Ajaccio - France

Corsica is a dream mix of France and Italy, nature and culture, wild mountain escapes and laid-back beach vibes. Whether you want to hike epic trails, relax on secluded beaches, or wander medieval hilltop villages, Corsica feels like a secret European gem waiting to be discovered.

Why You Should Visit Corsica:

It’s France… but Not Really

Corsica technically belongs to France, but it feels like its own little country. Think:

• French sophistication 🇫🇷

• Italian soul 🇮🇹

• Wild island spirit 🌿

It’s like stepping into a dream version of the Mediterranean — without the crowds of the French Riviera.

“It totally gave Beauty and the Beast vibes — like I was walking through

a real-life fairytale set.”

The Beaches Are Caribbean-Level Gorgeous

On most islands, you pick one. In Corsica, you can:

• Hike high alpine peaks in the morning

• Swim in turquoise water by afternoon

• Have wild boar stew with local wine for dinner

The contrasts are insane — and stunningly beautiful.

No exaggeration. Corsica has some of the best beaches in Europe, including:

• Palombaggia – powdery white sand, pine trees

• Santa Giulia – calm water, perfect for families

• Lotu & Saleccia – remote, wild, absolutely worth the boat ride or hike

  
  

The Food is Deliciously Different

You’ll eat things here you won’t find in Paris:

• Brocciu cheese (like ricotta, but better)

• Chestnut flour cakes and bread

• Fig jams, honey, wild herbs, and myrtle liqueur

• Oh, and yes — they do pizza and pasta better than some places in Italy.

Here’s a fun (and kind of sassy) fact about Napoleon in Corsica:

Napoleon was born in Corsica... but he didn’t want to stay!

Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica in 1769—just one year after France took over the island from Genoa. He actually grew up hating France and was a proud Corsican nationalist… at first.

But here’s the twist:When a political feud broke out between his family and the Corsican resistance, Napoleon switched sides, left the island, and fully embraced France. He never looked back — and even said later in life:

“I was born when [Corsica] was perishing. Thirty thousand Frenchmen were vomited on to our shores, drowning the throne of liberty in waves of blood.”

Yikes!

How I Turned 40 in Corsica and Fell in Love with Life Again!

I wanted to celebrate turning 40 somewhere different — somewhere that felt a little wild, a little European, and completely unforgettable. Enter: Corsica, France. I didn’t know it then, but this island gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.

I landed in Ajaccio, expecting baguettes and maybe some croissants by the sea. But instead, Corsica greeted me with mountains and beaches that felt like the Caribbean. It was the kind of place that makes you want to stop time — which is exactly what I needed for this milestone.

On my actual birthday, I spent the day at Palombaggia Beach — crystal clear water, soft white sand, and a some yummy local wine, Corsican cheese, and the kind of bread that ruins you for all other bread. I watched the sunset with salty skin, messy hair, and the happiest heart. No schedule. No pressure.

Turning 40 in Corsica didn’t feel like a countdown — it felt like a launch. This island is rugged and elegant, peaceful and fierce, much like how I want to show up in this next decade.

Would I recommend it?Absolutely. 100%. No hesitation.

Bottom Line:

Corsica is a place to escape, unplug, and feel something.It’s wild, romantic, natural, cultural — and incredibly beautiful.

Go for the beaches. Stay for the mountains. Fall in love with everything in between.