Renting a car is highly recommended to explore remote areas and scenic coastal/mountain roads. Public buses (like Autocars SAIB and Autocars Ceccaldi) connect main towns but have limited schedules, especially in rural areas. Trains (Chemins de fer de la Corse) offer scenic routes between Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi, but are slow. Taxis are available in towns but expensive for long distances. Ferries link coastal towns (e.g., Porto-Vecchio to Bonifacio). Popular apps include Google Maps (download offline maps for remote areas), SNCF for train info, and local bus company apps. Hitchhiking is common in rural areas but exercise usual caution.
May to June and September to October are ideal, with pleasant temperatures (20-25°C), fewer crowds, and good conditions for hiking and sightseeing. July and August are peak season: hot (often above 30°C), crowded, and expensive, but perfect for beach holidays and vibrant festivals like the Calvi on the Rocks music festival. Spring (April-May) offers wildflowers and mild weather. Winter (November-March) is quiet, with some mountain areas accessible for hiking, but many tourist services close.
Corsicans are proud of their distinct identity; showing interest in Corsican language and culture is appreciated. Greet with a handshake or 'bonjour.' Dress modestly when visiting churches. Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up or leaving small change in restaurants is common. Meals are social events; don't rush. Respect the environment—no littering, especially in natural parks. In villages, be mindful of local traditions and privacy. Corsican polyphonic singing and festivals are important; attend respectfully. Avoid sensitive discussions about politics or independence.
Corsica is generally safe for tourists. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas (beaches, markets). Secure valuables and avoid leaving items in cars, especially at trailheads. Driving requires caution on narrow, winding mountain roads; watch for livestock. Wildfires are a risk in summer; heed local warnings and bans. Some remote hiking trails (GR20) are challenging; be prepared with proper gear, weather checks, and inform others of your plans. Avoid political demonstrations. Scams are rare, but be wary of unofficial tour operators. Coastal swimming is generally safe, but heed flag warnings and currents.
Medical facilities are good in main towns (Ajaccio, Bastia, Corte) with hospitals and clinics, but can be limited in remote mountain villages. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC. Non-EU travelers need comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available. Common concerns include sun exposure (high UV index), dehydration, and hiking-related injuries. Tick-borne diseases (like Lyme) are possible in wooded areas; use repellent. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine ones. Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended in remote areas. Emergency medical services are reached via 15 (SAMU).
