A raw diamond set between sea and mountains, Corsica has preserved its natural spaces with brio. From Napoleon’s birth home in Ajaccio to the Citadel of Bonifacio, from the Medieval village of Sartène to the port of Porto-Vecchio, and from the Scandola Nature Reserve to the Calanques de Piana, the breathtaking variety of its landscapes has earned it a place in the top 15 world tourist destinations in 2022. For a number of years, the “Island of Beauty” has been rediscovering the charm of its inland regions. Drawn by its unspoilt environment, the enchanting calm of its villages and the authenticity of its customs, young professionals are moving to the island year-round, restoring abandoned houses and riding on the wave of new technologies. Corsica could well be one of the top models of the New World.
The property market: a continued rise
In the last 5 years, property prices have increased by over 13%. With a 3.6% increase in the last two years. Average prices for an apartment or a villa are around €2,800 in Haute-Corse, and more than twice that in Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. The most popular sectors for prime properties are Ajaccio’s South Bank and the greater Porto-Vecchio area. The most in-demand properties are recent and contemporary villas, complete with top-of-the-range fittings, a landscaped garden, a swimming pool, a sea view, and proximity to the beach. Building land with a sea view, close to the beach, is also in high demand, as are waterfront houses to renovate.
Our advice
“Future buyers need to know that Corsica is very mindful of its environment and its quality of life. They need to be invested in the protection of common heritage, and respectful of culture, identity and authenticity.” –Sébastien Ristori, Director BARNES Corsica.
“Corsica and its inland gems offer every possible opportunity.”
Recommendations “Focus on estates close to the international airports.”
The secret to Corsica “Private estates like Sperone, Cala Rossa, Punta d’Oro, Cala d’Oro, Punta d’Arasu. The ports of Bonifacio, Santa Manza and Porto-Vecchio which have been expanded. The city centres, which have been beautified. The many villages, perched in the midst of vast, unspoilt areas that afford exceptional opportunities for sports fans as well as local heritage and culture enthusiasts.”
A cultural and gastronomic treasure trove
BARNES has put together a selection of top restaurants, trendy boutiques and cultural venues to help you unplug and discover what the Island of Beauty has to offer! Diaries at the ready!
Culture
Musée de l’Alta Rocca
On the agenda: archaeology, paleoethnography and history. More than 10,000 years (from the 8th century BC to the Middle Ages) are explored in its galleries. The collections on display reflect the history and everyday lives of the populations of Alta Rocca and the results of the excavations at some sixty sites.
Ground floor of the Hôtel de Ville, 20170 Levie
Musée national de la Maison Bonaparte
©Musée Bonaparte
Napoleon's birth home, this superb residence houses a museum filled with period furniture, paintings and decorations. All you need to understand the history from A to Z of one of the world’s greatest conquerors.
Rue Saint-Charles, 20000 Ajaccio
Bel’Arti
© Bel'Arti
After working for many years at her hotel, where she welcomed the greatest Corsican artists of their time, Muriel Ferrandini made the leap. In 2020, she opened Bel’Arti, a contemporary art gallery in Calvi. Here she showcases the local artistic scene in a picture-postcard setting.
Lieu-dit, Route de Pietra Maggiore, Valescinella, 20260 Calvi
Shopping
Empires
©Empires
As its name suggests, this store is inspired by the aesthetics of the Napoleonic era. On the shelves you’ll find elegant stationery and a plethora of accessories — to take home as souvenirs, not just for friends and family but for yourself!
9 Rue Roi de Rome, 20000 Ajaccio
Nota Bene
©Nota Bene
From furniture to decoration and ready-to-wear: everything you could wish for can be found in this modern concept store in Ajaccio. Featuring European and local brands, meticulously presented:
3 Rue des 3 Marie, 20000 Ajaccio
Ceccaldi
© Ceccaldi
This artisan cutler has been established in Bonifacio for over 30 years. From the outset, this family owned business has extolled ancestral know-how. The result: absolutely unique knives, forged from different woods and noble materials (like ram’s horn).
15 Rue du Palais, 20169 Bonifacio
The hottest reservations in town
Tra Di Noï
©Tra Di Noi
In the Hôtel Misíncu in Ajaccio, this restaurant places the emphasis on local products. Bistronomic and ultra-gourmet cuisine, including the delicious confit shoulder of lamb and cooked garden vegetables. The setting is incredible, complete with a sea view, of course.
Boulevard Charles Bonaparte, Port Charles Ornano, 20090 Ajaccio
Le Pirate
©LePirate
Looking for a top restaurant north of Bastia? Well you’ve come to the right place. The Chef’s menu gives pride of place to local products. Sample the taster menu served in 4 or 6 courses with a meat or fish theme. While seated out on the terrace, admiring the sea.
Le port, 20222 Erbalunga.
La Table de la Grotte
©La Table de la Grotte
As its name in French implies, this unique restaurant is found in a cave below the Murtoli golf course, in the heart of the maquis. Try out the 100% Corsican 5-course menu seated on the wooden benches. Or for a more romantic dinner, reserve one of the small terraces that afford stunning panoramas of the region.
Domaine de Murtoli Vallée de l'Ortolo, 20100 Sartène
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