Corsica in May
Corsica is a dream destination just a few hours by ferry from France where 8 million tourists choose to spend their holidays every year. Even though its breathtaking landscapes attract holidaymakers from around the world, there are also festivals, events, celebrations and Unesco world heritage sites galore.
HEAD FOR CORSICA IN MAY
To delight in all of Corsica's splendours, you need to choose the right period. Weather plays a key role: what could be more beautiful than looking at sun-rays reflecting off turquoise water?
When it comes to activities, a host of festivities await you in Corsica, from cultural to gastronomic and, above all, tasting regional specialities. And, of course, we can't do Corsica without mentioning its must-not-miss natural sites.
Weather in Corsica in May
Corsica boasts a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Weather in May on the Island of Beauty is quite mild, there's no scorching heat and no crowds of tourists
and prices are also more affordable than during the summer period.
At the beginning of May in Southern Corsica, mornings are a bit fresh (you'll just need a pullover or sweatshirt)
but, from midday on, you can really feel the heat of the sun, yet it's not overbearing. In mid May in Corsica, the temperature rises to reach around 22°C.
You may feel a few drops of rain, but nothing to be worried about. At the end of the month, the temperature goes down slightly yet remains well above seasonal norms for Paris, London, etc.
In Haute-Corse in May, perfect weather is the order of the day. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin from morning through to dusk. There are only slight changes in temperature and an occasional bit of rain, which means you can enjoy
really sunny weather with temperatures of around 20°C.
Festivals, concerts and other events in Corsica in May
Corsica overflows with events in May that focus on nature, gastronomy
as well as music.
”Le Pays d’Ajaccio fête le printemps”
The "le Pays d’Ajaccio fête le printemps" (Ajaccio celebrates spring) event lasts a month. Here, the watchwords are friendliness, discovery and festivities, with a programme created by the Pays d'Ajaccio Tourist Office.
CHEESE FAIR IN VENACO
The rural "A Fiera di u casgiu" has been showcasing pastoralism for over twenty years now through its exhibition and sale of local cheeses and other regional products such as the renowned Corsican cold cuts. Activities for children, music and dance for young and old alike to enjoy during these 2 days.
PORTO-VECCHIO YOGA FESTIVAL
Save the date for two days on Santa Giulia Beach to enjoy practising yoga. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned yogi, you'll find something to suit you here and delight in finding out about Vinyasa, Ashtanga, SUP yoga, Meditation and more.
BORGO COLLECTORS FAIR
This has been the must-not-miss event for collectors for over fifteen years. As well as rummaging for rare treasures, you'll be able to admire vintage cars as well as Harley Davidsons.
What should you visit in Corsica in May?
Corsica overflows with sites that are brilliant to visit in May. Perched villages and towns or natural scenescapes, in the mountains or along the coast, you're definitely in for a treat!
Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands are just a couple of the wonders to discover during your trip to Corsica in May.
VISITING AJACCIO IN MAY
You can begin your tour of the Corsican capital with the house where one of the country's famous figures was born: Napoleon Bonaparte. Now a museum, it traces the history of the Bonaparte family and also features the imperial chapel.
Palais Fesch, the Museum of Fine Arts, created by Napoleon's uncle is also a must-visit during your stay in Ajaccio as it boasts the second largest collection of Italian paintings after the Louvre.
Then, it's time to wander around the old town and to head to Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, built by Giacomo della Porta, who also designed the magnificent dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Inside,
you'll also come across a painting by Eugène Delacroix. Not far from there, you can admire the exterior of Ajaccio citadel, which isn't open to the public.
"U Canicciu", Ajaccio's marine cemetery, was created in 1834 and is also a must-do.
As well as visiting Tino Rossi's chapel, stroll along the alleyways and squares where you'll be amazed by the architectural masterpieces such as the Colonna d’Ornano family chapel.
Last but not least, you'll discover the "Greek chapel" if you're en route for the Sanguinaires Islands.
It is one of the vestiges from the era when Greek colonies lived on the Island of Beauty.
SANGUINAIRES ISLANDS
The archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands comprises 4 isles. This Natura 2000-classified site is home to many endemic species and protected flora.
The Parata Peninsula with its Genoese tower built in the 16th century to defend Ajaccio offers you a first vista over the islands. A host of hiking and trekking trails around the site invite to discover ever more breathtaking panoramas. You can also choose to visit the island in a somewhat unusual way by e-bike accompanied by a guide.
Next up, take a sea shuttle from Ajaccio or from the Parata Peninsula and tour the Gulf of Ajaccio to take in all its splendours. We recommend you head out to the Sanguinaires Islands as the sun sets when the rocks take on fabulous red hues, which give the islands their name.
Then it's time to visit Mezzu Mare, the largest island, with the Alphonse Daudet lighthouse from which you can wow at the view over the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Parata Peninsula. You'll also come across a semaphore and the ruins of an old lazaretto. And, if you fancy it, why not go for a swim. At the beginning of May, you'll be able to see flocks of seagulls as it's their nest-building period.
TRINIGHELLU
U Trinighellu is a little Corsican train over a hundred years old, pulled by a rubber-tyred "Micheline" locomotive that links Bastia and Calvi to Ajaccio via Corte. The stations along your route have preserved their 19th-century look and charm. This Corsican train is a wonderful alternative way to discover the Island of Beauty in May and to admire amazing landscapes that are inaccessible by car: it climbs mountains, follows torrents and waterfalls, including the famous "Voile de la mariée" (the bride's veil) in Bocognano, crosses the river, runs along the desert and the valley as well as the beaches and creeks.
