbers. The vertical walls serve as a floor for those who enjoy this sport at height. The rest, we dedicate ourselves to watching their exploits.
There is a lot to see in Corsica, as you have seen, and we have only mentioned the main landmarks, since the island is home to idyllic places everywhere, which you will discover on your own along the journeys between city and city. One piece of advice, rent a car if it is within your means to access all the charms of this Mediterranean bastion , some of the best experiences you will get on the island are difficult to access, more and more if we take into account that public transport is not It gives you neither the detention nor the necessary autonomy to get “where no one goes” (what a utopia).
