South Corsica is a magical destination, seducing visitors with its wild beauty and diverse landscapes. It’s an exceptional playground, especially for families in search ofoutdoor activities and unforgettable shared moments.
Far from just dream beaches, this region offers a multitude of opportunities to create shared memories, whether by the sea, along crystal-clear rivers or on accessible mountain trails.
If you’re wondering what to do in South Corsica with your family, this guide is for you. Get ready to discover fun, safe activities for all ages, for an active and happy vacation in the heart of Corsican nature.
The beaches of southern Corsica are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and are the ideal playground for families. Stretches of fine sand such as Palombaggia, Santa Giulia or Rondinara offer the perfect conditions for youngsters: shallow waters, generally calm in summer, and sand that’s ideal for castles and various games.
Water temperatures are pleasant from June through to October, enabling long swimming sessions without fear of the cold. It’s worth noting that several of these emblematic beaches have supervised bathing areas in high season, adding an appreciable degree of safety for parents.
Beyond the classic sand games, these beaches are the starting point for many simple and fun outdoor activities. Collecting seashells, spotting small fish near the rocks or trying your hand at bodyboarding on the waves of the seashore are all moments of discovery and sharing.
Remember to equip your children with simple masks and snorkels, even for splashing around on the shore, as the clarity of the water often allows them to spot small crabs or colorful fish, transforming a simple swim into a mini-exploration.
To vary the pleasures, some of the wilder or lesser-known beaches offer a different atmosphere. Campomoro beach, with its golden sand and Genoese tower overlooking the bay, or Roccapina beach, dominated by its famous lion-shaped rock, offer magnificent settings for a family day out.
These sites, often a little less crowded than the stars of the south-east, allow you to enjoy space and nature in a more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget youressential equipment : parasol, high-protection sun cream, hats and enough water for the whole family.
Exploring the coastline from the sea is a magical experience, accessible even to families thanks to stable, easy-to-handle craft such as sea kayaks or Stand-Up Paddle (SUP). These outdoor activities allow you to approach the coast at a gentle pace, discover coves inaccessible on foot and observe the landscape from a different angle, all in a silence conducive to contemplation.
The sheltered bays of Valinco, Figari and Santa Manza offer ideal conditions for a family initiation, with generally calm waters, especially in the morning.
The sea kayak, available in double or triple versions, is perfect for a parent/child outing. The adult can manage the main propulsion, while the youngest discover the joys of paddling and observing the landscape.
It’s a great way to cruise along rocky coastlines, explore shallow sea caves or simply find a quiet spot for a swim. The stability of modern kayaks reassures parents, and even children who can’t yet swim (equipped with suitable life jackets) can join in the adventure.
Stand-Up Paddling is becoming increasingly popular with families, thanks to its playfulness and ease of learning on calm water. The wide boards offer good stability, and it’s possible for an adult to paddle with a young child seated at the front. For older children, having their own board (adapted to their size) becomes a fun balancing act.
Incidentally, some rental companies even offer extra-large “family” boards on which several people can stand or sit. Such equipment is widely available for hire on beaches and at water sports centres, often at reduced rates for half or full days.
It’s an outdoor activity that combines gentle physical exercise, coastal discovery and family fun.
Snorkeling is undoubtedly one of the simplest and most rewarding outdoor activities to enjoy with the whole family in Southern Corsica. The exceptional clarity of the waters makes it easy to observe underwater life, even at shallow depths. It’s a wonderful introduction to Mediterranean biodiversity, accessible as soon as children can swim and are comfortable with a mask.
The best places to start are usually along the rocky areas that line the sandy beaches. These rocks offer shelter and food to a multitude of small, colorful fish (girelles, sars, saupes), starfish, sea urchins and sometimes even small, discreet octopuses.
Beaches such as Rondinara, with its shallow rocky ends, or Cala Rossa, protected and calm, are ideal for a first family exploration. All you need is a well-fitting mask, snorkel and, if necessary, flippers, and you’re ready to float and enjoy the spectacle.
For an even richer experience, some boat trips include snorkeling stops in coves or around islets renowned for their preserved seabed, such as near the Cerbicales Islands or in certain authorized areas around the Lavezzi.
These supervised outings often allow you to observe a greater diversity of species, sometimes with explanations provided by the crew. It’s worth noting that even without sophisticated equipment, simply looking underwater with a mask in these areas reveals a fascinating world that amazes children and adults alike. It’s an inexpensive, easy-to-organize activity that leaves colorful memories for the whole family.
When the summer heat is intense on the beaches, the rivers of Southern Corsica offer a refreshing and fun alternative for the whole family. The island’s interior is criss-crossed by crystal-clear watercourses, which over the millennia have carved out gently shaped natural pools surrounded by polished rocks and lush vegetation.
These sites, often accessible after a short walk, offer idyllic bathing spots in fresh, invigorating water.
The Cavu valley, near Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, is particularly renowned for its successive emerald pools, easily accessible and family-friendly. Shallow areas allow younger children to splash about in complete safety, while older children can try their hand at jumping off the rocks (always checking the depth beforehand).
The Solenzara, with its large natural pools near the Col de Bavella, and the Fiumicelli also offer magnificent river bathing opportunities in spectacular settings.
These days at the river are often synonymous with picnics in the shade of pines or alders, building small dams with pebbles and relaxing to the soothing sound of flowing water. It’s a simple, free outdoor activity that lets you discover another facet of Corsica, a more secretive and mountainous one.
Be aware, however, that some well-known sites can be very crowded at the height of summer, so don’t hesitate to ask the locals or your accommodation provider for advice on finding quieter spots. You should also keep an eye on the weather, as storms in the mountains can cause flash floods.
For a more dynamic way of discovering rivers, canoeing and kayaking on the calm stretches of certain watercourses is a fun, family-friendly outdoor activity. Unlike canyoning, canoeing takes place on wide, shallow stretches of river, with no major rapids, allowing you to cruise along at a leisurely pace.
Several rivers in southern Corsica, such as the Taravo and the Rizzanese in their lower reaches, offer courses suitable for family initiation.
Settled into stable canoes (2-3 seats) or easy-to-maneuver sit-on-top kayaks, you’ll cruise down the river at your own pace, enjoying the scenery and stopping for swimming breaks on the small pebble beaches that line the river.
It’s an excellent way to observe the flora and fauna of the riverbanks (dragonflies, birds, freshwater turtles like the cistude) in almost total silence, disturbed only by the sound of the paddles.
A number of leisure centers located along these rivers offer equipment rental and run organization, with a shuttle service to take you back to the starting point. These “turnkey” packages greatly simplify logistics.
The courses on offer generally last between 1h30 and 3 hours, a duration well suited to the abilities of children (often aged 6-7 and over). The fact is that this activity combines moderate physical effort, the discovery of landscapes different from those of the coast and the refreshing pleasure of white water, making it a very complete and popular family outing.
Hiking is a must-do activity in Southern Corsica, and many routes are perfectly suited to families with children. Far from the demanding paths of the GR20, these easy routes offer a great introduction to Corsican landscapes without requiring exceptional physical condition.
The aim is to share a pleasant moment in the heart of nature, with the emphasis on discovery and fun rather than sporting performance. Coastal paths, often relatively flat, are an excellent option.
The coastal path between Campomoro and Tizzano, for example, offers a flexible hike along a wild, unspoilt coastline. You can choose to hike just a short stretch to a secluded cove for a picnic and a swim, or continue for several kilometers, depending on the age and motivation of your children.
Similarly, the Bruzzi trail, near Pianottoli-Caldarello, offers an easy 1.5-hour loop through a landscape of wind-sculpted granite rocks and low maquis vegetation, with superb sea views.
Inland, theOspédale forest also offers shady, accessible trails, such as the walk to the “Trou de la Bombe” (U Cumpuleddu), an impressive geological curiosity. This easy 1h30 round trip hike is punctuated by views of the coastline and offers a pleasant immersion in a forest of laricio pines.
To motivate the younger ones, consider incorporating fun elements into the hike: a nature treasure hunt,insect observation, tree recognition or the construction of ephemeral huts during breaks. It’s a good idea to choose itineraries with a loop or a clear objective (a waterfall, a viewpoint, a sheepfold) to keep children’s interest.
For a controlled dose ofadrenalin and a fun outdoor activity that generally appeals to all ages, high adventure courses (accrobranche) are an excellent option in South Corsica.
Set in pine or oak forests, these parks offer a range of itineraries adapted to the abilities and size of participants, from “pitchoun” courses for toddlers (aged 3 and over) to black courses for teenagers and adults in search of thrills.
These courses consist of a succession of workshops suspended between trees: monkey bridges, climbing nets, balance beams, Tarzan jumps and, of course, the inevitable zip lines. Progress is made in complete safety, thanks to special equipment (harness, lanyards, karabiners) and often a continuous lifeline to prevent accidental detachment.
It’s an ideal activity for developing children’s agility, self-confidence and sense of balance, while having fun in the great outdoors.
There are several high-quality adventure parks in southern Corsica, notably in the Porto-Vecchio region (Ospédale park), near Propriano or in the Taravo valley. Most offer picnic areas and sometimes other complementary activities (paintball, inflatables, etc.).
Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the trails. It’s a perfect half-day outing for the whole family, offering a good compromise between physical challenge, fun and contact with Corsican forest nature.
For an original outdoor activity that’s particularly popular with young children, donkey rides offer a gentle, authentic way to discover the countryside. They allow you to explore the Corsican maquis in a natural and peaceful setting.
A number of farms and specialized facilities in southern Corsica offer guided walks on easy trails. Children (generally aged 3 and over) can ride on the backs of these gentle, patient animals, while parents walk alongside.
These walks, lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours, offer a slow, sensory immersion in nature. At the donkey’s leisurely pace, you take time to observe the details of the flora, listen to the sounds of the scrubland and enjoy the landscape effortlessly.
It’s also an opportunity for children to establish a privileged contact with the animal, brush it before setting off and learn how to guide it (under supervision). Corsican donkeys are small and perfectly adapted to the local terrain, and are renowned for their docile nature.
These structures often offer packages combining the walk with a visit to the farm, the discovery of other animals or a tasting of local produce. This transforms a simple walk into a more complete educational experience of rural Corsica.
It’s an ideal activity for families with young children who can’t yet follow long hikes. It allows them to take part in an exploration of nature adapted to their age and abilities.
Located near Ajaccio, A Cupulatta (“the turtle” in Corsican) is a park unique in Europe, entirely dedicated to the breeding and protection of land and water turtles from all over the world. This visit is a fun and educational outdoor activity, fascinating for children and adults alike.
The park is home to over 170 species and subspecies of turtle, representing some 3,000 individuals, in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible.
A visit to the park, which takes around 2 hours, reveals an incredible diversity of shapes, sizes and colors : from giant Seychelles and Galapagos tortoises to tiny Hermann’s tortoises, endemic to Corsica.
Clear explanatory panels and regular animations (feeding, presentation of the residents by the caretakers) make the visit lively and instructive. You’ll learn a great deal about the biology of these fascinating animals, the threats they face and the conservation actions undertaken by the park.
Beyond the purely animal aspect, A Cupulatta is a pleasant place for a family walk. The shady paths, water features and lush vegetation create a peaceful atmosphere. There’s even a nursery where you can observe baby turtles just after they hatch, a particularly moving moment.
The fact is, this visit is an excellent opportunity to raise children’s awareness of the need to protect biodiversity and respect the animal world, while at the same time having a pleasant and entertaining time. It’s an ideal half-day outing, easily combined with other discoveries in the Ajaccio region.
The key to successful outdoor activities for the whole family lies in choosing experiences adapted to the age, abilities and desires of each member. In Southern Corsica, the diversity of the offer allows this adaptation, but it requires careful planning.
For families with very young children (under 5), opt for short activities close to your accommodation, offering frequent rest periods. Beaches with shallow waters, donkey rides or stroller trails in the forest are ideal options.
With children of school age (6-12), the range of possibilities is considerably wider. This is the ideal age for sports activities (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, easy tree-climbing),fun hikes with a clear objective (waterfall, viewpoint) or educational tours like A Cupulatta.
Involve them in the choice of activities to boost their motivation. Don’t hesitate to incorporate a “game” or “challenge” dimension, such as a nature treasure hunt during a hike or a sandcastle contest, to keep their interest.
For teenagers, the challenge is often to find sufficiently stimulating activities, while preserving moments of family togetherness. Sensational sports such as jet skiing, towed buoys, canyoning and via ferrata are generally very popular.
You should also allow them moments of autonomy, for example, by allowing them to explore a part of the campsite or a supervised beach with their friends, while defining clear rules. The key is to strike a balance that satisfies teens’ need for independence while encouraging shared experiences.
Safety is the top priority when it comes to any family outdoor activity in South Corsica. A few basic rules apply, whatever the age of the participants. Sun protection is crucial: factor 50+ cream, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and, ideally, anti-UV clothing for prolonged aquatic activities.
Hydration is also essential, especially in summer: always provide more water than you need, and encourage children to drink regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Equipment must be adapted to the activity and the child’s morphology. For hiking, closed shoes with a good sole are essential. For water sports, make sure that the life jackets supplied are the right size and fit properly.
For snorkeling, a well-fitted mask avoids the unpleasant water ingress that can discourage the youngest. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality equipment for children, as comfort is a key factor in their enjoyment.
Finally, always adapt the pace and duration of the activity to the abilities of the youngest or least trained participant. Plan regular breaks and energy snacks, and be alert to signs of fatigue or discomfort.
It’s better to shorten an outing or give up on an ambitious goal than to turn a day of fun into an exhausting ordeal. Flexibility and attentiveness are the key words for successful and serene family adventures.
The beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara and Pinarello are particularly recommended for their shallow waters, fine sand and gentle currents. They often have supervised areas in summer and services (parasol rental, snack bars). The beach at Campomoro in Valinco is also an excellent, well-protected option for families.
Some very easy hikes are available, but these are still rare. The Tombolo trail around the Etang de Biguglia (near Bastia, but accessible) is partly accessible. Some stretches of coastal paths on the east coast may be suitable. Inland, you’ll be better off with a backpack, which is much better suited to Corsican terrain, even on “easy” trails.
Options are more limited, but they do exist. Glass-bottomed boat trips are often popular. Some water sports centers offer “sea gardens” with adapted water games in pools or highly protected areas. Tandem paddling with an adult on a wide, stable board is possible on very calm water. The priority remains the child’s safety and comfort (adapted lifejacket, maximum sun protection).
For very popular activities with limited capacity (certain boat excursions, family canyoning, accrobranche in high season), it’s best to book a few days in advance. For simple rentals (kayak, paddle) or less structured activities (hiking, beach), booking the day before or the same day is often possible, but anticipation guarantees availability.
Budgets vary widely. Beach days or self-guided hikes are free. A snorkeling trip costs the price of equipment rental (around €10-15/person). A kayak or paddle trip costs €40-60 for a half-day family outing.
A canyoning or accrobranche outing costs around €40-50 per person. A boat trip costs between €30 and €60 per adult (often at a reduced rate for children). Allow an average budget of €100 to €150 per day for structured activities for a family of 4.
Choose age-appropriate routes with clear, fun objectives (waterfall, viewpoint, sheepfold, beach, etc.). Include games (looking for nature clues, recognizing plants, building cairns). Plan frequent breaks with snacks. Tell stories about the places you’ve visited.
Praise their efforts and value their discoveries. Involve them in choosing the route or picnic site. The key is to make the experience fun, not a forced walk.
