Corsica, often called the “Island of Beauty,” is a destination where rugged mountains meet turquoise waters and French sophistication mingles with Italian charm. But beyond its breathtaking landscapes and Napoleonic history, Corsica offers a wealth of artisanal products and traditional delicacies that make perfect keepsakes. Shopping in Corsica is more than just browsing market stalls—it’s an experience that connects you to the island’s unique identity, from its wild herbs to its handcrafted jewelry.
If you’re wondering what to buy in Corsica, here are 10 souvenirs that reflect the island’s culture, flavors and artistry.
1. Corsican Honey (Miel de Corse AOP)
Corsican honey is one of the island’s most prized exports, known for its complexity and variety. Thanks to the island’s rich maquis shrubland and mountain wildflowers, bees produce honey with distinctive flavors that change with the seasons—ranging from chestnut and heather to citrus and rosemary. The honey is so unique it has an official AOP designation, guaranteeing authenticity. A jar of Miel de Corse makes for a delicious souvenir in Corsica and a sweet way to bring the island’s essence home.
2. Essential Oils and Natural Cosmetics
Corsica is famous for its fragrant maquis and local producers distill essential oils from plants like immortelle, myrtle, rosemary and lavender. These oils are used for aromatherapy, natural healing and in luxurious cosmetic products. Many boutiques sell organic lotions, soaps and perfumes crafted with these native botanicals. Not only are they practical souvenirs, but they also carry the island’s intoxicating scents—a reminder of Corsica’s wild landscapes.
3. Brocciu Cheese
Brocciu is Corsica’s most iconic cheese, made from goat or sheep’s milk whey. Light, creamy and versatile, it’s used in both savory and sweet dishes across the island, from stuffed vegetables to the famous fiadone cheesecake. While the fresh variety is best enjoyed locally, vacuum-sealed versions are available for travelers to take home. Bringing back this cheese is like packing a piece of Corsica’s culinary soul in your suitcase.
4. Figatellu Sausage
For lovers of charcuterie, figatellu is a must-buy souvenir. This traditional Corsican sausage is made with pork liver and flavored with garlic, wine and spices before being smoked. Locals enjoy it grilled or added to rustic stews during winter months. Available at markets and butcher shops, figatellu embodies the island’s bold, rustic flavors. It’s one of the best foods to buy in Corsica, especially for those looking to recreate authentic island dishes at home.
5. Canistrelli Biscuits
These crunchy shortbread-style cookies are a Corsican classic, often flavored with anise, lemon, almond or even white wine. They’re typically enjoyed with coffee or wine and make an easy-to-pack gift. Canistrelli are sold in charming boxes or rustic bags across Corsica’s markets and bakeries. They’re a sweet and simple way to share a taste of the island with friends and family.
6. Corsican Wine
Corsica has been producing wine since Roman times and its vineyards take advantage of the island’s varied climates and mineral-rich soils. Look for bottles of Niellucciu (similar to Sangiovese), Sciaccarellu and Vermentino, all of which reflect the island’s Mediterranean terroir. Local wine shops and markets carry bottles that range from crisp whites to bold reds. A bottle of Corsican wine makes a perfect souvenir, especially paired with regional cheeses or charcuterie.
7. Chestnut Flour and Chestnut Products
Chestnuts are central to Corsican agriculture and chestnut flour is used in traditional breads, cakes and polenta-like dishes. Many shops sell small bags of this earthy flour along with other chestnut products like honey, jams and even liqueurs. It’s a thoughtful and unique souvenir, perfect for adventurous cooks looking to experiment with island recipes back home.
8. Handcrafted Knives
Corsica has a long tradition of blade-making and handcrafted knives are both practical and collectible. Known as couteaux corses, these knives often feature handles made from ram’s horn, olive wood or bone, with intricate engravings that reflect Corsican heritage. Many are designed as pocket knives, making them convenient and portable. They’re one of the most authentic artisanal souvenirs in Corsica, symbolizing craftsmanship passed down through generations.
9. Coral and Silver Jewelry
Jewelry crafted from Corsica’s natural elements makes for a wearable reminder of your trip. Shops in coastal towns like Bonifacio and Ajaccio sell handmade pieces featuring coral, turquoise and silver. These unique designs often reflect the island’s Mediterranean setting and blend French elegance with rustic charm. Whether you choose earrings, bracelets or pendants, Corsican jewelry is both beautiful and meaningful.
10. Immortelle-Based Perfume
Immortelle, or “everlasting flower,” is a golden bloom that grows wild across Corsica. Known for its healing properties and warm, herbal scent, it has become a key ingredient in perfumes and skincare. Specialty shops and distilleries sell perfumes infused with this aromatic flower, allowing you to take home the fragrance of Corsica itself. It’s an elegant souvenir and one of the most memorable scents you’ll encounter while shopping in Corsica.
Shopping Excursions in Corsica
To truly connect with the island’s culture, a guided excursion is one of the best ways to experience shopping in Corsica while also exploring its natural beauty:
- Craftsmen of Ocana
- This half-day excursion whisks you into the hills of Ocana, a quiet commune known for its cobblestone homes and red-tiled roofs. Your first stop is Maison des Senteurs, a distillery where the Caux Brothers have been producing organic essential oils for more than 20 years. Learn about their process and browse natural products made from native Corsican plants. Next, step into Le Jardin des Abeilles, a family-run honey farm with 400 hives producing six varieties of honey. After walking through fragrant gardens along the Prunelli River, you’ll sample the different honeys and have a chance to purchase souvenir jars in the farm’s shop. It’s the perfect combination of culture, nature and shopping in Corsica.
What to Buy in Corsica?
When deciding what to buy in Corsica, start with artisanal products that showcase the island’s natural bounty—jars of Corsican honey, fragrant essential oils and earthy chestnut flour. Add in traditional treats like figatellu sausage, canistrelli biscuits or a bottle of local wine for a flavorful taste of the island. For something lasting, browse handmade knives, coral jewelry or immortelle perfumes that reflect Corsica’s artistry and heritage. Whether edible, fragrant or handcrafted, these souvenirs in Corsica carry the spirit of the island home with you.
Want to explore more of what makes Corsica unforgettable? Discover top Corsica shore excursions and learn what Ajaccio is known for.
