Things to do in Corsica

Set sail from Ajaccio or Porticcio on a full-day boat tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Porto. Experience one of the last Mediterranean enclaves to provide shelter for endemic flora and birdlife. Stop in the coastal village of Girolata and explore the secluded village for 2 hours. Find a nice restaurant for lunch or enjoy a picnic on the beach. In the winter, the village becomes a virtual backwater with only about 15 residents. Then, venture into the Calanche de Piana to discover an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks shaped over the centuries by changes in temperature, strong winds, and sea spray. Explore the geological diversity and unique location of the rocks that give a particular aspect to the area.

Discover the Scandola Nature Reserve and visit the charming village of Girolata as you embark on a boat tour off Porto on the coast of Corsica. Sail in silence on the waters of the reserve on an eco-friendly hybrid boat and enjoy access to prime seating thanks to priority boarding. Meet the ship’s friendly crew who will assist you with the boarding process and then set off to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Nature Reserve, which is only accessible by sea and subject to strict protection. See coastal caves and observe diverse marine life and seabirds, such as ospreys and peregrine falcons, from a respectable distance so as not to disturb the natural environment. Learn about the reserve’s ecology through live French commentary throughout the tour. Stop for 30 minutes in the remote and quaint coastal village of Girolata, surrounded by the sea and only accessible by boat. Walk around the village or cool off with a swim and be on the lookout for the resident wild cows that roam the streets, cafés, and beach of Girolata. Upgrade and extend your experience with an optional trip to the stunning Calanche de Piana rock formation. Admire a beautiful pink granite geological landscape, which has been uniquely created from centuries of strong winds and sea spray.

Embark on a boat tour and take in sights along the north shore of Ajaccio, including the Tino Rossi house, the Greek chapel, the Marin cemetery and the Citadel. See the Parata tower and the Sanguinaires islands, a Natura 2000 site. During the tour, enjoy commentary about Ajaccio Bay and the history of the city. Stop at Mezumare, the largest island in the Sanguinaires archipelago, accessible only by boat. The island is home to a number of rare animal species. Enjoy a 1-hour stopover for a swim, or for a walk to the Alphonse Daudet lighthouse and semaphore. You'll also see the ruins of the Lazaretto, used by coral fishermen, in quarantine after returning from Africa.

Discover the Gulf of Porto by boat and see why this extraordinary natural area is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Scandola Nature Reserve and admire striking cliffs, surrounded by the deep blue ocean. See the famous rock formations of Calanche de Piana. Board your boat in Porto and begin your trip by sailing to the Scandola Reserve, home to beautiful cliffs and a marvelous sea bed. Take in an impressive location that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1975. Become surrounded by more than 30 plant species. Navigate toward the Calanche de Piana to come up close to its unique natural formations. Snap amazing photos of this mesmerizing wonder, then sail back to your starting point in Porto.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Scandola Nature Reserve on a scenic boat tour from Porto. Experience one of the last Mediterranean territories to provide shelter for endemic flora and birdlife and discover the striking rocky landscape of Calanche de Piana. Depart from Porto and cruise through the reserve, rich with marine life and seabirds, on board a semi-rigid boat. Stop in the coastal village of Girolata and marvel at its stunning setting, surrounded by the sea. During the winter, watch as it becomes nearly abandoned, with only about 15 residents. Venture into the Calanche de Piana and explore an outstanding landscape of pink granite rocks, shaped over the centuries by changes in temperature, strong winds, and sea spray. Observe the geological diversity of the rocks and jump into crystal blue waters for a cooling swim in a natural pool.

Visit one of the best sites of Corsica on boat routes designed to optimize your experience. Get to know Porto's magical gulf, Piana's beautiful creeks and the Scandola's breath-taking reserve. Visit this exceptional destination, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  On the way back, enjoy a 30-minute stop in the small hamlet of Girolata, only accessible by sea or on foot. Embark comfortably aboard a standard semi-rigid pneumatic boat. Thanks to their small size, they can enter caves, navigate to the sea bank, and allow you to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes. Enjoy a swim and some snorkeling depending on weather conditions. During this outing at sea, you might be able to observe dolphins or other aquatic mammals that might cross your path.

Departing from Porto, you can admire the Calanches de Piana by sailing along the coast towards Capo Rosso with its caves and natural pools, a magical place listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. On a family-friendly speedboat, you will set sail for the Scandola nature reserve. On the way back, you can discover the small hamlet of Girolata, only accessible by sea or on foot. A 30-minute stop is planned there. During this excursion you will enjoy a swimming break, snorkeling (masks provided) depending on weather conditions. Perhaps you will have the chance to observe dolphins or other cetaceans that might cross your path. Duration of the tour about 3h15

Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Imperial Town with an open top bus. Depart from the Square Foch, drive along the De Gaulle Square with the statue of Napoleon with his four brothers. Then cruise along Austerlitz Square and see the Casone monument dedicated to Napoleon I.  Continue your discovery along the coastal road of the Sanguinaires to enjoy the beautiful sights over Ajaccio bay. Arrive at the Parata point for a 20-30 minute stop and appreciate the exceptional panorama over the archipelago.

Explore the hidden wonders of the Corsican coast that are accessible only by sea on a day trip by speedboat. Visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy free time to wander through Girolata, and see the natural pools of Calanques de Piana. Begin your cruise in either Sagone or Cargèse, depending on the option you select. Board a 12-seater speedboat and cruise towards the famous Scandola Nature Reserve. As you sail through the Reserve, learn about the jagged cliffs and red rock formations you see from your guide. After leaving the Reserve, take a 30 minute wander through the small village of Girolata, which is only accessible from the sea. Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, go for a swim, or browse the shops. After you've finished, board the boat and continue to the Calanques de Piana. Jump into the clear water for a refreshing swim in the Calanques de Piano before cruising around the stunning caves of Capo Rosso. Return to Sagone or Cargèse past the red cliffs of Corsica.

Discover the dramatic landscapes of the south coast of Corsica aboard a cruise boat from Ajaccio on a full-day tour to the commune of Bonifacio and its legendary rock formations. Cruise into the Valinco Gulf for breathtaking views of the coast. See the famous lion-shaped rock of Roccapina and more. Benefit from an informative commentary on the history of Corsica and its traditions along the way. Get a closer look at the rock carving of the Staircase of the King of Aragon, dug by Alfonso V's troops in a single night during the unsuccessful siege of Bonifacio in 1420, according to legend. Marvel at the sea caves in the shape of Napoleon's Hat and the sea stack of the Grain de Sable. Upon arrival in Bonifacio, get 4 hours to explore at leisure and find a nice place for lunch. Catch the mini-train from the port to the citadel in the upper town and back at your convenience. Located directly on the Mediterranean Sea, and separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio, the commune is known for its idyllic beaches and towering cliffs.