Holiday rentals and lettings in Corsica

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Corsica?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Corsica: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Corsica: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Corsica?

• Corsica pairs mountains with turquoise Mediterranean beaches, so you can hike and swim on the same trip.
• The peak season runs from June to September, when beaches, ferries and prices are at their busiest.
• Self-catering rentals range from clifftop villas and seafront apartments to rustic stone cottages in the interior.
• Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari all have airports, with short flights from mainland France and beyond.
• A hire car is invaluable, as many of the finest coves, villages and viewpoints lie off the main roads.

Corsica offers a wonderfully varied choice of self-catering accommodation to suit every kind of holiday. Spacious villas in Corsica are ideal for families and groups who want space and privacy, while stylish apartments keep you close to the harbours and beaches. If your heart is set on the coast, beach villas put the sand within easy reach, and outdoorsy travellers can pitch up at one of the many campsites in Corsica scattered across the island.

• Properties with a private pool for lazy afternoons away from the crowds.
• Air conditioning to keep you cool through the warm Corsican summer.
• A terrace or garden for al fresco breakfasts and evening drinks.
• A barbecue for grilling fresh local produce and seafood.
• Sea or mountain views that capture the island's dramatic scenery.

For a more traditional feel, characterful cottages in the hills offer peace and authenticity, while beachside cottages combine rustic charm with easy access to the water.

What are the best areas to stay in Corsica?

For culture and beaches, Ajaccio is the best area to stay in Corsica. The table below details regions for specific interests: From the buzzing capital to the wild mountainous interior, here are our favourite areas to stay.

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise the warm welcome from local hosts, the cleanliness of their rentals and the breathtaking views on their doorstep. Many highlight how easy it is to reach both beaches and mountains from their base, and return home already planning their next visit to the island.

Corsica, the French Mediterranean "Island of Beauty", is a dramatic mix of soaring mountains, fragrant maquis and turquoise beaches. As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it wears its history proudly, yet it is the sheer variety of landscapes, from hidden coves to alpine peaks, that keeps travellers coming back year after year.

✈️What is the best way to get to Corsica?

Corsica is easy to reach by air or sea, with regular connections from mainland France and Italy throughout the year and extra routes added over the busy summer months.

• By plane: The island has four airports, at Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari, served by short flights from mainland France and a range of European cities, making it quick to fly in and start your holiday.
• By ferry: Regular car ferries sail from mainland France and Italy to ports such as Bastia and Ajaccio, ideal if you want to bring your own vehicle and explore the island at your own pace.

🥗Where to eat in Corsica?

According to Google Maps reviews, Del Ferro is one of the best rated restaurants in the island. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Marta and James recommend the Restaurant L'an faim in Bonifacio: a warm, welcoming spot for beautifully cooked Corsican food and local wine, tucked in the atmospheric old town above the harbour.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Corsica is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Choose summer for beach life, spring and autumn for walking and quieter roads, and winter for a peaceful, authentic island.

Summer (June–September)

• Warm, sunny days perfect for swimming and beach days.
• Every restaurant, beach club and ferry route in full swing.
• The busiest and priciest time, so book your rental early.

Spring & Autumn (April–May, October)

• Mild temperatures that are ideal for hiking and cycling.
• Fewer crowds and better value on accommodation.
• Wildflowers in spring and warm sea for autumn swims.

Winter (November–March)

• Quiet villages and a genuine, local atmosphere.
• Snow on the peaks for a mountain escape.
• Lower prices, though some coastal spots wind down.

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Set aside at least one day to head inland, away from the coast. A drive through the mountain villages, with a stop for a long lunch and a short walk, reveals a completely different, and utterly captivating, side of the island.

1. Explore Ajaccio and Napoleon's heritage
2. Marvel at clifftop Bonifacio
3. Relax on the southern beaches (Palombaggia)
4. Discover Calvi and the Balagne
5. Hike the mountains and the Scandola Reserve

1. Explore Ajaccio and Napoleon's heritage

   The island’s sunny capital is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his legacy is everywhere. Wander the old town to find his family home, the Maison Bonaparte, then browse the fine paintings of the Fesch Museum. Stroll the palm-lined seafront, dip into the lively market for local cheeses and charcuterie, and relax on the city beaches. With its cafés, harbour and easy-going charm, Ajaccio makes a perfect introduction to the island.

2. Marvel at clifftop Bonifacio

   Perched on dazzling white limestone cliffs at Corsica's southern tip, Bonifacio is one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular towns. Climb through the medieval citadel, peer down at the sea from the ramparts, and descend the dramatic King Aragon staircase carved into the rock. Take a boat trip to admire the cliffs and sea caves from the water, then enjoy fresh seafood in the marina below. The views alone are worth the journey.

3. Relax on the southern beaches (Palombaggia)

   The south coast around Porto-Vecchio is home to some of Corsica's most famous beaches. Palombaggia, with its soft white sand, umbrella pines and shallow turquoise water, is postcard-perfect and ideal for families. Nearby Santa Giulia offers a calm, lagoon-like bay for swimming and paddleboarding. Arrive early in high season to claim your spot, pack a picnic, and settle in for a blissful day beside some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean.

4. Discover Calvi and the Balagne

   On the north-west coast, the lively resort of Calvi combines a long sandy beach with an imposing Genoese citadel overlooking the bay. Behind it, the Balagne region unfolds in a string of hilltop villages such as Sant'Antonino and Pigna, known for craft workshops, olive groves and sweeping views. Spend your days between beach and hills, sampling local wine and honey, and finish with sunset drinks along Calvi's buzzing marina.

5. Hike the mountains and the Scandola Reserve

   Corsica's wild interior is a paradise for walkers, crowned by the legendary GR20, one of Europe's toughest long-distance trails. Even a short section rewards you with dramatic peaks, forests and mountain streams. On the west coast, the UNESCO-listed Scandola Nature Reserve dazzles with red porphyry cliffs, sea caves and rich birdlife, best seen on a boat trip from Porto. Together they showcase the raw, untamed beauty at the heart of the island.