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Corsica is one of the most diverse islands in the Mediterranean. Majestic and sometimes snowy mountains sit behind turquoise bays, hilltop villages overlook white sand beaches, and the scenery shifts dramatically from one coastline to the next.
Choosing where to stay in Corsica is not always simple. Distances often look short on a map, but winding mountain roads mean travel takes longer than expected. The island feels much bigger once you are exploring it.
We have spent most of our time in West Corsica, but this guide covers the entire island so you can choose the right base for your trip. Whether you are looking for luxury beachfront resorts, boutique countryside retreats, or characterful harbour towns, here are the best hotels in Corsica by area.
How to Use This Guide
Use the Contents table below to jump to any section. Click a heading in the guide to return to the top and continue exploring.
Corsica may look small on a map, but each region can feel very different once you are there. Beaches, scenery, atmosphere and hotel style vary significantly, so choosing the right base will shape your entire island experience.
If you are visiting for iconic white sand beaches and stylish resorts, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio in South Corsica are the best choices. This is where you will find turquoise water, pine backed bays and many of the island’s most luxurious hotels. It works especially well for couples, honeymoon trips and first time visitors looking for sun, sea and sand.
If you prefer dramatic coastal scenery, winding mountain roads and a slightly wilder atmosphere, West Corsica around Calvi, Piana and Porto offers some of the most striking landscapes on the island. The red granite cliffs, dramatic coastal views and quieter coves make this region ideal for scenic road trips and slower travel.
If you want a more relaxed, local feel with fewer crowds, Saint-Florent and Cap Corse in the north are excellent options. Expect smaller harbours, vineyard landscapes and access to less developed beaches. This region suits travellers who enjoy exploring by car and discovering hidden corners.
If your focus is hiking, rivers and mountain scenery rather than beaches, Corte and Central Corsica provide a completely different experience. It works best as part of a multi region itinerary rather than a standalone coastal stay.
Ultimately, the best area to stay in Corsica depends on the type of holiday you are planning and how much time you have to explore.
Key Areas | Calvi, Balagne, Piana & Ajaccio
West Corsica feels wilder and more dramatic than the south, with fewer large resorts and more raw, untamed scenery. The red granite cliffs around Piana glow deep orange at sunset, the coastal road between Porto and Piana is one of the most scenic drives on the island, and the mountains rise sharply behind quiet coves and fishing harbours.
Calvi combines beach life with a historic citadel and marina atmosphere, while Ajaccio offers a livelier city base with culture, history and easy sea access.
If you love dramatic landscapes, winding coastal drives, hiking opportunities and a slightly less polished feel than Porto-Vecchio, West Corsica is one of the best areas to stay in Corsica.
Calvi
Calvi is one of the best places to base yourself on the west coast of Corsica. You have a long sandy beach, a beautiful marina, and a citadel overlooking the bay. It works well for couples, first time visitors, and anyone who wants everything within easy reach.
La Villa Calvi
La Villa Calvi is widely considered one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Corsica. Set on the hillside above town, it offers panoramic views across the bay towards the citadel. The design is minimalist and elegant, with multiple swimming pools and refined dining. It feels peaceful and exclusive, yet you are only a short drive from the beach and marina.
La Signoria
Located just outside Calvi in an 18th century estate, La Signoria offers a more traditional boutique experience. Surrounded by gardens and olive trees, it feels private and romantic. Rooms are individually styled and the restaurant is well regarded. This is a great choice if you want understated luxury close to Calvi without being directly in town.
Hotel Corsica & Spa
Hotel Corsica & Spa sits above Calvi with sweeping sea views and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. There is a shuttle service down to the beach, a good size pool and a wellness area. It offers strong value for a luxury stay in this part of Corsica and works well for couples looking for a quieter base.
Piana
Piana is one of the most scenic villages in Corsica, perched above the famous Calanques with sweeping views across the Gulf of Porto. The red granite cliffs, winding coastal roads and dramatic sunsets make this one of the most unforgettable areas on the island. It is best suited to road trips, nature lovers and those wanting a quieter, scenery focused base.
Pina has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The village itself is nice, but we think its reputation comes from its position overlooking the spectacular Gulf of Porto rather than the village itself. The views of the Gulf are just incredibly jaw dropping, and even better at sunset.
Hotel Capo Rosso
Hotel Capo Rosso sits on the clifftop just outside Piana with panoramic views across the coastline. The infinity pool overlooks the sea and the sunsets here are spectacular. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Calanques and nearby hiking trails.
Hotel Les Roches Rouges
Hotel Les Roches Rouges is set just below Hotel Capo Rosso on the cliffs with incredible views of the Gulf of Porto, its uninterrupted sea views are worth staying here for alone. The setting is the highlight, especially as the cliffs turn deep orange in the evening light. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and works well for couples wanting scenery over resort style facilities.
BOOK | HOTEL LES ROCHES ROUGES
Hôtel Colombo
Located in nearby Porto, Hôtel Colombo offers easy access to boat trips to the Scandola Nature Reserve and coastal walks. It is a practical and well positioned option for travellers exploring this dramatic stretch of coastline.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio combines city life with beach access and historic charm. As the birthplace of Napoleon, it offers museums, restaurants and a lively harbour, while still providing easy access to sandy beaches and coastal viewpoints. It is ideal if you want a mix of culture and relaxation.
Sofitel Golfe d’Ajaccio Thalassa Sea & Spa
Located just outside the city, this beachfront resort offers direct sea access, a large swimming pool and extensive spa facilities. Rooms are modern and many have sea views. It is one of the best options in Corsica for a resort style stay close to a city.
BOOK | SOFITEL GOLFE D’AJACCIO THALASSA SEA & SPA
Hotel Les Mouettes
Hotel Les Mouettes sits on the waterfront just outside central Ajaccio with private sea access and beautiful views across the gulf. It feels boutique and intimate, offering a quieter alternative to larger hotels while still being close to the city.
Hôtel Fesch & Spa
Located in the centre of Ajaccio, Hôtel Fesch & Spa is a convenient option if you want to stay within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the harbour. It offers good value and a rooftop pool with city views.
Key Areas | Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio & Propriano
South Corsica is the island’s most popular and beach focused region. This is where you will find the famous white sand beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia, pine forests leading down to turquoise water, and some of the most luxurious hotels in Corsica. Bonifacio adds a dramatic edge, with its old town perched high on limestone cliffs overlooking the sea.
If you are visiting Corsica for iconic beaches, stylish resorts and a more glamorous atmosphere, South Corsica is one of the best areas to stay. It is particularly well suited to couples, honeymoon trips and first time visitors who want that classic sun soaked Mediterranean beach holiday.
Porto-Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio is famous for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. Beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are some of the most photographed in Corsica. The town itself has a lively atmosphere with restaurants and boutiques, making it a popular base for beach focused holidays.
Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa
Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Corsica. Located directly on the beach, it offers elegant rooms, a private shoreline and a well regarded spa. The setting is refined and peaceful, perfect for couples and special occasions.
BOOK | GRAND HÔTEL DE CALA ROSSA
Hôtel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia
Set above Palombaggia Beach, this boutique hotel blends natural materials with modern design. It offers privacy, beautiful views and easy access to one of the island’s best beaches. It is ideal for those wanting boutique style over a large resort.
BOOK | HÔTEL LES BERGERIES DE PALOMBAGGIA
Casadelmar
Casadelmar overlooks the gulf of Porto-Vecchio and offers sleek contemporary design with high end dining. It is one of the most luxurious properties on the island and works well for travellers seeking an exclusive, design led experience.
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is one of the most dramatic towns in Europe, perched high on limestone cliffs overlooking the sea. The marina below is lined with restaurants and yachts, while the old town above offers narrow streets and panoramic views. It is a memorable and romantic base in South Corsica.
U Capu Biancu
Located just outside Bonifacio, U Capu Biancu is set above the sea with private beach access and a relaxed luxury feel. Rooms are bright and airy, and the setting feels secluded while still being close to town.
Hotel Version Maquis Citadelle
This modern boutique hotel offers panoramic views across the valley towards Bonifacio’s citadel. It features clean design, an infinity pool and a peaceful atmosphere. It is well suited to couples looking for privacy and style.
BOOK | HOTEL VERSION MAQUIS CITADELLE
Hôtel Cala di Greco
Set on the hillside above Bonifacio, Hôtel Cala di Greco offers spacious contemporary rooms and impressive views across the cliffs and marina. It is a strong upper mid range option in this area.
Key Areas | Saint-Florent, Cap Corse & L’Île-Rousse
North Corsica feels quieter and more rugged than both the west and the south. Cap Corse stretches out into the sea with winding coastal roads, small fishing villages and hidden coves. Saint-Florent offers a relaxed harbour setting with access to remote beaches, while L’Île-Rousse provides a slightly livelier base with sandy shoreline and Balagne village access.
If you prefer fewer crowds, slower days and a more local atmosphere, North Corsica is an excellent choice. It is ideal for travellers who enjoy exploring by car, discovering smaller beaches and mixing coast with countryside.
Saint-Florent
Saint-Florent is a relaxed harbour town in North Corsica with access to remote beaches and vineyards. It feels quieter than the south and is perfect for visitors looking for a slower pace.
Hotel La Roya
Hotel La Roya sits directly on the beach just outside town with sea views and a boutique feel. It combines comfort with beachfront access and is ideal for couples wanting a peaceful stay.
Demeure Loredana
Located within walking distance of the marina, Demeure Loredana offers elegant rooms and a refined atmosphere. It is a smaller property that works well for exploring Saint-Florent and the surrounding coastline.
La Dimora
La Dimora is a countryside boutique hotel set in a restored historic residence near Saint-Florent. Surrounded by nature, it offers a tranquil setting with stylish interiors and a relaxed atmosphere.
L’Île-Rousse
L’Île-Rousse offers sandy beaches and a laid back feel, making it a quieter alternative to Calvi. It is well positioned for exploring the Balagne region and its hilltop villages.
A Piattatella
Located in the hills above L’Île-Rousse, A Piattatella offers panoramic mountain and sea views. The setting is peaceful and rural, with a beautiful pool and contemporary design. It is perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity.
La Pietra
La Pietra sits on a rocky peninsula near L’Île-Rousse with direct sea views and easy access to the beach. It is a well positioned mid range option for coastal stays in this part of Corsica.
Hotel Liberata
Hotel Liberata is located directly on the beachfront in L’Île-Rousse with modern rooms and sea views. It is a convenient option for those wanting to stay close to the town centre and sandy shoreline.
Key Areas | Corte & the Restonica Valley
Central Corsica is defined by mountains, rivers and hiking trails rather than beaches. Corte, the historic inland capital, sits beneath a dramatic citadel surrounded by rugged peaks. The Restonica Valley offers natural swimming pools, forest walks and some of the island’s best hiking routes.
If your focus is outdoor adventure, cooler mountain air and a different perspective of the island, Central Corsica is worth including in your itinerary. It works best as part of a multi region stay rather than a standalone beach holiday base.
Corte
Corte is the historic inland capital of Corsica, surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is best suited to hiking, outdoor activities and exploring the island’s interior rather than beach holidays.
Dominique Colonna
Located along the Restonica River just outside Corte, Dominique Colonna is a boutique hotel known for its peaceful natural setting and minimalist style. It is ideal for those focusing on hiking and mountain scenery.
Hotel U Passa Tempu
Hotel U Passa Tempu offers mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere close to Corte. It provides good value for travellers exploring Central Corsica and its hiking trails.
Hôtel Duc de Padoue
Situated in the centre of Corte, Hôtel Duc de Padoue offers convenient access to the citadel, restaurants and local attractions. It is a practical and comfortable base for exploring the island’s interior.
Looking for something different? Use our interactive map to book your perfect stay.
Corsica is larger than it appears on a map and driving times are often slower than expected due to winding mountain roads. For that reason, we recommend a minimum of five nights, but seven to ten nights is ideal if you want to experience more than one region properly.
If you have five nights, choose one main base and explore that region in depth rather than rushing around the island.
For seven nights, a split stay works very well. A good balance would be three nights in West Corsica around Calvi or Piana, followed by three nights in South Corsica near Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio, with one flexible night depending on travel days.
For ten nights or more, you can comfortably include a mountain stay inland around Corte for hiking and river swimming, alongside time on both coasts.
Corsica rewards slow travel, so it is better to see less and enjoy it properly than to try and cover the entire island.
Corsica has a relatively small number of hotels compared to other Mediterranean islands, so availability can disappear quickly in peak season.
Book as early as possible for July and August, especially if you are staying in Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio or Calvi. Many of the best boutique hotels and beachfront properties sell out months in advance.
Expect significantly higher prices in peak summer. If you are flexible, travelling in May, June or September offers warm weather, swimmable seas and better hotel rates.
If you are hiring a car, check parking arrangements carefully. Many historic towns have restricted access zones and limited central parking. Choosing a hotel with private parking can make a big difference to your stay.
Finally, look at cancellation policies when booking. Corsica’s weather can shift outside peak summer, and flexible rates provide peace of mind when planning ahead.
Where is the best place to stay in Corsica?
It depends on your trip. For beaches and luxury resorts, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio are excellent choices. For dramatic scenery and a quieter atmosphere, West Corsica around Calvi and Piana is ideal. For a slower pace, consider Saint-Florent or Cap Corse in the north.
Which side of Corsica has the best beaches?
South Corsica is home to the island’s most famous beaches, especially around Porto-Vecchio. Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are known for white sand and turquoise water. West Corsica and the north also offer beautiful coves with fewer crowds.
Is Corsica expensive for hotels?
Corsica can be expensive in peak summer, particularly in Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Prices drop outside July and August, and better value stays can often be found in West Corsica, Saint-Florent and inland around Corte.
How many nights should you stay in Corsica?
Five nights is a good minimum, but seven to ten nights is ideal. The island is larger than it appears and driving times are slower due to mountain roads. Splitting your stay between two regions works very well.
Is it better to stay in one place or move around Corsica?
For short trips, staying in one area keeps things simple. If you have a week or more, dividing your stay between two regions allows you to experience very different landscapes.
Do you need a car in Corsica?
Yes. Public transport is limited and many of the best beaches, viewpoints and boutique hotels require a car to reach comfortably.
What is the most beautiful part of Corsica?
Many travellers consider South Corsica the most visually striking due to its white sand beaches and limestone cliffs around Bonifacio. West Corsica is equally dramatic, with red granite cliffs and mountain scenery.
Is Corsica good for couples?
Yes, Corsica is an excellent destination for couples. Boutique hotels, quiet beaches and scenic coastal drives make it ideal for romantic trips, especially in late spring and early autumn.
When is the best time to visit Corsica?
May, June and September are excellent months to visit. The weather is warm, the sea is swimmable and prices are lower than peak July and August.
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