Corsica (Corse in French) is France's largest island and the fourth largest in the Mediterranean — a dramatic collision of granite peaks, ancient maquis scrubland, crystalline bays, and a fiercely proud culture that has absorbed Genoese, Moorish, and French influences while remaining unmistakably its own. This is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, home to the GR20 — widely regarded as Europe's toughest long-distance trail — and the source of some of the finest charcuterie and cheese in France.
Local currency: Euro.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Corsica.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Items
- Typical
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Corsica costs end-to-end.
Items traveller
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Travel in May–June or September–October: prices drop 30–40% versus July–August and the island is far less crowded
Shop at morning markets (Ajaccio, Bastia, L'Île Rousse) for fresh produce, charcuterie, and cheese at lower-than-restaurant prices
Use the CFC Micheline train for the Ajaccio–Corte–Bastia route — a scenic journey cheaper than a hire car for that corridor
Book the ferry rather than flying from mainland France — ferries from Nice and Marseille are often cheaper than budget airline tickets when luggage fees are added
Order the formule du midi (set lunch) rather than à la carte dinner at restaurants; the same kitchen at half the price
Fill water bottles at any village fountain — Corsica's spring water is excellent and free throughout the island
GR20 refuge huts are €15–€20/person/night (~$16–$22) including a bunk — far cheaper than any hotel; book at pnr.corse.fr
Super Casanova and Intermarché supermarkets in Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, and Bastia stock quality local products at fair prices
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Hiking the GR20 and island trails (no permit required)
All beaches on the island — public access guaranteed by French law even where beach clubs operate
Bonifacio old town walk (Escalier du Roy d'Aragon €2.50 is optional)
Calanques de Piana roadside viewpoints (parking fee only in peak season)
Ajaccio harbour promenade and street markets
Bastia Terra Vecchia and old port
Cap Corse coastal circuit scenic drive
All public gardens and parks in Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Corte