Corsica, nicknamed the Isle of Beauty, is a popular destination for travelers in search of unspoiled nature, heavenly beaches and a rich culture. But how do you get to this jewel of the Mediterranean? Several major airports offer regular connections to Corsica, making the island easily accessible. Zoom in on these air hubs, real gateways to Corsica.
1. Paris-Orly: a privileged link
Paris-Orly is one of the leading airports for flights to Corsica. Thanks to its numerous daily connections, it provides a solid link between the French capital and various Corsican towns. Travelers can land in Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi or Figari in just a few hours, plunging straight into the heart of Corsica.
2. Paris CDG: an international hub
Charles de Gaulle airport, one of Europe’s biggest air hubs, also offers direct flights to Corsica. Although less frequent than from Orly, these connections guarantee access to Corsica from many of the world’s major cities, thanks to CDG’s international connections.
3. Marseille: Proximity and frequency
Just a stone’s throw from Corsica, the city of Marseille boasts a dynamic airport with regular flights to the island. Marseille’s proximity makes it ideal for last-minute getaways or short stays in Corsica.
4. Milan: Italy at your fingertips
Milan, Italy’s economic capital, is a strategic gateway for Corsica. Direct flights from Milan to Corsica not only enable Italians to discover the Isle of Beauty, but also Corsicans to explore Lombardy.
5. Nice: A fast crossing
Nice airport, with its privileged location on the Côte d’Azur, offers one of the shortest air routes to Corsica. In less than an hour, travelers can go from the narrow streets of Nice to the coves of Corsica, making Nice an ideal starting point for a trip to Corsica.
Other smaller airports
Corsica, nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, is served by an impressive network of major and secondary airports. While Paris, Marseille, Milan and Nice remain the dominant hubs for access to the island, other airports offer practical alternatives for those wishing to discover the Isle of Beauty. Let’s explore these secondary airports that make Corsica accessible to everyone, whatever their point of departure.
1. Lyon: The Rhone link
Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport, one of the busiest in France, offers direct flights to Corsica, including Ajaccio and Bastia. Lyon’s geographical location makes it a strategic starting point for those living in eastern France. In just 1.5 hours, travellers can leave the Rhône valley for the idyllic beaches of Corsica .
2. Toulon: The pearl of the Var
Although smaller, Toulon-Hyères airport offers direct flights to Corsica during the summer months. Particularly popular with holidaymakers from the south-east, it makes it possible to reach the island in record time. From the Var coast, Corsica is just a short crossing away, making an island getaway almost instantaneous.
3. Toulouse: The Pink City flies to the Isle of Beauty
From Toulouse-Blagnac, there are several weekly flights to Corsica, particularly during the high tourist season. For residents of Toulouse and the Occitanie region, the airport offers a direct gateway to the treasures of Corsica. The mountainous landscapes of Haute-Corse rival the beauty of the Pyrenees, much to the delight of nature lovers.
4. Clermont-Ferrand: The Massif Central towards the Mediterranean
Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport offers seasonal flights to Corsica. Auvergnats can fly to the Mediterranean sunshine in just a few hours. The contrast between the volcanoes of Auvergne and the beaches of Corsica offers a unique experience, highlighting the diversity of the French landscape.
5. Brussels: Belgium joins the Isle of Beauty
For our Belgian neighbors, Brussels offers direct flights to Corsica. Brussels-Zaventem airport, one of Europe’s biggest hubs, provides regular connections, allowing Belgians to swap the plains of the Plat Pays for the coves and mountains of Corsica in no time at all.
Focus on Corsica’s airports: gateways to the island of beauty
Despite its modest size, Corsica boasts an impressive air network, with four major airports. Each is distinguished by its strategic location and its ability to offer travelers privileged access to the region’s many wonders. Whether north, south, west or east, each airport opens a unique window on the heart of Corsica, making every journey unforgettable.
1. Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport: The beauty of the northwest
Just 6 km from Calvi, Sainte-Catherine airport is the gateway to the magnificent Balagne region. This jewel of Northern Corsica offers idyllic beaches, majestic mountains and picturesque villages. Mainly hosting seasonal flights, Calvi is the preferred choice for travelers looking for a peaceful, charming spot.
2. Bastia – Bastia-Poretta airport: the dynamism of the northeast
Just 20 km south of Bastia, Bastia-Poretta airport serves as a link between Corsica and many European destinations. As the island’s second busiest airport, Poretta offers an excellent opportunity to explore Cap Corse, the Nebbio region, and of course the vibrant city of Bastia with its old port and citadel.
3. Ajaccio – Napoleon Bonaparte Airport: The imperial imprint
Inaugurated in 1938, Ajaccio’s Napoléon Bonaparte Airport is Corsica’s leading airport in terms of traffic. Given its strategic location, it offers easy access to Corsica’s west coast, while being just a few minutes’ drive from the historic center of Ajaccio. Travelers can follow in Napoleon’s footsteps and discover the wonders of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
4. Figari – Sud Corse Airport: The jewel of the south
Situated between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, Figari’s Sud Corse airport is ideal for those wishing to explore the south of the island. With its crystal-clear beaches, limestone cliffs and prehistoric sites, southern Corsica has so much to offer. The airport, although the most recent of the four, has quickly established itself as a key gateway for those wishing to discover the island’s southern beauties.
Corsica, a destination for everyone
Corsica’s extensive air network is testimony to its popularity as a tourist destination. From the French mainland to neighboring countries, Corsica attracts and fascinates. Thanks to this multitude of airports, the Île de Beauté is an accessible destination, whatever your origin. The promise of Corsica, with its culture, gastronomy and breathtaking scenery, is just waiting for you. Embark from the nearest airport and let yourself be seduced by the incomparable charm of Corsica.
Corsica, easily accessible
Whether you take off from Paris, Marseille, Milan or Nice, Corsica has never been so accessible. Thanks to their frequent connections, these major airports enable everyone to fly to Corsica and immerse themselves in its natural and cultural wonders. So pack your bags and let yourself be carried off to the Isle of Beauty!
