Corse

Regional capital: Ajaccio

Departments: Corse-Du-Sud, Haute-Corse

Main cities: Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio

Hot summers, mild winters and stunning natural scenery surrounded on all sides by the warm Mediterranean sea – there is no wonder that the island of Corsica is a popular tourist destination year round. 

Located 170km to the south of the French coast, the island has officially been part of France for more than 200 years, but some of its appeal to holidaymakers and those looking for a more permanent home is that it is so different to the mainland. 

Napoleon was born in 1769 in the Corsican capital of Ajaccio. His ancestral home, Casa Bonaparte, is now a museum.

Property prices

Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild apartments in the third quarter of 2025: Haute-Corse €3,040 -4%, Corse-du-Sud €4,000 +4.4%

Median prices for non-newbuild houses in the third quarter of 2025: Haute-Corse €294,000 -0.7%, Corse-du-Sud €455,600 +2.4%

(figures taken from the most recently available French property report (Jan 26) from the Notaires de France, % year-on-year change: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 / July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024)

Character of the region

Corsica is a Mediterranean island 170km to the south of the French coast. It is around 180km long and 80km wide, and has a strong Italian influence due to its history as part of the Republic of Genoa until the mid-18th century, and is known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Its dramatic scenery includes a mountainous interior, while the coastline features beaches, coves and cliffs. It comprises two departments: Corse-du-Sud in the south, home to the capital Ajaccio, and Haute-Corse in the north. 

Corsican (Corsu) is spoken alongside French.

Population/density

351,270 people across 8,722 sq km (Insee figures 2023 [latest available]) = approx. 0.5% of the population

Fact: Corsica is the least-populated region of France without including its overseas territories

Weather

A Mediterranean climate sees relatively warm winters (February average 4C) and hot, sunny summers (August average 24C).

Local industries

Agriculture and tourism – Corsica experiences distinct tourist seasons, with peak times being July and August. The shoulder months in the run-up and wind-down can be calmer, while winter months offer a quiet atmosphere.

Cities and towns

Ajaccio in the south is the island’s largest city and birthplace of Napoleon, while Bastia in the north is the second-largest city and a major port and commercial centre.

Towns in the south include Bonifacio, perched on limestone cliffs and famous for its citadel and stunning views, as well as Porto-Vecchio, a lively spot surrounded by beaches. In the north, Calvi is popular for its sandy beach and medieval citadel, while L'Île-Rousse is a coastal town with red granite islands. 

Food and drink

Wine, charcuterie (coppa, lonzu, and figatellu), brocciu cheese, seafood, aziminu (seafood stew), civet de sanglier (wild boar stew), chestnut flour dishes (fritelli fritters, panzarotti pancakes), Pietra beer (brewed from chestnuts), fiadone (cheesecake).

Cultural points of interest

The GR20 walking route (200km) attracts hikers, while the island’s beaches are a draw in the warmer months and offer watersports as well as sunbathing opportunities. 

Though there are few museums, Napoleon's birthplace Ajaccio is home to the Maison Bonaparte and the Palais Fesch, the island’s major art museum. Note too that the Corsican flag (a black profile facing left with a white bandana knotted at the back) is everywhere.

Major transport points

Airports: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA), Bastia-Poretta (BIA), Calvi-Sainte-Catherine (CLY), and Figari-Sud Corse (FSC).

Trains: Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, and Corte serve as key points on the island's railway network.

Motorways: there are no motorways in Corsica – the main roads are designated as ‘Routes Territoriales’ (T), while smaller routes are ‘Routes Départementales’ (D) roads.

Ferries (to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur): Ajaccio, Bastia, L'Île-Rousse