Southern & Western Corsica

Ajaccio is the sunny capital of Corsica and Napoleon's birthplace, with the Maison Bonaparte, the Palais Fesch, and the cathedral. In the evening, stroll along the Place de Gaulle and dine at the old port.

Porto is nestled between red porphyry rocks and the sea, at the end of the Golfe de Sagone, with the Genoese tower above the bay. From the beach, you overlook one of the most beautiful gulfs of the island.

Calacuccia allows you to experience the rugged nature and authentic shepherd culture of Corsica. The Niolu Valley stretches out at the foot of Monte Cinto, at 2706 meters the highest mountain on the island. You walk along Lac de Calacuccia, a reservoir created in 1968 by a dam in the Golo River. Pine forests and natural pools invite exploration, or you can climb the granite flanks. The shepherd culture is visible in the stone houses and narrow alleys, giving the valley a timeless tranquility.

Corte is the historic capital of the Corsican interior. The citadel overlooks the rooftops and mountains, and the museum covers the island's history. The Restonica gorge behind it features clear natural pools and hikes between granite walls.

Zonza is a mountain village in Alta Rocca at an altitude of 762 meters, characterized by granite houses and chestnut forests. The Hippodrome de Viseo is located at an altitude of almost 1000 meters and is the highest horse racing track in Europe. From the village, you can reach the Aiguilles de Bavella and hiking trails through the maquis to various waterfalls. In the local restaurants, you can taste traditional Corsican mountain dishes.

Sartène appears robust due to the tall, dark granite houses standing close together against the hillside. In the Santa Anna district, narrow alleys and steep stairs lead past grey facades. The sixteenth-century Église Sainte-Marie dominates the Place de la Libération. From the city's edge, the view extends over the vineyards of the Sartenais region. The city feels traditional due to its massive architecture and the view of the rugged peaks of Southwest Corsica.

Bonifacio is a citadel on white limestone cliffs, with the harbour deep in an inlet below. The upper town, the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon and a boat trip along the cliffs or to the Lavezzi Islands are the three things to do.

A sixteenth-century citadel in Porto-Vecchio towers high above a deep natural inlet. From the Bastion de France, you overlook the salt pans and the Marina where white sailing yachts moor. Those who seek out the shallow bay of Plage Santa Giulia will find refreshment in clear water against a backdrop of cork oaks and maquis. The lively atmosphere in the upper town remains noticeable until the sun sets behind the mountains and the citadel walls turn ochre yellow.