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Corsica
The GR20 runs 180 kilometres along the island's spine and is rated Europe's hardest waymarked trail.
Corsica is a mountain range that happens to be in the Mediterranean; Monte Cinto reaches 2,706 metres, and the GR20 walks the watershed between north and south for about 180 kilometres over roughly fifteen days. Walkers rate it the toughest waymarked long-distance path in Europe, and the schedule is set by snow on the high passes, not by the beach weather below.
The island became French in 1768, and Napoleon was born in Ajaccio the following year — which is the whole reason he was a French subject at all. The language spoken here is closer to Tuscan than to French, and you will see place names in both.
Quick facts
Currency
EUR
Euro
Language
French
+ Corsican
Power
—
Driving
Right
US-style
Airport
AJA
BIA
Emergency
—
Police · Fire
When to go
Monthly breakdown
Storm risk: NoneJan
Rain
Feb
Rain
Mar
—
Apr
—
May
Best
Jun
Best
Jul
Best
Aug
Best
Sep
Best
Oct
Best
Nov
Rain
Dec
Rain
Major events
Catenacciu Procession
On Good Friday in Sartene, an anonymous hooded penitent drags a wooden cross and chains through the town. The identity of the penitent is known only to the priest.
A Fiera di u Casgiu
Venaco's cheese fair, the main gathering for Corsican shepherds and the place to find brocciu and aged sheep's cheeses direct from the makers.
Calvi on the Rocks
An electronic and indie festival on the beach and in the citadel at Calvi, which fills the town and its accommodation for a week.
Hidden gems
Aiguilles de Bavella
Granite spires above the pass at 1,218 metres, crossed by the GR20 and by a lower variant for people who want to see them without the exposure.
Saleccia
A kilometre of white sand in the Agriates desert, reached by an hour of rough track or by boat from Saint-Florent.
SantAntonino
A village of stone lanes on a hilltop in the Balagne, one of the oldest continuously inhabited on the island.
Local food
Figatellu
A liver sausage of pork and wine, grilled fresh in winter and eaten with chestnut polenta; sold dried the rest of the year.
Brocciu
dietary_tags.vegetarianA whey cheese made from the runoff of sheep or goat cheesemaking, which is why it only exists in the milking season.
Fiadone
dietary_tags.vegetarianA dense flourless cake of brocciu, egg and lemon zest, the standard Corsican dessert.
Safety tips
Nature
The GR20 is one of Europe's hardest waymarked treks, with exposed scrambling on the northern half. Refuges must be booked and weather closes sections well into June.
Transport
Mountain roads such as the D84 through the Spelunca gorge are single track with passing places and no barrier. Reversing on a blind bend is a normal part of driving here.
Water-Safety
Beaches on the west coast shelve steeply and are unpatrolled outside July and August. The calm-looking coves near Piana have caught out strong swimmers.
Sustainability
Eco rating
Reef: reef_status.not_applicablePlan Your Trip
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