Destination Corsica: first family trip - Where to go?

I invite you to an enchanting getaway to the Isle of Beauty, where sea and mountains meet . Immerse yourself in exploring its picturesque villages, family-friendly hiking trails, idyllic beaches and wild panoramas.

Corsica is truly an ideal destination for a family holiday in France . Corsica is one of our favourite destinations. This small island at the tip of France is full of treasures: fine sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, generous and lush nature with its emblematic Corsican scrubland, majestic mountains, villages with a captivating charm, and above all, an exceptionally preserved coastline. We go to Corsica every summer and we never get tired of it. The Isle of Beauty lives up to its name.

Our tips for a magical family trip to Corsica

When to go to Corsica?

The ideal month to travel to Corsica is September. There are fewer people, the days are still warm but less than in August. You can swim and be almost alone in the water. In September in Corsica, there are also a lot of flowers which makes the maquis even prettier.

Where to go for the first time in Corsica?

The Isle of Beauty seems small but the roads are endless... Don't be too ambitious for a first time in Corsica. If you want to do the Ajaccio region, sweep the coast starting south towards Porticcio then go up to the coves of Piane. You can do the same around Bastia, going from Saint Florent to Corte. The south-east is the most touristic region, with its pretty beaches and accessible hikes.

How to get to Corsica?

You will have 2 options to go to Corsica. Either by plane, there are 3 main airports in Corsica: Ajaccio, Bastia and Figari. You can take the Ferry and embark your car on it from Marseille, Nice, Toulon...

The 10 must-see places in Corsica:

1 - The Calanques of Piana

2 - The Scandola Nature Reserve

3 - The Gulf of Girolata

4 - The silver beach in Rupione

5 - Paghjella: Corsican polyphonic singing classified as UNESCO Intangible World Heritage

6 - The prehistoric site of Filitosa

7 - Balagne

8 - The Sanguinaires Archipelago

9 - The Agriate Desert

10 - Cape Corsica

>> You may also like: visiting Puglia with your family <<

10 days between sea and mountains around Proticcio:

In Corsica the two main activities are: the beach and hiking . And with these two, we take in the sights. Here are the things we liked the most during our family trip to Corsica. Our daughters are 3 and 6 years old during this trip.

For our 10-day stay in Corsica , we spent 2 days in the Ajaccio region, 3 days in the Porto-Veccio region and 5 days near Pietrosella/Porticcio.

Day 1: Cuttoli-Corticchiato hike and sunset at Sanguinaires

Day 2: English Waterfall with picnic

Day 3: Beach day at Silver Beach

Day 4: Treetop adventure course at Gioia Di Natura park then Rupione beach

Day 5: Sartène and Bonifacio

Day 6: Lavezzi Islands

Day 7: Rupione beach and beach at the Isollela peninsula.

Day 8: Boat trip to Cala d’Orzu

Day 9: Beach day at Silver Beach

Day 10: Agosta beach and airport departure

Picturesque villages and captivating hikes around Ajaccio:

Exploring the Gulf of Ajaccio is like diving into a real treasure with its equally fabulous hinterland! Imagine yourself wandering through authentic villages such as Bastelicaccia, Sarolla-Carcopino, Tavera, Villanova, and many others. They all have that little something charming and often have some nice surprises in store for memorable hikes.

Now, if I had to share my three favorites for unforgettable family moments, it would be without hesitation:

• The Bridal Veil Waterfall in Bocognano

A very easy hike that leads to the foot of a beautiful waterfall where it is possible to swim. The waterfall is reminiscent of a bride's veil, hence its name. The hike is short but intense, be careful, it's steep.

• The English waterfall in Vizzavone

Our pilgrimage every time, ahah, a short and easy hike under the trees. The children love it and on arrival we swim in the river. About 20-30min walk, from the start of the treetop adventure course. Plan your picnic for a perfect day in the natural pools of the English waterfall.

• Cuttoli-Corticchiato and its heritage trail

Cuttoli-Corticchiato is first of all a pretty village full of character with incredible panoramic views. It is also the starting point of the heritage trail. A 2-hour loop that reveals Corsican history with ruins of mills, pig pens, etc. All embellished with captivating explanatory panels. An enriching walk, perfect for children who learn while walking. It is also called " Heritage Trail A stretta di i mulini".

 

The trail starts from the hamlet of Curtichjatu, a place called A teghja. In order to facilitate access to the trail for everyone, an interactive Accessit terminal has been set up by the municipality.

Magical stop: admire the sunset at the Sanguinaires Islands after an adventurous day in Corsica!

After a good hike or a swim in the Corsican mountain rivers, you absolutely must go see the sunset at the Sanguinaires Islands . Easily accessible from Ajaccio, the Parata peninsula and its Genoese tower is the most famous walk in Ajaccio. The Sanguinaires archipelago is incredible and you will not be disappointed.

Are Corsica beaches good for children?

The beaches are made for children in Corsica! The water is clear, warm and shallow. The beach is clearly a children's paradise. There are many activities, between sandcastle competitions, swimming, pedal boat rides and marine expeditions.

Head to the surroundings of Porticcio with our favorite beaches:

Porticcio, the beach paradise where the sand is as fine as the Corsican jokes. Where the space is as vast as a local's appetite for a good cheese. Forget the stress of paying for parking, here, we keep our money for ice creams and funny souvenirs. No need to mark your territory like a budding artist, the beaches are longer than the list of excuses to avoid cleaning the house.

Now, if I had to share my four favorite beaches for unforgettable family moments, it would be without hesitation:

- The beaches of Isollela

- Rupione beach

- Silver Beach

- Cala d'Orzu beach

Activities for children around Porticcio:

Gioia Di Natura: Located on the heights of the town of Pietrosella, with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Ajaccio, it is aimed at children from 2 to 12 years old.

In a friendly and family atmosphere, you will discover fun and sporting activities: treetop net courses, trampoline, zip line, cabins and water mattresses... The place is well shaded and you can eat there or bring your picnic.

Cors'aventure: For the most intrepid thrill seekers. Canyoning, kayaking and sports stays in Corsica for teenagers, this is the ideal place.

Jps Aventure Porticcio: offers thrilling boat trips. Discover the Sanguinaires Islands at sunset.

Treetop adventure park in Moca Croce: with pioupiou circuit (from 3 years old): Nothing better to let off steam and have fun outside the beach.

Pony ride in Filitosa near Propriano: as its name suggests, here we offer you a 2-hour pony ride to discover the Corsican rivers with your children.

3 days around Bonifacio:

Sartène, a Culinary and Medieval Rock

Sartène is known for its exceptional geographical location. Suspended on its rock, Sartène offers a guaranteed medieval atmosphere. And for Prosper Mérimée, it is neither more nor less than "The most Corsican of Corsican cities" - quite a program!

An ideal stop when traveling from Proticcio to Bonifacio.

Bonifacio, the Corsican pearl

You will definitely be impressed by its sheer white cliffs! It is the most spectacular natural spectacle on the island, with breathtaking views, alleys that are like improvised labyrinths, and a port where small boats are glued to monumental yachts.

For a hassle-free visit, park your car in one of the car parks at the entrance to the city. And there, tada! A little tourist train takes you under its wing and takes you on a ride in the heights of Bonifacio.

Island Excursion: Lavezzi Islands

In the south of Corsica, from the picturesque port of Bonifacio, head towards Sardinia for an unforgettable island getaway to the Lavezzi Islands. Classified as a nature reserve, these islands reveal a truly unspoiled wild paradise, with its idyllic beaches, discreet coves and granite formations sculpted by time.

Boat tickets can be purchased on the same day at the quayside of Bonifacio port. There are boats that leave every 30 minutes.

In short, you will not be disappointed with this incredible French island . Don't be fooled by its small size and take the time to visit it.

The island is even more magical outside of tourist periods. Walking on a nearly deserted (or even deserted) beach provides a delightful feeling of freedom . Corsica is beautiful in all seasons and in this article we give you our favorite places. During our recent getaway last August, we took advantage of the surroundings of Porticcio and 3 days in the southeast of the island. A truly pleasant place with children, offering accessible hikes and the sea as an inexhaustible playground and relaxation.