Written by the wonderful Sam Tatro of Undiscovered Path Home
Is there anything quite like an island getaway elopement? The French island of Corsica, located just north of Sardinia, may be French on paper…but this island paradise retains a lot of its Italian culture and style, too, making it such a unique place to elope. The Mediterranean island provides such a romantic and relaxed setting for your wedding day. If you’re picturing crystal clear water beaches, stunning scenery and a cool summer breeze, a Corsica elopement just might be perfect for you!
Where to elope in Corsica
Aiguilles de Bavella, Zonza
This natural sight is located in the southern-central part of Corsica. The best part? You can enjoy this beautiful area from the car, or venture inside. Start by driving the D268, which gives comprehensive vistas of towering mountains and soaring limestone columns. If you like to hike, make sure to head up the GR20 hiking trail towards the Variante Alpine area. It’s often called Europe’s most difficult hiking trail, but the views are beyond extraordinary. You’ll treasure your wedding photos for years to come.
Gorges de la Restonica, Corte
Lace up your favorite hiking boots and let’s go trekking! This 8 kilometer hike follows rocky riverbeds and even takes you up a chain ladder. Even in mid-summer, these hike towards Lake Melo is well worth the time. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views and sparkling water – don’t be afraid to jump in! If you have even more time on your hands, you can keep hiking to Lake Capitello.
Cavu River, Sainte Lucie De Porto Vecchio
In the Vallée de San Martinu, the River Cavu is nestled between large granite boulders and cascading waterfalls. Clear blue pools of water make a breathtaking backdrop for your Corsica elopement, and there’s plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors afterwards. Nearby, there’s a small visitors center with a cafe and some bikes for hire.
Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio
The Lavezzi Islands off the southern coast of Corsica are any beach lover’s dream. These uninhabited islands will leave you completely speechless. Grey granite boulders, coral reefs, crystalline water… There are few places as absolutely beautiful as this! You can catch a boat down to the islands from Bonifacio, or you can charter your own private boat and make it a full day of adventuring!
Seaside on the beach
Corsica has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, hands down! If you’ve always dreamed of a beachside elopement, this is the place to do it. From Plage de Palombaggia to Plage de Saleccia, there are no shortages of gorgeous beaches on Corsica for your perfect Corsica elopement.
What to do on your elopement day in Corsica
Corsica, France, is best known as one of those “relax on the beach” islands, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do on the island.
- Go diving: Corsica is more than just the island – the entire world continues underwater. The island has dozens of dive sites, including the marine reserve at Scondola. Except to see trenches, canyons, sea mounts, and all sorts of fish and marine creatures. All in all, Corsica is one of the best dive sites in Europe.
- Canyoning: Temperatures in Corsica can reach close to 90 in the summer, especially during a heatwave. With all the steep mountainsides and rivers, what better way to cool off than canyoning? It’s an amazing way to see the most beautiful inland parts of the island while spending time on water.
- Explore the countryside by foot or on horseback: Corsica has endless trails across the island suitable for all different abilities. Many of the island’s hidden gems can be reached by foot, but if you’re looking for something a little different, you can also try cycling or horseback riding.
- Visit a winery: France is famous for its wine, after all! Corsica’s wild winters and sunshine make it an ideal place to grow wine. Popular wineries include Clos Landry, Domaine Saparle and Domaine de Torraccia.
The best time for an elopement in Corsica
The weather in Corsica is pretty much always pleasant. In the summertime, Corsica has warm weather and cool breezes. The island has mild winters, too, and it never gets quite cold enough for a full winter jacket.
The best time to elope in Corsica is the summertime. The island tends to have an influx of tourists from June to August, so if privacy is important to you, consider visiting during a shoulder season. In September, for example, the temperature is still warm enough to visit the beach but cool enough to go hiking. May and June are also ideal, temperature-wise, as many of the flowers are just blossoming.
Where to eat in Corsica
Who doesn’t love French food? There’s something for everyone in France, but especially if you love cheese. Corsica, however, has its own set of specialties and unique plates. When you’re visiting Corsica, spend some time trying the local specialties. These are some of the must-try local dishes:
- Aziminu (Corsican bouillabaisse)
- Pulenda (chestnut flour polenta)
- Coppa
- Figatelli (charcuterie)
- Zucchini with sheep’s cheese
- Young goat in sauce
- Blackbird pâté
- Eggplant Bonifacio
And of course, don’t forget the many restaurants in Corsica. These are some of the best places to grab a bite:
- L’Eternisula
- Chez Pierre Paul U spuntinu
- Auberge du pêcheur
- La Sassa
- Restaurant le Bellagio
- La Bergerie d’Acciola
- Le Santana
- Restaurant Furana
Where to drink in Corsica
Corsica is well-known for their beach bars and sunset spots. There’s no shortage of beautiful places to sit down, reflect, and relax. Here are some of the best places to grab a poolside cocktail or celebratory champagne in Corsica:
- Sea Lounge
- Le Patio
- Le Tiki
- Licciola
- La Vista
- Linda Beach
- Tamaricciu
- Cabane du Lodu
- Le Calavita Rooftop
- Tahiti Beach Cafe
Where to stay in Corsica
Hotels in Corsica can vary from low key to high-end luxury. The best hotels in Corsica often have infinity pools, private villas, and lots of relaxation spots. What’s not to love? Here are some of my favorite Corsica luxury hotels for Corsica elopements and honeymooners…as well as some really nice places to stay:
- Les Bergeries de Palombaggia, Palombaggia
- U Capu Biancu, Ricetti
- La Plage Casadelmar, Cala Rossa
- Le Rossi Hotel, Sartène
- Le Pinarello, Pinarellu
- Misincu, Porticciolo
- Hotel La Villa, Calvi
- Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs
Vendors I recommend in the area
Florist
Hair and Makeup Artists
Bakery
- A Passione di Mammone Pâtisserie-Biscuiterie
- Boulangerie Carlotti Emile et Michel
- Boulangerie Pâtisserie Paul Mallaroni
- Pâtisserie Confiserie Grimaldi
Catering
Keep in mind, many restaurants in Corsica also offer catering!
How to get to Corsica
When you’re planning to visit Corsica, keep in mind that there are two ways to get to the island. You can take a plane, or you can take a ferry. To fly into Corsica, you will need to fly to mainland France or certain European capital cities and then fly to Corsica. Likewise, you can take a ferry from the south of France.
Once you land in Corsica, expect limited public transit. Plan to rent a car to fully maximize exploring the island, or pick where you plan to stay carefully.
How to legally elope in Corsica, France
Unfortunately, if you want to elope in France, you will need to handle the paperwork before or after your elopement. Unless you are a French resident, there is no way to make your elopement a legal marriage in France. To plan an elopement in Corsica, you should plan on getting legally married in your own country and then have the ceremony in France. It will be less stressful this way, anyways!
My tips for exploring Corsica, France
Corsica can be an intimidating place to explore, especially if you’ve never visited Europe before. It doesn’t have to be intimidating, though. Here are some of my favorite tips for exploring Corsica:
- Rent a car: Unless you plan to stay in one area, consider renting a car. Corsica has limited public transit, and the best parts of the island are best accessed by car. Expect windy cliffside roads at some parts, but for the most part, it’ll be worth it.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions: Corsica is an island, and like many islands, the changing weather conditions can be quite surprising. Some days, you’ll have sunshine and clouds and rain all in the same day. Just be prepared!
- Take out cash at the local ATM: Many businesses in Corsica, especially in the more rural areas, do not accept any type of credit cards. You can expect grocery stores to take credit cards, but tourist attractions and restaurants, for example, do not accept credit cards. The best way to get around this problem? Take out cash at the local ATM to get the best exchange rate.
- Keep in mind siesta hours: If you’ve never been to the mediterranean, it’s important to know about siesta hours. Yes, this is totally a real thing. The Corsica way of life is influenced by their climate. In the afternoons, during peak hours, it can be really hot. As a result, many shops will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. to beat the heat.
Dying to elope in Corsica, seaside?
Who can blame you?! Corsica is one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. The undeniable natural beauty of this place lends itself perfectly to a variety of wild and wonderful elopements. Get in touch with Jayne now to plan something beyond your wildest dreams!
