Corsica's Towns & Villages
Corsica has about 290.000 inhabitants of which one third lives in the regional capitals Ajaccio (approx 55 000 residents) and Bastia (approx 50 000 residents). All the other towns have less than 10000 residents. Instead of busy city life, you find pleasant tranquility on your holiday to Corsica.
Most of Corsica's towns are coastal towns. Beside the ones mentioned above, Calvi in the northwest and Corte inland are especially worth seeing. The little town of Bonifacio is of particular interest for tourists. It is not very big (about 1600 residents) but situated in a beautiful location, close to 70m high limestone rocks.
Corsica's towns offer a variety of sights. There are several museums in Ajaccio, which is the birthplace of Napoleon. Also interesting are the citadels in Calvi and Ajaccio, the old town of Bastia with its Italian flair and many historic palaces and town halls. The towns are also delightful shopping destinations. Apart from local culinary specialties and craft products, you find outdoor shops who sell the latest brands and everything else you need for your life and holiday on the island.
The most well known town of Corsica and capital of the Departement Haute Corse is Bastia, today still an important port. For people who are interested in history, a visit to the birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio in the south, is worthwhile. Visit Sartene to experience the original Corsic lifestyle.