The island of Corsica offers nature sports all year round. Boasting 120 peaks of over 2,000 metres, this 'mountain in the sea' is the perfect setting for a wealth of outdoor activities: hiking, horse riding, cycling and mountain biking, climbing, river sports and watersports along the 1,000km coast. Whatever you're looking for, it's bound to be here. Corsica is also a perfect slow tourism destination: take your time to reconnect with what matters, retreat into nature and escape the crowds.
Spectacular walks and hikes
Corsica offers an incredible playground for walking and hiking in the wilderness. For the more experienced there's of course the GR20, a legendary 200km hiking trail crossing the island from north to south.
For those who prefer walking by the water, the forest of Aïtone in the mountains between Evisa and Vergio is punctuated by natural swimming pools and magnificent waterfalls to refresh you. (Walk duration 2.5 hours) A hike to the beautiful Sanguinaires islands takes you out to sea to reach the Genoese tower of Parata, which dominates the coastal landscape. (Walk duration 3.5 hours) The Purcaraccia waterfalls are perfect for hikers who also enjoy canyoning. The medium difficulty hike allows you to access great natural slides, waterfalls and pools.
If you prefer a hike in the mountains or in the shade of a forest, the Aiguilles de Bavella hike takes in the spectacular landscape of the Aiguilles. Through a pine forest the path leads you to the famous granite 'Trou de la Bombe', formed by erosion. (Walk duration 3 hours) For nature lovers, the Sentier des Douaniers is a signposted walk during which you can admire the protected wildlife as well as remarkable monuments and landscapes. The route starts from the port of Macinaggio and ends in Centuri.
Cycling around the island
If you prefer riding a road, mountain or electric bike to walking, try the GT20, a cycle route linking Bastia to Bonifacio in 12 stages. You'll be able to appreciate Corsica's exceptional landscapes and pass through authentic inland villages for a glimpse of the island's heritage. The mountainous tracks of the Niolu and the Cuscione plateau are a great playground for sporty types, while the seaside routes or the traversée des villages (villages route) are suitable for all abilities.
The Saleccia Botanic Park
Recharge your batteries for a day at the Parc de Saleccia. In this seven-hectare park at the gateway to Ile-Rousse, you can admire plants from all over the world. The park offers different itineraries with different themes such as Les Chemins de l’Olivier, the Mediterranean Area with its colours and perfumes of the south, or the Garden of Four Colours which stages, in a symphony of fountains, the atmosphere of the secret courtyards of Corsican villages.
Boating and kayaking
Many boat trips are available from Ajaccio, Cargèse, Porto and Calvi to the exceptional site of Scandola. This volcanic peninsula is a protected reserve with a real explosion of colours and fantastic landscapes. An hour's boat ride from Bonifacio, you can also visit the Lavezzi Islands, another magnificent nature reserve and a diver's paradise where a multitude of tiny islets, pretty coves and beaches with crystal-clear water are intermingled. The Fango Delta, classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is best explored by canoe or kayak. You can spot a multitude of plant and animal species while gliding silently along the water's surface.
Quirky accommodation in nature
Cocoon Village is an unusual place where you can spend the night in a cocoon suspended from a rock face with a double bed, or in a glass dome with panoramic views. Perched at an altitude of 850 metres, Cocoon Village overlooks the Ospedale forest, lined with giant conifers and beech trees, offering access to numerous hiking trails, high ropes courses, lake swimming, canyoning, horse riding and mountain biking.
Cocoon Village is also eco-responsible, using solar lighting and compost toilets.
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By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
