The 5 must-do activities for your Corsica vacation

Corsica doesn't earn its nickname "Island of Beauty" for nothing; with its cliffs, canyons, beaches, traditional villages, and protected nature reserves, every corner of Corsica is worth a visit. And tourists know it. In fact, no fewer than 3 million tourists were recorded between April and August 2021. It is very common to have friends or family who return to Corsica every year, completely won over by the island's splendor. Want to discover Corsica but aren't sure what to do? Or perhaps you want to plan your activities ahead of time? Check out our top 5 must-do summer activities in Corsica.

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Discovering Corsica by boat: A cruise to the Sanguinaires Islands

Board a cruise ship for a 3 to 4-hour trip to the Sanguinaires Islands. The boat departs the port at 7:00 PM, the perfect time to enjoy the sunset on the horizon. The itinerary includes a wine tasting led by a sommelier and a local winemaker, a discovery of Corsican dishes prepared with local ingredients, all set to the musical backdrop of a local band playing guitars and violins.

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A guide is also on board to point out the gems and historical curiosities along the northern coast of Corsica all the way to the famous Sanguinaires Islands. We recommend that you book your cruise from Ajaccio without delay if you want to enjoy this experience, as spots fill up fast! Don't worry if you change your mind; you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Want to join this activity but don't have accommodation in Ajaccio yet? Check out our vacation rentals in Ajaccio!

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Activity price: 59 euros per person

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Try your first scuba dive in Porto-Vecchio

Another must-do activity in Corsica is your first scuba dive! The Mediterranean aquatic flora and fauna found in Corsica take the breath away from many novice divers—fortunately, the oxygen tanks are there to help you breathe. The Kalliste Plongée Corse club offers introductory dives lasting between 20 and 40 minutes off the coast of Porto-Vecchio, near the Cerbicale Islands archipelago. A personal instructor accompanies you throughout the excursion to reassure you and make this first dive an unforgettable experience that might even spark a new passion. The protected sites of the Cerbicale Islands archipelago feature particularly abundant underwater flora and fauna because they are preserved from human activity.

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But how does the activity actually work? The entire experience lasts 2.5 hours. After providing your equipment, an instructor will take charge and explain the excursion's flow and the safety rules to follow. Then, after answering all your questions, you will board a boat that will take you to the dive site (about ten minutes from the pier). Once there, you will dive one-on-one with your instructor to a depth of 6 meters. Before returning to the base, you can enjoy the area by snorkeling while the other participants do their introductory dives. Children can also participate, provided they are at least 7 years old and have parental consent. However, they do not go deeper than 3 meters.

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Activity price: 80 euros per person

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Exploring the Corsican desert by 4x4 from Calvi

For this third summer activity in Corsica, we leave the aquatic world behind to head out on an adventure in the Corsican desert: the Agriates Desert. Don't expect a desert landscape like the Sahara, but the arid terrain, made up of maquis and lush vegetation, is nonetheless a desert that is an absolute must-see. Explore it by 4x4 and discover the unusual sites that inhabit it, such as abandoned villages, cave dwellings, sheepfolds, and unexpected caves. The guide accompanying you will immerse you in the history of this unique place and show you things you wouldn't have been able to spot on your own.

During this 9-hour excursion, 4 hours are dedicated to discovering the beaches of Ghignu and Malfalco. With their turquoise waters, a total change of scenery is guaranteed! Then, head back in your air-conditioned vehicle toward Calvi, your initial pickup point. Remember to bring snacks, drinks, and everything else you might need for your excursion. There are only 8 spots per excursion, so be sure to book your spot as soon as possible, especially if you want to do the activity as a group.

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Activity price: 90 euros per person

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Expedition in the Verghellu Canyon in Corsica

Here is an activity in Corsica for those who love thrills: an expedition in the Verghellu Canyon. A true canyoning experience awaits you in the most authentic canyon in Corsica. You can experience jumps of up to 8 meters high, natural slides, 3 rappels of up to 15 meters high, and a large zipline. Note that the jumps are not mandatory, but some rappel sections cannot be bypassed. To put your mind at ease, a certified instructor is there to help and guide you every step of the way. You will need to walk 30 minutes to reach the canyon on the way there and only 10 minutes on the way back. The time spent in the canyon itself is 2 hours. Including the explanations, the walk, the canyoning, and the various stops, the expedition lasts a total of 3.5 hours.

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Although very accessible, this expedition requires good physical condition, the ability to swim, and shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping on pebbles and lichen. Water shoes or casual sneakers like Converse are not recommended. It is also best to choose shoes that provide ankle support. For about ten euros, the club running the expedition, Canyon Corse, offers canyoning shoes for rent. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.

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Activity price: 55 euros per person

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Road Trip in Corsica: Spots you can't miss

With only 8,722 km², it is very easy to plan a road trip along the entire Corsican coast during your vacation and book vacation rentals based on your stops. If you don't want to drive around the whole island, you can focus on the north or the south. Here is a selection of spots not to be missed on the southern coast of Corsica. To delight your taste buds while enjoying a breathtaking view, these spots are best admired from the terraces of fantastic restaurants. Don't forget to book your table. They include:

• The Le Goéland hotel-restaurant in Porto-Vecchio
• The A Furana restaurant, also in Porto-Vecchio
• The Costa Marina restaurant in Bonifacio
• The U Castillé restaurant, also in Bonifacio
• The A Suliata restaurant in Bonifacio

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If these must-do activities in Corsica have won you over and you're now planning a trip to the island but aren't sure where to stay to enjoy all these excursions, discover our vacation rentals in Corsica.