Southern Corsica
Paradisiacal scenery without having to travel to far-distant exotic places, that's Corsica's credo. Unspoilt scenescapes, incredible fauna and flora, a rich region: a host of qualities that make the Island of Beauty one of French people's 3 favourite destinations.
HOLIDAYING IN SOUTHERN CORSICA
La Méridionale operates crossings from Marseille to Propriano and Ajaccio in Southern Corsica. If you'd like to head for Bonifacio from Propriano, give yourself around 1h15 by road.
SOUTHERN CORSICA WEATHER
Corsica enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means that summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and rainy. During the summer, along the coast, the sea breeze is very welcome whilst in winter, ski resorts throw open their doors.
Weather in Southern Corsica in winter
Corsica is the region of France with the highest amount of sunshine. Wintertime in Southern Corsica is often rainy (from December to March). Although temperatures can be fresh at night, as noted in Ajaccio with 4°C, during the day it can go up to 14°C. In winter, Southern Corsican ski resorts such as Val d'Ese are the place to be for lovers of snowboarding, cross-country skiing enthusiasts and hikers.
Weather in Southern Corsica in summer
During the summer in Southern Corsica, the thermometer can rise to 30°C and rain is extremely rare. The breeze that blows gently over Bonifacio cools the atmosphere slightly. Inland, it's not uncommon to see thunderstorms at the end of the day.
SOUTHERN CORSICA BEACHES AND CALANQUES
Southern Corsica is well-known for its beaches. The best time to go swimming is between June and October and, at the peak of summer, the water temperature in Southern Corsica can reach 27°C.
Among the most beautiful beaches and calanques in Southern Corsica, we recommend :
- Piana and its majestic calanques listed as World Heritage
- Santa Giulia Beach
- Palombaggia Beach
Tourists flock to the beaches in Southern Corsica during the summer: pine forests, fine sand and turquoise water conjure up exotic places. In June and September, there are less people and the water temperature is still really great.
FESTIVALS, CONCERTS AND OTHER EVENTS IN SOUTHERN CORSICA
Southern Corsica's agenda is filled with cultural, sporting and gastronomic events every year. To whet your appetite:
- "Le pays d’Ajaccio fête le printemps" (Ajaccio celebrates spring) takes place from April to May in Ajaccio
- "Les journées Napoléoniennes" (Napoleonic Days take place in August in Ajaccio
- "Corsica Raid Aventure", in June. It's worth noting that this is Europe's No.1 raid adventure and it's also the oldest in the world. It takes place over 5 days and includes running, kayaking, mountain-biking, etc. races.
- The "International Festival of Argentine Tango" takes place in Bonifacio in June
- "The Chestnut Fair" is held in Bocognano, near Ajaccio, in December. It's one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Corsica.
MUST-VISITS IN SOUTHERN CORSICA
Southern Corsica overflows with towns, villages and places where the Corsican soul can be felt, and it also boasts a host of exceptional natural sites.
Must-visit Southern Corsica towns
Propriano
You can travel on-board a ship in La Méridionale's fleet to cross to Propriano from Marseille. Notre Dame de la Miséricorde Church is the monument that reigns over the town. It has recently been renovated and features a splendid interior filled with vibrant colours. On the forecourt, you can take time out to admire the breathtaking panorama over the roofs of Propriano and the sea.
The magnificent Campomoro Bay is located just a few kilometres from Propriano and invites to relax on its fine sandy beach, to enjoy its crystal-clear water and to take in the luxurious surrounding nature.
The port of Propriano is an excellent starting point for boat trips, in particular to the Gulf of Valinco and the Sanguinaires Islands.
Ajaccio
Time now to visit Corsica's capital city: Ajaccio.
It was also here that Napoleon was born and that's why many monuments glorifying the Emperor can be found throughout the city.
Ajaccio's marine cemetery is an incredible architectural treasure. It's built like a town and hosts numerous mausoleums adorned with impressive sculptures.
PORTO-VECCHIO
Porto-Vecchio is a former Genoese citadel that worked the surrounding salt marshes, hence its nickname "salt city".
After strolling around the old town, continue your walk up to Chiappa lighthouse to enjoy an outstanding vista over the sea.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio, the town perched on limestone cliffs, needs no introduction. The old town is really interesting to visit and we recommend you take a little detour to visit its "Campu Santu" marine cemetery, one of the finest in the Mediterranean.
Another curiosity: Aragon's stairway with its 187 steps carved out of the limestone cliffs.
Natural sites in Southern Corsica
LAVEZZI ISLANDS
Head to Bonifacio to take the shuttle boat to get to Lavezzi Islands, an archipelago of 8 islands. Lavezzu is the ultimate paradise island with its beaches and creeks surrounded by turquoise water.
There are a host of walking trails that you can take to reach the lighthouse and the ruins of Santa Maria Chapel.
SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS
The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands is located close to Ajaccio and is a Natura 2000-listed site. It comprises 4 isles boasting incredibly-rich fauna and flora. The Parata peninsula is known for its Genoese tower dating back to the 16th century.
Now, head for the Gulf of Ajaccio and go to Mezzu Mare Island where you can admire Alphonse Daudet's lighthouse, then sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the islands turning red as the sun sets.
Les Aiguilles de Bavella
The Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles) are a 30-minute drive from Porto-Vecchio.
This site, which is part of the Corsica Regional Nature Park, is perfect for hiking with the family. Hang around until the sun sets to see the grey needles adorned with red hues.
PIANA CALANQUES
The amazing Piana calanques are located in the Gulf of Porto, not far from Ajaccio.
A host of trails invite to wander through the calanques and to admire incredible scenescapes like the "Heart" of the Piana calanques.
SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE
Scandola Nature Reserve is listed as a Unesco world heritage site and can only be reached by boat.
Enjoy being carried along by the water as you admire the caves and sculptures fashioned by nature. If you'd like to go for a hike with the family, we recommend the "chemin du facteur" (the postman's trail).
