Active in Corsica: eight great tips for sporty holidays
The island of Corsica in the Mediterranean is a mecca for active holidaymakers. How about horse riding on the beach or diving or kayaking in crystal-clear waters? Or would you prefer an adventure climbing in the mountains? Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a passionate cyclist or an avid kitesurfer, Corsica offers the perfect setting for your next unforgettable active holiday.
Wanderlust: from Porto-Vecchio to Propriano
In Corsica, you can climb a mountain and still go for a swim before dinner, all on the same day. We recommend the first or last stage of the “Mare a Mare Sud” hiking trail, which runs in five stages from Porto-Vecchio in the southeast to Propriano in the southwest. You’ll hike through the Alta Rocca Mountains and their charming villages, where local specialities and wonderful panoramas await you.
Swimming fun in the Fango Valley
A popular area to visit in the north is the Fango Valley near Galéria. One hiking route leads along the Fango River, over rocks and past deep natural pools. These are filled with crystal-clear fresh water and are perfect for swimming and splashing about, especially in summer. A day spent hiking and swimming in the Fango Valley is an ideal change of pace from the beach, especially for families.
Tour the island on two wheels: the GT20
“La Grande Traversée 20” is a 600-kilometre cycle route linking Corsica’s most beautiful spots. It starts at Cap Corse and covers 12 stages with 10,000 metres of elevation gain to Bonifacio. Highlights include historic port cities, the Scandola nature reserve, the citadel in Corte and the Alta Rocca mountain range, popular with mountain bikers. Thanks to the mild climate, you can cycle along the GT20 almost all year round.
Underwater adventures off Calvi beach
Thanks to its excellent water quality and diverse marine life, Corsica is a paradise for divers and snorkellers. The beach in Calvi is perfect for beginners whereas stronger currents and more challenging waters can be found along the rocky cliffs. Highlights for experienced divers: you can explore a shipwreck in the Scandola nature reserve and a Second World War bomber near Calvi.
Rope teams welcome: climbing in the Restonica Valley
Corsica is perfect for climbers. The Restonica Valley near Corte is one of the largest climbing areas on the island, with over 200 routes along granite cliffs and mountain lakes––perfect for cooling off. To the south are the “aiguilles” (needles) of the Bavella Massif, framed by fragrant pine trees. Here, you’ll find granite rock faces as well as limestone cliffs with routes of all difficulty levels.
A question of preference: kayaking on the Travo and elsewhere
At Galéria, you can enjoy a leisurely paddle through the nature reserve along the Fango river while observing the birds, plants and turtles along the way. Adrenaline junkies can opt for an adventurous inland kayaking trip, such as on the Travo, which offers white water and rapids for the more experienced. Sea lovers can rent kayaks on beaches like Cupabia, Algajola, Palombaggia and Calvi.
On horseback
Discover Corsica on horseback! Whether you fancy long rides on the beach, through the fragrant maquis shrubland, along mountain trails or through the villages of the Balagne, the island boasts many well-maintained bridleways that wind through diverse landscapes for more than 1,900 kilometres. From day trips to multi-day trekking tours, riding stables offer guided rides for all ability levels. Donkey rides and treks are also available.
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Wind in the sails
Corsica’s high mountains ensure excellent offshore winds, ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The best spots can be found in the Balagne on the west coast, such as in Algajola, or in the south, on Piantarella Beach or in the Bay of Santa Manza between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. The conditions here are ideal for slalom windsurfers and freestylers.
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