Corsican Christmas markets with sea views +Added to my favoriteItem already present New

Christmas markets with sea views

Christmas market facing Ajaccio Bay © ATC

Spending winter in Corsica means swapping the crowded beaches of summer for decorated harbours, illuminated facades and terraces where you can enjoy a hot chocolate overlooking the sea. From Calvi to Bunifaziu (Bonifacio), Christmas markets take the form of temporary villages, bringing together artisans, producers, musicians and storytellers to the rhythm of Corsican guitars and Christmas carols. Alongside these major events, many villages also organise one- or two-day markets, which bring the squares to life for a weekend and are the perfect addition to a ‘market tour’ of the island.

Calvi Christmas Market

The wines of Clos Culombu ©Sylvain Alessandri

In Calvi, the Christmas market (Natale in Calvi) is held on Place Christophe Colomb (from 18 to 31 December), facing the bay and the illuminated citadel, offering a particularly photogenic maritime backdrop at dusk. From mid-December to the end of the month, chalets line the quays, including Santa's chalet, an ice garden, craft workshops and donkey rides for children. Visitors can sample Corsican clementines, Balagne charcuterie and local wines while strolling among olive wood creations, artisan jewellery and handmade Christmas decorations.

Christmas market in Bastia

Essential seafood platters ©ATC-Sylvain Alessandri

In Bastia, the Mercatu di Natale occupies the vast Place Saint-Nicolas from 10 to 23 December. Open to the sea and lined with palm trees, it enhances the special Mediterranean Christmas atmosphere. The square is filled with chalets showcasing local artisans and Corsican producers, offering jams, honey, cheeses, charcuterie and all kinds of local creations. A magical Ferris wheel, a free circular ice rink, a ski simulator and a Christmas parade with Father Christmas and his mascots make Bastia a real winter playground where young and old alike can experience the magic of Christmas by the Corsican sea. Children can enjoy a magical marquee (face painting, workshops, colouring), rides, donkey rides and Santa's chalet.

Finally, a wishing tree hosts the large Advent calendar with two weeks of games and encounters with local agriculture and crafts.

Natali in Aiacciu © ATC

In Aiacciu (Ajaccio), Natali in Aiacciu brings the town centre to life from 28 November to 28 December on Place Foch, Place Campinchi and Quai d'Honneur, with nearly 80 exhibitors taking turns in around 60 chalets offering local crafts, Corsican specialities and gift ideas. Highlights punctuate the entire month, with Santa Claus arriving by boat on the opening day, a grand magical parade called ‘White Butterflies & Winter Lights’ on 14 December, a children's show on 21 December, and then an Imperial City Trail on 27 December, a fancy dress race with proceeds going to charity.

 Families can enjoy Santa's house, workshops, concerts, screenings and entertainment for young children until the market closes on 28 December.

Porto-Vecchio Christmas Market

The traditional grilled figatellu © ATC Sylvain Alessandri

In Portivechju (Porto-Vecchio), U Marcatu di Natali takes place in the town centre (from 8 to 31 December), which is transformed into a festive village for the occasion. Food stalls offering mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and canistrelli, and craft chalets allow visitors to prepare their Christmas gifts while discovering the specialities and know-how of Southern Corsica.

 An open-air ice rink invites families to have fun together, while a varied cultural programme includes concerts, street performances and workshops for children. Entertainment for young and old, convivial moments over a hot drink and bright decorations make this winter event a must-see during the festive season in Portivechju (Porto-Vecchio), combining traditions, delicacies and magic.

Christmas festivities in Bonifacio

The creations on offer at Christmas markets in Corsica © ATC

In Bunifaziu (Bonifacio), the Christmas market lights up the town from 10 to 21 December, overlooking the cliffs and the sea, with more than forty chalets scattered along the narrow streets and esplanades. They bring together local artisans, designers and producers in an intimate and warm atmosphere. Throughout these fifteen days, the programme alternates between Christmas film screenings at the Espace Saint-Jacques, fireworks, concerts under the Arsenal hall (U Triò, The Monkeys Group, A Chjama...), lunches with music and a night-time city trail around the marina. For children, pony rides, creative workshops, treasure hunts with elves and magical moments with Father Christmas precede the grand final parade, which winds its way through the fortified town and allows visitors to discover Bonifacio's heritage in a Christmas fairy tale atmosphere.

Practical advice and lifestyle tips

Before setting off, it is advisable to check the exact dates of each market, which may vary slightly from year to year, and to book your accommodation early, especially for weekends in December. Once there, enjoying the markets also means taking the time to chat with the artisans, taste Corsican Christmas specialities such as migliacciu, brocciu doughnuts or nougat, and choose ‘made in Corsica’ gifts to put under the tree. Between walks along the bays, illuminations, Santa's chalets and festive gatherings in the villages, a tour of Corsica's Christmas markets with sea views offers a different and gentle way to discover the island out of season.