Travel guide Corse-du-Sud
By Plane or Ferry to Corsica
The department of Corse-du-Sud extends from the northwest tip of Corsica at La Scandola to the southeast, above
Porto-Vecchio. You can reach your private holiday apartment in Corse-du-Sud in just a few hours by flying to Napoléon Bonaparte Airport near Ajaccio. Ferry connections to Corsica are available from the French mainland (Marseille, Toulon) and Italy (Nice, Genoa, Livorno). Ferries connect Corsica from Bonifacio to the Italian neighboring island of
Sardinia.
Mountains and Sea – Sun and Snow
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean. The climate is therefore typically Mediterranean, with warm to hot summers and mild winters. However, the island is mountainous. Numerous peaks over 2,000 meters high rise into the sky in a small area. While the coastal areas are usually warm and dry, up to four times as much rain falls in the mountain regions, and it can become uncomfortably cold – with snowfall in winter. Warm clothing should be packed for tours in the mountains even in summer. The water temperature rises to 25 °C during the season – perfect for a
beach holiday in Corse-du-Sud.
Wild Pigs, Fresh Herbs, and Strong Wine
Corsica has this in common with Sardinia – the typical cuisine comes from the mountains and not from the coast. Although tourists at the sea like to eat fish, Corsican cuisine is hearty and meat-heavy. The island's greatest delicacy is the feral domestic pigs that roam freely in the chestnut forests and maquis. The pigs eat what the forest provides: acorns, chestnuts, and beechnuts. Some of the specialties that result from this are Figatellu, a smoked herb liver sausage, Lonzu, smoked fillet, or Coppa, also smoked pork neck. The cheeses are mostly made with sheep's or goat's milk. The island's characterful wine goes perfectly with all these delicacies. The most widespread grape varieties are Grenache, Caraignan, Syrah, Cinsault, and Ugni Blanc. A special feature is the Niellucciu grape variety, which the Genoese brought to the island. This is the Tuscan grape variety Sangiovese. The largest growing area is on the east coast in the department of
Haute-Corse.
Corse-du-Sud for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Children
Despite the breathtaking nature with dense forests, 2,500-meter-high mountains, and dazzling white beaches, there is no mass tourism on the island. The island is a paradise for nature lovers. Climbing, hiking, horseback riding, sailing... Corsica is an island for outdoor activities. The beaches on the east side are suitable for small children, as they are less exposed to wind and weather. The beaches slope gently into the water. Boat trips along the coast can be taken from Bonifacio. During a
holiday in the mountains in Corse-du-Sud, you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains.
Ajaccio and Bonifacio – On the Road in Southern Corsica
There is plenty to discover around your holiday home in Corse-du-Sud. Start your tour of southern Corsica in the capital Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The old town and the citadel were built during the Genoese rule in the 15th century. The narrow streets with their historical facades form a beautiful contrast to the spacious villas in the suburbs. The marina is located next to the citadel. It is the venue for the Régates Imperiales in spring, in which traditional sailing boats from all over the world participate. The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral dates back to the 16th century. The tour continues to Bonifacio. The fortification and old town are located above a narrow fjord, at the end of which are the harbor and marina. From the plateau and the citadel, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the rooftops of the city and the azure blue Mediterranean Sea to Sardinia. Right next to the historic center is the Cimetière marin de Saint-François. The cemetery fascinates with its magnificent tombs and mausoleums. The tour concludes in the "most Corsican" of all the island's cities – at least according to writer Prosper Mérimée. It goes to the mountains to Sartène. In no other city can the atmosphere of Corsica be better captured.