Villas in Corsica, France

Our villas in Corsica are the ideal base to indulge in a slice of island life. With close to 200 beaches to choose from, you’re never far away from a picturesque cove. Corsica’s beaches are a true product of the beautiful island you’ll find them on – each one as diverse as the next. Some are accessible only by foot or boat, while others are elegant hotspots buzzing with trendy holidaymakers.

One of the island’s most famous beaches, Palombaggia, can be found in the shimmering south. Powder-white sands are protected by mammoth granite rocks and fringed by pine trees, all set to an electric blue sea. Close by, you’ll find Santa Giulia, another hugely popular beach and one of the most photogenic. Yellow sands, shallow waters and the natural horseshoe bay are perfect for families. All just 10-15 minutes away from the resort of Porto-Vecchio.

In the north, the beautiful region of la Balagne is peppered with sweeping bays. Calvi beach is lapped by some of the clearest waters on the island, with jaw-dropping views across the picture-perfect sands to a citadel backdrop. Further north you’ll find Algajola beach. A wide and wonderful coastline that’s perfectly placed next to cafés and restaurants. One of the longest beaches in la Balagne – it’s a great spot for watersports.

Corsicans speak French, live in towns with Italian names and eat foods that are unique to the island. Keen to show off their traditions to visitors, there’s a number of colourful festivities on the social calendar. Overflowing with music, arts and festivals, a visit in the summer months will most likely result in travellers stumbling onto one of the many food events or vibrant music concerts. A fantastic way to get to grips with the island’s vast and varied culture!

Budding history buffs will be delighted with the wealth of beautiful architecture, monuments, citadels, watchtowers and museums. From Baroque style churches in la Balagne to the breathtaking maze of cobbled streets in Bonifacio – you’ll find enchanting towns and cities have changed very little over the centuries. Get a glimpse of the old ways and explore the Genoese watchtowers scattered along the island, or adventure through the capital city of Ajaccio on the west coast. Famous for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, you can learn a great deal about his life and family in the national museum.

If you love the great outdoors, you’ll be captivated by Corsica’s dramatic mountains and dazzling coastline. Abounding in natural beauty, the island is the perfect wilderness for walking and hiking enthusiasts. There’s something for all ability levels, so anyone can get up close and personal with pine forests, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and towering mountain scenery.

One of the best ways to see the sights and cover the most ground is on two wheels. Cyclists can test themselves by tackling the steep, winding tracks that weave across the island, rewarding their hard work with jaw-dropping panoramic vistas. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Scandola Nature Reserve is one of the island’s most famous landscapes. An astounding collection of craggy shapes and colours are sprawled out as far as they eye can see. Stunning red rock formations soar out of turquoise waters and can be explored by foot or boat. The scenes here are breathtaking, and the protected land has been left blissfully untouched.

Corsican food is unique to the island, with nods to both French and Italian cuisine. Inspired by the land, meals incorporate sun-loving fruits, fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses. Wild boar is the most celebrated delicacy, and you’ll see it pop up in a wide range of dishes from Civet de Sanglier (Wild boar casserole) to Veau aux Olives (Veal with olives). Being an island, seafood is another huge culinary hit with both locals and visitors. On the coast you’ll find a good selection of fish from sea bream to oysters. Corsica produces several good wines and the grape harvest is still often cut by hand.

• Relax and unwind on the powder-white sands at Palombaggia. Fringed by luscious pines and lapped by calm waters, this beautiful beach is as exotic as any you’ll find in the Caribbean.

• Take a boat trip from the gorgeous harbour at Bonifacio, one of the most revered spots on the entire island. This perfectly perched town is the crème de la crème of days out. You’ll be treated to amazing views of the citadel that clings to the cliff side.

• Road trip over to the west coast and drive the twisting coastal roads to the beautiful beach at Propriano. Here you’ll be able to catch a spectacular sunset if you time it right!

• Explore the world beneath the waves and make the most of Corsica’s crystal clear waters. There’s plenty of points around the island to indulge in a spot of snorkelling, some of the best include Marinella, Lotu and Roccapina beaches.

• Explore the towns where time stands still. The villages of la Balagne cling to high hillsides and each have their own little quirks. The beautiful seaside town of L’Ile Rousse is a popular choice thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, bustling marketplace and beautiful beaches.