When planning a trip to Corsica for the first time, it can be difficult to choose the right destination as the country is full of treasures. Between spectacular beaches, wild rocky cliffs and villages full of history, you will easily find the dream destination for your vacation. And to make it easier, discover our selection of 3 Corsican destinations not to be missed: Porto-Vecchio, Ajaccio and Saint-Florent.
Porto-Vecchio: the beach and relaxation destination in Corsica
Porto-Vecchio is a very popular destination for French tourists looking for a corner of Paradise just a few steps from home. The third largest city in Corsica , Porto-Vecchio is located in Southern Corsica , between Bonifacio in the extreme south and Solenzara in the east.
A true seaside resort, Porto-Vecchio is the ideal destination for going to Corsica for the first time if you like comfort and prestige, relaxation on white sand beaches, without forgetting the summer entertainment of the city.
On site, you will be able to:
- Admire the beautiful boats and yachts moored at the majestic marina,
- Discover the salt marshes that have given the city its reputation as the “city of salt”,
- Explore the cultural heritage by passing by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, the chapel of the Confrérie Santa Cruci, the 5 bastions of Porto-Vecchio or the Chiappa lighthouse.
After which, a relaxing program awaits you on the 35 km of beach that borders the city . Among the most beautiful on the island, the beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia offer soft sand, large rocks and crystal clear waters.
Porto-Vecchio is accessible via Figari airport (25 minutes) or Ajaccio airport (3 hours). You can also opt for a ferry crossing (about 10 hours) and thus benefit from your own vehicle.
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Come and discover Saint Florent in Corsica
Ajaccio: visiting the historic capital of Corsica for the first time
Ajaccio is particularly well known for having seen the birth of Emperor Napoleon , which gives it the title of Imperial City . A seaside town, Ajaccio has the particularity of hosting very beautiful beaches in the heart of its city center .
If you are wondering where to go in Corsica for the first time , know that Ajaccio is the ideal place to soak up the history of one of the largest cities, while enjoying a cocktail on the Saint-François beach near the port or that of Trottel a stone's throw from the city center.
During your stay, we recommend that you discover:
- The Sanguinaires Islands , an archipelago of 4 islands classified as “Grand site de France”,
- The Fesch Museum, the largest French museum of Italian art after the Louvre,
- The imperial chapel built by Napoleon III,
- Ajaccio Cathedral and its distinctive bright orange facade.
Early in the morning, you can also visit the old port of Ajaccio and meet the first fishermen. Late in the afternoon, the commercial port welcomes you in one of the many bars and restaurants that line it and offer you a magnificent view of this exceptional place.
Ajaccio is very easily accessible and directly via Ajaccio airport . You can also opt for a ferry crossing.
Saint-Florent: wild landscapes and preserved tranquility
Saint-Florent is a small Corsican village still sheltered from the tourist gaze. Located between Cap Corse and the heart of the Agriates desert , the village benefits from a particularly fascinating geographical location, between sea and mountains, where wild landscapes still extend. An ancient Roman city, Saint-Florent has preserved its ancient streets and the authenticity of its traditions to share with its visitors the best of Corsican culture today.
The village attracts both fishermen and sailors who populate the marina , also known for being the starting point for many tourist excursions to the most beautiful beaches , and locals and travelers in search of absolute nature . Moreover, its landscapes served as the backdrop for the Allied landing scenes in Normandy for the film " The Longest Day ".
On site, we advise you to discover:
- The cathedral of Santa-Maria-Assunta or Sainte-Marie de Nebbio,
- The citadel of Saint-Florent , the former most important commercial center on the island,
- The old town of Saint-Florent and its preserved heritage,
- The Agriates desert, its splendid views of the mountains and the jetty,
- The Mortella Tower , a true vestige of the city's port past.
To fully enjoy this charming port village with your family, renting an apartment in the heart of the port is ideal. And to top up your tan in Saint-Florent , you will have the choice: Roya beach, Lotu beach , Malfalcu beach, Saleccia beach, Olzu beach or even Ospedale beach. Between hills bordering the sea, colorful dunes and turquoise water, relaxation is guaranteed in this safe haven. Moreover, we explain how to get to Saint-Florent in Corsica , whether by plane or boat.
