The Top Things to Do and See in Corsica

A five-hour ferry from Nice is all that separates beautiful Corsica from the mainland of France. Being geographically closer to Sardinia and Italy’s west coast means Corsica is imbued with an alluring Franco-Italian heritage. Yet, as the locals will be quick to remind you, Corsica also has a proud culture of its own. Explore historic sights like Maison Bonaparte and Bonifacio Citadel alongside the wild beauty of Monte Cinco on this Mediterranean island.
Go canyoning
Natural Feature

Corsica’s varied terrain lends itself to a range of intrepid methods to cross it. At its heart, the island hides a complex of valleys and canyons that can be explored by climbing, trekking and swimming. While being able to swim is required, local canyoning companies boast high-level expertise to make even the trickiest of canyons accessible to all. This is thanks to a mix of adrenaline-infused dives, toboggans and Tyrolean traverses. The Baracci Canyon, near Propriano, is ideal for beginners as young as seven.
Listen to the Polyphonic Song Festival
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Polyphonic music comprises songs with two or more melodies, and in Corsica, this style is sung a capella to haunting effect. Believed to have originated from shepherds who would sing their tales from the mountains, this lasting musical tradition is celebrated annually. The Polyphonic Song Festival features an international line-up that can be heard across locations within the citadel of Calvi, including its atmospheric, 13th-century baroque cathedral.
Eat civet de sanglier (wild boar stew)
Restaurant, French
Fans of France’s beloved Asterix comic strip can feast like the indomitable Gaul with wild boar stew, a signature Corsican dish. Slow cooked in a rich red wine and Armagnac ragu, the tender meat is served with melt-in-your-mouth bacon, onions and carrots. Corte’s A Casa di L’Orsu is one eatery that will happily dish it up alongside freshly-made tagliatelle. Make sure to follow it up with Fiadone Corsican cheesecake for dessert.
Visit Maison Bonaparte
Museum

Explore the Scandola Nature Reserve
Natural Feature, Park
Stroll around the Bonifacio Citadel
Museum, Architectural Landmark

Swim off the Désert des Agriates
Natural Feature, Park

Marvel at the Palais Fesch Musée des Beaux-Arts
Museum
Buy honey at Le Jardin des Abeilles
Shop, Park
Hike up Chapelle de Notre-Dame de la Serra
Hiking Trail, Natural Feature

Ponder the past at Filitosa
Archaeological site

Alexis James contributed additional reporting to this article.
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