Southern Corsica, a land of contrasts, offers landscapes where jagged mountains plunge into turquoise seas. Away from the summer bustle, exploring in late September reveals a more secluded island, bathed in soft light and the heady scents of the maquis. More than a simple list of places, here we share five authentic experiences, chosen for their character and the range of emotions they evoke. From mountain trails to granite coves and the hidden treasures of the hinterland, discover how to experience the intensity of Southern Corsica. Drawing on our first-hand knowledge, this guide will help you immerse yourself in the island, whether you are a seasoned hiker or seeking tranquillity.
Here are the top 5 unmissable experiences in Corsica!
The Aiguilles de Bavella
Over 14km, the circuit around the Aiguilles de Bavella was a beautiful hike despite the demanding terrain. Setting off along the alpine variant of the GR20, we encountered as many hikers exhausted by their multi-day trek as beginners in sliders. Still, the handrails and rugged terrain did not stop us, and seeing the sea from the mountains made it all worthwhile! The return along the standard GR20 route was less thrilling and introduced us to more of the Corsican maquis. A delicious fiadone at the village inn was a fitting reward for our efforts.
Bonifacio
Early in the morning, there were very few people in Bonifacio. After a good breakfast near the harbour, we headed uphill for a walk towards Campu Rumanilu, with views of Bonifacio to our right and the white cliffs overlooking the sea to our left. Ahead of us, we could see Sardinia across this stretch of sea. Most impressive was the way the sea had sculpted the cliffs, leaving hollows, shapes and contours of remarkable variety. Other tourists began arriving in mid-morning, so get up early to avoid the crowds.
Natural pools
In the south-central part of the island, we felt as though we had the place entirely to ourselves. Rivers flow alongside the forests, their force sometimes carving hollows and pools into the rock, polishing it as they pass. The small pools were great fun and easy to play in, while the lush vegetation made the setting magical. A waterfall flowed upstream, and teenagers were enjoying jumping into the water below.
The unspoilt coastline
Corsica certainly has no shortage of beautiful beaches where you can swim, discover marine life with a mask and snorkel, or simply relax. We tried several, and our favourite was San Giovanni. We were away from the crowds we had encountered around the beaches of Petit Sperone and Grand Sperone. Rocks sculpted by the sea stood proudly along the beach, and we felt as though we had the place entirely to ourselves. On the other side of the island, near Porto-Vecchio, the succession of tiny beaches at Cala Estda echoes this scenery: the bays are interspersed with granite sculpted by the sea. Perhaps the granite keeps the crowds away?
Sailing in the Gulf of Valinco
On a beautifully sunny day, we boarded our friend Jacques’s sailing boat for a day on the water. Setting off from the harbour at Porto Pollo, we climbed aboard his Bavaria 32, a sailing boat measuring 9m in length. That morning, we were fully involved as crew members: hoisting the sails, taking the helm and helping the boat leave the harbour… It was a real introduction to sailing at sea. At midday, we stopped at a beach accessible only on foot or by sea and ate on deck. The afternoon’s programme: a nap for Jacques, snorkelling for us, then reading in the sunshine on deck. When Jacques woke up, we rounded the headland of Capu di Muru, which had been sheltering us from the wind, and set our course back towards Porto Pollo. It gave us a taste for sailing and made us want to do more in the future.
Explore Southern Corsica with Grand Angle
Southern Corsica is a land of adventure and contemplation that reveals itself to those who take the time to explore it. These five experiences are just a glimpse of the riches it has to offer. At Grand Angle, we have been creating itineraries for 1983 that let you experience the island authentically, whether on foot along its legendary trails or exploring its unspoilt coastline. If these landscapes inspire you, we invite you to #discover all our trips to Corsica. For personalised advice, feel free to contact our experts, who will help you find the adventure that suits you.
