Corsica has become the unlikely stage for a sustained campaign of property attacks aimed at keeping outsiders from buying second homes. Masked members of a long-running independence movement have torched or bombed dozens of high-end vacation properties in recent years, yet demand from mainland French and foreign buyers shows little sign of fading. The island’s striking Mediterranean coastline and relative isolation have long drawn comparisons to exclusive enclaves elsewhere, but the violence has added a layer of tension to what many still see as an idyllic retreat.
Decades of Targeted Attacks
The National Liberation Front of Corsica has claimed responsibility for thousands of operations since its founding in 1976, many of them directed at vacation homes owned by non-residents. A single overnight spree in October 2023 struck 34 properties across 20 towns. Fifteen more homes have been burned or bombed since the start of 2024, with the most recent confirmed incident occurring in March 2026. The group has avoided fatalities in these actions, focusing instead on empty or under-construction buildings to send a clear signal about land ownership.
Public Warnings and Political Pressure
In a rare public appearance last month, roughly 15 armed and masked members of the group addressed the media directly. They warned tourists and prospective buyers to stay away, stating that outsiders should not consider themselves safe on Corsican territory until national rights are recognized. The threats coincide with a broader political push. French senators are scheduled to vote next month on a constitutional amendment that would formally acknowledge Corsica’s distinct language, culture, and history while granting local authorities greater control over zoning and waste management.
Market Resilience Despite Risks
Second homes now represent 37 percent of Corsica’s total housing stock, rising to as much as 50 percent in some coastal communities. Real estate agents report that some clients express fear after hearing stories of burned properties, while others remain undeterred or even dismissive of the risks. One retiree from mainland France recently purchased a multimillion-euro seaside home and cited personal connections on the island as a source of reassurance. Another long-term owner has sought to build goodwill by opening her property to locals and participating in village life.
Core Demand Remains Unmet
The upcoming Senate vote stops short of giving Corsicans authority over who can purchase property, a central goal for hardline separatists. Political observers note that the bombing campaign has helped elevate the island’s autonomy claims, yet the underlying dispute over land access persists. Buyers continue to arrive, drawn by the scenery and lifestyle, even as the independence movement maintains its focus on preserving territory for residents. The tension between economic appeal and local resistance shows no immediate sign of easing.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.