Where to Stay in Corsica: Find Your Ideal Stay on the Island

With astounding geological diversity and incredible natural beauty, this French island lies in the Mediterranean Sea and has a curiously Italian spirit thanks to its location between France and Italy. In fact, many Corsica residents speak both French and Italian. Beautiful, peaceful, and criminally underrated in comparison to islands like Sicily, this small slice of land is a paradise for holiday-goers seeking beaches, hiking, and laid-back nightlife.

If you're seeking sun, sea, and relaxation or a vacation filled with outdoorsy plans, this natural haven is ideal, but there's a surprising amount of history and culture to see here, too. Since it's a pretty big island, I recommend you choose an area that best suits your plans, so I put together a guide on where to stay in Corsica, including accommodation to suit all budgets.

Whether you're seeking a chic boutique hotel with a heated swimming pool and private terrace or something more budget-friendly, there's accommodation to suit all travelers on this popular French island.

Best Places to Stay in Corsica

Ajaccio – The island's stylish and sun-soaked capital is the go-to destination for first-time visitors and is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. With plenty to do and see as well as a staggering coastline, this region offers something for every type of traveler.

Calvi – Awash with incredible beaches and surprisingly affordable accommodation, Calvi is a hidden gem located along Corsica's northern coast.

Porto-Vecchio – One of Corsica's best-known and most picturesque ports, Porto-Vecchio's peaceful vibe makes it the perfect destination for couples and families alike.

Corte – Home to one of the island's best universities, Corte boasts a distinctly bohemian vibe. With a population that largely comprises students and artists, here's where you'll find hipster bars and plenty of quirky independent businesses.

Bastia – Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Bastia is Corsica's nightlife hub, awash with incredible places to eat and drink.

Patrimonio – French wine is world-class, and Corsica's best wine can be found in Patrimonio. Showing off a more rural side to Corsica with fewer cities, Patrimonio isn't a beacon of nightlife, but if you want to sample the best grapes, there's nowhere better.

Galeria – If you want to take the road less traveled in Corsica, aim for its hidden gem, Galeria. Tourist-friendly but with fewer crowds than the likes of Ajaccio, Galeria is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle in Corsica.

Bonifacio – Known for its stunning marina and medieval citadel, Bonifacio is located on the southern tip of this French island.

1. Where to Stay in Corsica for First-Time Travelers: Ajaccio

Corsica's sunny capital, Ajaccio, is the go-to spot for first-time visitors to this picturesque French island. With more attractions and places to eat and drink than elsewhere on the island, Ajaccio provides the perfect base for exploring other parts of Corsica, or simply the best spot for a city break if you don't plan on moving around.

This port on the isle's western coast was actually the birthplace of Napoleon! And there's plenty more history where that came from. Ajaccio is the spot in Corsica with the most history, so if you're seeking a vacation that blends sun-soaked beach days with cultural attractions, choose the island's capital as your resting place. It's easily accessible by boat or plane, too. Chances are, if you're staying anywhere near Ajaccio, you'll fly into the capital anyway.

Ajaccio being Corsica's biggest city means it has the biggest range of accommodation, too, from luxury hotels with modern rooms and a private beach to small, family-run hotels with affordable prices.

As the island's capital, Ajaccio brims with places to eat and drink and things to do. It might not be Paris in terms of sightseeing, but there's plenty to see, and, unlike Paris, there's crystal-clear water to cool off in at the end of the day, just a short walk from the center. On the other hand, being the capital means Ajaccio is never free from crowds, so it's certainly not the spot to visit if you're hoping to get off the beaten path.

Ajaccio is for city lovers, sight seekers, and history buffs, so if you're an outdoorsy type looking for a hidden nature reserve or lesser-known hike, skip the capital and head for one of Corsica's more rural areas.

Best Hotels to Stay in Ajaccio

($$$) Hotel Pozzo Di Borgo

($$) Best Western Plus Ajaccio

($) Hotel Spunta Di Mare

Things to Do in Ajaccio

• Visit Maison Bonaparte

• Access your inner culture vulture at the Fesch Museum

• Check out the Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta

• Enjoy excellent views from the Citadelle d'Ajaccio

2. Where to Stay in Corsica for the Best Beaches and Bars: Calvi

If you're looking for rugged cliffs, breathtaking beaches, and plenty of friendly bars where you can sample world-class French wines, head to Calvi. Nestled on the northwest coast of Corsica, Calvi is known for its picturesque beaches and crescent moon bay, making it the perfect spot for sun-catching, swimming, and sand.

Calvi isn't the best place for sightseeing – the attractions here center more around natural beauty than monuments or attractions. If you're interested in hiking, swimming, water sports or simply looking out over beautiful viewpoints, head to Calvi. Although having said that, a certain Christopher Columbus was supposedly born in Corsica…

One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that you can find cheaper accommodation, too. Less polished than regions in the south, Calvi's laid-back ruggedness makes it both affordable and somewhat of a hidden gem, promising the opportunity of a charming hotel with a private balcony for less.

As well as the boat trips hikes and beaches by day, Calvi has plenty of nightlife to offer. By night, the beachfront bars come alive, and the stretch of beach that Calvi boasts is awash with tourists and residents alike enjoying the vibrant nightlife. It has its own airport, too, so you can easily access Calvi from other European destinations.

Best Hotels to Stay in Calvi

($$$) Hotel Le Rocher

($$) Hotel les Arbousiers

($) Il Tramonto

Things to Do in Calvi

• Enjoy the hidden gem beach Plage de l'Alga

• Spend a beach day at the popular Plage Oscelluccia

• Try your hand at water sports

• Visit the Port de Plaisance de Calvi

3. Where to Stay in Corsica for Family-Friendly Vibes: Porto-Vecchio

Porto-Vecchio is undoubtedly one of Corsica's most picture-perfect destinations. This medium-sized port city boasts a beautiful harbor, plenty of authentic and delicious restaurants (they're especially great for seafood lovers) as well as year-round mild temperatures.

The streets of this harbor city make it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway with your other half or a relaxed vacation with family. While there is nightlife here, it's quieter than somewhere like Ajaccio, which boasts larger nightclubs and bars, so you can escape the crowds if you choose to. There's plenty of history here, too, with a port that dates back to the Romans!

Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel with private beach access and spacious rooms or a small family-run BNB, there's a range of accommodations here to suit all budgets. The best food here is seafood and you can enjoy it at reasonable prices since it's plucked straight from the sea.

As the only major town on the southeast coast of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio provides an excellent base for those looking to explore this side of the island easily. Plus, since it has an airport, you can easily access Porto-Vecchio from other European destinations.

The city's maze of cobbled streets, piazzas, and restaurants gives Porto-Vecchio the feeling of an old, romantic Italian town – the perfect spot to spend an afternoon wandering with no real plans. Whether you're a family looking for a peaceful getaway or a couple looking to celebrate an anniversary, head for Porto-Vecchio.

Best Hotels to Stay in Porto-Vecchio

($$$) Hotel Carre Noir

($$) Résidence Hôtelière Alcyon

($) Hotel Alcyon

Things to Do in Porto-Vecchio

• Visit the Citadelle de Porto-Vecchio
• Explore the Salt Marshes of Porto-Vecchio
• Drive to the nearby Plage de Carataggio

• Enjoy dinner at a Porto-Vecchio classic – Casa Corsa

4. Where to Stay in Corsica for Laid-back Bohemian Vibes: Corte

Corte was once Corsica's capital, and you can see why when you visit this charming city nestled in the island's geographical center. Surrounding mountains give this city a grandiose feel, but when you dig deeper, you'll find a place with a distinctly bohemian feel. This is Corsica's hipster home.

Home to many of the island's students thanks to the city's university which reopened in the 80s, Corte has a cosmopolitan air, helped by many forward-thinking independent bars and restaurants that line the streets of this city. Perfect for travelers of all types from hikers to hipsters, there's plenty to do in Corte, from shopping in boutique souvenir stores to marching up the nearby mountains.

Corte, over its history, has been central to the social, political, and historical life of the island, so it's well worth a visit even if you don't plan on staying there. With evidence of human activity here dating back to the Bronze Age and a Università di Corsica with a world-class reputation, this fascinating slice of history shouldn't be overlooked when considering potential Corsica destinations.

Best Hotels to Stay in Corte

($$$) Dominique Colonna

($$) Hotel de la Restonica

($) Hotel du Nord

Things to Do in Corte

• Check out Corsica University

• Visit the Corsica Museum

• See the Arche de Corte

5. Where to Stay in Corsica for Nightlife: Bastia

Lively and picturesque, Bastia is a city in the northeast of Corsica that's home to some of the most thriving restaurants and bars on the island. A hub of nightlife and cuisine, Bastia boasts a quaint old town and port, lending this city a picturesque charm that makes it popular with tourists.

If you stroll behind the old port, you'll find Place du Marché, where there's a daily farmer's market where you can pick up fresh produce and Corsican delicacies. The pace of life here is laid-back and relaxed by day, changing by night when the city comes alive with tourists and locals alike spilling out of bustling bars and piazzas to enjoy a glass of wine.

France's second-biggest passenger port after Calais, Bastia is popular with tourists, so it's not the best place to escape crowds during the summer. But if you're willing to stay in a pretty tourist-heavy spot, you'll be rewarded by this vibrant spot with its abundance of bars and restaurants. Despite its reputation for excellent nightlife, Bastia is still family-friendly, so it's suitable for many types of travelers, including those seeking natural beauty.

Best Hotels to Stay in Bastia

($$$) A Storia

($$) Hotel Les Voyageurs

($) Hotel La Bastia

Things to Do in Bastia

• Go for a bar crawl

• Visit the Citadelle de Bastia

• See the uniquely designed Église Saint Jean-Baptiste

• Stroll along the old port of Bastia

6. Where to Stay in Corsica for Wine Lovers: Patrimonio

While most of the places on my list are large towns or cities, some travelers prefer to get off the beaten path. And if that's what you like to do, all while tasting world-class wine, Patrimonio is the spot to do it. This hillside town and associated wine appellation are wilder and rugged than spots like Porto-Vecchio and Ajaccio, but it's home to the best vineyard in Patrimonio.

Not only will you find plenty of natural beauty in the form of breathtaking coastal roads, but there are also plenty of charming towns and hilltop villages in the region. The best part is, since most of the wine sold here comes from the local area, you'll find it available for much more affordable prices than on mainland France or other parts of Corsica.

One thing to bear in mind if you visit this region is public transport is even more scarce than in other parts of Corsica, so hiring a car or planning with local taxis is a must. Despite the slight difficulty in accessibility, it's well worth the visit to sample some of the best food and drink on the island.

If you're looking for a little more civilization during your stay, Patrimonio isn't far from Bastia, so you can hop over to the popular city once you're done exploring Patrimonio's vineyard.

Best Hotels to Stay in Patrimonio

($$$) Auberge Lustincone

($$) Villa Adhjanella

($) Hotel du Vignoble

Things to Do in Patrimonio

• Visit vineyards

• Go camping

• Take a drive around Patrimonio's stunning coastal roads

7. Where to Stay in Corsica for Nature and Away From the Crowds: Galeria

While plenty of Corsica is filled with towns and villages, there's some breathtaking nature to see, too, with fewer crowds of tourists to battle. Galeria is one such place. This commune on the island of Corsica is a seaside spot boasting a preserved natural environment that's perfect for hikers, swimmers, and sports lovers.

While it does attract its fair share of nature lovers, the lack of nightlife in this part of the island means you won't see the crowds of youngsters that flock to somewhere like Ajaccio. Unlike the big cities, Galeria is quieter, calmer, and more picturesque.

Galeria has a stunning beach that attracts fewer tourists than those found in Calvi and Porto-Vecchio as well as multiple hiking trails and mountainous scenery. While restaurants aren't as ubiquitous, you'll find authentic Corsican restaurants where you can sample local delicacies and fresh seafood.

One of the other benefits of Galeria's peaceful vibe is that you can visit during peak times and you'll still find fewer tourists. If you're heading to the nearby Calvi or Ajaccio, escape from the summer crowds by resting in Galeria for a few days of respite.

Best Hotels to Stay in Galeria

($$$) Hotel l'Alivu

($$) Stella Marina

($) Hotel Camparellu

Things to Do in Galeria

• Go hiking around the Delta du Fango

• Drive around the Col de Palmarella for incredible views

• Have a beach day at the Plage de Galeria

8. Where to Stay in Corsica for History: Bonifacio

While most of Corsica boasts historical attractions of some kind (after all, the island goes back centuries), Bonifacio is especially steeped in history, boasting a clifftop citadel that goes back to the 9th century. The stairs leading up to the citadel (Escalier du Roi d’Aragon) boast a panoramic view at the top, and they themselves are a little slice of history.

While many of the buildings in Bonifacio have had a recent facelift, there are plenty of centuries-old buildings remaining in the old town, which makes taking a walk around Bonifacio feel like stepping back in time.

Its unique setting means Bonifacio offers some of the best views in Corsica but be warned – its many cliffs and hills aren't too easy to navigate, so walking around Bonifacio can be difficult for those with poor levels of fitness.

Best Hotels to Stay in Bonifacio

($$$) Best Western Hotel du Roy d'Aragon

($$) Hotel A Madonetta

($) Santateresa

Things to Do in Bonifacio

• Visit the Plage de Paraguan

• See the famous Citadelle de Bonifacio

• Climb the Escalier du Roy d'Aragon

• See the 19th-century lighthouse Phare de la Madonetta

Where to Stay in Corsica – Frequently Asked Questions

🏖️ Which part of Corsica is most beautiful?

All of the island of Corsica is beautiful, but some parts are more suited to certain activities or types of natural beauty. If you're seeking stunning beaches, visit Porto Vecchio or Calvi. If you're looking for hiking trails with views over the natural beauty of the island, try Bonifacio. If you like places with plenty to do without losing charm or natural beauty, you'll love Ajaccio.

🏝️ Is North or South Corsica better?

The entire island of Corsica is beautiful, so the side you choose has more to do with your personal preferences than which is better. The south coast arguably boasts the more beautiful beaches, so if you're looking to explore natural beauty, go hiking, or get involved with water sports, you might prefer the south of the island.

The northern tip of the island, on the other hand, is home to more villages and towns as well as attractions, so it's better if you're seeking a holiday exploring charming fishing villages. It's also slightly less touristic and more authentic. If you're looking to spend your holiday as a beach bum staying in luxury hotels, seek accommodation in the south, but the north is better for quaint villages, authentic food, and sights.

⌛️ How long should I stay in Corsica?

How long you wish to stay in Corsica depends on your plans. If you're only visiting one part of the island, you can see some of Corsica's cities and towns listed here in just a couple of days. If you plan on traveling around the island to see various parts, however, you'll want at least one week in Corsica.

My best advice would be to list the different places you want to see in Corsica, establish how long it would take to travel between them, and give yourself at least two days in each place. If you're looking for a beach bum vacation, choose the spot with your favorite beaches and spend as long as you like there – I've been known to soak up the sun for a week or more on a relaxation trip!

🚘 Should I hire a car in Corsica?

If you're just visiting one hotel and area in Corsica, you won't need a car unless you plan on taking day trips. You can rely on taxis or walking to get around. But if you intend to see multiple spots around Corsica, hiring a car is a huge advantage, especially since the public transport here isn't great. The primary form of public transport on the island is buses, and they're not hugely reliable, even between big towns and cities.

If you plan on seeing the island, I'd recommend hiring a car for at least part of your time in Corsica. If you're going to stay in one place, don't bother with the car, and contact your hotel for help getting to and from the airport or ferry port.

☀️ When is the best time of year to visit Corsica?

The best time of the year to visit Corsica is late spring or early autumn. Summer experiences the highest temperatures, so it's great if you're seeking sun, but it's also the busiest time of year. If you want to go when the weather is still good but there aren't as many crowds, visit in May, June, or September.

Winter is usually still mild, but you might find some tourist attractions and hotels aren't open out of season, so it's best to avoid the November-February months.

💰 Is Corsica expensive?

While Corsica isn't cheap (admittedly, not much of Western Europe is), it's certainly cheaper than some destinations in France, such as southern cities like Cannes and Nice. You can find good-quality accommodation for as low as €40 per night. Main meals average around €10 and you can enjoy a glass of wine for as low as €3.

To keep costs low, stay in one of the budget-friendly hotels recommended above and seek out authentic, local eateries, instead of restaurants aimed at tourists. You can also stay in one of the cheaper areas. While Bonifacio and Ajaccio are on the pricier end, places like Calvi are much cheaper.

Where to Stay in Corsica – Final Words

This French island with a distinctly Italian flair is a must-visit for those who love the sun, beaches, and natural beauty. While it won't keep you busy from dusk til dawn with sights, there are certainly enough medieval attractions for history buffs and plenty of quaint historical villages for culture vultures to stroll around.

Corsica is quite a big island, so while you can get around easily by car, the best plan of action is to choose the right spot to stay in the first place. Hopefully, using my guide, you can stay in the most suitable part of Corsica for you and find accommodation to fit your budget.