Island, France
Corsica
Mountainous island of wild beaches, granite peaks and the GR20, best for hikers, divers and road-trippers. Public transport is thin, summers are crowded and car rental is nearly essential.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,700–3,830Comfortable, one person · €2,400–3,400Details
- Value for money19/100Better value than 18% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableGenerally safe in towns; treat stream water on hikes.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$32–56Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in towns; villages, mountain refuges and beach shacks often need cash.Details
Where to stay in Corsica
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ajaccio | Main city, beaches, airport, shops and restaurants |
| Bastia | Port town, local feel, ferries to Italy and mainland |
| Porto-Vecchio | Southern beaches, upscale resorts, summer scene |
| Calvi | Citadel, beaches, hiking base in the north-west |
| Corte | University town in the mountains, GR20 access |
Apps that work in Corsica
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited, mainly Ajaccio and Bastia |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Ajaccio and Bastia only |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce and expensive; book ahead. A rental car is easier for most visitors.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in towns; villages, mountain refuges and beach shacks often need cash. ATMs can be scarce inland.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
Going to Corsica solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Corsica meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.