Undiscovered Corsica: Hidden Gems Far From The Crowds
While Corsica’s destinations draw in the high-season crowds, there is a quieter and more authentic side to the French island for those who venture beyond.
You don’t need to tackle grueling hikes, or remote mountain passes to find it; whether it be villages, ancient sites, or secluded beaches, here are our favorite, lesser-known spots to explore in Corsica:
Galeria and the Fango Delta
A little north of the famous Calanques de Piana, Galeria feels like a world apart. The Fango River meanders through a lush, green valley before meeting the sea, creating a landscape that feels more like a secluded rainforest than a Mediterranean retreat.
It’s a peaceful, slow-paced place, ideal for gliding along the water by kayak, spotting herons, or sitting in nature.
Speloncato
Perched high at 570 meters above sea level, Speloncato feels less like a village and more like a living piece of history.
Narrow cobbled streets weave between ochre-hued houses, each stone seemingly steeped in millennia of stories, tracing back to the Bronze Age and even earlier Neolithic times. Unlike its more polished Balagne neighbors, Speloncato offers an unfiltered charm, breathtaking sea views, quiet chapels, and a sense of solitude.
St. John’s Beach, Figari
Located in a peaceful bay near Figari, St. John’s Beach is lined with smooth granite rocks shaped by centuries of wind and waves.
On overcast days, the scene becomes quietly dramatic - the grey stones and silvery water blending into an almost otherworldly backdrop perfect for photography opportunities.
Stagnolu Beach
A short walk from the better-known Tonnara Beach, Stagnolu is a hidden cove with a wild feel. Reachable by a scenic cliff path or by tender from the water, it’s quiet, uncrowded, and ideal for a swim or lazy afternoon away from the bustle.
Piedicroce, Castagniccia
Sitting high at 650 meters in the chestnut-rich Castagniccia region, Piedicroce oversees a quiet pastoral stretch of eastern Corsica. The village itself is modest, but the 17th-century baroque church of Saint-Paul is a cultural treasure, featuring intricate frescoes and the island’s oldest functioning organ.
Nearby, the ruins of the San Francesco convent add a historical depth to this peaceful, off-the-grid retreat.
Inzecca Canyon Road
Just inland from Aléria, the road through Inzecca Canyon is one of Corsica’s best-kept secrets. Clinging to cliffs that dramatically drop into the emerald waters of the Fium’Orbu (“Blind River”), this route feels like a journey into untouched wilderness.
With few cars around, it’s perfect for a leisurely drive or stopping to capture the raw beauty of Corsica’s interior.
Cucuruzzu, Alta Rocca
Hidden deep in the forests of Alta Rocca, Cucuruzzu is a prehistoric site that feels almost mythical. Moss-draped ruins and ancient stone walls hint at a civilization that lived here over 3,500 years ago.
A peaceful path through the trees leads to the site, and visiting early in the day is best.
Chevanu Beach
South of Figari, Chevanu (also known as Kevano) remains a pristine sanctuary where red-hued rock meets dense maquis and crystal-clear shallow waters.
Without cafés or loungers, it’s a place for nature lovers and photographers who seek Corsica in its purest form.
Saint-Antoine Beach, Bonifacio
Close to the famous clifftop town of Bonifacio lies Saint-Antoine Beach, a stretch of sand beneath dazzling white limestone cliffs.
Accessible only on foot, the beach feels incredibly isolated. Its most striking feature is a large, sea-facing cave that adds a sense of drama to the already cinematic setting.
More From The Blog
Sardinia is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, with over 2000 kilometers of breathtaking coastline and ancient ruins. Located near Corsica, this Italian island is as a must-visit destination, praised by top travel publications like Condé Nast Traveller. Boasting a wealth of history, traditional cuisine, and charming towns with vibrant architecture, Sardinia offers a unique and untouched experience.
Spotlighting not only the best destinations to cruise but also on which yacht for charter to do it, this IYC Inspiration combines a multi-destination Mediterranean itinerary from Corsica to Sardinia onboard the Sanlorenzo 122’10 (37.44m) luxury yacht AWAY.
A French island off the Italian coast, the residents of Corsica have true pride in their national identity and independence. Although strictly part of France, its unique culture makes the island seem like an independent state unto itself, and Corsica does retain some powers of autonomy from its time of independence. Corsica is a unique destination where old and new join together in splendid unison, and the laidback ways of the Mediterranean mingle with a chic, stylish modern French lifestyle. Corsica’s distinctly Italian flavour is threaded through the customs, language, and cuisine, which are all to be discovered on a Corsica yacht charter holiday. Filled with prehistoric and antique sites, museums, and hikes through the national park which covers half of the island, Corsica will live up to its reputation as the Jewel in the Mediterranean.