5 Best Hotels in Corsica, France

More a walled château than a medieval fortress, Hôtel Castel Brando sits across from the harbor town of Erbalunga. The central building, surrounded by three outlying ones, is awash with charming old-world knickknacks: Grecian urns, wicker lamps, teapots, and candlesticks. Sumptuous furnishings include Queen Anne chairs and crimson boudoir sofas. Some rooms, cozy with vaulted ceilings and glazed tiled floors, stand along a gravel pathway lined by rosebushes, with balconies overlooking a small swimming pool screened by an orange grove. A larger outdoor swimming with a hot tub sits close to the main building.

This modern hotel is full of delightful surprises, including sliding doors leading directly out to breakfast nooks beside a stream. At night you can fall asleep to the sound of the water tumbling over the gorge. Owner Dominique "Dumé" Colonna, one of France's (and certainly Corsica's) greatest soccer stars, drops by from time to time. The nearby Auberge de la Restonica serves fine Corsican fare.

Set on an attractive location, this intimate boutique hotel is built into the ramparts of the upper town's citadel. Neutral fabrics and simple furnishings keep the rooms light and bright. Upper rooms have superb views over the cliffs. To soak up the Corsican sun, head to the spacious outdoor pool.

Spread out over whitewashed terraces at the edge of the Golfe d'Ajaccio, this hotel is known for its sea views, and also for its restaurant, which ranks as one of the island's better establishments for its stylish interpretations of traditional Corsican dishes. Rooms are less exciting, although they are comfortable and have been jazzed up with some modern furnishings. There are three apartments available as well.

With a charming garden overlooking the glistening waters of the bay, this four-star hotel offers great views of the picturesque town of Porticcio. Inside, a bright decor features Art Nouveau wall lamps, Queen Anne chairs, gold-leaf mirrors, colorful ceramic vases, and a spacious lobby that boasts a delightful contrast of crimson and white furnishings. Rooms include Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs, and some have sea views. For a day of relaxation in the sun, there are chaise lounges around a heated saltwater pool and hot tub and, a private hotel beach with offshore rocks—a perfect place for snorkeling. There are also two restaurants and a rooftop, open-air spa treatment area.