Explore the Nature of Corsica

The Isle of Beauty covers more than one thousand kilometers of exceptional coastline, landscapes, splendid shores, mountains, forests, high-altitude lakes, and other jaw-dropping scenes, like the Parc Naturel Régional du "Désert des Agriates."

With its moderate weather and sunny skies, Corsica allows visitors to discover its many sports and outdoors activities all year round.

Hiking

Corsica has no equal when it comes to the dramatic contrast between its soft coasts and its harsh mountains. Calm, rolling countrysides are never more than a few kilometers from their natural opposites. Perfect example: the "Mare e Monti" path in the north between the Girolata and Galeria Gulfs, then the Vallée du Fango (officially classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Hikers can also appreciate the isolated landscapes of the Alta Rocca in the south on the "Mare e Mare" path.

There are many different themed hikes - from Mesolithic prehistoric sites (8,000 BCE) in Caracchiaghju (near Levie) to Neolithic sites (4,000 BCE) in Filitosa and beyond, the landscape tells a dramatic story of Corsica's past. Sixty or more round Genovese tours - most in ruin - bear witness to Italian rule of the island between the 15th and 18th centuries. At each cape and coastal point, these lookout towers warned residents of oncoming pirate raids.

The "magic" scene of the Bavella needles, a natural lacework of thorny rock formations between 1,200 and 1,800 meters tall, invites visitors on a hike around Zonza. But the real star of the show, while perhaps a longer hike, is doubtlessly the one that diagonally crosses the mountains of Corsica from the Bourg Montagnard de Calenzana (in Balagne) to the village of Conca (near Port-Vecchio). A 200 kilometer journey to be broken up into smaller stages, following the famous GR20 signs.

Nautical Sports

Around Corsica's nearly 1,000 kilometers of coastline, nautical sports have a place of honor. Calvi and l'Ile Rousse have become must-see surfing destinations, while the south of the island - in Bonifacio, Figari - is best for sailing lovers in search of a bit of wind. Another way to take advantage of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea is to rent a boat and set sail for the Iles Lavezzi or the superb site of Girolata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Diving and Snorkeling

The Cerbicales Islands, a protected natural area, and the natural marine and ground reserve of Scandola Peninsula, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Also worth a visit: the enchanting Parc Marin International des Bouches de Bonifacio. Many different diving clubs operate on the island, allowing visitors to explore reefs and all sorts of marine life.

Fishing and Spearfishing

Fishing is an inherent part of Corsican art de vivre. Learn various local techniques like "de la traine" or "du broulé," the best ways to meet locals.

Thrills and Spills

Corsica is especially well-suited for outdoor activities. From Ferrata to Solenzara, go mountain biking in the Niolu, or try out different forms of rafting or canyon cars. This "Mountain amoung the Sea" is full of rivers to explore, too!

Winter Sports

From December to April, go from beach walks to Alpine skiing in the same day on the Alta Strada coast. Certain ski stations also propose cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.

Ajaccio