Southern Corsica is a French department located in the southern part of the Isle of Beauty, in the Mediterranean Sea. Its prefecture is Ajaccio, an iconic city known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The department, identified by the number 2A, offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, and traditions.

Between sea and mountains, Southern Corsica captivates with the richness of its scenery. Along the coast, you’ll find fine sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as those of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, or Roccapina. Further north, the Calanques of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal dramatic red granite cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Moving inland, the terrain rises with the Bavella Needles, a favorite among hikers and climbers, and the Ospedale Forest, which overlooks Porto-Vecchio.

Nature here is well preserved, thanks to the Corsican Regional Natural Park, which covers a large part of the territory. The area is home to unique flora and fauna, including endemic species such as the Corsican mouflon, the golden eagle, and the bearded vulture. Rivers like the Prunelli, Rizzanese, and Taravo offer wild, untouched spots perfect for freshwater swimming, canyoning, or kayaking.

Beyond its landscapes, Southern Corsica is also steeped in history. In Ajaccio, you can still visit Napoleon’s birthplace, as well as the Fesch Museum, which houses an important collection of Italian paintings. In Sartène, nicknamed “the most Corsican of Corsican towns,” cobbled alleys, granite houses, and the famous Catenacciu procession reflect a deep connection to religious and cultural traditions. Bonifacio, perched atop white cliffs, offers a spectacular view of the strait and the Lavezzi Islands. Its citadel, marine cemetery, and sea caves attract thousands of visitors each year.

Corsican traditions remain very much alive here. The Corsican language is spoken and taught, polyphonic singing echoes through villages, and local festivals celebrate patron saints, agricultural seasons, and ancestral customs. Local crafts, such as knife-making, pottery, and the creation of jewelry and objects carved from olive wood, preserve centuries-old know-how.

Gastronomy is another cornerstone of Southern Corsican identity. Exceptional cured meats like coppa, lonzu, figatellu, and prisuttu are widely enjoyed. Brocciu, a traditional ewe’s cheese, features in both sweet and savory recipes. Signature dishes include wild boar stew, brocciu cannelloni, Corsican soup, and zucchini fritters. Local desserts like fiadone, pastizzu, and ambrucciati pair wonderfully with Corsican wine, muscat, or myrtle liqueur.

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers ideal for beach activities, and mild winters, cooler in the mountains. This contrast allows for snow-covered peaks in winter while still enjoying sunshine along the coast.

Southern Corsica is easily accessible thanks to Ajaccio-Napoleon Bonaparte Airport and Figari-Sud Corse Airport. Ferries also connect the ports of Ajaccio, Propriano, and Bonifacio with major mainland cities like Marseille, Toulon, and Nice. Once there, the winding roads lead to hilltop villages, stunning viewpoints, and remote areas full of authentic charm.

Southern Corsica is much more than just a tourist destination. It is a land of character, contrasts, and passion. A region where every stone tells a story, every hill holds a legend, and every inhabitant carries a deep pride for their island. It is an invitation to slow down, to breathe, to discover, and to be amazed — quite simply.