corsica road trip itinerary

How to Plan a Unique Corsica Road Trip: 7-day Itinerary

Are you dreaming of holidays in Corsica? Follow my 7-day Corsica road trip itinerary. Discover the “Ile de Beauté”, with its dreamy beaches, crystal clear water, jagged mountains, and charming towns. This Corsica itinerary will make you fall in love with one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands.

Hiking in the Dolomites or a road trip to Corsica? That was my dilemma when I had to choose the destination and the travel style for my birthday trip. I never get tired of the mountains, and I like traveling by public transportation. Indeed, I gave up having a car years ago. However, I was keen to make a road trip again,  as I did in Northern Ireland along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route . It felt good being free to stop wherever I felt like and to stay at a place as long as I wished.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love mingling with locals on the bus, the train, or the boat, especially in faraway countries with different cultures. However, the truth is that in some places getting around by public transportation means seeing very little, and hiring a car is almost paramount

Corsica is one of those places. Because only by car (or motorbike or, if you’re not scared by steep climbs, by bike) one can discover the contrasts of the Ile de Beauté as the island is often called in French.

Visiting Corsica… Once again

So I decided. I would go back to Corsica, France, on a solo road trip.

I visited Corsica several times previously, but I hadn’t been back for a few years. Being one of my favorite spots in the Mediterranean, I was keen to spend one week in Corsica and explore hidden corners of the island I hadn’t visited before.

If you wonder why Corsica holidays are always a good idea, no matter how many times you have visited, let me tell you that it’s hard not to fall in love with Corsica. The island has it all (or almost). Breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear water, jaw-dropping mountain sceneries, delightful small villages where time seems to have stopped, beautiful forests and rivers, all in an area of about 8,800 sqm.

How to plan your Corsica road trip itinerary

Once bought my flight to Ajaccio, I started studying the map to draw my Corsica road trip itinerary. I was willing to include some Corsica must see places, as well as spending time in the Corsica mountains. I had to make choices, though, as a week in Corsica is not enough to explore the entire island unless you want to spend all the time behind the wheel. Over the years, I grew more and more fond of slow travel, willing to see less but experience and taste more.

I eventually decided to focus on Corsica’s western coast and cross inland almost in the middle of the island. I would drive along the coast and to the mountains, visit charming villages, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. And I also craved a couple of short hikes.

I like freedom when I travel, and I try to limit planning as much as possible so that I can change my mind along the way. However, Corsica in Summer gets busy. So I built up a 7-day itinerary to visit some of the most beautiful places in Corsica.

Corsica road trip: Know before you go

How to get to Corsica

By air : Corsica has four airports: Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and the smaller Figari in the south. International flights are limited to Europe. Therefore, if you’re coming from overseas, your most likely ports of call are Paris,  London, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Many flights to Corsica from France and other European cities are only seasonal, so it’s better to  check and book  as soon as possible.

By ferry: Bastia, Ajaccio, and Calvi are connected by ferry from Italy (Savona, Genova, Livorno) and France (Marseille, Toulon). If you plan to travel to Corsica with your car in high season (July-August), I recommend booking in advance for better fares.

Best time to visit Corsica

Although I’d be curious to see Corsica in Winter, the best time to visit Corsica is from April to late September, mid-October . If possible, avoid July and August, which are the busiest months and also very hot for hiking. Additionally, should you plan holidays in Corsica in July and August, choose your accommodation and book well in advance.

Driving in Corsica

Allow plenty of time, as most roads are winding, often narrow, and sometimes in poor conditions. Driving in Corsica can also be challenging due to animals crossing the streets (wild boars, goats, etc.). Drive slowly and with caution, and buy full-coverage car insurance.

Car rental in Corsica

Corsica airports have booths of several car rental companies. If you’re envisaging a Corsica road trip in the high season, I recommend booking a car well in advance. Check the prices and book your car .

Accommodation in Corsica

Corsica accommodations range from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels and apartments. Camping in Corsica is also very popular, as well as basic lodging for hikers. Read further and find out where to stay in Corsica on this 7-day itinerary.

A week in Corsica by car: itinerary

Day 1 – ajaccio to sartène.

From Ajaccio airport, I went directly to the car rental booth, where everything went smoothly. In a matter of minutes, I picked up my car and started my Corsica road trip heading south and inland to Sartène .

Perched atop a rock, with its medieval structure, narrow alleys, and granite houses, Sartène somehow epitomizes the essence of Corsica: secluded, closed, sometimes even a little rough, although also capable of great warmth.

As I often do, I explored Sartène wandering around aimlessly,  getting lost in the tiny streets, and admiring the tall granite buildings which date back to the 16th century. Camera in hand, I couldn’t choose which corner I should take a picture of. They were all so pretty. The town is small, so even walking slowly and stopping every few steps, I didn’t need much time to discover the nicest spots. I took a break sitting on the terrace of a cute cafè, people-watching and just taking in the sense of peace surrounding me.

Day 2 – Sartène, Zonza, Bavella

Crossing the pretty village of Zonza , the winding road toward the mountains rewarded me with stunning views. Here and there, I spotted wild pigs walking alongside the road, sometimes even lying unconcerned on the pavement and slowly moving away as I approached.

Suddenly, the Aiguilles de Bavella (the ‘Bavella Needles’) appeared on the horizon, with beautiful rocks and peaks dominating the landscape. I had been anticipating a beautiful hike at one of the most scenic mountain areas of Corsica, but when I arrived, there were so many people that I gave up. The scenery is indeed breathtaking, but it was far too crowded for my taste. It’s worth going back in Spring or Autumn, though.

Day 3 – Corte

With its narrow streets leading up to the citadel and the old houses looking a little unkempt, Corte is charming. As you stroll this in the lovely alleys, you’ll hardly think that Corte was the former capital of Corsica during the short period in which the island achieved independence in the mid-18th Century.

The Corsican Republic was short-lived, but the old town maintained its pride and scrupulously kept its traditions, starting from the language.

Seen from below, the houses perched on the hill make for a lovely composition, while from atop, the citadel overlooks the surrounding mountains and forests of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica . Corte is one of the most beautiful towns in Corsica and a must-see.

Day 4 – Hiking the Restonica Valley

The nearby Restonica Valley , which I had never visited before, is well known for its beautiful hikes. I couldn’t miss it this time, and after breakfast, I started the drive along the narrow and somewhat bumpy road.

I picked up randomly one of the many trails crisscrossing the Restonica Valley and started the ascent, surrounded by breathtaking wild scenery. Rocks sculpted by erosion, green pine trees bent by the strong winds, and clouds running fast in a cobalt blue sky. Surprisingly, I met only a handful of people along the trail, which made my hike all the most enjoyable. Hiking in Corsica is extremely popular , and the island boasts the GR-20 , one of the best long-distance treks in Europe.

The Restonica Valley ended up being one of the highlights of my Corsica road trip and a place I wouldn’t have been able to reach without a car.

Day 5 – Corte to Ota

More winding roads through the mountains, and then, the blue sea appeared on the horizon. Time for a change of scenery, from the rocks to water. I could hear my stomach grumbling, reclaiming attention. Shortly after, I approached Algajola, a lovely fortified small town along the coast, almost halfway between Ile Rousse and Calvi, and a lovely spot for a lunch break.

I treated myself to a dish of delicious fresh fish and a glass of cold local white wine. The sandy beach was too tempting, so I went for a long walk and a short bath before entering the car once again. I continued my journey heading back inland to the enchanting village of Ota .

From the Gulf of Porto, the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in Corsica , the road climbs up to Ota, a delightful hamlet leaning against the mountain. It’s an oasis of peace, popular with hikers coming here for daily excursions or stopping along the Mare e Monti hiking trail .

Day 6 – Ota and the Gorges de Spelunca

Small and secluded, Ota was the perfect place to relax. Afterward, I went for a scenic drive and a day hike to the beautiful Gorges de Spelunca.

Back from my walk, I chilled out on a terrace overlooking the mountains and the village. Sipping a drink, I watched the colors of the houses getting warmer hues as the sun started setting down.

Ota invites you to stop for a couple of days to enjoy the silence, the beautiful scenery, and the life of the locals along the streets or at the bar. A corner of authentic Corsica I thoroughly liked.

Day 7 – Ota to Ajaccio

The last leg of my Corsica road trip was also the most scenic. I left Ota shortly after sunrise and reached the Calanques of Piana . The sun was still low.  And the rocks, shaded in pink, made a beautiful contrast with the deep blue of the water beneath.

I stopped at a couple of viewpoints, striving to catch as much as possible of this awe-inspiring beauty. I was willing to fix into my eyes and memory the sight of one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Mediterranean. The Calanques de Piana are one of the unmissable attractions in Corsica and should be included in any Corsica itinerary.

Sadly, my Corsica holidays had come to an end, and I retook the road down to Ajaccio. As I drove back to the airport, I couldn’t help feeling a bit melancholy. A week in Corsica passed in a heartbeat. At the same time, I was pleased because, after more than ten years, Corsica was as beautiful as I remembered it. It was only a goodbye. I know I’ll be back.

Where to stay in Corsica

Corsica is not a cheap destination, especially if you are a solo traveler. If you’re looking for budget accommodations in Corsica, your best bet is staying at the Gites d’étape. These are hostels popular with hikers, mostly in small villages, offering accommodation in dormitories, usually with half-board.

Although somewhat pricey, Corsica boasts many beautiful accommodations, often with stunning views. Here’s a selection of hotels in some of the most beautiful towns and areas of the island:

Accommodation in Sartène and nearby

The colorful Rossi Hotel is only 1,2 km from Sartène. It features a terrace with panoramic views of Sartène and the countryside and an outdoor swimming pool, which is a good option if you’re visiting Corsica with kids.

Maredda 2 is a charming apartment tastefully decorated. Located less than 1 km from Sartène center, it features several amenities, including air conditioning.

Best Western Plus San Damianu :  The hotel features modern and bright rooms with a balcony, an outdoor swimming pool, and a large terrace with superb views of Sartène and the surrounding landscape.

Propriano (14 km / 9 mi from Sartène, 15-20 min drive)

Miramar Boutique Hotel :  Modern and stylish, it overlooks the Gulf of Valinco and its beautiful beaches. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a spa. Perfect for a romantic getaway and a relaxing holiday.

Résidence & Hôtel Aria Marina : Overlooking the Gulf of Valinco, Aria Marina Hotel and Residence features tastefully decorated self-catered apartments with a balcony and a terrace with superb views.

Olmeto (21 km / 13 mi from Sartène, 30 min drive)

L’Hostellerie du Moulin des Oliviers   is a beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by a charming Mediterranean garden. The Hotel features all kinds of amenities, including a swimming pool, private beach, spa, and fine dining.

Accommodation in Piana and the Calanques

Hôtel Capo Rosso boasts a wide terrace with superb views of the Calanques de Piana and the Gulf of Scandola, one of the most scenic areas of Corsica.

Hotel Scandola features modern and tasteful décor and spacious rooms with a balcony. The charming terrace offers sweeping sea views.

Where to stay in Corte

Dominique Colonna Hotel :  A stylish hotel with a wide terrace overlooking the river. Dominique Colonna features an outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck and a spa.

If you’d rather stay in nature, check out Hôtel de la Restonica . Rustic but tasteful, the hotel features a summer outdoor swimming pool and views of the mountains. It’s a perfect choice if you want to do some hiking in Corsica since there are some trails nearby.

Corsica Road Trip Map

  Note:

This post contains affiliate links to carefully selected products and services, some of which I tested myself. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

15 thoughts on “How to Plan a Unique Corsica Road Trip: 7-day Itinerary”

• Pingback: 15 Amazing Road Trips in France - Migrating Miss

I am so happy to discover your blog tonight. Thanks for sharing your Corsica road trip. I enjoyed read your post very much,

I love hiking and have hiked world wide. We are going to be in Corsica and Sardinia next month.

I was wondering how many days it took you for this Corisca Road trip?

Hi Rachel, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading the article. My road trip in Corsica lasted 1 week, but there’s so much to do and see on this beautiful island that you can easily spend a month there. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Corsica and Sardinia. The islands are quite different, even if close to one another. Just beware, if you plan to hike, that Sardinia is much drier and that you’ll have much less shade than in Corsica.

• Pingback: The Spectacular Restonica Valley in Photos
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Corsica looks stunning! I’m hoping to do a similar road trip next month. I’m really looking forward to it after reading this post.

Hope you’ll get to go to Corsica, Andrea. Wonderful island, perfect for road tripping!

Stunning photos and useful tips, Simon. I’d love to visit Corsica someday. It looks a bit like Sicily with French accents.

Your photos make us want to plan a trip to Corsica this year! Look at that village of Ota – so charming!

I’ve always wanted to visit Corsica – and what a fabulous set of images you’ve got that make me want to go.

Corsica sounds great! Beautiful views….thanks for a wonderful narrative!

Lovely photography of a very beautiful island. It’s one of my favourite places in the world but I haven’t seen much of the interior. I’d love to travel by train from Ajaccio to Corte and then down to L’Ile Rousse. I heard it’s a superb journey. As for driving in Corsica – I tried it once – not a good experience. It’s as flat as a pancake where I live. Give me a roaring motorway over hairpin bends and plunging drops with no barriers anytime.

You must definitely go back, Kathryn, and visit the interior, otherwise you would have seen only one half of the moon 🙂

I made part of the journey with the little train years ago and loved it.

We just did a road trip through Corsica in August. Gorgeous! I couldn’t believe the diversity of the country. I can’t wait to go back. Gorgeous shots!

Thank you, Corinne. However, it’s not hard to get nice shots of an island which is so beautiful. You’re right, the diversity is what makes Corsica so special, an unexpected.

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• Your ultimate guide to visiting France

The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a road trip in Corsica? Then you are in for a fantastic time!

Often called ‘the Island of Beauty’, it is blessed with an incredible landscape, where soaring ochre cliffs plunge into shimmering turquoise waters that dazzle in the sun.

Also featuring breathtaking gorges replete with chestnut trees, the island has 1000 km of scintillating coastline which accommodates more sandy beaches, jagged peninsulas and hidden coves than you could ever hope to visit.

Throw in historic stone villages that cling precariously to cliff faces, centuries of history and tradition – it is after all the birthplace of Napoleon – and some fantastic local foods and wines, and you have a destination that is a must-visit.

Best explored on walks through its cities, and scenic drives in Corsica, there are plenty of places you can see on the island to really ‘discover’ it.

In this guide, we will help you plan your ultimate Corsica Road Trip, by outlining for you some of the island’s most notable destinations.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Table of Contents

Planning a road trip in Corsica

When planning your Corsica road trip itinerary, you will need to know when the best time to go is. How to get to Corsica. And also where to go once you arrive on the island.

In the sections below we will attempt to answer these questions for you, so you can start to put a proper driving tour of Corsica itinerary together.

When is the best time to do a road trip in Corsica?

While the island offers something all year round for tourists, the general consensus is that the months from May to September are the best for visiting Corsica.

During this period the weather is sunny and the water is usually quite warm for a swim.

All of the island’s most popular attractions are open as well. While you can also enjoy plenty of hikes and boat trips on and around its spectacular landscape. 

How to get to Corsica

Overall, there are two main ways to get to Corsica.

You can either fly there from various cities in France, and other parts of Europe, or you can get the ferry over.

Should you decide to take the ferry, the quickest route is the one that runs from Nice to Ile Rousse, which takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. 

Ferries to Corsica also run regularly from Toulon, Savona and Piombino, which is in Livorno in Italy.

Once on the island, driving in Corsica is fairly straightforward, and public transport is fairly reliable too.

The Perfect Itinerary for a road trip in Corsica

Planning a Corsica road trip? Well here are some fantastic places to head to during your time there.

Stop 1: Ajaccio

The capital of the island, the port city of Ajaccio is where many Corsica road trip visitors first arrive.

And what a place to do so! 

Nestled on the island’s craggy western coast, you’ll instantly be charmed by its unique mix of history, culture and modernity.

As the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte, it boasts plenty of noteworthy attractions honouring him and his family. Including The National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence – his childhood home – which now displays a fabulous selection of family heirlooms and priceless artworks.

With a plethora of fabulous bars and restaurants, a wide range of accommodation offerings, lively market and a terrific beach, this is a place you will want to stay for a few days.

• Visit The National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence: The iconic French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, was born in Ajaccio on August 15, 1769. So you will find lots of monuments and references to him there. 

One of the most impressive is his birth house, which has now been turned into a fascinating museum that showcases how he and his family lived. It is well worth visiting if you are into French history.

• The Fesch Palace: A must for all art lovers, Ajaccio’s fine art museum features original masterpieces by such revered painters as Botticelli, Titian and Poussin. There is also a whole area which features portraits of the Bonaparte family.
• Hit the beach! There are some beautiful beaches in Ajaccio and if you have some time available it is worth visiting more than just one of them. Saint-François beach is the one most visitors head to, as it is within walking distance of the city centre and is also close to the citadel, and the port. 

However, if you get the chance you should also try and visit The beach of Terre Sacrée, which has lots of sandy coves to explore and huge rocks by the water.

As well as the beaches at Barbicaja and Marinella. Both of which are great places to sunbathe and also have some nice restaurants in which to dine at.

• Check out the Ajaccio Market: If you love good food then you simply have to get yourself over to the Ajaccio market. Situated in Foch Square it runs every morning (except on Mondays between November and March), and is a great place to discover all the best locally produced cheeses, deli meats, jams and wines.
• A Cupulatta turtle sanctuary: Not quite in Ajaccio, rather 20 km from it, this fabulous 2.5 hectare park is Europe’s largest that is dedicated solely to turtles. It features over 170 species from all around the world, including all continents where they exist, and is a great place to see and learn all about them.

Stop 2: Bonifacio

When driving in Corsica, the city of Bonifacio is a fabulous place to visit.

Situated on the island’s southern tip, it is probably best known for its bustling marina.

As well as its impressive, historic, medieval citadel that sits on a clifftop and features structures like The Chapel of St. Roch, which was built back in 1528.

There is plenty to see of interest for those who visit this part of the island.

Much of which is contained within a warren of narrow cobblestone lanes that are so charming, you could easily wander around them in a happy daze of contentment for hours upon end.

If you plan to stay here there is plenty of accommodation near the port, city centre and citadel. You’ll also find some great beaches to relax on too when you have had your fill of sightseeing.

• Explore the citadel: Perched on a 70 metre high cliff that overlooks the sea, the medieval buildings, landmarks and walls contained within Bonifacio’s old town are a must-see. Be sure to check out The King of Aragon’s Staircase, 187 incredible steps that have been expertly carved into the cliff face.
• Check out the port: Nestled at the foothill of the old town, this buzzy neighbourhood has several very good restaurants and bars to enjoy.
• Walk on the Campu Rumanilu path: Starting from the Saint-Roch Pass you will get to enjoy spectacular views, as well as visit the Cap de Pertusatu and the stunning Trois Pointes beach.
• Take to the water – Whether you want to stand up paddle on the sparkling waters of Piantarella lagoon, windsurf, kayak or kite-surf at Piantarella beach, or jet ski around the port itself, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do that here.

Stop 3: Porto Vecchio

Translating to ‘Old Port’, which is thought by some to be a reference to a Roman port whose remnants can still be seen in the area, Porto-Vecchio is Corsica’s third largest town.

Once occupied by Sempiero Corso in 1564, it is now home to about 12,000 residents.

Though, as it is a very popular tourist spot, the number of people at Porto Vecchio can exceed 40,000 on any given day in the summer.

The town is sometimes referred to as ‘the city of salt’, on account of it being built on salt-water marshes, which were subsequently drained to facilitate development.

Plenty of plush yachts fill the marina, while its main square, Place de la République, is packed with an eclectic mix of shops, boutique stores and cafes.

The pine tree-lined Palombaggia beach is a popular spot to head to for those visiting Corsica.

• Marvel at the views from The Bastion de France: Want some Insta-worthy photos? Then head on over to the fantastic terrace here which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
• Take the small tourist train: Between the port and the citadel, the road is quite a steep incline. So you might want to take the small tourist train that runs between the lower and upper town of Porto Vecchio. The views are pretty spectacular.
• Go Canyoning: Beginners should head to the Pulishellu canyon, while more seasoned enthusiasts should head to Vacca or Purcaraccia.
• Enjoy quality beach time at Rondinara: Spectacular fine sandy beaches that house stoic, crystal clear waters.

Stop 4: Corte

Corte has a rich history. Under the leadership of Pasquale Paoli, it served as the Corsican independent state capital.

It was also the birthplace of Joseph Bonaparte in 1768 (Napoleon’s eldest brother), as well as Theophilus of Corte in 1676, a prominent Roman Catholic priest and member of the Order of Friars Minor. 

It even housed German prisoners POW in its citadel during World War I. So it offers plenty to excite historophiles.

Now better known as a university town (Pasquale Paoli University is based here) Corte has a youthful and energetic vibe.

Its citadel, which was built in the 15th century, is also the only one located in the centre of the island. Thus giving the town a unique point of difference.

• Follow the ‘heritage trail’: This series of signposts will lead you to the city’s main and major historical buildings.
• Check out The Musée de la Corse: Known as the Regional Museum of Anthropology, this captivating museum showcases three different exhibits that highlight Corte’s past.
• Take in the views from The Belvedere: A promontory that looks out to the city and directly faces the citadel, the panoramic 360° views of the Tavignano and Restonica valleys are sensational.
• Peruse The Cours Paoli: Take a stroll through the main shopping street in Corte, where you will find plenty of shops, boutique stores, bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants. A great place to mingle with locals.
• Treat your taste buds at The Casanova bakery: Famous for its incredible vegetable and chestnut fondant pies, which are a must-try! You’ll probably want more than one so bring your fat pants!

Stop 5: Bastia

Bastia is the second biggest city in Corsica. It is also a port city and serves as the capital of the département of Haute-Corse.

A well-known manufacturer of preserves, cigars, and cigarettes, it is also famous as an exporter of highly acclaimed Cape Corse wines. Like Ajaccio, it is home to a professional football team too.

When embarking on a road trip in Corsica be sure to add Bastia to your itinerary, as there is plenty to see and do here.

Lively cafes, restaurants and bars flank the Old Port, while the dual-towered Church of St. Jean-Baptiste is also a major drawcard.

Its citadel, Terra Nova, features ramparts that were built by Genoese rulers and the Bastia Museum, which is situated within The Governor’s Palace, exhibits the history of the city.

Close to it, the Cathedral of Ste. Marie also boasts outstanding marble statues and paintings.

• Pay your respects at The Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Renown for being the largest church in Corsica, this stunning church was built in a baroque style. It is notable for its twin bell towers and also features an interior that is lavishly decorated with sensational art, like a marble statue of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and the silver tabernacle of the high altar.
• Take in the sights from Romieu Garden: Just to the south of the Old Port, this leafy park features the iconic Romieu Stairs. Which will take you on a challenging journey up to a viewpoint that conveys magnificent views of the surrounding city.
• Browse through The History Museum of Bastia: Located in The Governor’s Palace, this museum is a living monument to Corsica’s history and heritage.
• Shop at the flea market: A very large market. It takes place every Sunday at St. Nicolas Square.

Stop 6: Nonza

Positioned on the side of a cliff, southwest of the peninsula, Nonza is the last village of interest you will pass as you make your way around Cap Corse.

You might not want to stick around here for too long.

However, it is one of the best scenic drives in Corsica, showcasing some lovely views.

It also has a quaint church that dates back to the 16th century, a ruined castle and a historic tower as well.

You’ll also find good shopping and food here, as well as some lovely wines. There is also a very interesting grey beach, which, although is not the best for swimming, is a nice spot for a wander.

• Visit the Church of Sainte-Julie: Built around the 16th century, this sacred building was dedicated to a saint who was martyred during the Roman period.
• Check out The Tour Paoline: Set within a ruined castle that sits atop the cliff along the fringes of the village, this tower was built under the order of Pascal Paoli in 1760.
• Nonza Beach: Take a walk along the grey sand of this striking beach.
• Peruse the local shops: Nonza has a lovely collection of boutique stores and shops to check out.

Stop 7: St Florent

Known for being the gateway to the Agriates desert, Saint-Florent is the place to come if you want to visit some of the best beaches on the island.

Once operating as a fishing port in the gulf, which it was named after, today you are more likely to see yachts and pleasure boats in the marina. And plenty of them!

With a capacity to hold almost 1,000 boats, the marina is the second biggest on the island. Along with the old town, it is also one of the more livelier parts of the city to visit too.

• Explore the Citadel: Built by the Genoese in the 15th century, you can go inside it in the summer as it hosts regular art displays.
• Visit the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral: Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, this stunning 12th century church is a historical monument. Just 700 metres away from the old town, it features a 15th century fresco of the 12 apostles which were found in Rome some time in the 18th century and brought back to Corsica.
• Adventure through the Agriates Desert: Despite its name, the Agriates Desert is quite a vast and pristine mountainous region. It does however feature two excellent beaches, Saleccia and Lotu which are well worth visiting for their stunning turquoise waters and fine sand.
• Go Diving: The Gulf of Saint-Florent is a noted spot for diving as the area is teaming with spectacular marine wildlife. Several centres operate in the city. Most of which are situated in the marina.

Stop 8: L’Ile Rousse

Tucked away on the Northwestern coast of the island, l’Île-Rousse is a charming seaside town that boasts a good beach and an intoxicating laid-back vibe.

Protected by the hilly terrain of La Balagne, people have lived in this area since between 5000-3000 BC. Indeed it was even called Agilla in 1000 BC.

But after several names and ownership changes, Pasquale Paoli eventually founded l’Île-Rousse as a port that would remain firmly out of the control of the Genoese.

Named after the tiny Pietra Island, which features a natural phenomenon whereby its rocks turn red at sunset, the town is a lovely place to explore.

• Marvel at the Church of the Immaculate Conception: Flanked by palm trees, this stunning church was first inaugurated in 1893, though had to be rebuilt after fire damaged it in 1914. It features spectacular paintings and stained glass windows that date back to the 17th century.
• Take a walk along Promenade de Marinella: This lovely walkway runs along the sea close to Paoli Square. It showcases stunning views in both directions.
• Visit the Ile Rousse Lighthouse: Built in the 19th century, this white-washed lighthouse is also called the Phare de la Pietra. It is a very Insta-worthy landmark that also offers terrific views of the mountains and the town.
• Relax at Ile Rousse beach: Enjoy the stunning white sand and crystal clear waters of this gorgeous beach.

Stop 9: Calvi

Folklore dictates that Calvi was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus (it was under the rule of the Genoese Empire at the time).

While this may be up for debate, what is not, is how dazzling its half-moon shaped bay and gorgeous beaches are.

Located on the northwest coast of the island, Calvi accommodates an imperious medieval citadel that overlooks the marina, at the western end of the bay.

Home to the impressive Baroque St-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, as well as the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra, which is nestled on a hill and showcases fabulous views of the surroundings, the town also has a fabulous warren of cobbled streets to explore.

When you are hungry, you can also choose to eat at any of the great selection of restaurants that line the harbour’s esplanade.

• Stop by the Saint-John the Baptist Cathedral: A historical monument that boasts a stunning wooden triptych and two fabulous statutes honouring Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Christ of Miracles respectively.
• Explore the old town of Calvi: Nestled at the bottom of the citadel, the quaint paved streets of the old town feature lots of interesting craft and souvenir shops.
• Take a boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve: This fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site is both a marine and terrestrial Nature Reserve that is well worth exploring. You can book a 4-hour cruise from Calvi that also includes a stop to enjoy snorkelling.
• Hike in the Bonifatu Forest: Located a 30 minute drive from Calvi, this 3000-hectare forest is a must for those who love to hike in beautiful nature!
• Calvi Beach: 4.5 miles of gorgeous sandy beach to sunbathe, walk or play on.

Stop 10: Scandola Nature Reserve

As mentioned previously, The Scandola Nature Reserve is a popular destination to visit from Calvi, and should be on any Corsica road trip itinerary.

Established in 1975 on the west coast of the island, this reserve lies within the Corsica Regional Park.

It has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status on account of its magnificent landscape, maquis shrubland and rich biodiversity, and is especially noted for its ochre cliffs, fine sandy beaches, and imposing headlands.

There are two sectors within the reserve – the peninsula of Scandola and the Elpa Nera inlet.

Both of which are equally compelling. Its soaring, rugged cliffs also possess many fascinating grottos which are framed by several stacks and other coves and islets that are virtually inaccessible.

• Go diving: While you are not permitted to dive in the protected area, nothing is stopping you from diving around the edges of it. If you do, you will get to see a spectacular seabed, as well as the likes of spiny lobsters, groupers and moray eels.
• Swim near the Reserve: If you don’t fancy diving, you can always opt to swim near the protected area and take in the magnificent scenery while you do.

Stop 11: Ota

Flanked by two chains of mountains, Ota is a small, yet picturesque village, that resides on a hillside under the Mont Capu d’Ota.

Not far from Porto, it lies among terraces of olive trees, features quaint narrow streets and offers incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and valley.

Once the centre of the ‘pieve du Sia’, the village is both the starting and finishing point of the mule track that traverses the Spelunca gorges that will take you up to Evisa. 

It is a lovely, laidback place to explore on a driving tour of Corsica and is well worth a visit if only to experience a slightly different way of island life.

• Observe: The wonderful views of the Spelunca Gorge.
• Walk the Mule Trail: It will take you three hours to walk one way to Evisa.
• Check out the pink church: There is a beautiful pink church in town that has a stunning tall square bell tower
• Enjoy local fare: Eat and drink at one of the local bars and restaurants.

Stop 12: Calanques de Piana

Forming part of the Gulf of Porto UNESCO World Heritage Site, Les Calanques de Piana comprises some incredible geological formations.

Translating as ‘place of the coves’, it is situated in Piana, in between Ajaccio and Calvi and has a slightly eerie feel to it.

Taking the form of soaring cliffs, jagged columns of red granite and stunning sea caves and arches, this natural phenomenon is a notable attraction that can be explored on foot.

Getting there is an adventure in itself. During the drive to Porto, through the mountainous region from Ajaccio, you’ll see plenty of fabulous views, as well as falcons and eagles.

Those who get close to it by boat may be able to see nesting ospreys, cormorants, and even dolphins.

• Go Hiking: Several trails, both short and long will help you explore the nature reserve of the Calanques.
• Relax on the beach: Plage d’Arone is a beautiful beach which is perfect to relax on after you’ve finished hiking.

Stop 13: Cargèse

Cargèse is a lovely village on the west coast of the island that very much has its roots in Greece.

It was established towards the end of the 18th century by descendants of immigrants from the Mani Peninsula of the Greek Peloponnese.

Whose ancestors had settled in Corsica over 100 years previously.

Noted for its twin churches that were built in the 19th century – one by Corsicans and the other by Greek immigrants, the town spills from the top of a hill down to a small harbour.

Aside from being a tourist hotspot with beautiful architecture and a sense of history, it is best known for being the home of the Cargèse Institute for Physics.

• Visit the twin churches: Take in a service at the Greek Orthodox church or the Roman Catholic church. Both of which are active and share a priest who has special dispensation.
• Check out the three towers: Three Genoese towers are situated within the village – Tour de Cargèse, Tour d’Omigna and Tour d’Orchinu, which are well worth checking out.
• Hit the Beach!: There are several fabulous beaches to visit near the village including Chiuni, Peru, Menasina, Capizollu and Stagnoli.
• Tour the Cargèse Institute for Physics: Take a tour of this fascinating centre of physics.

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Road trip Corsica: 3 itineraries for the ultimate Corsica tour!

In this Corsica itinerary blog you will read all about a possible road trip in Corsica include the top destinations and highlights of this island. We tell you a little more about Corsica itself and name the 12 destinations & highlights of Corsica. Then you will find three different itineraries for a tour of Corsica.

A Corsica itinerary of 2 weeks , an itinerary of 3 weeks and finally a combination itinerary Corsica with neighboring island Sardinia. In addition, in this blog you will find useful tips, we tell you how long you need per destination and we have selected hotels. Have fun planning your Corsica itinerary!

Road trip Corsica: tour across this island full of diversity!

Corsica is a beautiful green island and is nicknamed Île de beauté . This French island is known for its mountainous landscape, spectacular rock formations and impressive coastline. Typical local products are the wines, many sheep and goat cheeses, chestnuts, citrus fruits and olive oil.

Corsica was originally Genoese and later became French territory . You can see these Genoese influences very clearly in the architectural styles, old traditions and customs and in the tasteful Corsican cuisine. This gives Corsica its unique identity .

Vacations to Corsica attract different types of travelers. The island is perfect for hiking, cycling, snorkeling, diving, skiing, sunbathing, canyoning, sailing but also visiting beautiful historic cities. And then we haven’t even mentioned the good food, many good restaurants and the hospitable Corsicans. In short, a visit to Corsica has something to offer for everyone. And it is the ultimate location for a cool road trip!

Visit Corsica: How to travel here?

Another option is to visit Corsica by ferry , like we did. We took the ferry from Nice to Bastia . You can also catch the ferry to Corsica from Marseille, Toulon, Genoa, Livorno and Savona . There are three major companies that provide the boat services. You can find departure times and prices on this site .

A big advantage of taking the ferry is that you can take a car (with luggage) with you. The latter is very nice if you plan to go camping at one of the many campsites in Corsica. Another advantage of the ferry is the option of a sleeping cabin. This way you arrive rested on this French island. We get seasick pretty quickly, but found the ferry to be more then doable.

12 Highlights and destinations for your Corsica tour!

What are the top destinations in Corsica? Corsica has many hotspots and places of interest that are worth visiting. Below, you can see a map of Corsica with the geographical location of the highlights of Corsica . Following the map, we describe (clockwise, starting from Bastia) all the different sights and destinations in Corsica. This way you can see which places appeal to you and how you want to put together your travel itinerary for the ultimate Corsica road trip.

Our 3 favorite Corsica highlights:

• Visiting the city  Bonifacio
• The hike to the Calanques de Piana !
• The beautiful beaches in Corsica. A boat trip to Iles Lavezzi  will take you to one of these beautiful beaches!

1. Port city of Bastia: the start of your Corsica tour!

We arrived at Bastia by ferry and proceeded directly south. Bastia is one of the larger towns on the island and, next to Ajaccio, the gateway to Corsica.

2. City of Porto-Vecchio: the Corsican St-Tropez

Porto-Vecchio is a popular coastal town. The village has a cute village center with many nice restaurants and all kinds of (expensive) shops. But this place is small and very touristy. Porto-Vecchio is also called the Corsican Saint-Tropez . Half a day or an evening is enough to discover Porto-Vecchio, but to be honest: if you don’t have much time, skip Porto-Vecchio. 

3.  Beautiful beaches in Corsica

Looking for sun, sand and sea? Then a visit to Corsica is all you need. Corsica has pearly white beaches with turquoise water. Most beaches in Corsica are easy to reach by car and therefore suitable for families with children. A blog about the best beaches in Corsica will follow soon!

Near Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio you will find several beautiful beaches such as:

• Plage de Palombaggia:  long wide beach with various beach bars
• Plage de Santa Giulia: Popular beach on a peninsula. Note:  the parking space is often full.
• Beach Rondinara: our favorite beach, quiet, on a beautiful bay!
• Plage de Saint-Antoine: Narrow beach, but great hike to get there! Note: not accessible by car.

4. Bonifacio: The city on the cliffs & the pearl of Corsica!

If you ask us, Bonifacio is really the most beautiful city in all of Corsica. It sits atop white limestone cliffs and has a cozy old town. Also impressive is the cemetery that overlooks the harbor.

In the area of Bonifacio you can go hiking. For example, there is a coastal path of more than 5 kilometers from the center of Bonifacio, all the way to the beach of Saint-Antoine. You walk over the white rocks, where you have different viewpoints. You can also see the high limestone formations by boat. Click here to book a boat tour, where we have the tip to combine this with the next highlight: a visit by boat to Lavezzi (see also destination 5) . This is really a must when you are in Bonifacio!

Which hotel to pick in Bonifacio?

Hereby three nice hotels in or just outside Bonifacio.

Petra-Bianca €€

Petra-Bianca is located in Bonifacio, 1 km from Bonifacio Port & 4 km from the beach. This beautiful B&B has beautiful bedrooms and a lovely swimming pool. From €99 euros per night .

Charme a cheda €€

Surrounded by a large garden, this lodge is located at the entrance of Bonifacio. Each room has its own atmosphere. The hotel’s chef also gives a cooking workshop here. From €110 per night .

Hotel Spa Genovese €€€

Hotel Spa Genovese is located in the town of Bonifacio, on top of a cliff with panoramic views of the harbor. There is an outdoor swimming pool with a sun terrace and sun loungers. From €170 per night.

5. Boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands: snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing

From Bonifacio, visit the Lavezzi Islands and on the way back enjoy a phenomenal view of the high cliffs on which Bonifacio is built.

Most of the Lavezzi Islands are private islands but there is one island that is available to the public. Many boats go here from Ajaccio & Bonifacio. On this Lavezzi island there are beautiful sandy beaches where you can snorkel well in the clear water!

6. Ajaccio: the capital of Corsica

Ajaccio is the island’s capital city and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Many buildings and places refer to the former French emperor.

Highlights of Ajaccio are the childhood home of Napolean , the Ajaccio Cathedral, the citadel and the pleasant shopping street Rua Bonaparte. If you like walking, consider the Sentiers des Crêtes walking trail and take in beautiful views of the city.

7. Les Calanches de Piana: impressive red limestone cliffs 

Certainly one of the most beautiful places in Corsica in our opinion is the UNESCO region of Calanches of Piana (Les Calanques de Piana). This place just shows how diverse Corsica is! When you are making a road trip, make sure to add this location to your Corsica itinerary! 

You drive through this area by car, and the road itself is spectacular. But this place is really worth to stay longer. This way you can take a hike and see much more of these beautiful rock formations. Also worth doing here is the tough but beautiful hike to Capo Rosso , a stretch of rocky land that extends far into the sea. At the highest point is a lookout tower and during the hike you have beautiful views from which you can look meters into the depths of the clear sea.

8. Scandola Nature Reserve

The Scandola nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its large rock formations. Here you will find red and jagged rocks in all kinds of shapes and figures. A boat trip is the only way to admire this natural wonder.

9. The inlands of Corsica: hiking through the mountains.

Corsica is perfect for hikes because of the many hilly hiking trails  with beautiful viewpoints (Mare è Monti and the GR20, a hiking trail of 200 km). The highest mountain is Monte Cinto (2706 meters) followed by Monte Rotondo (2622 meters). Not only can you hike along the mountains of Corsica, there are also many cycling routes that go along the peaks of Corsica. For example, the challenging climb to the Col de Bavella and the bike ride to the Col de Verde.

10. Corte: The student city of Corsica

Corte is located in the inlands of Corsica and is surrounded by granite mountains and hills. In Corte you will find the only university of Corsica. Corte is a real student city which you immediately recognize when seeing the nice bars, restaurants and cafes. We thought it was a really nice place, bustling and full of life.

11. Calvi: Nice town in northwest Corsica.

12. the desert of corsica: desert des agriates.

Les desert des Agriates is located on the north coast of Corsica. Traveling through this inhospitable area can only be done by jeep or on foot. If you cross this green uninhabited area, you will arrive at paradisiacal beaches .

The most beautiful beaches of Desert Des Agriates are: Lotu beach and the sandy beach of Saleccia . Would you like to discover the unique desert landscape by 4×4? You can book this activity here . We had to skip this place due to time constraints, but the stories about it are great!

Three itineraries for Corsica!

Now that you know the 12 highlights of Corsica, it’s time to put together your Corsica itinerary. To help you put together this road trip itinerary, we give you three different itineraries for a tour of Corsica.

Due to the mountainous landscape of Corsica, traveling between different destinations can sometimes take longer than you would expect. Keep this in mind, especially in high season. Especially because in the summer the roads are busy with French tourists and there are regular traffic jams.

Tip: do not visit Corsica in high season (July-August). Then it is very busy here!

We recommend a ( rental) car for a Corsica road trip. There are trains and buses in Corsica so traveling by public transport is also possible, but then you are not nearly as flexible and you cannot get everywhere.

1. Itinerary 2 weeks in Corsica: the honeymoon trip!

This was the Corsica itinerary on our honeymoon. After our wedding in France , we immediately went on a honeymoon. From the Champagne region to Nice (with a stopover in Aix-en-Provence ) where we then took the ferry to Bastia.

Our Corsica 2 week itinerary was as follows:

Bastia – Porto-Vecchio – Bonifacio – Propriano – Calanques de Piana – Evisa – Corte – St Florent – Bastia

We traveled at a leisurely pace during our honeymoon. From Bastia we drove directly to Porto-Vecchio . Even though we didn’t think this city was that great, we had a lovely hotel and visited fine beaches from here. We stayed here for 2 days. Tip: go directly to Bonifacio and stay there for 5 days instead of Porto-Vecchio .

Then we continued to Bonifacio , which we think is the most beautiful city in Corsica. We also stayed here for 3 days  and visited the islands of Lavezzi . The next stop for us was Propriano (2 days), where few tourists come, but there are many beaches to relax.

After a few days we drove on to the small picturesque village of Piana , to visit, among other things, Les Calanques de Piana . The Scandola Nature Reserve is also not far from here. In 2 days you have seen the most beautiful things here.

After all that sea it was time to go inland and we took a detour to the cute mountain village of Evisa (1 day). After several hikes we traveled on to Corte, the student city of Corsica. The road there is an attraction in itself: numerous beautiful viewpoints over the rocky mountain landscape of the interior of Corsica. We recommend that you stay here for 2 days.

2. Itinerary 3 weeks in Corsica: the Grand Tour

Would you like to discover the French island at your own pace? Then consider the 3-week itinerary below, the grand tour through Corsica. You can start this Corsica road trip from Ajaccio or Bastia.

Itinerary Corsica 3 weeks:

Ajaccio – Propriano– Sartene – Bonifacio – Porto-Vecchio – Corte – Saint Florent – ​​Calvi – Porto or Piana – Ajaccio

This Corsica itinerary begins in Ajaccio where you will be introduced to the city of Napoleon. After this cultural experience, you will travel to the beaches of Propriano .

After a few days at the beach, the next destination is Sartene . Sartene is a picturesque village located in the mountains. Here you will spend the night. You then drive through the forested region of Alta Rocca to the village of Cauria , where you can see archaeological finds such as menhirs and megaliths.

Off to the east of Corsica!

Your next destination is Bonifacio , the city built on high limestone cliffs and you take a boat trip to Iles Lavezzi . A trip to Porto-Vecchio is possible, but don’t spend too much time on it.

Are you ready for a nice mountain walk with a view of the Aiguilles de Bavella (the characteristic rocky peaks of red granite)? Then consider making a trip or stopover to Zonza before traveling on to the historic city of Corte.

After Corte you visit Saint Florent , a beautiful small village on the coast and a good base for discovering Cap Corse and visiting Corsica’s only desert by 4×4: Desert de Agriates . Then you can make a stop in Ile Rousse for lunch before visiting Calvi. Spend a few days in Calvi .

Here you can also take the boat to the Natural Park of Scandola . Your next stop is Piana . From here you can enjoy the Plage d’Arone beach , walk to Capo Rosso and visit  Les Calangues de Piano .

Itinerary Corsica & Sardinia: the best of 2 islands

A visit to  Corsica (France) can also be easily combined with a visit to the Italian island of Sardinia . For example, you fly to Bastia and return from Cagliari .

The crossing between the two islands is made by boat. From Bonifacio you take the ferry to the town of Santa Teresa di Gallura . The distance between these islands is only 16 km. In high season the boat goes 4 times a day.

You do need a rental car for this island road trip. The highlights of this Corsica & Sardinia itinerary are:

Corsica’s most special hotels

There are many good and hotels available in Corsica. But below you will find a number of hotels that are very special and immediately stand out!

These are all unique accommodations to stay and are all located in quiet places with a particularly beautiful view. Be quick to book in high season, because these unique hotels in Corsica are fully booked quickly. Also check out our Corsica hotel guide , which gives agood overview of budget, midrange and luxury hotels per region! 

Acqua Linda €

This beautiful apartment complex with swimming pool is located a 30-minute drive from Ajaccio . The rooms are very modern and spotlessly clean. the beach is 350 meters away. From  €84 per night .

La Dimora €€

La Dimora is located in northern Corsica , 40-minutes from Bastia. We enjoyed this luxury hotel very much! Rooms are lovely, the restaurant is very good and the pool so nice. From €189 euros a night .

Bergerie du Prunelli €€€

Bergerie du Prunelli is located in Cauro, 19 km from Ajaccio . The B&B has a spa and wellness center with a hot tub, hammam and pools. The property is 15 km from the beach. From €200 per night .

Are you looking for nice hotels and special lodges in the mountains (inland of Corsica)?

Below we give a few hotel options in the inlands of Corsica for inspiration. Here you can enjoy the beautiful mountain landscape and the tranquility that comes with it. These lodges are conveniently located for hiking.

Dominique Collona €€€

Dominique Colonna is located in Corte . Stylish elegant design hotel in the middle of the mountain. An ideal base for making hikes in the area. From €239 per night .

Cas Anna Lidia Hotel €€

This boutique hotel is located in the Corsican village of Feliceto , a 25 minutes drive from Calvi. There are good restaurants and wine tastings nearby. From €129 per night .

Casa Santa Lucia €€

Casa Santa Lucia is located in Bocognano , 40 km from Ajaccio and 44 km from Corte. View of the valley and small villages is great. The hosts make sure you really feel at home. From €140 per night.

Click here for more  Corsica blogs !

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Special hotels in corsica: our favorite hotels by destination in corsica, the best beaches of corsica: 11x the most beautiful beaches and coves, les calanches de piana and capo rosso in corsica: hikes in northwest corisca, what to do in bonifacio, corsica the best sights + tips.

I had no clue there was so much to see in Corsica! So saving this post for a future trip :)

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The ultimate 14-day corsica road trip.

Breathtaking mountain landscapes, azure blue bays, picturesque villages, and an abundance of culinary delights. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a captivating 14-day road trip through the beautiful island of Corsica .

This breathtaking French island in the Mediterranean is often overlooked compared to other popular holiday destinations. But make no mistake, behind its modest appearance lies a true paradise, hence the nickname ‘Île de Beauté’ (Island of Beauty). This was exactly what appealed to us. Alongside Jan, I explored the island by car over two weeks, curious about the hidden treasures Corsica has to offer.

So, get ready for a journey of discoveries, where every turn in the road reveals a new adventure, and every stop provides an opportunity to experience the authentic charm of Corsica.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains interesting affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through my recommendations, I receive a small reward. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps my blog continue to grow. A win-win situation, so thank you!

Île de Beauté

An important question that is likely on everyone’s mind is, why is Corsica called the ‘Île de Beauté’ (Island of Beauty)? Well, this nickname reflects the breathtaking diversity of the island, ranging from the most enchanting Mediterranean beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes to majestic mountains, green valleys, and picturesque villages.

Thus, the coastline of Corsica contains idyllic beaches featuring azure blue water, surrounded by granite rock formations and cliffs. The island’s interior provides an impressive contrast with its mountainous terrain, where the Corsican mountain range with its sharp peaks and lush forests captures attention.

Much like its landscape, Corsica reflects a rich history dating back to times long past. Scattered across the entire island, traces can be found of various dominions and historical events. Think of notable landmarks such as the historic Corte, the Genoese towers along the coast, and the medieval charm of Bonifacio. Even remote locations breathe history and authenticity, especially in the small, charming villages where age-old traditions and culture have been preserved.

Whether you prefer lounging on sun-drenched beaches, embarking on explorations of adventurous places, or delving into the rich cultural heritage of picturesque villages and historical sites, Corsica caters to every taste. The island’s versatility makes it a unique destination where nature, adventure, and culture harmoniously come together, offering an unforgettable experience.

Best time to travel for a road trip through Corsica

During low season.

The best time to embark on a 14-day road trip through Corsica is undoubtedly the shoulder seasons, namely spring (April, May, and June) and fall (September and October). During these periods, temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the island’s natural beauty. Traveling during the shoulder seasons allows you to take advantage of lower prices for flights , car rentals , accommodations , and even some attractions. Additionally, roads are less congested, and there is more available parking at places you’d like to visit. These parking areas often incur charges only during the peak season. We visited at the end of May and enjoyed beautiful sunny days with occasional local thunderstorms.

During high season

Certainly, you can plan this Corsica road trip during the summer months as well. During this time, you have a higher chance of experiencing warm and sunny weather, but given the erratic and unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains , this is by no means a certainty. Keep in mind that July and August fall right in the middle of the tourist high season. This means that prices for flights , car rentals and accommodations are significantly higher. Additionally, there is more traffic on the island, making travel less smooth in busier areas. Moreover, there is less parking available at iconic landmarks or popular beaches, requiring you to arrive very early to secure a spot, and often, you will need to pay for it as well.

How to travel to Corisca?

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Traveling to an island in the Mediterranean may sound a bit challenging, but it certainly isn’t! Corsica is easily accessible through various means, so accessibility should not be an excuse not to visit this beautiful island.

The easiest and, of course, most time-saving way to reach Corsica is by plane. Did you know that this small island boasts no less than 4 airports?

• Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA)
• Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA)
• Calvi-Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY)
• Figari Sud-Corse Airport (FSC)

From Brussels South Airport, you can fly to these destinations with Air Corsica . Upon arrival at the airport, you can pick up your rental car to start your road trip around Corsica.

Tip: Book a rental car before you embark on your journey. I always opt for Sunny Cars . The significant advantage of renting a car with Sunny Cars is that all insurances are already included in the price. This way, you won’t be faced with unpleasant surprises in the form of extra costs when picking up your car.

Prefer to embark on your Corsica road trip with your own car? This is certainly possible. You can take the ferry from various ports in France (Marseille, Nice, Toulon) and Italy (Livorno, Savona) to Corsica. There are several ferry companies available, including Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale , and Moby Lines , which sail to the main ferry ports on Corsica (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and L’Île-Rousse). The duration of the ferry journey depends on the departure port and can range from a few hours to multi-day trips.

Want to learn more about driving in Corsica, finding accommodations, currency matters on the island, and other crucial details for planning your vacation? You’ll find all my tips in my blog post ‘ 10 Corsica travel tips you need to know before you go’

Based on my personal experiences, I have put together an itinerary that can assist you in planning your road trip through Corsica. You can follow this route entirely, but, of course, you have the freedom to make adjustments based on your own preferences.

For this extensive road trip, I recommend allocating a minimum of 14 days. This way, you will have sufficient time to explore all the places on this itinerary.

Discover the peninsula Cape Corse

The first region you will explore on this Corsica road trip is Cape Corse . This is a beautiful peninsula that extends like an outstretched finger into the Mediterranean Sea, located in the northern part of Corsica.

Known for its impressive cliffs, charming villages, and untouched nature, Cape Corse is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the authentic charm of Corsica.

This region is characterized by a dramatic landscape, with steep cliffs rising from the azure blue sea and picturesque coves hidden among the rocks. The winding coastal roads lead you through picturesque villages where time seems to have stood still.

Cape Corse is not only a feast for the eyes due to its natural beauty but also houses historical landmarks such as ancient Genoese towers standing along the coastline as silent witnesses to a rich past.

Opt for accommodation with a convenient location so that you can effortlessly explore the nearby surroundings. I can already recommend Hôtel Pineto in Biguglia, Hôtel Casa Mea in Bastia, Hôtel La Dimora & Spa in Saint Florent, and Aethos Corsica , located between Saint Florent and Bastia.

Day 1: Bastia and wine route in Patrimonio

Explore the historic port city of bastia.

Start your first day in Corsica with a visit to the historic port city of Bastia, the second-largest city on the island and the main gateway for ferries from France and Italy.

Explore the historic center with narrow streets, old buildings, and churches dating back to the 14th-century Genoese rule. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral is a baroque masterpiece with beautiful frescoes and offers a panoramic view of the city and the harbor.

Stroll along the Vieux Port, the old port which is the beating heart of the city. Enjoy picturesque promenades along the water, surrounded by colorful houses and numerous restaurants and cafes. The lively Place Saint-Nicolas, a vibrant square, is a meeting point for both locals and tourists.

Have lunch at one of the many charming dining establishments and savor the local cuisine that blends Mediterranean influences with unique Corsican flavors.

The wine route of Patrimonio

Love drinking wine? Then the wine route of Patrimonio is a great afternoon activity. This route spans rolling hills, lush vineyards, and historic villages, providing you with a unique opportunity to explore Corsica’s rich wine culture.

During this route, you have the opportunity to visit various wineries and cellars, where you can not only enjoy delightful wines but also learn about the production process and the history of winemaking in this area. The hospitable wine producers are eager to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the unique terroir of Patrimonio. Some renowned domains you can visit include Domaine Leccia , Domaine Orenga de Gaffroy and Domaine Arena

As you travel along the wine route, you can relish breathtaking landscapes with vineyards extending to the Mediterranean Sea. Col de Teghime offers the most impressive view. Along the way, discover the charming village of Patrimonio with its idyllic streets and stone houses. Don’t forget to make a stop at the delightful Libertalia Bistro Tropical , a cozy outdoor restaurant.

Day 2: Road trip around Cape Corse

The best way to explore the Cape Corse peninsula is through the Route du Cap. This scenic drive encircles the entire peninsula, allowing you to experience the unique character of both the east and west sides of Cape Corsica.

The west coast of Cape Corse will impress you with its wild, rugged beauty and authentic fishing culture, while the east coast will enchant you with its gentler landscape, picturesque villages, and winemaking traditions.

Must-see attractions on this day trip include

Erbalunga, once the main port of Corsica, is now a charming fishing village. The old harbor with the Genoese tower, Torra d’Erbalunga, is definitely the eye-catcher.

The cobblestone streets invite you to stroll along charming cafes and boutiques, making the historic center the ideal place to experience the local culture. Erbalunga is also known for excellent restaurants serving delicious Corsican dishes, including fresh fish, local cheeses, and charcuterie.

Finocchiarola Islands

The Finocchiarola Islands are a remarkable attraction, even though together they are only 3 hectares in size. The trio, consisting of Terra, Mezzana, and the most prominent Finocchiarola with an ancient Genoese tower. These islands serve as a bird reserve, with the rare Audouin’s Gull nesting there between March and August. The Finocchiarola Islands are accessible on foot from Tamarone Beach via the beautiful trail sentier des douaniers. After a 20-30 minute walk with breathtaking coastal views, you will reach the beach of this natural reserve.

Moulin Mattei  

At the very tip of Cap Corse in Ersa stands the iconic white windmill Moulin Mattei. Although it is currently not accessible to visitors, the 10-15 minute climb to the windmill offers breathtaking views of the Tuscan islands and the Italian coast. From here, the enchanting fishing village of Centuri captures attention, with its lively harbor where fresh fish, lobster, and langoustines are brought in daily for delicious local dishes.

The hidden palaces of Pino

Along the route, you will also come across the picturesque mountain village of Pino. This charming town, surrounded by lush oak forests, has a rich medieval history. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the majority of its residents emigrated to America, a setback from which Pino never fully recovered. Nevertheless, this sense of abandonment adds to its allure. In the oak forests, you will still find abandoned houses and impressive villas, called palazzi, funded by American emigrants and now sadly vacant. Pino also houses the abandoned Couvent Saint François convent and the impressive Genoese Tower Scalo at the small port.

Nonza and its black beach

Nonza is known for its breathtaking perch atop a rock, with traces dating back to prehistory. Thanks to this strategic position, the village could spot pirates from afar. At Nonza, you’ll find a remarkably dark gray-black beach. The beach owes its unusual color to waste rock from a 1950s asbestos factory nearby. Although it may not be the coziest beach for sunbathing, it is stunning to behold. You can reach the beach only on foot via a steep staircase.

After this impressive day trip, you can relax on one of the delightful terraces in the harbor of Saint-Florent.

More tips on what to do in Cap Corse can be found in my blog post ‘The most beautiful sights in Cape Corse’

Admire the most beautiful villages in Balagne

After Cap Corse, continue your road trip to the northwest of Corsica. There lies the beautiful green region of Balagne , nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains. Stretching between Calvi and L’Île Rousse, it forms a semi-circle around the base of the Monte Cinto massif. Balagne, also known as the garden of Corsica, is renowned for its fertile soil, olive and vineyards, and historic towns. In recent times, the region has attracted artists, craftsmen, and ecological farmers who continue Corsican traditions here. In the villages located in the green hills of Balagne, you can still witness the production of local specialties using age-old methods.

Highly recommended accommodations in this region include Campo Di Fiori in Calvi, Casa Legna near Pigna, Hôtel Restaurant Villa Joséphine in L’Île-Rousse, and Hotel A Piattatella in Monticello.

Day 3: From Cap Corse to Balagne

On this day, you’ll travel from Cap Corse to Balagne. It’s not very far, as you can reach L’île Rousse from Bastia in just an hour and a half by car. Along this route, you have the opportunity to make some stops at the most beautiful beaches. So, make sure to have your swimwear ready in the car.

Plage de Saleccia and Plage de Lotu

On the route from Cap Corse to Balagne, you will pass through the nature reserve of Désert des Agriates. Contrary to what the name suggests, it is not a traditional desert with sand dunes but rather an extensive, rugged plain covered with maquis, low shrubs, and rocky formations. This area is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, featuring two of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches , Plage de Saleccia and Plage de Lotu. These beaches are known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. They are only accessible via hiking trails, by boat, or with a jeep, which ads to the pristine charm of the area.

Along the main road, there are facilities that offer jeep tours to these beaches, but you can also choose to do this excursion later. Head directly to Calvi and book one of the various tours to these tropical beaches through GetYourGuide from there.

Plage de l’Ostriconi

Not in the mood for a jeep excursion? Opt for a day of water fun at the beautiful Plage de l’Ostriconi. This golden sandy beach, surrounded by clear water and lush vegetation, is known for its unspoiled character. The beach is accessible by car, but from the parking lot, it’s about a 15-minute walk through the greenery, which is an experience in itself.

Once you arrive at the expansive beach, it’s easy to find a peaceful spot. Because the beach is less known, there are fewer tourists, mainly local visitors. Keep in mind that there are no facilities such as a bar, restaurant, or toilets, so be sure to bring plenty of drinks, snacks, and sun protection.

After a day of water fun, depending on where you are staying, you can head to the center of L’Île Rousse or Calvi to indulge in the local culinary delights.

Day 4: Explore the most beautiful villages of Balagne via the Craftsmen Route

In Balagne, there are numerous craftsmen, including artists and farmers, who open their workshops to the public. Through the Craftsmen Route or Strada di l’Artigiani you’ll pass by workshops located in some of the most beautiful villages in Balagne. Since you can’t visit all the villages in one day, here are some of my personal favorites. For the complete route and more information, it’s best to check out my blog on the most beautiful villages in Balagne .

The first place on my list is a bit of an exception. Calvi is not exactly a small village but rather a vibrant coastal town. The highlight is the impressive historic citadel where you can wander through a maze of narrow alleyways. Additionally, you have a breathtaking view of the sea and the harbor. Furthermore, there are numerous cozy eateries where you can taste the local cuisine and artisanal boutiques where you can pick up some charming souvenirs. This is a fantastic starting point for a route through the inland of Balagne.  

The next village is the picturesque Lumio, located along the coastal road from Calvi to L’Île Rousse. Lumio offers a perfect blend of hillside tranquility and coastal splendor. The charming village, with narrow cobbled streets and old stone houses, provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Calvi.

From the central square, you can take a stroll to the abandoned village of Occi, with ruins where you can enjoy a magnificent view. For beach relaxation, follow the route to Plage de l’Arinella, one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches , with shallow water and a stunning view of the green hills of Balagne.

The next charming mountain village in line is Pigna. Pigna is especially known for its artists and craftsmen, as the village is home to various craft workshops that you can visit.

The well-preserved, old center of Pigna consists of winding cobbled streets, old stone houses, and brightly blue-painted shutters, creating an enchanting atmosphere. In addition to its rustic charm, you’ll find beautiful panoramas of olive groves.

Pigna’s cultural heritage resonates in the Centru Culturale di u Pighjolu, a renowned center for Corsican polyphonic singing, hosting live concerts and musical events during the summer.

Sant’Antonino 

Next is Sant’Antonino! This village is situated on a hilltop at an impressive altitude of 500 meters. Sant’Antonino’s history dates back to the 9th century, making it one of the oldest villages in Corsica. Additionally, it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Despite its somewhat weathered appearance, the old town exudes a charming atmosphere. The panoramic viewpoint, known as the eagle’s nest of Balagne, provides a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea, Monte Grosso, Monte Padru, and the Regino Valley. From the village square, you can take a stroll to the Monastery of Saint Dominic in Corbara.

Speloncato 

Another eagle’s nest in Balagne, next to Sant’Antonino, is Speloncato. This village is perched on a rock at an altitude of about 600 meters. The history of Speloncato dates back thousands of years.

The highlight here is undoubtedly the panoramic view from the Cima district, accessible via winding alleys. From the highest point where a feudal castle once stood, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Reginu Valley to the sea, overlooking Petra Tafunata in the west.

Montemaggiore 

Another gem surrounded by the green hills of Balagne is Montemaggiore. This beautiful village is located a bit more to the west. Montemaggiore is especially known for its olive production. You can still visit the old olive mill U Fragnu, where olive oil is still produced. In July, the annual olive fair ‘Fiera di l’Alivu’ takes place here, which is truly a unique experience.

Here too, you have several spectacular views of the surrounding landscape dotted with olive groves and surrounded by impressive peaks.

Do you want to discover more beautiful spots in this region? Be sure to read my blog post about the most beautiful villages in Balagne .

Marvel at the beautiful landscapes in the Gulf of Porto

After Balagne, you travel to the west of the island, taking a few days to explore the enchanted Gulf of Porto . This region is located within the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and offers spectacular sights such as the protected Scandola Nature Reserve and the impressive Calanques de Piana with red cliffs towering up to 900 meters.

Furthermore, the Gulf of Porto is characterized by beautiful coastlines, rugged cliffs, and green hills, making it ideal for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. You will also discover some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches surrounded by authentic coastal and mountain towns.

Prepare for magical sunsets, where you can enjoy a true spectacle as the sun bathes the granite rocks in golden-orange hues!

Looking for an exceptional stay in the area? Definitely check out L’Aiglon in Serriera, Hôtel Capo Rosso near Piana, and VILLA FLAKA Boutique Hôtel in Cargèse.

DAY 5: From Balagne to the Gulf of Porto

On this day, you will travel to the Gulf of Porto. The travel time from Calvi to Piana is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, but in reality it may take much longer. Prepare for a few hours of winding along narrow roads and impressive cliffs! Take your time to enjoy the spectacular views, and don’t drive too fast, as you may encounter many animals along the way.

The Calanques of Piana

The final stretch of the route between Porto and Piana runs right through the Calanques de Piana. These are a spectacular series of red granite rock formations that extend over an area of about 2 kilometers. They have been formed by the erosion of the rocks over millions of years. Wind, water, and other natural forces have carved the red granite cliffs into unique and bizarre shapes. This is very impressive to see, and that’s why they are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For me, this was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. So, be prepared for many WOW-moments. Of course, along the road, there are designated areas where you can briefly park to explore the most beautiful spots up close or take stunning photos.

For the adventurous souls, there is an immediate hiking opportunity here. Starting from the main road, there are various hiking trails, including one to Château Fort. The starting point for this hike is at Tête du Chien, a rock formation where you can also park your car. Follow the yellow trail, which takes only twenty minutes, and be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Porto. An alternative route starts at Chalet des Roches Bleues, near the statue of Mary. A steep path uphill takes you to the old mule track between Piana and Ota, where impressive views will leave you amazed.

Take a break in the picturesque town of Piana. Get lost in the narrow streets of the village, admire the traditional houses with their red roofs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people and their pets. Yes, you heard it right! In Piana, the pets of the residents roam freely, so don’t be surprised if you are suddenly greeted by a friendly dog or cat during your stroll.

Here, you can find many restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals. One of my favorites was Le Joséphine , an open-air restaurant with a stunning view over the Gulf of Porto. This restaurant is pretty popular, so make sure to book in advance if you plan to dine here during sunset.

Plage Ficaghjola 

In Piana, you’ll discover one of Corsica’s hidden gems: Plage Ficaghjola, a beautiful beach surrounded by impressive red granite rocks of the Calanques de Piana. The beach is not easily accessible, but you can drive by car along a winding road to a parking area and then take a short walk to this enchanting bay with crystal-clear turquoise water. An idyllic spot to relax after your drive from Balagne.

Day 6: Explore the Scandola Nature Reserve and the fishing village of Girolata

The scandola nature reserve.

The Scandola Nature Reserve is a breathtaking piece of unspoiled nature, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This reserve encompasses a stunning coastline along the Gulf of Porto, featuring imposing red cliffs rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The area harbors diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species and various bird species such as the osprey and the rare monk seal. If you’re lucky, you may spot them there.

In this nature reserve, efforts are made to harmonize environmental conservation and tourism. As a result, the park is protected, and you can only admire it from the sea. You can choose from various boat tours via GetYourGuide, departing daily from the port of Porto. There are numerous options, such as combining your trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve with a visit to Girolata or a detour along the Calanques de Piana.

The fishing village of Girolata

During your Corsican journey, a visit to the authentic fishing village of Girolata is a must. Situated in the heart of the Scandola Nature Reserve, the only access is by boat or on foot through the hiking trail Sentier de Facteur. This approximately 10-kilometer route, starting at Col de Croix, follows the path of former mail carriers to Girolata. It offers beautiful views, secluded beaches, and a good workout, with some challenging climbs. Choose appropriate footwear and bring an ample supply of water.

Once in Girolata, you can relax on the beach, where local cows keep you company, or indulge in a local lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing your hike. Although Plage de Girolata may not be the most beautiful beach in Corsica , it exudes an authentic charm.

Day 7: Hike along the Gorges de Spelunca

Gorges de spelunca .

A few kilometers inland from the coastal town of Porto are the enchanted mountain villages of Ota and Evisa. Between these two mountain villages lies the renowned Spelunca Gorge, offering a beautiful hiking experience.

If you park your car beyond Ota at the bridge over the D124, you can immediately experience the most beautiful part of the Gorges de Spelunca. It’s a 40-minute walk to Pont de Zaglia. This well-marked route offers stunning views and swimming opportunities along the Porto River. The path winds through forests and along steep rock walls, with some elevation changes, but it is certainly manageable for children. From Pont de Zaglia, you can choose to return or continue your hike through the scrubland forest to Evisa. If you’d like to walk the entire old mule track between Ota and Evisa, it will take you about 3 hours one way.

Relaxing on the beach at Plage de Porto or Plage d’Arone

If you want to relax on the beach after the hike, you have two options:

Plage de Porto 

The nearest beach is Plage de Porto, an expansive pebble beach that provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of water fun. Here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the majestic red granite cliffs in the surroundings.

Another highlight is the robust Genoese tower proudly standing atop the rocks and overlooking the beach. This square tower, constructed in the 16th century, has recently been renovated and is now open to visitors. Climb the tower for a splendid panoramic view of the Gulf of Porto.

With ample parking and various facilities for food and drinks, Plage de Porto is an ideal place to relax.

Plage d’Arone 

An alternative option is the more southern Plage d’Arone, an enchanting sandy beach accessible via an adventurous mountain road with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Porto and Capo Rosso.

Plage d’Arone is known for its crystal-clear water and pristine scenery, surrounded by lush hills and untamed nature. Therefore, it is an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and nature enthusiasts.

Near the beach, you’ll find various facilities, including restaurants and bars. Moreover, you can enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Parking is available for a fee at the restaurants and bars, but be aware that during the peak season, it can be crowded, and finding a parking spot may be challenging.

Want to discover more of this region? Be sure to read my blog post about the best things to do along the Gulf of Porto.

From beautiful beaches to impressive mountain peaks in Southern Corsica

After a stay at the beautiful Gulf of Porto, you venture further south on the island. There, you’ll find prominent cities like Ajaccio, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio, as well as the impressive Bavella massif and the most breathtaking beaches on the island.

Southern Corsica guarantees an engaging exploration with a great diversity of landscapes. Lush green hills meet rugged mountains, while enchanting bays and pristine beaches adorn the coastline. This varied environment, combined with beautiful cities and charming villages, makes Southern Corsica a special and unforgettable destination.

Also, keep in mind that the East and West coasts of Southern Corsica are quite a distance apart. Due to the mountainous inland terrain, you need to either drive around the coastline or navigate through the impressive rocks. To minimize travel time, it is advisable to opt for two separate stays in both parts. Choose a 2-night stay on the Southwest coast, perhaps at A’mare Corsica . Additionally, I recommend booking 4 nights around Porto-Vecchio, where you should definitely consider Domaine de Casanghjulina for an unforgettable experience.

If you prefer a single 6-night stay, I would suggest a centrally located accommodation around Bonifacio. Options include Hôtel Version Maquis Santa Manza or Hôtel & Spa Version Maquis Citadelle .

Day 8: Explore the capital Ajaccio

From the Gulf of Porto to Ajaccio, it’s approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Along the way, you’ll pass by Cargèse, a picturesque town with whitewashed houses and breathtaking vistas. Feel free to make a brief stop here if you need a break.

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, enchants with its beautiful location on the Gulf of Ajaccio. Enjoy spectacular views of the azure blue sea and explore various points of interest.

The city is divided into two parts. The historical center includes a citadel, a lively harbor, and charming alleys, while the more recent part is characterized by chic boulevards with Parisian allure and beautiful 19th-century houses.

Ajaccio is especially known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, a fact that is evident everywhere. From statues in squares to souvenirs in shops, the city breathes imperial references. You can also visit the ancestral home of Napoleon, Maison Bonaparte .

Are you an art enthusiast? Then, pay a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts in Palais Fesch. There, you will find an impressive collection of Italian masters from the 14th-18th centuries, surpassed only by the Louvre.

Explore the narrow streets of the historic center, visit the Citadel for a strategic view, and admire the impressive cathedral with a blend of Baroque and neoclassical architecture, where Napoleon was baptized.

DAY 9: Travel back in time and discover traces of history in Filitosa and Sarène

Travel back to prehistory in South Corsica, where various archaeological sites reveal traces of bygone times. Filitosa is considered the most beautiful, and I can definitely confirm this.

The site, located on an expansive hilly domain amid granite rocks and wild olive trees, offers a dreamy landscape. The highlight is the prehistoric stone statues and menhirs from the Neolithic and Bronze Age. These statues range from human figures to animals and are scattered across the estate. As you follow the walking route, you’ll see them all

According to research, a megalithic people once lived here, creating statues of defeated enemies for the decoration of hero graves. The Torréens, who drove them away, are said to have used these statues as revenge, repurposing them as building material. While the story is not entirely certain, one thing is for sure: a visit to Filitosa is truly worthwhile!

Plage de Cupabia

Take a break between your visits to Filitosa and Sartène at one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches , Plage de Cupabia.

This secluded yet spacious sandy beach, surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation, offers tranquility and privacy. The crystal-clear water invites you to cool off and is perfect for snorkeling or diving. Besides, the surroundings are also excellent for beautiful walks.

The beach is easily accessible by car, and there is parking available. On weekends and during the peak season when it is busier, parking may become more challenging. Last but not least, there is also a beach bar for refreshing drinks and snacks.

If you want to experience the real Corsica, a visit to Sartène is a must on your Corsica road trip. This town is known as “the most Corsican of all Corsican cities” and boasts a strong cultural identity reflected in its festivals, music, and traditional crafts.

Sartène’s historic city center, with narrow alleyways, old churches, and houses with carved granite facades, transports you back in time. The central square, Place de la Liberation, is the bustling heart of the city and also the location of the annual “Catenacciu” ritual, a deeply rooted religious procession symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus.

Nearby, you’ll find prehistoric sites in Cauria and Palaggiu, featuring dolmens, menhirs, and stone statues. Sartène also hosts a Prehistoric Museum showcasing artifacts excavated in the area, providing insight into the lives of early inhabitants.

Moreover, Sartène is renowned for its local wine production, especially the characteristic red wine of the region. If you’re a wine enthusiast, be sure to visit some nearby vineyards to experience the unique flavors of the area.

Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the impressive mountains of Alta Rocca and nearby beaches, Sartène offers a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Day 10: Explore the most iconic city of Corsica, Bonifacio

Discover bonifacio.

Today we say goodbye to the stunning West Coast of Corsica and head towards the East Coast. On this route, we certainly cannot miss the most iconic landmark of Corsica, namely Bonifacio. This city is famous because it’s built on cliffs of white limestone. Bonifacio is also referred to as the Gibraltar of Corsica because it is the southernmost point of the island.

It goes without saying that Bonifacio attracts many visitors, so my main tip is to arrive here as early as possible (before 10 am) to easily find a parking space.

In Bonifacio, the city unfolds in two parts: the lively lower town by the port and the old upper town in the citadel, accessible via a steep climb. The view from the upper town, with narrow medieval streets, boutiques, and restaurants, is the reward for the effort.

A must-see is the impressive “Escalier du Roi d’Aragon,” a beautifully carved stairway to the sea dating back to the 13th century and surrounded by legends and stories about its origin.

Ohter h ighlights include the phenomenal view over the city and the Strait of Bonifacio from Mount Saint Roch, where, in good weather, you can see the island of Sardinia.

What to do near Bonifacio?

Can’t get enough of these phenomenal views? Then you can combine a visit to Bonifacio with the 8 km long cliff walk to Capu Pertusato, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas.

Need some relaxation after your visit to Bonifacio? Head to the beach! Some of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches in the area include Plage de la Tonnara and Petit Sperone.

Day 11: Stroll through Porto-Vecchio and seek refreshment in the natural springs of Vallée du Cavu

Take a morning stroll through porto-vecchio.

Meanwhile, you have arrived on the East Coast of Corsica. You can immediately notice, with the well-maintained roads, the buildings, and the various supermarkets along the way, that this part of Corsica is more adapted to tourists than the other regions on the island. But that doesn’t mean that it is less pleasant to stay here.

Start your day with a morning stroll through Porto-Vecchio, which literally means “old port.” With a history dating back to Roman times, the historic center offers breathtaking panoramas of the sea and the harbor. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets past local boutiques, bars, and restaurants, enjoy the lively atmosphere in charming squares, and admire charming pastel-colored houses. Discover historical landmarks such as the 16th-century Genoese citadel. Furthermore, If you want to learn more about this charming town, consider opting for a guided walking tour .

The marina, dotted with colorful boats, contributes to the Mediterranean allure of the city. Along the coastline, restaurants, boutiques, and cafes invite you to sample local dishes and artisanal products.

Seek refreshment at the natural springs in Vallée du Cavu

Looking for an adventurous yet refreshing outing for both young and old? Then the natural springs in Vallée du Cavu   are the place to be. Various hiking trails, ranging in difficulty, lead to natural springs where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and even canyoning.

The starting point at A Tyroliana Park offers paid parking facilities. From here, the most popular spot at the Les 3 Piscines restaurant is accessible via an unpaved path. During the high season, there is a free shuttle service for those who need it.

If you enjoy some climbing and scrambling, you can opt for a slightly more adventurous hiking trail along the rocks along the river. This way, you can discover the most beautiful and secluded spots to take a break and go for a swim. Approximately in the middle of the hiking trail, you reach Pont de Marion, which spans the valley and the river with its three arches. Here, you cross over and return on the other side of the bank through the woods. This looped hiking route along the springs is about 2.9 km.

Day 12: Explore the impressive peaks at Col de Bavella

Discover the mountainous interior of South Corsica today at Col de Bavella, a breathtaking mountain pass at an altitude of approximately 1,218 meters. Enjoy spectacular views of sharp granite peaks, including the famous Aiguilles de Bavella, which dramatically pierce the sky. This destination is beloved by adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts for its numerous hiking trails, including the renowned GR20.

Parking can be found for a fee at the Col de Bavella parking lot, the starting point for most hiking trails. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and bring a rain jacket, sweater, plenty of water, and snacks. Good hiking boots are essential. For beginners, you can opt for the shorter hiking route to the Trou de la Bombe (6.3 kilometers), an impressive hole of 8 meters in a rock ridge.

For adventure seekers, there is a  challenging 11-kilometer long hiking trail  through the high mountains. The first part involves a steep ascent, followed by a descent using chains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views. The return journey takes the GR20, a slightly easier path along waterfalls and lush greenery. Despite unfavorable weather with heavy rainstorms, making the hike more challenging than expected, it was undeniably one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever experienced.

DAG 13: beach day 

After a day of hiking in the mountains, you’ve certainly earned some relaxation. And what better way to unwind than with a day of blissful relaxation at the beach. If you’re still near Porto-Vecchio, you’re in luck! This area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica , so you have plenty of choices. To spare you from decision fatigue, let me narrow it down to my top 3 favorite beaches.

Plage Sant Giulia

Plage Santa Giulia, recognized by UNESCO, ranks among the best beaches in Corsica. With its clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and rocks along the coast, it resembles the Seychelles.

Along the beach, you’ll find numerous trendy beach bars and clubs with photogenic cabanas, comfortable sunbeds, and cocktail service. Make sure to arrive early, as these spots are popular.

Are you a fan of water sports? Then I have good news. Here, you can enjoy one of the best sailing and windsurfing schools, with lessons available in English and German, as well as water skiing and diving lessons. You can also rent a boat to explore the other bays nearby.

The beach is accessible by car, with ample parking available. On busy days, additional parking spaces are available for 5 euros for the entire day.

Plage de Palombaggia  

Plage de Palombaggia, known as the most beautiful beach in Corsica, enchants with golden sand, azure blue water, red rocks, and majestic pine trees. Enjoy the cooling breeze on warm days in this stunning setting with a view of the magnificent Îles Cerbicale.

Plage de Palombaggia is easily accessible by car, and there is ample free parking available on the north side of the beach. However, during the high season, finding a parking space in the middle of the day can be impossible. So, try to arrive as early as possible. To alleviate this issue, you can also use the bus to reach this beach during the summer.

In addition, Plage de Palombaggia offers numerous facilities such as cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, and hotels.

Plage Pinarellu  

Surrounded by tall mountains, picturesque villages, and dense forests, you can find the beautiful sandy beach of Plage Pinarellu in a extensive bay.

The beach features both lively and tranquil areas, allowing you to enjoy privacy and silence. You can relax in an untouched environment by heading further south, while heading north provides access to numerous facilities. Here, you get the best of both worlds.

The beach is accessible by car. You can park for free along the road and reach the most pristine part of Plage Pinarellu via a short walk through the forest.

Want to explore more of Southern Corsica? Be sure to read my blog post about the best things to do in Southern Corsica .

From the south, you head back towards the north, but not without a visit to Corte. Despite Corsica’s fame for its breathtaking coastline, a rugged yet spectacular mountain landscape dominates most of the island. For those eager to explore these impressive mountains, centrally located Corte is the ideal base.

Beautiful accommodation options in Corte include Hôtel de la Restonica , Dominique Colonna , Maison San Giovanni and kyrn flor .

Day 14: Visit the Citadel of Corte

End your journey with a visit to Corte, the former capital of Corsica. The city is renowned for its imposing citadel, towering high above the town, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

When you’re here, a visit to the Citadel is a must. The citadel has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages and played a significant role in the military strategies of the region. Moreover, the citadel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, making it not only a crucial military stronghold but also an impressive architectural masterpiece. Today, you can still wander through the ancient corridors and uncover the history of Corsica. It also houses museums and exhibitions that provide a deeper insight into the rich culture and history of this beautiful island.

The charming old town center hosts quaint squares, restaurants, and artisanal shops, making Corte an indispensable destination if you want to experience the authentic charm of Corsica.

The surrounding mountains and valleys also make Corte a popular base for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with the impressive Gorges de la Restonica nearby. So, you can spend much more than just one day here.

This 14-day road trip of the enchanting island of Corsica was a fantastic experience. The wide variety of stunning landscapes that this small island offers, combined with its rich culture and authentic charm, is simply fantastic. One thing we can all agree on is that Corsica has something for everyone! Hopefully, my Corsica itinerary and tips can convince you to explore this wonderful island and help you plan an unforgettable journey.

Would a road trip through Corsica be something for you? Let me know in the comments below.

Want to read more about Corsica?

• 10 Corsica travel tips you need to go before you go
• 19 stunning boutique hotels in Corsica
• The 18 most beautiful beaches in Corsica
• The best things to do in the Gulf of Porto
• 11 stunning villages in Balagne
• The best things to do in Cap Corse
• The best things to do in South Corsica

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly,

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Sarah de gheselle, 2 thoughts on “ the ultimate 14-day corsica road trip ”.

I have reviewed you tour and we are very keen to follow 14 day Itinerary. Can you provide the number of nights in the locations you stayed and the hotels you used. With two separate stays in both parts 2 night stay south west coasts and east coast. We are a party of 4 would you recommend car hire or scooter we are travelling in the beginning of October.

kind regards

All the info about how many nights per region, the accommodations and where to rent a car is in the blog post. Have a great trip!

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Corsica Road Trip Guide: Sights and Itinerary

• March 28, 2024

It is no secret that Corsica (also known as Corse ) is known for its paradise-like feel and truly magnificent beaches. There are areas on Corsica that cause you to stop and question if you’re even still in Europe! From the turquoise shores of southern Corsica to the “off-grid” Cap Corse peninsula , the island has many different corners to discover. The best and most deserving way to travel Corse is by car. Although it may sound daunting at first to anyone less than a seasoned traveler, road tripping throughout Corsica is rather uncomplicated and immensely rewarding .

This is a complete guide to planning a Corsica road trip. We’ve included essential information , suggested itineraries and the best places to see along the way.

• When to Do a Road Trip
• Is It Easy to Drive in Corsica?
• How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Corsica?
• Getting to Corsica
• Renting a Car in Corsica
• Corsica Road Trip Map : Things to See
• Haute-Corse and East Coast
• West Coast and The Gulf of Porto
• South Corsica
• Enjoy Beautiful Beaches

Visit Villages and Towns

Drive through the corsican mountains, 1 week in corsica itinerary, one week in corsica road trip route, 2 weeks in corsica itinerary, 2 weeks in corsica road trip route, corsica road trip: final checklist, corsica road trip travel resources.

Practical Information for Planning a Corsica Road Trip

The first place to start when planning a road trip is to understand a few basics . Perhaps you’re still trying to decide if a Corsica road trip is right or doable for you and you want to have all the facts. Or, your mind is set on touring Corsica by car and you’re ready to plan the details. Either way, there are some fundamental pieces of information to keep in mind when planning a trip to Corsica, especially a road trip. These are the top things to know before you go!

1. When to Road Trip in Corsica

Luckily, Corsica’s climate is mild most of the year which means a road trip is doable any time, with the exception of winter. You’ll want to avoid planning a road trip in the months of December – February as it’s not uncommon for Corsica to receive snow. If snowfall is heavy enough, certain roads will be closed which isn’t an ideal situation when doing a road trip.

The best time for a Corsica road trip is in the spring or fall when crowds have faded. This allows for less traffic on the road and big savings if you are renting a car. May is warm enough for outdoor activities but visiting in October means the sea will still be at a sufficient temperature for swimming.

→ 🚘 Book a rental car on Corsica for spring or fall ←

2. Is It Easy to Drive in Corsica?

The answer to this question will depend on how experienced of a driver you consider yourself to be. If you are a confident driver and have some experience with driving in Europe , driving in Corsica will be a breeze. There are much more trickier places in Europe to drive as a foreigner but we wouldn’t consider Corsica to be one of them.

As one of the top things to be aware of when driving in Corsica, be prepared for narrow and curvy roads . Animals in the middle of the road are also something to be careful of! As long as you are not driving too fast or recklessly, it is not an impossible feat to navigate the roads on Corsica. The roads can particularly get questionable in the mountains so if you’re unsure of your own driving skills, just avoid these areas. As long as the weather is calm, driving in Corsica along the coast and main roads is very effortless.

Another tip to keep in mind about driving in Corsica is the lack of major highways and motorways. Most of your traveling from point A to point B will be on local roads which are not wide and tend to be indirect to accommodate the island’s landscape. Do not expect to complete a short distance in record time and set realistic expectations if you’re working with a tight timeline.

→ 🚙 Select a compact rental car to easily master Corsica’s roads ←

3. How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Corsica?

Corsica is just over 180 km long from Bonifacio to Cap Corse, the northernmost tip of the island. With the entirety of its coastline being around 1,000 km, it’s not a huge island when compared to Sardinia or Sicily . To enjoy a proper tour of Corse, we recommend a minimum of one week in Corsica. If you are able to set aside two weeks in Corsica for a road trip, this is ideal and will allow you to see many of the sights without rushing.

A direct journey by car from Bonifacio to Cap Corse will take around 4 hours. Getting across the island from Ajaccio to Bastia or Porto-Vecchio will take 3 hours. The distances are not long but Corsica’s roads are not the most efficient. This limits the amount of direct travel throughout the island and your drive will always take a bit longer than expected.

We’ve put together two itinerary examples further down in this post for those planning to stay one week and those staying two weeks in Corsica.

→ ⛺️ Read More: Complete Guide to Camping on Corsica ←

4. How to Get to Corsica

Traveling to Corsica means you have two options on how to get there – by ferry or plane . Ferry travel is incredibly popular for both passengers traveling on foot and those with vehicles. The available ferry routes to Corsica range from multiple departure points in France as well as Italy . Based on where you are coming from, you can choose the most convenient departure port near you. Ferry rides can take as little as 3 hours and up to 15 hours depending on your starting and ending point.

If you are planning on using your own car for a Corse road trip, taking the ferry to Corsica is your only option. A majority of ferries to Corsica from France or Italy accommodate cars in addition to motorcycles and camper vans. Many ferry routes to Corsica also operate year round which means you do not have to visit when crowds are at their fullest in the summer.

Exploring Corsica by car is still completely doable if you are flying to the island. Upon arrival, you’ll find rental car agencies available at all four international airports on Corsica. From multiple ferry routes to flight paths, our complete guide on how to get to Corsica can be found here !

→ 🚢 Find routes and book ferry tickets to Corsica ←

5. Renting a Car in Corsica

You do not need to travel to Corsica with your own car (or existing rental car) but you will absolutely need a car when you’re there to explore the island. Touring Corsica by car is the finest way for Corse to reveal itself to you. The many hidden corners, various regions and natural wonders it has to offer simply cannot be experienced by public transportation.

When renting a car in Corsica, keep in mind its size and capability . Choosing the type of car will come down to your travel style and what you’re looking to gain from your time on Corsica. If you’re solely relying on the car to get you from one stay to the next as you make your way around the island, a compact car will suffice. Smaller cars are also advantageous on Corsica as some roads are very narrow, including mountain roads, rural towns and busy port cities. If visiting off-grid destinations is a top priority for your road trip, you should rent a car with AWD/4WD capabilities or at least a car with enough ground clearance.

→ 🚗 Book a cheap yet capable rental car for your Corsica road trip ←

Corsica Road Trip Map: Things to See

Orange Pins: Towns and villages Blue Pins: Natural wonders Green Pins: Beaches

Corsica Travel Guide: The Top Things to See

The perfect Corsica road trip itinerary will ultimately depend on you as a traveler and what you want to prioritize during your time on Corsica. Corsica has many different types of things to see and do , but that doesn’t mean they’re a one-size-fits-all solution. This is one of the greatest things about a road trip—it’s completely curated around what you care about seeing and doing the most. Below you’ll find recommendations on some of the top things to do in Corsica, which will help you put together your ideal road trip itinerary.

Discover the Different Regions

1. cap corse.

This is the northernmost peninsula of the island, often known as the “finger” of Corsica. It is not the smoothest area to travel around but possibly the most intriguing .

2. Haute-Corse and East Coast

Haute-Corse is essentially the northern half of Corsica and this is also where the major town of Bastia is located. Everything running from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia can be considered the east coast. Most of Corsica’s great mountain peaks are also situated in the Haute-Corse region.

3. La Balagne

The northwest corner of the island is called Balagne which is compromised of two major towns – Calvi and L’Île-Rousse. It stretches from the northern coastline down to Monte Cinto.

4. West Coast and The Gulf of Porto

The Gulf of Porto is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Corsica’s most unique landscape. Ajaccio and Propriano are the major towns along the west coast of Corse.

5. South Corsica

Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio are the most notable areas of southern Corsica. This region is dense in beautiful beaches and the gateway to Sardinia.

→ ⛵️ Book an incredible boat tour of Corsica ←

Enjoy Many Beautiful Beaches

By this point in your trip planning, you’re probably aware that Corsica has some of the best (and sandy) crystal clear water in all of Europe. Most of the beaches are not easily accessible by walking from a town and can be reached by car instead, perfect for a road trip! In fact, curating a road trip itinerary based on all the Corsica beaches you want to visit makes a lot of sense. Corse beaches are the top reason for the island’s many annual visitors and likely what you’ll most be interested in doing during your summer trip. Some of the top beaches to keep in mind when putting together your road trip itinerary include:

→ 🤿 Read More: Best Beaches on Corsica ←

• Plage de Ghjunchitu
• Plage de Losari
• Plage de Palombaggia
• Plage De La Folaca
• Plage de Rondinara
• Plage de Santa Giulia
• Plage Cala Genovese
• Plage de Saleccia
• Plage de l’Isolella

→ 🐠 Take a boat tour of Corsica’s best beaches ←

The island of Corse has a few large towns, all in various areas of the island. This means each major town has a slightly different feel and things to offer its visitors. Each of these towns also serve as ports. This results in them being well equipped to handle travellers and their needs such as finding SIM cards, car rentals or stocking up on groceries. Below are the larger main towns in Corsica worth visiting.

• L’Île-Rousse
• Port-Vecchio

Life on Corsica also thrives in smaller towns and villages sprinkled throughout the island. You’ll find small towns nestled alongside the mountainous terrains and coastal shores. We personally enjoy visiting smaller villages as it’s easier to appreciate a sense of every day life and culture compared to bigger towns. You’ll also be surprised by how much better a pastry tastes from a smaller community once you eliminate a swarm of tourists. Here are just a few notable small towns to wander through during your Corsica road trip.

• Saint-Florent

With so much attention on its beaches, it’s really easy to forget how mountainous Corsica is. The island is also thoroughly green with forests making up nearly 20% of its landscape. Overall, beaches are just a very small geographical aspect of the island. Although often overlooked, the real hidden gems of Corsica are the mountains!

The continuous mountain range, which has a number of peaks exceeding 2,000 meters , runs along the center of the island. Outdoor enthusiasts will be appreciate the number of destination points along the mountains including the highest peak of Monte Cinto and hiking trails throughout the Corsica Natural Regional Park . If you do decide to road trip in the winter time and have a capable vehicle, visiting one of the handful of ski resorts by car is a feasible activity.

Other than hiking or mountain biking to these high altitude destinations, many panoramic viewpoints are accessible by car but you’ll need off-road capabilities to reach them. Still, there are plenty of places to visit in the mountainous regions of Corsica with any type of car! Some natural wonders and mountain areas to visit on your road trip itinerary without heavy hiking are below.

• Piscine Naturali – natural pool
• Village Abandonné d’Occi – abandoned village with panoramic view
• Muna – abandonded village
• Belvédère Mare à Mare Nord – viewpoint
• Cascate d’Aitone – forest swimming area
• Vasques baignades Asco – river swimming area
• Pont Génois d’Asco – historic bridge
• Piscine Naturelle in Aullène – natural pool
• Point de vue du col de Teghime – viewpoint

One of the most popular attractions and beautiful drives on Corsica is the Calanques de Piana . It is a scenic route along the west coast of the island featuring impressive rock formations made out of red ochre, a natural earth clay material. The drive begins in the town of Porto and through the town of Piana. After reaching Piana, we recommend continuing on to reach Plage d’arone . This entire spectacular area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly worth a visit.

→ 🚤 Book a boat tour of Calanques de Piana ←

Road Trip Route to See Calanques de Piana

Corsica Road Trip Itinerary Options

To tour Corsica by car takes more time than it would elsewhere on mainland France or Europe. Due to its curvy and narrow roads built alongside the hilly and rocky terrain, it is not a road trip destination for driving quickly. The old and quaint towns sitting en route of the major “motorways” on the island are another reason to not speed your way through a road trip. Corse merits a minimum of one week to travel throughout its numerous regions. An ideal two weeks in Corsica will allow ample time to appreciate wondrous sights to see and places to visit on your road trip itinerary. Based on how much time you have, we’ve put together a couple of ideas on Corsica road trip itineraries below.

Day 1: Ajaccio to Galeria (130 km)

The first day will begin in Ajaccio where you’ll get onto the D81 road. The D81 is likely the most scenic route on the island and will take you to see Calanques de Piana in addition to many other panoramic views along the way. The D81 runs close to the coastline before gaining altitude which means it’s a good opportunity to stop at the beaches of Plage de Péru or Plage de Menasina before reaching Piana. For lunch, stop in Cargèse, a coastal town with many restaurants and a convenient parking lot. From Cargèse, you’ll get back on the D81 towards the town of Piana. If you have time, make a detour to Plage d’arone , an absolutely stunning and less frequented beach. Once passing through Calanques de Piana, you’ll continue on the breathtaking D81 route until you reach Galeria for the evening.

Day 2 – 3: Galeria to L’Île-Rousse (50 km)

The drive from Galeria to L’Île-Rousse only takes on hour but there are many places to visit in this area. It’s recommended to spend two days here and enjoy the variety of beaches and towns. Calvi is the biggest coastal town with a big crescent bay of fine sand and a shallow beach. Other beaches near Calvi worth visiting include Plage de Sainte Restitude and Plage de l’Arinella . From Calvi, take a small detour towards the Village Abandonné d’Occi which is located by the town of Lumio. This site is really special and has a phenomenal view. Before reaching L’Île-Rousse, you’ll find a number of gorgeous beaches to stop at including Plage de Bodri and Plage d’Aregno .

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in L’Île-Rousse ←

Day 4: L’Île-Rousse to Ghisoni (136 km)

From L’Île-Rousse, you’ll depart the coastline and head inland. The T30 road is one of the straightest roads on the island and you’ll get a brief break from the twist and turns. Before hitting Ponte Leccia, turn right onto D47 and eventually the D147 which runs along the river. This is an excellent area for camping in addition to hiking throughout the gorge , Gorge de l’Asco. After stopping in the small yet lovely town of Asco for lunch, continue to the river swimming area at Vasques baignades Asco for a brief dip. From Asco, you’ll need to slightly backtrack to get back on the main T20 road which leads south. After passing through the town of Vivario, stop at the beautiful Belvédère de Pasciola viewpoint before your end point of Ghisoni. Ghisoni is a favoured ski resort in the winter and is a refreshing change of setting to the beaches.

Day 5 – 6: Ghisoni to Porto-Vecchio (85 km)

As you venture down the mountain from Ghisoni, you’ll join the main road of T10 which will begin to run along the coast. Before getting to Porto Vecchio, stop at the must see yet underrated beaches of Plage de Tarco and Plage de Saint Cyprien . Once you get situated in Port-Vecchio as your end destination, we recommend staying there for two days to experience the handful of exquisite beaches in the area.

→ 🛌 Find places to stay in Porto-Vecchio ←

Day 7: Porto-Vecchio to Propriano (73 km)

The last leg of your journey will only take a little over an hour. This allows you to take your time in order to relish in your last full day on Corsica. Some significant beaches to view along this route include Plage de Roccapina and Plage de Tizzano . Other than beaches, there are some lovely towns to check out such as Sartène for a bite to eat and peaceful stroll. If you’re traveling with kids , make a visit to the animal farm at Le Parc Naturel d’Olva .

Day 1: Bastia to Macinaggio (37 km)

After a morning coffee in Bastia, you’ll head north to explore Cap Corse with Macinaggio as your destination. Along this route, you’ll pass through many coastal towns and beaches. Some favoured beaches include Plage de Pietracorbara and Plage de Meria . From Macinaggio, you can access a few hiking trails which will lead you to secluded beaches on the peninsula.

Day 2 – 3: Macinaggio to Saint-Florent (71 km)

The roads in Cap Corse are particularly narrow with many unpredictable turns. It’s best to take your time during this part of the trip. Next, you’ll cross Cap Corse and begin heading south. Getting from Macinaggio to Morsiglia in order to get on the D80 is the next goal. The D80 swiftly runs along the west side of Cap Corse. You can stay near the coastline or head up into some of the hillside villages such as Bracolaccia . You’ll soon reach the quaint and picturesque town of Saint-Florent which is wonderful for a short stay.

Day 4 – 6: Saint-Florent to Calvi (69 km)

Balagne is one of the best regions on Corsica for impeccable beaches and pretty hilltop towns. It’s recommended to stay a couple days here and travel among the area in order to visit the many places to see. Must visit stops include the view from Notre Dame de la Serra and abandoned village of Occi . The city of L’Île-Rousse is a perfect place to find fabulous restaurants, bars and beautiful hotels. The Fanale di Petra attraction is a short yet rewarding hike with a view.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Calvi ←

Day 7 – 8: Calvi to Ajaccio (155 km)

The journey from Calvi to Ajaccio is a bit long and should be broken out into a couple of days in order to not feel rushed. The D81 route is spectacular and will take you to Calanques de Piana. Aside from this popular attraction, you can stop in a couple of charming towns along the way such as Osani and Porto. You’ll find many other mesmerising viewpoints in this area around Réserve Naturelle de Scandola (or Scandola Nature Reserve) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fantastic for bird watching! Between Piana and Ajaccio, you’ll be surrounded by an endless number of beach options as long as you stay on the D81.

Day 9: Ajaccio to Propriano (70 km)

Driving from Ajaccio to Propriano will not take you long. Use this extra time to explore some smaller coastal towns along the journey. Porticcio , Isolella and Porto Pollo are all exquisite and should be stops on your Corsica itinerary.

Day 10: Propriano to Bonifacio (65 km)

The coastline between Propriano and Bonifacio is equally as impressive as the one near Port-Vecchio. As most of the beaches sit in between coves and bays , the water is calmer here and ideal for an afternoon spent relaxing. Bonifacio is a romantic little town perched on the cliffside and is a wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner with a stunninng view. On the edge of the the village, you’ll also find Escalier du Roy d’Aragon , a steep staircase carved into the cliff which leads directly to the sea.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Bonifacio ←

Day 11 – 12: Bonifacio to Port-Vecchio (28 km)

Porto-Vecchio and its bounty of beaches to choose from is only 30 minutes from the port town of Bonifacio. Thus, freeing up some extra time to spend at either end. Other than beaches, there isn’t much else to see during the route. Still, trust that you’ll want to keep your itinerary loose in order to visit multiple southern Corsica beaches. Some lesser known alternatives to the popular Santa Giulia Beach are Plage de Cala Longa , Plages de Sant’Amanza and Plage de Benedettu which are all accessible by car .

Day 13 – 14: Porto-Vecchio to Bastia (188 km)

Your last route from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia begins on the T10 which turns into the T11. This road is fairly straight forward and connnects Corse-du-Sud (south) to Haute-Corse (north). The journey takes you along the coast where you’ll find Chez Costa , a well rated seashore restaurant with a great view. Corsica’s east coast is practically one long stretch of beach and you may find a lovely place for a pit stop such as Plage de Serra di Fium’orbu . Exploring the seafront town of Bastia is worthy of an entire day before your road trip concludes.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to expect from a Corsica road trip. The next step is to double check if you are fully prepared and equipped to tour Corsica by car. Here are a few critical details to be mindful of when planning your Corsica road trip.

Since Corsica is technically France, you’ll still be located in the European Union. If you’re coming from another EU country or have purchased a travel SIM card which works anywhere in the EU, you will have full internet access on your phone. This will make it a lot easier to get around on the island when using GPS. Before arriving in Corsica and when you have wifi access, always make sure to download an area on Google Maps so it’s accessible even when you’re offline. Data connection can be spotty on Corsica, particularly when driving in less populated areas.

If your Corsica road trip is scheduled in the summer time, it’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance. Road trips taking place in the spring or fall have the luxury of some spontaneity if you’re travelling with a loose itinerary. Finding a last minute hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Corsica is certainly doable but you may not want to risk it during peak season. Book a place to stay (last minute or plenty in advance) with Booking.com for the best prices.

Your packing list for a Corsica road trip should have emphasis on making sure you’re able to encounter any unforeseen situation on the road. If you were to break down during your road trip, there are luckily many towns and villages located close to each other so you’ll find a haven if absolutely necessary. Still, it’s best to be prepared with these additional items in your car. – Drinking water – Non perishable snacks – Good shoes for walking – Car phone charger – Warm clothes and extra blanket(s) Aside from emergency scenarios, these are some items to pack to ensure a delightful road trip: – Photography equipment including GoPro or other action camera – Snorkeling gear – Beach or picnic blanket – Plenty of sunscreen

Corsica is French after all which means they’ll expect you to know as much French as possible. This is kind of a joke but also kind of the reality. 🙂 Corsica also has their own local language and if you take some time to learn a few phrases, you’ll be sure to impress one or two people!

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE TRAVEL BLOG FOR HIKING LOVERS AND EFFICIENT TRAVEL ITINERARIES

BLOG , CORSICA , Destinations , Europe , France , Road Trips · August 13, 2023

The Best 7 Day Corsica Travel Itinerary

If you’re looking for the ultimate road trip itinerary around Corsica then you’ve come to the right place. This incredible island in the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for a self-drive holiday and I am a 100% sure you’ll have the best time exploring this drop dead gorgeous island.

Corsica is one of the most diverse islands in Europe when it comes to nature . Wether you want to visit l’Ile de Beauté for its pristine beaches, its historic and charming towns or its spectacular mountainous region. The island of Corsica has something to offer for everyone .

This 7 day Corsica itinerary is perfect for the efficient traveler who loves to visit as many places as possible during their holiday.

I visited Corsica at the start of April and while the weather was pretty okay at times I don’t recommend doing the same. A lot of hotels and restaurants were still closed and some roads higher up in the mountains were still covered in snow. Keep on reading to find out what is the ideal time to visit Corsica.

In this Corsica holiday guide you’ll find a ton of tips for visiting the island, my personal itinerary, the best places to eat and where to stay in Corsica .

I hope you’ll enjoy this Corsica itinerary and if you have any questions feel free to drop a comment below.

The Very Best Corsica Itinerary – A 7 Day Road Trip

Do you want to explore the stunning landscapes and crystalline waters of Corsica ? An island steeped in history with a unique culture waiting to be discovered?

With its rolling hills, majestic mountains, rugged coastline, and picturesque villages, you won’t want to miss the chance to witness this spectacular Mediterranean island.

This introductory article will provide an insider’s guide to the very best of Corsica , featuring a comprehensive 7-day road trip itinerary that will lead you through the diverse and breathtaking destination.

From discovering hidden coves to exploring ancient archaeological sites, you’ll find something that suits you in this carefully curated itinerary. So, start planning your journey today and prepare to experience the wonders of Corsica !

How to reach Corsica

Reaching Corsica can be achieved in a multitude of ways. The most convenient way is to fly into one of the region’s four international airports, located in Bastia, Figari, Calvi and Ajaccio . Air Corsica, Air France, and Volotea offer daily flights throughout the year from French destinations including Marseille, Nice, Paris Orly, and Lyon. Other airlines provide seasonal and charter direct flights to and from Corsica’s four airports.

The flights vary in price depending on the season, but there are also ferry services available from France and Italy that can be a more cost-effective option .

Additionally, there are a number of cruises that make a stop in Corsica for a taste of the region’s beauty and culture. These cruises are most popular during the summer months when the Mediterranean climate is perfect for soaking up the sun. Popular cruise stops in Corsica are Porto Vecchio, Calvi, Bonifacio and Bastia.

For my road trip I chose to fly in and out of Figari near Bonifacio and pick up my rental car at the airport.

The best time to visit Corsica

The best months to visit Corsica are  May, June and September . During these months the weather is already nice and warm but  France  and Italy’s summer-holiday crowds are absent. You’ll be able to enjoy all of the activities the island has to offer and hotel prices won’t skyrocket through the roof yet. Especially  if you love to go hiking these are the ideal months .

If it’s not possible for you to travel off season then  July and August  are beautiful months to visit Corsica as well. Just know that temperatures will a lot hotter and you’ll have to deal with the big crowds. If this is the case it’s best to  book your accommodation well in advance  to avoid steep price increases and the best hotels getting sold out.

I visited in April and while I still had an amazing time it’s really not ideal. The season hasn’t started yet so a lot of hotels and restaurants are still closed. The weather can also be very unpredictable and you’ll have to deal with a lot of rain on certain days. I even drove through a snowstorm so I wouldn’t advice you to go in April for the best experience.

How to get around Corsica

The best way to get around Corsica is to simply  rent a car .

🚘 I always use  SunnyCars  when booking a rental car cause their company policy makes me feel the most at ease.

There’s  never any hidden costs  with them and free  cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start . Their price is transparent and everything is included. So no worries about any extra costs when you pick up your rental.  You won’t need any extra insurance cause its all covered in the original price.

Is Corsica worth visiting?

Corsica has a captivating combination of stunning wild landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and ancient historical sites. From the highest mountains in the Mediterranean to the beautiful bays that line the coast, there’s something for everyone .

Whether you’re looking to explore hiking trails, relax in the sun, or take in the historical sites, Corsica has it all.

With its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and unique cuisine, it’s well worth visiting. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why Corsica is one of the top vacation spots in Europe .

The perfect Corsica Road Trip Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrive in Figari and visit Bonifacio

There are 4 international airports in Corsica. I opted for Figari Sud-Corse Airport due its direct flight from Brussels Charleroi Airport.

The airport is very small so disembarkation went very fast.

The rental car booth is located right outside of the airport and after picking up my rental car from SunnyCars it was time to drive to Bonifacio.

Bonifacio is the most Southern town in entire Corsica and if there’s one coastal town you absolutely can’t miss it’s this one!

Bonifacio is the perfect starting point of your trip if you land in the airport of Figari, from there it’s only 30 minutes driving to this wonderful village . The roads inside the city itself are pretty narrow but there are plenty of parking lots. Two of them are located near the marine, the other two are closer to the old city.

The Old City of Bonifacio is  located in a 9th century citadel  and consists of a maze of small cobblestoned streets.

💡  TIP  – Hike to the Phare de Pertusatu to get the best views over Bonifacio. It’s an easy hike which will take you alongside the cliffs.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – Have lunch at  Café Des Vestiges  and try their Aubergines à la Bonifacienne, a lovely and typical vegetarian dish.

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  –  Hotel Sp a Genovese  for an unforgettable stay, a clifftop location and panoramic views.

DAY 2 – Explore the Aiguilles de Bavella

If you love hiking in a spectacular area or you just want to drive across a stunning landscape then you will love this part of Corsica! The Aiguilles de Bavella are only 1,5 hour driving from Bonifacio and consist of rocky spikes of red granite hat dominate the hill of the same name in Corse-du-Sud. The site is characterized by jagged peaks, large rock walls and pine trees twisted by the wind.

Following the route of the Col de Bavella between Sartene and across Corsica towards the east (north-west of Porto-Vecchio), you pass through the  Alta rocca mountains . The Col de Bavella itself reaches an altitude of 1218 metres with the peaks of the ‘needles’ reaching more than 1800 metres. 

The road up to the Col de Bavella offers some spectacular coastal views and it’s definitely a good idea to stop the car now and then to take them all in!

If you want to adventure a little more I can highly recommend going on one of the following hikes:

• Cascades de Purcaraccia Hiking Trail  – a 4.8km out & back trail that will lead you to some beautiful waterfall cascades.
• Tour des Aiguilles de Bavella  – A more demanding 11km loop trail that will take you through the stunning Aiguilles de Bavella.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – Have lunch at  A uberge du Col de Bavella  and indulge in one of the typical Corsican dishes such as Civet de sanglier (Wild boar casserole) or Veau aux olives (Veal with olives).

DAY 3 – Calanques de Piana

The Calanques de Piana is my personal favorite place in Corsica to explore . There are  a ton of beautiful hikes  here to explore the area but even if hiking is not really your cup of tea you’ll find plenty of things to do here!

One of the best things to do is simply drive through the stunning natural site. The Calanques de Piana is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  featuring stunningly shaped red rock cliffs plunging into translucent water. From the water it resembles Scandola Nature Reserve but the biggest difference here is that you can also explore on foot or by car.

If you want to  visit the Calanques de Piana by car,  you have to take the  D81 road, connecting Porto to Piana . It’s the only road in the Calanques and its an absolute stunner! There are several small patches next to the road as well if you want to stop for a photo. Another option is to leave your car in Piana and explore on foot from there.

• The Capo Rosso hiking trail – The 6.9km hike passes by the  Genoese tower of Turghiu , one of the tallest towers on the Corsican coast, whose summit offers stunning views of the Gulf of Porto, the Gulf of Sagone and the Scandola Reserve.
• Source des Roches Bleues and Calanchi di Piana hiking trail – The 4.3km route  crosses the Dardo stream and offers a magnificent view of the Calanques de Piana .

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – You’ll probably stay here for a couple of days so I would recommend having dinner at  Le Moulin  and take their home made burger which comes with an incredible Corsican cheese sauce. Another day you should go eat at  Le Maquis  and order the Escaloppe Milanese! Both finger licking delicious!

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  – Stay at  Hôtel Bella Vista . There aren’t any luxury hotels in the area but this one comes with incredible panoramic views, a modern bathroom and clean rooms.

DAY 4 – Scandola Nature Reserve and Girolata

Scandola Nature Reserve is a stunning marine and terrestrial nature reserve in the East of Corsica that’s under  strict regulated access .

You can’t reach Scandola Nature Reserve on foot or by car,  the only way to visit is by boat . Luckily there are a ton of tour operators that offer excursions from the marine of Porto.

You can choose between different lengths but the best one to choose is where you’ll visit Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata and the Calanques de Piana.

Girolata is a  former fishing village  that only has about a 20 inhabitants and which can not be reached by car.

There are  two ways to reach this hidden gem  in East Corsica:  on foot or by boat . If you want to go by boat you can book one of the many excursions that leave from Porto and where you’ll also visit the Scandola Nature Reserve .

The hike 9.7km to Girolata is called the  Sentier du Facteur  and it’s one of  the most beautiful hikes in Corsica !

The Sentier du Facteur is called this way because  the local mailman used to hike this trail every single day to deliver the mail to the people living in the small town of Girolata .

The hike starts at the Col du Croix where you can park your car and the first part simply goes down through a forest until you reach the  Plage de Tuara , a beautiful beach where you won’t find many other people.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – After reaching Girolata on foot you should have lunch at  R estaurant Le Bon Espoir  and try some of the best Corsican food you’ll have during your holiday!

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  – Stay at  Le Bella Vista  for a 2 bedroom apartment that offers incredible panoramic views.

DAY 5 – Explore the Balagne region

The Balagne region in Corsica offers a wealth of history, culture, and beauty, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the area. Verdant valleys, cobalt blue seas, and pale yellow sand beaches run the length of its coastline, providing beautiful vistas for travelers.

Its winding streets and delicious cuisine also make it an attractive place to explore as well .

A short hike up Monte Cintu offers breathtaking views from the peak, while the neighboring villages are stuffed with history and tradition, perfect for the inquisitive traveler.

With so much to see and experience, the Balagne region of Corsica is sure to be a memorable destination for any traveler looking to experience its culture and beauty.

The most charming villages to visit in the Balagne region

• Montemaggiore – The view of Montemaggiore as you approach the village is one of the highlights – it appears very small compared to the dramatic scenery around the village, which includes the  Monte Grosso mountain , and is perched on a ledge overlooking the valleys to the west.
• Lunghignano – The perfect stop after you visit Montemaggiore since it’s only a couple of minutes away.
• Aregno – Aregno is another one of these beautiful mountain villages in the Balagne region
• Sant’Antonino – Because of its dramatic situation clinging around the top of a hill the village is sometimes referred to as the ‘ Eagles Nest ‘.
• Speloncato – The best town to visit during sunset.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – L’Altezza Restaurant is your best bet in the area and offers delicious food! Or go to  I Scalini  for a Moroccan feel roof terrace with panoramic views over the city. Visit U Sechju  for a delicious lunch in a historical setting.

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  – Stay at  Cas’Anna Lidia – Hôtel De Charme , a boutique hotel with an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub overlooking the surrounding mountains. Or stay at Hotel A Piattatella , which is set in gardens, overlooking the Reginu Valley.

DAY 6 – Cap Corse

Cap Corse, which is often called mini Corsica, is the most northern peninsula of Corsica.

The eastern coast slopes rather gently to the sea and is home to many bays suitable for swimming , the most beautiful of which are at Pietracorbara , north of Macinaggio and near Barcaggio. 

To the west, the coast is much more rugged and the road sometimes passes well above sea level. The most beautiful village in Cap Corse is probably Centuri, famous for its lobster fishing . Its pastel-coloured houses with slate roofs crowd around the small port.

The ideal is to circumnavigate the Cap in an anti-clockwise direction  , from Bastia , in the direction of Saint-Florent . You will thus benefit from better light for your photos, while enjoying spectacular views since you will be driving on the sea side.

For a first discovery of the Cape, one day is more than enough, but the peninsula is extremely diversified and you can also spend several days there without any problem.

Best places to visit during a day trip around Cap Corse

• Bastia – Bastia is both the capital of the department of Haute-Corse and the most important port of the island in terms of maritime traffic.
• Erbalunga – It was  once the most important harbor on the Cap Corse , a fact supported by the magnificent houses that still stud the peninsula to this day.
• Porticiollo – A small coastal town on the East side of Cap Corse.
• Pietracorbara Beach – Perfect to lounge and relax during the middle of. theday and catch some waves.
• Moulin Mattei – A short walk will give you beautiful, breezy views from both sides of the Cape. In good weather you can see the Tuscan islands and the Italian coast.
• Centuri – Centuri is a beautiful coastal town that reaches all the way up into the mountains. Centuri port is the perfect place to indulge in some seafood cause the many restaurants will serve their catch of the day.
• Nonza – Its colorful buildings make it stand out from all of the other picturesque towns and form a wonderful contrast to its black beach all the way down below.
• Barrettali – A small town on the Cap Corse peninsula but definitely worth the stop while you’re driving down the D80.
• Saint-Florent – It is a friendly town, and though similar in style, less pretentious and more intimate than St Tropez.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  – Dine at  Le P irate  for the most perfect setting and a  Michelin star  experience or indulge in some of the finest lobster on Cap Corse at  Le Langoustier .

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  – Stay at the most stunning  Misincu , a 5 star hotel that forms the perfect base for exploring the area of Cap Corse

DAY 7 – Corte

Although Corsica is known for its beautiful coastline, most of the island consists of a rugged but spectacular mountain landscape . If you want to explore these mountains, the centrally located Corte is the ideal base.

Corte is a historic town in the heart of Corsica as it was the capital of Corsica from 1755 until 1769 during the “government of the Corsican nation” of Pascal Paoli. And during World War I, German prisoners were held in the citadel on top of the hill.

These days Corte is a university town which houses a ton of students. The old city is perched on top of a hill but is also easy accessible. Don’t even bother trying to park your car on the side of the road, instead simply park it at the  underground parking lot  and you’ll arrive in the heart of the Old City.

🥘  WHERE TO EAT  –  Restaurant La rivière des Vins  for delicious meats cooked in a wood fire oven, accompanied by homemade french fries.

🏨  WHERE TO STAY  – Stay at  Dominique Colonna  for a luxurious stay on the river’s edge.

This 7-day Corsica itinerary is an unforgettable experience . From the beautiful town of Bonifacio to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Gulf of Porto, you’ll get to enjoy the best of Corsica’s landscape and get a real feel for culture and history of the island.

Whether you’re a beach lover or a mountain enthusiast, Corsica offers something unique and special to its visitors. Take in the views, explore the charming towns or simply relax on the beaches. There’s nothing like a Corsica road trip.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Corsica Road Trip: An Unforgettable Adventure Across the Isle of Beauty

Nicknamed the Isle of Beauty, it's the perfect destination for an epic Corsican road trip. Between its majestic mountains, dreamy beaches and picturesque villages, Corsica offers a varied and captivating playground for adventure-seeking travelers. Discovering this Mediterranean island by car promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking scenery.

10-day itinerary for a successful road trip in Corsica

2 weeks in corsica: program idea, where to sleep during your road trip in corsica, eco-friendly travel in corsica.

Ajaccio: Departure for the Imperial Capital Start your Corsica road trip in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica. Explore the picturesque lanes of the old town, visit the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of the harbor.

Cargèse and Piana: On the Winding Roads of the West Coast Drive to Cargèse, a village with Greek influences. Continue on to Piana, famous for its spectacular calanques and red rock formations. A panoramic view awaits you from Capo Rosso.

Porto-Vecchio: Fine sandy beaches and lively nightlife Head south-east to Porto-Vecchio. Enjoy heavenly beaches such as Palombaggia and Santa Giulia. In the evening, explore the town's lively nightlife.

Bonifacio: Perched on the limestone cliffs Admire the unique beauty of Bonifacio, perched on impressive limestone cliffs. Stroll through the old town, visit the citadel and don't miss the sea view from the cliffs.

Alta Rocca region: Nature and Authenticity Head inland towards the Alta Rocca region. Hike in the mountains, discover authentic villages like Zonza and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding countryside.

Corté: In the heart of the Corsican mountains Drive to Corté, nestled in the heart of the Corsican mountains. Visit the citadel and and the Corsican Museum to learn more about the island's and culture.

Saint-Florent : Beaches and vineyards Head northwest to Saint-Florent. Enjoy its white sandy beaches and explore the vineyards of Patrimonio to taste local wines.

Calvi: Between Beach and Citadel Drive back to Calvi, a seaside town famous for its extensive beach and its imposing citadel. Stroll through the cobbled streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Île-Rousse: Charm and authenticity Drive to Île-Rousse, a coastal town of authentic charm. Relax on the beach and explore the local markets.

Bastia: Full circle End your your Corsica road trip in Bastia, a lively port city. Discover the Place Saint-Nicolas, the citadel and soak up Corsican culture before end your adventure.

To find out more, discover our hiking tours for your road trip in Corsica.

If you have more time for your road trip in Corsica, you have 2 options based on the above schedule

• Extend some of your stopovers to take full advantage of some of the must-see places, without running out of time.
• Allow yourself a few days of idleness on one of Corsica's heavenly beaches to recharge your batteries before returning home

Auberge Kallisté, a hotel in Porto Pollo, Corsica

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Porto Pollo, Corsica, the Auberge Kallisté is much more than just a hotel. It's an oasis of offering an authentic experience and a memorable stay. The rooms are infused with the spirit of the Mediterranean, offering magnificent views of the sparkling sea. The warm welcome and attention to detail details create an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy refined Corsican cuisine at the inn's restaurant, featuring fresh, local products. products. Nearby golden beaches invite you to relax, while water sports while water sports offer a dose of adventure.

Stay at L'Auberge Kallisté, a hotel in Porto Pollo, Corsica

Best Western Plus Ajaccio Amirauté****, an eco-friendly hotel in Ajaccio

The Best Western Plus Ajaccio Amirauté**** is much more than just a hotel in Ajaccio, it's an establishment committed to an ecological approach. Nestled in Corsica's capital, this four-star hotel combines modern comfort with environmental sustainability. Elegant rooms offer a peaceful retreat with touches of eco-friendly design. From energy management systems to waste management practices, the hotel strives to to minimize its impact on the environment. Enjoy a culinary experience experience featuring local and organic ingredients at the on-site for an enriching Corsican road trip.

Stay at Best Western Plus Ajaccio Amirauté****, an eco-friendly ecological hotel in Ajaccio

Bagheera Village Naturiste, a naturist campsite in Corsica

Bagheera Village Naturiste in Corsica is much more than just a campsite, it's a haven of tranquillity for nature lovers. for nature lovers. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this naturist village offers a unique experience in communion with nature. The camping surrounded by lush vegetation, offer total privacy while preserving the environment. while preserving the environment. Enjoy golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear in harmony with the naturist philosophy. Respect for the is at the heart of this place, with sustainable practices that respect nature. respectful of nature. Bagheera Village Naturiste, more than just a campsite back to basics on your Corsican road trip.

Stay at Bagheera Village Naturiste, a naturist campsite in Corsica

Taking an eco-friendly road trip in Corsica means making environmentally-friendly transport choices and behavior. Here a few tips on how to travel sustainably during your road trip in Corsica:

• Eco-friendly car: If possible, opt for a low-carbon car, such as an electric or hybrid. hybrid. Many rental agencies now offer more eco-friendly more environmentally friendly
• Carpooling If you're traveling with friends or in a group, consider carpooling. Sharing a single car with several passengers reduces the environmental impact environmental impact per person.
• Public transport: In some parts of Corsica, you can use public transport like buses to get between towns and between towns and tourist sites. This can reduce carbon footprint than driving alone.

You can also there's also a train which, provided you're not in a hurry a taste of slow tourism, breathtaking panoramas of Corsica's Corsican landscapes 

• Cycling and walking: In urban or coastal areas, opt for walking or cycling to explore the surrounding area. It's a great way to reduce your carbon carbon footprint while enjoying nature.
• Optimized itinerary: Plan an efficient route to avoid unnecessary detours and save fuel. fuel. Prioritize the sites you want to visit to reduce excessive trips.
• Waste awareness: Take along reusable reusable garbage bags and make sure you leave no trace of your trace of your passage. Use appropriate garbage cans for recycling and waste management. waste management.
• Local and sustainable food: Opt for restaurants and local markets that give priority to seasonal produce and local ingredients. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation of foodstuffs.

By following these sustainable practices, you can enjoy your road trip to Corsica while minimizing the environmental impact of your travel. This will help preserve the island's natural beauty for future generations.

To find out more, how to get to and around Corsica carbon footprint? 

A road trip to Corsica is much more than just a trip by car. It's a plunge into a diversity of landscapes, an exploration island culture and history, and an adventure you'll never forget. in your memory. From beaches to mountains, from villages to towns, each stage offers a unique experience, making this Corsica road trip an unforgettable an unforgettable adventure on the Isle of Beauty.

Image by Pixabay

Image by Thérèse Ruffault from Pixabay

Best Western Le Conquérant, an eco-friendly hotel in Rouen

Discover the beauty and sustainability of ecolodges in Guadeloupe

If you're looking for an eco-responsible vacation in the Caribbean, Guadeloupe is a great destination to consider. This beautiful archipelago offers a range of ecolodges that combine luxury, comfort and sustainability.

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Corsica Lovers

To awaken your senses in Corsica - Claire et Manu’s Blog

4 or 5 days in Corsica: our 4 itineraries (+ tips)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | 4 February 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

The sea, the mountains, and the Corsican atmosphere… The Island of Beauty has something to delight you whatever the length of your stay. 4 days in Corsica? 5 days in Corsica? Here are the destinations we recommend to see the most beautiful parts of the island: the beaches of the South, the Balagne or the North and the Cap Corse… Here are all our tips day by day to plan your stay : where to go? what to do? where to sleep?

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.

4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go?

Is it worth going to corsica for 4 or 5 days.

Absolutely. You will not be able to see all the regions but you can discover either the south Corsica, or the Balagne, or the North of Corsica or make a small road trip for more variety! In this article, we offer you our 4 favorite stays.

Corsica is accessible by ferry from several cities in France and Italy. But be careful, ferry crossings are quite long, and for a trip of only 4 or 5 days, the interest of the ferry depends on your starting point. See available ferries.

Otherwise, there are 4 airports where you can arrive in Corsica:

• Bastia in the north of Corsica
• Calvi in the Balagne region in the northwest
• Figari in the south of Corsica

You can locate them all on the map above

Compare the destinations and flights available from your departure city .

Learn more in our article how to go to Corsica .

In road trip mode or with a fixed location

Below we propose 4 options to spend your 4 or 5 days in Corsica. You can choose to stay in one place to explore a region thoroughly and not change hotels every night. Where you can choose the road trip mode to discover more of the island. In this case, it is necessary to plan a precise itinerary so as not to get lost!

• If you don’t want to drive at all and have a nice variety of places to discover, we recommend our option in Balagne .
• If you want to see the most famous beaches of Corsica, we recommend our option in South Corsica .
• If you want the wildest nature, we advise you our 4 or 5 days tour in the north of Corsica or our road trip in western Corsica .

Personally we would not spend 4 days 5 days in Ajaccio. It’s a little too far from the most beautiful sites.

Option 1 – 4 or 5 days in South Corsica (Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio)

Our 3 must-haves for your stay.

• The citadel of Bonifacio
• Cape Pertusato
• One of the most famous beaches: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Rondinara

Where to land

For this tour, your best option is to land at Figari airport.

• From Figari to Bonifacio = 25 min drive
• From Figari to Porto-Vecchio = 25 min drive

You can also land in Ajaccio but this will add 2 hours of driving each way.

See available flights .

Where to stay

You can land near a beach if you just want to relax on the sand. But if you want to explore without taking the car all the time, we recommend one of the two main cities (and we have a preference for Bonifacio during a 3 days stay): Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio.

Please note that neither of the two cities has a beach directly accessible from the center on foot. The beautiful beaches are not far, but you need a car.

The advantage is that you can enjoy the beautiful citadel and walk towards the Cape of Pertusato.

We recommend:

• Above the rest At Hotel Santateresa, you are at the end of the peninsula with free parking included, modern rooms and a fantastic staff! A superb view from above on the citadel and the cliffs! See photos and availability
• Near the marina The Centre Nautique hotel is located on the waterfront and the marina. see pictures and availability
• Old town Another option inside the old town is the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and lots of charm. see pictures and availability
• Luxury For a 5-star stay not far from the marina, check out the spacious and beautiful design of the Version Maquis Citadelle hotel. see pictures and availability

See the best hotel and rental offers

Porto-Vecchio

• Luxury Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca, right on the beach see pictures and availability
• 4 stars on the sea Hotel Restaurant Casa Santini (Le Goéland), right on the water see pictures and availability
• Residence with all services At the Residence U Pirellu, we enjoy spacious villas, beautiful views of the maquis and the sea. There is a heated swimming pool and all activities. It is only 10min from Palombaggia and 10min from Porto-Vecchio. see pictures and availability

How to get around

For a 3-day stay , you can be busy without a car. But with 4 or 5 days, we strongly advise you to rent a car. You will only have to travel short distances, but this will give you more freedom!

In this 5-day itinerary, we try to make you discover a bit of everything. If you only have 4 days, you can choose the ones that interest you the most.

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Today take the time to discover all the facets of one of the most beautiful cities of Corsica . The citadel was built on a small peninsula with cliffs over 70m high. You can:

• Admire the views from all the ramparts
• Descend the staircase of the King of Aragon dug in the cliff
• Visit the marine cemetery
• Have a drink (or an ice cream!) at the marina
• Take a boat trip to admire the cliffs and caves from the sea
• Walk to Cape Pertusato for exceptional views of the city.

See our article on all the things to do in Bonifacio .

Day 2 – the beaches between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio

In South Corsica, you will find several of the most famous beaches of Corsica:

• Palombaggia with its red rocks
• The bay of Rondinara with its perfect shape (often listed as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe)
• The beach of Santa Giulia and its long strip of sand

Day 3 – Mountains

To complete your Corsican experience, after a citadel and beaches, we advise you to take altitude in the mountains. Take the road through the forest of Ospedale and up to the Aiguilles de Bavella. It is absolutely beautiful and a radical change from the beaches.

Day 4 – Lavezzi Islands

If you don’t want to drive too much, take the boat to the Lavezzi Islands. We love this wild and protected place. Only 30 minutes by boat from Bonifacio, you can explore a land full of giant rocks of different colors and shapes. See our complete article .

Day 5 – Other beaches

A last day to discover the beautiful beach. If you stay in Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio, we do not recommend the same beaches to reduce the driving time.

On the side of Bonifacio, you can see:

• If you like hiking, the one of Saint-Antoine next to Bonifacio, it is surprising!
• If you like calm and grey rocks, the beach of Saint-Jean
• If you like colored rocks, the beach of Tonnara

See the most beautiful beaches around Bonifacio

On the side of Porto-Vecchio, you can consider:

• The beach of Favone with easy access
• The beach of Canella with its hay sand
• The beach of Fautea with its Genoese tower
• The bay of Pinarellu with its rocks
• The bay of San Ciprianu, soothing

Activities to include in your program

But if you are looking for a little adrenaline or just a little more activity, still with sumptuous scenery consider one of the following activities in the area:

• Kayak trip on day 5 – see program and availability
• Via Ferrata in the forest of Ospedale in day 3 – see program and availability
• Canyoning on the Aiguilles de Bavella side in day 3 – see program and availability

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Option 2 – 4 or 5 days in Balagne (Calvi or Ile-Rousse)

Our 4 must-haves for your stay.

• The citadel of Calvi
• The beautiful city of L’Île-Rousse
• Punta di Panu with its rocks
• The villages of Balagne
• See our list of ideas for visiting the Balagne

For this tour, your best option is to land at Calvi airport.

• From Calvi to Ile-Rousse = 30 min drive
• From the airport to the center of Calvi = 10min drive

The region has 2 main cities which are very nice and have beaches in their center: Calvi and Ile-Rousse. See our comparison of the 2 cities .

• Around the port Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views – see pictures and availability
• Along the beach Hotel Onda where you will sleep almost with your feet in the water… See prices, pictures and availability
• Sir the heights a dreamy and luxurious stay in the hotel La Villa Calvi. See prices, pictures and availability

Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi .

L’Île-Rousse

• Good value for money The Casa Rossa hotel has a lot of charm. It is not in the center, but not far. The rooms are spacious with a dining area with kitchenette. see pictures and availability
• In the downtown area The Perla Rossa Hotel enjoys an excellent location and offers splendid views of the sea. see pictures and availability
• Near the islands The Best Western Plus Santa Maria is located near the islands. Its rooms with balconies overlook its small beach. see pictures and availability
• Luxury Casa Paradisu – 5 star hotel with dream pool See photos and availability
• Store Hotel Rocabella in the center of the city See photos and availability

It is very easy to get around in Balagne. There is the train of the beaches to go from Calvi to Ile-Rousse in 50min stopping at several beaches. But to be able to see more places, and especially to go up to the villages, we advise you to rent a car. There is only a 30min drive between Calvi and Ile-Rousse.

The program below contains 5 days. If you only have 4 days, you can choose the ones that interest you the most.

Day 1 – Calvi and Punta di Spanu

Calvi is very recognizable for its citadel located on a peninsula. Start by admiring it from the beach, then go and get lost in its alleys!

It was built under the Genoese government, between 1483 and the seventeenth century in order to have stronger defenses. There are impressive fortifications all around.

Inside, you will discover a labyrinth of alleys, stairs, fortifications, and beautiful views in all directions. Among the monuments note:

• the church of St. John the Baptist
• the oratory of Saint-Antoine.
• MUDACC – the art museum of the citadel of Calvi with works of the Contemporary Art Fund

See our article dedicated to the citadel or our complete guide to Calvi .

For something different, go to the other end of the bay of Calvi, to Punta di Spanu. The corner has only two small sandy areas. However, there are plenty of giant boulders to play with! It is one of our favorite places in Corsica . The exploration is fun with several small coves and many rocks. Some are smooth because of the water, others are cut. There’s even one that’s been cut cleanly in half. You can walk around the point and up to a tower. Read more about it.

Day 2 – The villages of Balagne

The Balagne region is also known for its charming villages in the hills with their typical Corsican houses and their unobstructed views between sea and mountains. Near Calvi, discover:

• Lumio completely in front of the sea (15min from Calvi) and the abandoned village of Occi just above.
• Pigna and its blue shutters (35min drive from Calvi)
• Sant’Antonino , one of the oldest villages in Corsica (30min drive from Calvi)
• Speloncato and its houses surrounded by rock (50min drive from Calvi)
• See our article on the most beautiful villages of the Balagne.

If you don’t have a car, there are organized tours that take you to the most famous villages – see the availability of organized tours .

Day 3 – Île-Rousse and Bodri beach

Île-Rousse is the other big city of the Balagne. It is very different from Calvi and other Corsican cities. It was founded by the most famous leader of the Corsican people Pasquale Paoli in 1758 (although the place has been inhabited since antiquity). He wanted a port that was not controlled by the Genoese. The main thing to do in Ile-Rousse is to enjoy the island walk to the top of the lighthouse. See our guide to visit Ile-Rousse .

Then go relax on the ultra-fine white sand. This beach is just south of Ile-Rousse. The parking lot is paid in summer but free the rest of the year or you can reach it by train. From the car, it is a 5 minute walk to the beach. See more photos.

Day 4 – Excursion to the calanques de Piana

With the calanques de Piana, the Scandola nature reserve is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get up close and personal. Read more

It’s worth the long drive!

From Calvi:

• Take the road to Porto Ota (1h45) and take one of the boat tours – book
• Choose a boat departure directly from Calvi – see if the tours are active this year

Day 5 – Excursion to the Agriates desert

If you prefer a relaxing day with little driving, we suggest you go to the southern beaches of the Agriates desert:

• The beach of Lozari with its small walks in the nature
• The magnificent beach of Ostriconi, one of the most beautiful in Corsica

And if not, after a small stop to see the beach of Ostriconi, you continue towards Saint-Florent. And from Saint-Florent you can take the boat to explore the magnificent Agriates desert with its maquis, its views on the mountains of Cap Corse and its dreamy beaches. To know more about the area. Saint-Florent is 1h30 from Calvi.

Or book a 4×4 tour directly from L’Île-Rousse – See the availability of this tour

Alternatives: nature activities

If you are in the mood for a little more excitement, you can go up into the mountains and enjoy the many outdoor activities.

Here are some options that require only 1 hour drive from Calvi:

• Canyoning in beautiful valleys, including the Fango valley – see programs and availability
• Via Ferrata to cling to the mountain walls with breathtaking views. There are different courses depending on your level (including juniors) – see programs and availability
• Rafting with 2 levels of intensity depending on your adrenaline search (family or X-tra) – see programs and availability

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica

Inspiration destinations

• Best things to do in Corsica
• Ajaccio or Bastia?
• North or South Corsica?
• Planning a road trip in Corsica
• Itineraries: 3 days – 4 or 5 days – 1 week – 10 days – 2 weeks

• The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
• The most beautiful villages of Corsica
• The most beautiful cities of Corsica
• The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
• The museums of Corsica
• Hidden gems in Corsica
• The most beautiful natural pools
• What to do in North Corsica
• Best things to do in South Corsica
• Canyoning in Corsica

• Where to sleep in Corsica
• The most beautiful hotels in Corsica
• Best luxury hotels in Corsica
• Best seaside hotels

• Which ferry to Corsica
• How to get to Corsica
• Renting a car in Corsica
• Driving in Corsica

Option 3 – 4 or 5 days in North Corsica (in Saint-Florent or Bastia)

• The charming center of Saint-Florent
• The Agriates desert with its dream beaches
• The city center of Bastia

For this tour, your best option is to land at Bastia airport.

• From the airport to Saint-Florent = 40 min drive
• From the airport to the center of Bastia = 25min drive

Where Corsica is the finest, at the base of the Cap Corse you have 2 excellent options: Bastia if you want a city atmosphere, with more culture and dining options. Or Saint-Florent, for a more beachy and relaxing atmosphere with sumptuous landscapes in the bay. We have a preference for Saint-Florent.

Saint-Florent

In Saint-Florent, you can be close to the beach while staying in Patrimonio allows you to enjoy a more tranquil experience in the vineyards.

• Hotel in downtown – good value for money The Flor Hotel is centrally located, but be aware that it does not have a large enough parking lot for all guests! see pictures and availability
• Hotel Tetolla Ideal to see the sunsets see pictures and availability
• Apartment by the sea The Cumaru apartment has a sea view see pictures and availability
• In the vineyards At the Lustincone Inn in Patrimonio we loved the charm of the rooms, the delicious breakfast and the fantastic views from the terrace and pool! see photos and availability
• Store, in the mountains The Case Latine hotel is located in the mountains above Saint-Florent, for peace, quiet and beautiful views. See photos and availability

• Good value for money Hotel Continental – 3 star hotel in the heart of the city See photos and availability
• Central Hôtel Des Gouverneurs, above the water see pictures and availability
• Hotel de la Corniche, less central but with beautiful views and calm see pictures and availability
• Mister Miot Concept Hotel – Bastia center, with a very pleasant atmosphere see pictures and availability
• Apartment by the sea The Cada del Mare offers splendid views of the sea see pictures and availability

If you do not plan to explore the Cap Corseyou can land in Bastia or Saint-Florent without a car. But for more freedom and to tour Cape Town, we recommend renting a car. Between Bastia and Saint-Florent, it is necessary to count 30min of road.

Day 1 – Saint-Florent and the Agriates desert

Today enjoy the bay of Saint-Florent to the west. Start by taking the boat to the Lotu beach and the Agriates desert. Either you enjoy the beach with the beautiful views of the mountains of Cap Corseor you can walk to discover the beach of Saleccia (1h walk in one direction). The place is magical and the views from the boat are superb. The Agriates desert is one of our favorite places in Corsica .

Once back in Saint-Florent, take a tour of the small citadel with its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views. Learn more about Saint-Florent. And if you still have some juice, discover the vineyards of Patrimonio only 10 minutes drive from Saint-Florent.

Day 2 – Bastia

After the nature, discover Bastia, the second biggest city of Corsica. One day is enough to explore the citadel, visit the Governor’s Palace with its many paintings and stroll through the old port.

Day 3 – Excursion to the Balagne

The Balagne is a region where it is good to walk. Île-Rousse is only 1h30 drive from Bastia and 1h drive from Saint-Florent. And once in Balagne, the 2 cities of Calvi and Ile-Rousse are only 30min away.

You can choose between:

• Île-Rousse and the islands of Pietra
• Calvi and its citadel
• The beach of Bodri and its ultra-fine white sand
• The charming villages of the Balagne

• Stop 1 – Calvi and its citadel
• Stop 2 – Pigna village
• Stop 3 – Bodri beach
• End of the day in L’Île-Rousse

Learn more in our article on the Balagne .

Day 4 (and 5) – the tour of the Cap Corse

The main excursion is of course the tour of the Cap Corsea wild region with only a few villages and impressive mountains plunging into the sea. Nonza and Erbalunga are worth a visit. And it is the only place to find black beaches in Corsica. However, the color is not due to volcanic ash (as in other countries) but to an old abandoned asbestos mine on the coast. It is a wild jewel not to be missed!

Allow 4 hours of driving (non-stop time) to do the complete tour. Quite easy to drive, but there are some narrow passages on the west coast where passing a bus is a challenge… We recommend driving counter-clockwise for the best views.

You can do the tour in 1 day, but to enjoy it more, we recommend you to do it in 2 days by spending a night in Macinaggio or Tomino. See the accommodations .

See our complete guide to plan your tour of Cap Corse .

Here are some options that require only 1h drive from Sant-Florent and only 50min from Bastia:

Option 4 – 4 or 5 day road trip in Western Corsica

At Ajaccio airport… Only 10min drive to reach the center of Ajaccio. And less than 5min drive to reach the beaches of Porticcio.

Here is a 5-day itinerary. If you only have 4 days, remove day 3, 4 or day 5.

Day 1 – Ajaccio to Piana

Driving time = 1h30 to 2h

Head north to the villages of Piana and Porto Ota. Along the road, you will discover several beaches and the town of Cargèse with its 2 churches facing each other.

Once in Piana, go for a boat ride to discover the natural reserve of Scandola and the famous calanques de Piana. You can also do some hiking. On this Unesco site, the cliffs of colored rocks fall into the sea in a very impressive way. It is a fascinating and quite unique geological place. Learn more in our article .

— See availability and make reservations .

Spend the night in Piana or Porto Ota

We suggest:

• The Capo Rosso hotel for its view and its swimming pool facing the sea. – see prices, pictures and availability
• The Capu Seninu Hotel Residence with its breathtaking views. – see prices, pictures and availability
• See the best rated accommodations around Piana

Day 2 – Piana to Calvi or Ile-Rousse

Piana to Calvi = 2h Piana to Ile-Rousse = 2h30

Continue north to discover the Balagne. During this day we advise you to:

• visit the citadel of Calvi
• visit one of the villages of Balagne like Pigna with its blue shutters
• walk with your feet in the ultra-fine sand of Bodri beach.
• finish the day in L’Île-Rousse with the change of color of the islands of Pietra when the sun sets.

Or make your own program with all our favorite places in Balagne .

Spend the night in Calvi or L’Île-Rousse. We suggest:

• the Rocabella hotel in the heart of L’Île-Rousse, with a soothing natural setting. – see prices, pictures and availability
• the Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and its beautiful views of Calvi – see pictures and availability
• see the best rated accommodations in Ile-Rousse

Day 3 – Île-Rousse to Saint-Florent

L’Île-Rousse to Saint-Florent = 1h Calvi to Saint-Florent = 1h30

Continue towards the North and the city of Saint-Florent. On the way stop at the beach of Ostriconi either for 5min to admire the view or for a little longer. Then continue towards Saint-Florent. From the port, take the boat to Lotu beach. Enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains of Cap Corse. From there go for a hike to the beach of Saleccia through the Agriates desert or enjoy the beach. To know more about the desert . On your return, explore the small citadel of Saint-Florent and eat an ice cream!

Choose your program with our guide on what to do in Saint-Florent .

Spend the night in Saint-Florent. We suggest:

• Hotel La Roya, almost feet in the water – see photos and availability
• the Auberge Lustincorne with its swimming pool, in the heart of the vineyards of Patrimonio – see photos and availability
• See the best rated accommodations around Saint-Florent

Day 4 – Saint-Florent to Corte

Saint-Florent to Corte = 1h20 Calvi to Corte = 1h20 (if you skip this day)

Head to the heart of Corsica and the city of Corte.

Spend the night in Corte. We suggest:

• The Dominique Colonna Hotel surrounded by nature with a decor in accordance – see prices, pictures and availability
• The hotel B&B A Chjusellina for those who seek peace and quiet. – see prices, pictures and availability
• See the best rated accommodations in Corte
• or finish the road to Ajaccio and spend the night in Ajaccio.

Day 5 – Corte to Ajaccio

Corte to Ajaccio = 1h30

Return to Ajaccio to take the time to discover the city.

Take time to explore the old town, walk around the fort, see the market and visit the churches. In terms of visits, we recommend

• The Palais Fesch with the fine arts museum inside. The collection of paintings is impressive with great Italian artists. One of the most beautiful in France – schedules and rates on the official website
• The National Museum of Bonaparte House – where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he spent part of his childhood – schedules and prices on the official website

Spend the night in Ajaccio. We suggest:

• Luxury Hotel Le Week End, by the sea See photos and availability
• Central Hotel Hotel San Carlu Citadelle Ajaccio with a great location See photos and availability
• Out of town Hotel Les Mouettes with its pool at the water’s edge See photos and availability

See the best accommodation offers

Plan your trip to Corsica

Discover all our articles to make your trip a success !

• All our practical advice for a trip to Corsica – read
• How to get to Corsica – coming soon
• Which ferry to take to Corsica – read
• Rent a car in Corsica – read
• Where to stay in Corsica – read
• Driving in Corsica – read
• 3 days in Corsica: where to go – read
• 4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go – read
• The most beautiful destinations in Cose – read

Frequently asked questions

4 or 5 days in corsica all included.

Several agencies offer short stays in Corsica all inclusive. If you want to stay in a city and relax at the beach, no problem. Enjoy! But, if you want to see many places, beaches, mountains, villages we advise you to plan by yourself according to your desires. The choice of your place of stay is essential!

Price for 4 or 5 days in Corsica

The price depends on many criteria:

• place of departure,
• month of departure,
• week vs. weekend,
• type of accommodation,
• how much you are,

Between 400 euros per person and 1500 euros per person…

What is the most beautiful part of Corsica

Frankly, Corsica is beautiful almost everywhere. Personally, our 3 favorites are:

• Bonifacio and surroundings
• Ile-Rousse and the Balagne
• Saint-Florent and surroundings

See all our favorite destinations .

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Road Trip In Corsica | Best ITINERARIES for 2, 3, 5 and 7 Days Vacations

Travel author

My name is Karen Bradshaw, I’m a travel writer and fiction author with a passion for literature. In my spare time, I’m a big foodie and enjoy trying different cuisines as well as spending time with my three children

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Planning a road trip in Corsica doesn’t need to be overwhelming or headache inducing.

Road trips are an exciting part of life, allowing you to explore and do new things.

The right itinerary for Corsican trip will ensure that you are set up to enjoy your vacation without stressing about how you will spend your days.

Table of Contents

Why Road trip in Corsica?

Corsica is the fourth-largest French island in the Mediterranean Sea.

It is known for its easy vibe that is perfect for both European weekend break as well as an ideal honeymoon destination.

There are many reasons you should visit Corsica.

Here are the top reasons Corsica should be on the top of your travel list:

• Corsica’s capital city, Ajaccio, is the birthplace of Napoleon. The Bonaparte House, which was Napoleon’s family home, is now a national museum.
• Corsican cuisine benefits from the influence of both France and Italy.
• Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and so the water is warm and great to enjoy in many different ways. Sailing, sea kayaking, surfing, diving, water skiing, and jet skiing are great ways to spend a day.
• Bonifacio is a city that is unique and beautiful. The city of Bonifacio is divided into two parts. Vielle Ville is where most people live and is located on the harbor side. Haute Ville is set within a clifftop citadel from the 9th century, with narrow streets and shady squares.
• There are many beach options on the island of Corsica, guaranteeing everyone can find one they love.
• The Regional National Park of Corsica covers Two-thirds of the Island of Corsica. Some footpaths will take you from coast to coast. Part of the park is made up of the Scandola Nature Reserve , which has been designated a World Heritage Site.
• Locally produced wines are a great choice to accompany authentic Corsica meals.
• The original capital of Corsica was the city of Bastia. While it is no longer the capital, it is an upbeat place with many Baroque-style churches. Bastia is often chosen as a starting point for a holiday in Corsica as it is ideal for those traveling by ferry.
• 8 Things To Do In Porto Corsica
• Best Places To Stay In Corsica

Getting to Corsica

There are two different ways to access the island of Corsica.

The first is by air, and the second is by ferry:

• Air – There are four airports on the island of Corsica. The two largest airports are Ajaccio, located at the islands southwestern coast, and Bastia, which is located on the northeastern coast. There are no direct flights from the US to Corsica, so many Americans choose to fly to Paris before catching a connecting flight to Corsica. Air France and Air Corsica offer flights from most major French cities year-round. During the summer months, budget airlines offer additional flights from numerous European cities.
• Ferry – If you would rather travel to the island by ferry, several lines offer year-round service from Marseille, Nice, and Toulon. There are also summer routes that are provided from several Italian ports.

Two-Day Itinerary

If you are going to be in Corsica for a weekend, it is ideal to stay close to your arrival city to make the most of your time.

There are different itinerary options based on which city you are going to arrive into.

Two days in Bastia

Day one: On your first day, plan to visit:

• St. Nicholas Square, the city’s main square
• Napoleon Street, and its oratories
• The market to buy local products
• The Church of St. John the Baptist, and its two bell towers
• The Old Port
• One of Bastia’s many beaches

Day two: On your second day, you should explore the city’s surroundings by taking a road trip in the Cap Course, North of Bastia.

Two days in Ajaccio

Day One : One your first day, plan to visit:

• The Imperial Chapel
• The National Museum of the Bonaparte House
• The Ajaccio Cathedral
• One of Ajaccio’s beaches
• At sunset, book a boat trip to the Sanguinaires islands

Day Two : On day two, book a boat trip to visit the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Two Days in Calvi

Day One : One your first day, plan to attend:

• The old town and its many shops
• The Citadel with beautiful views of the city
• The port, for lunch on the terrace
• Calvi beach which is a long white sand beach with fantastic turquoise waters.

Day Two: One day two, plan a road trip to discover the perched villages of Balagne.

Find out more

• Is Calvi Beach Corsica worth visiting?

Two Days in Porto Vecchio

Day One: One your first day, plan to visit the Citadel or upper city. While you are here, visit the Fortress of the Standard and discover the King of Aragon’s Staircase.

Day Two: On day two, visit the Lavezzi Islands to see heavenly coves and turquoise waters.

Three-Day Itinerary

A three-day trip to Corsica offers a little more flexibility in your itinerary then a two-day trip.

However, it is still recommended that you choose a city and visit its surroundings.

Three Days in Bastia

Day One: On your first day in Bastia, take time to explore the city.

Day Two: On your second day in Bastia, drive to Saint-Florent and take the shuttle to the Agriates Desert. The Agriates desert is home to two beaches, the Saleccia and Lotu.

Day Three : On the third day of your trip, take a road trip to Cap Course to explore the city’s surroundings.

Three Days in Ajaccio

Day One : On your first day in Ajaccio, take a morning walk around the city to explore the local culture. In the afternoon, take a twenty-five-minute drive to Parata Peninsula to see the islands’ most magnificent views.

Day Two : On your second day, take a boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve, the Calanques de Piana, and Girolata. While exploring their World Heritage Sites, you will discover magnificent natural landscapes.

Day Three : On your third day, admire the city and cliffs of Bonifacio from the sea. The boat cruise to Bonifacio also includes four hours to walk around the city and explore.

Three Days in Porto-Vecchio

Day One: Take day one to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Rondinara, Santa Giulia, or Palombaggia. While driving to these beaches, you will be able to explore some of the surrounding landscapes.

Day Two : On day two, drive to the Cavu valley. The Cavu valley will allow you to swim in natural swimming pools , walk through the forest, and climb in an adventure park.

Day Three: On your third day, take a boat trip from the Marina of Porto-Vecchio to the Lavezzi Islands.

Three Days in Calvi

Day One: One your first day in Calvi, spend the day discovering the city on foot. For the evening, book a cruise to the Relellata Peninsula for the most fantastic sunset view.

Day Two: One your second day, drive to the perched villages of Blanagne and then to the Forest of Bonifatu. This will give you a great day of hiking, followed by a refreshing swim in a river.

Day Three: On your third day, walk to the Revellata Peninsula. While on the peninsula, you can swim at Alga beach or in one of the many small coves. In the afternoon, hike up to the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra to see the most fantastic view over Calvi bay.

Five-Day Itinerary

When you decide to spend five days on the island of Corsica, you can see a lot more than the two and three-day trips.

When you plan a five-day trip, you will want to start in either Bastia or Ajaccio.

Five Days Starting in Bastia

Day one: On your first day, take time to stroll through the city of Bastia. Explore the Terra Vecchia and Terra Nova districts and discover the local treasures. End your first day at one of the nearby beaches.

Days two and three: Spend two days in Cap Course. On the first day in Cap Course hike, the East Coast on the customs officers’ path from Macinaggio to Barcaggio. On your second day, drive along the West Coast and discover the beautiful scenery. End your day with a night spent in Saint-Florent.

Day Four: From Saint-Florent, take a boat to the Agriatese Desert. While you are here, you can spend a relaxing day swimming and sunbathing on the beaches of Saleccia and Lotu.

Day Five: Spend your fifth day discovering Corte. Here you can find the Citadel, the Musee de la Corse, and the Cours Paoli.

Five Days starting in Ajaccio

If you choose to keep Ajaccio as your home base, you can use this itinerary.

Day One: Take your first day to walk around Ajaccio and explore the old town. Spend the afternoon discovering the Sanguinaires Islands.

Day Two: Spend your second day taking a boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Day Three: Spend the day relaxing at one of the many beaches near Portoccio. You can also enjoy a wide range of water activities such as kayaking.

Day Four: Take a mini cruise to Bonifacio and spend the day visiting the Citadel.

Day Five: On your last day, you can spend the day at the beach relaxing. If you are a thrill-seeker, give canyoning a try.

Seven Day Itinerary

A seven-day trip to Corsica is the best way to get the most out of your journey.

There are three different ways you can spend your seven days in Corsica.

The three options are to stay in the Northern Part of the island, the Southern part of the island, or see the whole island.

Northern Stay

For this one-week trip around Northern Corsica, it is best to arrive in Bastia.

Day one: Start your trip to Corsica with a hike in Cap Course. Drive from Bastia to Macinaggio. Walk the coastal path from Macinaggio to Barcaggio. Once you arrive in Barcaggio, you can take a shuttle boat back to Macinaggio, where you will spend the night.

Day two: Spend your second day driving down the west coast of Cap Corse to the city of Saint-Florent. Some of the stops to make on this drive include:

• The Mattei Mill Viewpoint
• The Port of Centuri
• The Village of Morsigilia
• The small town of Pino
• The Village of Nonza

Once you arrive in Saint-Florent, spend the afternoon and evening walking through the narrow streets and at Roya Beach. Spend the night in Saint-Florent.

Day three: On your third day, take the shuttle boat from the Port of Saint-Florent to the Agriates Desert. Spend most of your day here and then take the boat back to Saint-Florent, where you will drive to the city of Calvi. Spend the night in Calvi.

Day four: Spend the morning of your fourth day walking up to the Citadel of Calvi. After you see the Citadel, walk to Calvi’s lower town, and explore the local shops and restaurants. After lunch, drive thirty minutes from Calvi to enjoy a hike in the forest of Bonifatu. Spend a second night in Calvi.

Day five: On the morning of day five, drive two hours to the Village of Porto. Once you arrive, take a cruise through the Scandola Nature Preserve and the Calanques de Piana. Spend the night in Porto.

Day six: From Porto, you are going to drive to Corte. On the way to Corte, enjoy these things to do:

• A hike in the forest of Aitone
• A walk to discover Nino Lake
• A swim at the Radule Waterfalls

Once you arrive in Corte, spend the rest of the day exploring the city on foot and spend the night in Corte.

Day seven: Spend the morning driving back to Bastia from Corte. Once you arrive in Bastia, you can discover the local attractions before you depart for home.

Southern Stay

For this one-week trip around southern Corsica, it is highly advised to arrive in Ajaccio.

You can either rent a car and get across on the ferry or arrive by plane and rent a car on the island.

Day one: Spend the first half of your first day walking around Ajaccio’s city center and discover the points of interest. You can drive twenty-five minutes to the Parata Peninsula and discover the Sanguinaires Islands archipelago for the afternoon. Spend your first night in Ajaccio.

Day two: Take the coastal road and drive from Ajaccio to Bonifacio.

On this drive, take the following rest stops:

• Porticcio – Here are three beautiful beaches you can stop in and enjoy a swim before getting back on the road.
• Propriano – In Propriano, there are many seaside restaurants and bars, making it an excellent stop for a lunch break. After lunch, explore Campomoro Bay, where you can take a hike around the Cape.
• Village of Sartene – The Village of Sartene is a great place to walk along the paved alleys and check out the stone houses.
• Casa di Roccapina Viewpoint – Shortly before arriving in Bonifacio, the Casa di Roccapina Viewpoint allows you to admire a large rock shaped like a lion overlooking the beach of Roccapina.
• Finally, spend the night in Bonifacio.

Day three: Spend the third day exploring the city of Bonifacio. You can also follow the coastal path that will take you to Trois Pointes Beach, or Petit Sperone Beach. If you are willing to walk a little further, you can also discover Grand Sperone Beach. Spend the second night in Bonifacio.

Day four: On your fourth day in Corsica, take a boat to the Lavezzi Islands. While you are on the islands, you can walk around the entire island and explore the panoramic views. After your day on the Lavezzi Islands, you will enjoy a guided cruise with commentary on your way back to Bonifacio. Spend a final night in Bonifacio.

Day five: Start your fifth day with a short drive to Porto-Vecchio and spend the day on one of the beautiful beaches in the area. Finish your day with a walk in the narrow streets of Porto-Vecchio. Top it off with a meal in the old town or on the Marina. Spend the night in Porto-Vecchio.

Day six: Spend your sixth day exploring the Ospedale and the Bavella Pass. Leave Porto-Vecchio and drive towards Zonza. On the drive, you will experience amazing views and a lot of opportunities for hikes. You can hike to Corsica’s largest waterfall, the Piscia Di Gallu, a two-hour round-trip hike. You can also hike to the Trou de la Bombe, which is a two-and-a-half-hour hike. Spend the night in the Village of Zonza.

Day seven: Start your morning doing the Bellava Pass Hike, about ten minutes from Zonza. Once you are finished, start your drive back to Ajaccio, stopping wherever you want.

• Most Popular Restaurants in Bonifacio

Whole Island Visit

If you would prefer to spend your seven days exploring the entire island, this is the recommended route to take.

You can spend each day exploring the local attractions around each city and town.

Day one : Bastia, Erbalunga, Pietracorbara, and Macinaggio

Day two : Pino, Desert of Agriates, Saleccia beach, and Calvi

Day three : Porto, Scandola Reserve, Calanques de Piana, and Ajaccio

Day four : Sanguinaires Islands

Day five : Propriano, Roccapina Beach, Bonifacio, and Lavezzi Islands

Day six : Rondinara Bay, Palonbaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio, and Zonza

Day seven: Aiguilles de Bavella, Purcaraccia Hike, and Back to Bastia

• Corsica vs Sardinia Travel Guide

As you can see, there are many different ways you can explore the Island of Corsica on a road trip.

There is no right or wrong way to see the island.

The main consideration should always be how long you have to visit, and what kind of trip you want to take and select the itinerary that best suits your wants and desired activity levels.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your Road Trip in Corsica!

Recommended reading: 7 Best Hikes in Corsica: Hiking in Corsica – a planning guide

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Our itinerary for travelling around Corsica for 2 weeks

Corsica is a dream destination to discover all year round. Embark with Le Collectionist for a road trip in Corsica and explore the most beautiful paintings of the Isle of beauty. Between the sea and mountains, history and culture, follow us on our journey and discover how to  visit Corsica  in 2 weeks. 

ITINERARY IN CORSICA: HOW TO VISIT CORSICA IN 15 DAYS? 

There are those who love relaxation, who choose a destination and do so until the end. After a few visits, they choose to take full advantage of their villa and the surrounding beaches. And then there are the others, the backpackers, the curious, the enthusiasts, those who do not want to miss anything, see everything, visit everything ... For them, we have the ideal program: an itinerary to follow to spend an exciting vacation of discovery and memorable moments. Find out how to visit Corsica in 15 days and where to put your backpack during your road trip. 

Our favorites: the unmissable of Corsica

• Watch the sunset from the Sanguinare Islands
• Taste the local cuisine in the old town of Bonifacio
• Diving in the heart of the Lavezzi Islands
• Spend a luxury evening in Porto Vecchio
• Take a hike in the Aiguilles de Bavella
• Kayaking in the Scandola reserve
• Attend a concert in Calvi
• Explore the shops of Ile Rousse

Where to stay to follow our itinerary in Corsica?

Le Collectionist is constantly on the lookout for the most beautiful homes to welcome you during your stays. From North Corsica to the beaches of Porto-Vecchio in the south, between contemporary houses and renovated ancestral residences, discover all our luxury Corsica villa rentals . 

Visit Corsica by car: How to see the island

To explore the paintings of Corsica, we strongly advise you to turn to your tailor to rent a car. Having a car will allow you to travel freely between the points of interest. Follow our itinerary so that you don't miss a thing during your tour of Corsica by car. 

corsica ITINERARY: VISIT SOUTH CORSICA IN 1 WEEK

In southern Corsica, all eyes are on the sea. On the pine-lined beaches, the sand is fine, the water hot and crystal-clear. It is the refined and chic Corsica, luxurious but authentic. Discover our itinerary to visit southern Corsica and explore our catalog to find your luxury villa in southern Corsica. 

Day 1: Visit Ajaccio and Îles sanguinaires

For this first day, we take advantage of the morning to visit the pretty town of Ajaccio. We stroll in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte in Piazza de Gaulle or pass the doors of his childhood home, before browsing the large rooms of the Fesch art museum.

Later, we let the wind run through our hair from the top of the ramparts of the citadel from where we have a magnificent view of the sea. Then get back in your car, to go a few tens of minutes away, on a rocky path that leads to the Genoese tower of Parata. From there, you will witness a unique spectacle: the sunset over the Îles Sanguinaires. 

End the day with a gourmet dinner in Napoleon's hometown, before returning to your  luxury villa in Ajaccio .

Day 2: The old town of Sartène and the region 

The second day, we wake up with the sun and we walk along the sea, on the road that leads from Ajaccio to Sartène. We take this opportunity to taste the riches of the region's terroir during a visit to the vineyards.

In the afternoon, we stroll in this old town with carved stones nestled on the mountainside. The visit is not very long, which will allow you to spend a good part of the afternoon lying on the sand of the beautiful beach of Roccapina, under the watchful eye of its stone lion. 

Day 3: Bonifacio and the staircase of "Roy d'Aragon" 

Without a doubt, the favoruite of visitors to Corsica, Bonifacio is a spectacular city, perched on high white cliffs above the sea. Between its magnificent citadel, its breathtaking hiking trails and its exceptional gastronomic scene, it is one of our favorite destinations in southern Corsica. 

Along the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio,  shaped for millennia by the wind and the sea, hides a treasure dug by human hands. The staircase of Roy d'Aragon offers a spectacular view of the sea. Children can even obtain an award for the courage shown along the 187 steps that separate the city from the well of Saint Barthélémy.  

Day 4: A boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands 

Take an extra day in Bonifacio to discover the Lavezzi Islands. The expedition begins with a walk along the cliffs, then reaches the largest island of the archipelago. We discover amazing remains in the middle of a rich and colorful nature.

Afterwards, we put on fins and snorkel to meet the marine fauna. During lunch, we play with the children between amazing rocks whose shapes will amuse young and old. Relaxing on the beautiful beaches or exploring the countryside, this is a place not to be missed for visiting southern Corsica. 

Day 5: Porto-Vecchio and the beautiful beaches of Corsica

For this fifth day, we start to think about what we could bring back from our stay in southern Corsica. In Porto-Vecchio, there is no shortage of souvenir shops and trendy clothing. Between two shopping trips, we a enjoy a coffee on a terrace, before setting off for the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.

Choose your destination: between Palombaggia beach, its upscale restaurants, red rocks and turquoise water; the beautiful beach of Santa Giulia is a real playground for families with its nautical charm and shallow water; or Rondinara beach, with its unique shell shape and wild cows... the choice is yours. 

To discover our favorite beaches in Corsica, browse our Snapshots of photos of Corsica beaches . Also explore our  luxury villas in Porto Vecchio  and find your perfect haunt. 

Day 6: Bavella Peaks and Alta Rocca 

It is time to discover an abundant and "sharp" nature. In the Alta Rocca, walking and hiking take precedence. Venture down the Bavella  Peaks for invigorating days of walking and exciting discoveries or veture to the aterfalls of the canyons of Purcaraccia and Poliscellu , its natural pools and exceptional flora, and you will not be disappointed with the trip. 

Day 7: Porto and the Calanques de Piana 

For your last day in the south of Corsica, take the direction of the Gulf of Porto. From the rich Scandola Nature Reserve to the mythical Calanques de Piana, there's an abundance to see here. The Gulf of Porto and its treasures leaves no one not stunned. 

As a nature reserve, the coasts are rich in magical scenery, and a boat trip is perfect for exploring the Calanques de Piana. 

CORSICA ITINERARY: VISIT NORTH CORSICA IN 1 WEEK

Day 1: Corte

We are now leaving the south to explore the most picturesque part of the Isle of Beauty, North Corsica. When you think of Corsica, you immediately think of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. But here, the lakes also abound. First stop: the Lac de l'Oriente, for a hike among the wild flowers.

Then visit the town of Corte, a former perched capital; the historic heart of Corsica is bathed in an authentic, striking atmosphere, marked by the strong character of its inhabitants. Finally, head to Château de Vincentello, whose walls offer a breathtaking view of the region, the mountains and the city. 

Day 2: Calvi and Vallée du Fango

On the one side, there are the proud mountains; on the other, verdant forests and winding rivers. We walk the hiking trails of the wild Delta du Fango. Along the way, you might come across the golden eagle, which has taken up residence in this superb Mediterranean vegetation. Then cross the Genoese bridge over the Ota, go deep into nature for endless walks in the great outdoors. You can also rent a kayak to go down the waterways. 

Not far from there, nestled on a rocky promontory, the fabulous Genoese citadel of Calvi is seated above the world in 360°. In the alleys of the old town, we stop to taste the gastronomy and see the local crafts. Set a bit away from the city center, we stroll along the Marina and the beautiful beach which hugs the bay. Then, we take the Route des Pèlerins, towards Notre Dame de la Serra for another panorama that the residents will tell you is the most beautiful in all of Corsica, . 

Day 3: Île rousse

For this fourth day, we have breakfast on the terrace at Île Rousse on Place Paoli, observing the pétanque players well in the shade under the hundred-year-old plane trees. In the streets, we admire the Florentine architecture, then we go to the seafront or the market. In the afternoon, we set off to explore the gardens of Corsica, as the hinterland of Ile Rousse is rich in breathtaking landscapes. Lovers of idleness will prefer to head to the magnificent beaches of Ostriconi or Losari. 

After your adventures, rediscover the freshness of a  luxury villa on Île Rousse and let a private chef take care of your meal, to be enjoyed facing the sea.

Day 4: Desert des Agriates

With its 35km of beaches and abundant and lovely flora, it is impossible to miss Desert des Agriates. Formerly an agricultural region, this lush expanse now a true paradise for nature lovers. We spend part of the morning on the incredible beach of Saleccia or on neighboring Lotu. We then take the car back to survey the tracks crossing the picturesque countryside. This desert can also be admired from the water, to see the most beautiful coves in the region.  

Day 5 and 6: Saint Florent and Cap Corse

As a must-see of the island of beauty, Cap Corse has endless things to offer you. It is the best example of the duality of the Isle of Beauty, between the beach and mountains. This region is home to the most authentic and picturesque landscapes of Corsica. The peninsula is dotted with strings of villages, Genoese towers, pretty beaches and abundant nature. One day wouldn't be enough, so take two to discover it in its entirety.

Before leaving for Cap Corse, we wander around the port city of Saint Florent. With its citadel crowning the bay, Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, and its beautiful houses, this is another of our favorites North Corsica. We tour the shops and stop for lunch on the terrace of a restaurant and we also take the opportunity to stop at the AOC Patrimonio vineyards, the most famous in Corsica.

Day 7: Bastia

For this last day, we spend a morning in the old port of Bastia. Sitting on the terrace of a café, you can enjoy the rays of the sun and salt that fills the air. We stroll through the heart of the Romieu gardens to reach the gates of its beautiful citadel. You will then arrive at the Place du Donjon, where the Musée d'Histoire and the Palais des Gouverneurs are located. Then, stroll through the colourful labyrinthine alleys of this city in the city that are buzzing with life. 

At noon, let yourself be tempted by the local gastronomy. With fish, cheese, pastries and wine, nothing is left out for our last day in Corsica. In the afternoon, we stock up on souvenirs in the beautiful Rue Napoléon before heading to the most famous square in Bastia, Place Saint-Nicolas. 

With  Le Collectionist , finding your perfect luxury villa rental in Corsica  has never been easier.

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Ruggedness and softness are two ends of the spectrum of the natural beauty on show in Corsica's south. Why not traverse this spectrum from the comfort of a luxury villa?

• ↠ Costa Rica
• ↠ Dominican Republic
• ↠ Western USA
• ↠ Abu Dhabi
• ↠ Philippines
• ↠ Sri Lanka
• ↠ Czech Republic
• ↠ French Islands
• ↠ Switzerland

Itinerary in North Corsica: Road Trip

Article mis à jour le 5 Jan 2024

Road trip in Corsica : Itinerary in North Corsica

I am delighted to share with you my  1 week itinerary in North Corsica . One thing’s for sure, you’re going to catch your eyes! During this trip, I was able to discover an authentic and wild island, with very varied landscapes.

To find our itinerary for a road trip in South Corsica, go here

My Itinerary in North Corsica: Road Trip in Haute-Corse

A week of travel in North Corsica is not enough as there is so much to see! But we will discover together some must-do things to do in Haute-Corse. If you are planning a week-long trip to Corsica , focus on either the North or the South. Try not to scatter too much, at the risk of spending 3/4 of your time riding!

Practical information for your road trip in Northern Corsica

How to go to corsica.

Since Corsica is an island, there are two options to get there:

✈️ The plane: the fastest means of transport. There are three main airports in Corsica: Bastia, Ajaccio and Figari. To visit Northern Corsica, I advise you to land in Bastia. Get 10€ discount on your flights on Skyscanner by clicking here. 

? The ferry: Corsica Ferries are offered from Nice and Toulon. By booking in advance, it is possible that you will find cheap tickets. Depending on the fare, the ferry may be more economical than the plane as it does not require to rent a car in Corsica if you cross with your own vehicle. Info and booking.

Rent a boat: touring the Isle of Beauty in a van can be great too 😁. Find out more right here .

How do I rent a car for your trip to Northern Corsica? 

I went through the BSP Auto  comparator to book my car for this route in North Corsica . It allows you to find the best offer according to your dates of stay. It is useless to rent a car too big, because the roads can be narrow in this area.

⚠️ Following the deconfinement and the resumption of trips, the prices of car rentals soar quickly in high season! I urge you to make your reservation as soon as possible to pay less and especially not to find yourself without a rental car, facing the demand may be higher than the supply.

COVID: What are the conditions to come to Corsica?

As of 9 June 2021, the health pass is mandatory to travel to Corsica. What does this mean? All persons 11 years of age and older must carry:

Either a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or an antigenic test of less than 48 hours (it is the date of collection that counts)

Either a complete vaccine justification (14 days after the 2nd injection or 28 days after the injection for Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines)

You must also submit this completed and signed Statement of Honour .

To return home, you do not need to submit a PCR test or attestation.

Budget for a week-long road trip in Northern Corsica?

On average, prices are higher on the continent. Here are the details of my expenses for my trip to Haute Corse:

• Flights Lyon – Bastia: 65€ per person
• Car rental: 250€ for the week (Peugeot 2008)
• Fuel costs: 50€ for a little more than 400 km covered
• Hotels: 100€ per night on average for a comfortable hotel (high season)
• Restaurants: 45€ per day per person for 2 meals (1 lunch snack and 1 restaurant in the evening)

Total for a trip of 7 nights = €1,760, or €880 per person, excluding activities.

This budget may vary depending on the price of car/plane rentals and the standing of the accommodation you choose.

When to go to Northern Corsica? 

As always, if possible, avoid the summer school holidays to pay for your trip less and to have less people. The months of May/June and September/October are the best time to travel to Corsica !

Itinerary in North Corsica: my road trip of a week

• Days 1 and 2: Cap Corse

Days 3 to 5: Calvi and Île-Rousse

• Days 6 and 7: Corte

Days 1 and 2: Cap Corse 

Sometimes unfairly neglected by visitors, Cap Corse is nevertheless a must for a trip to Haute-Corse . I would have liked to have stayed longer.

Where to stay to visit Cap Corse? 

I had the chance to stay at the Relais du Cap, the guest house run by Gaëlle and Rob. It is located on a beach and therefore benefits from an incredible setting, for a price more than correct! I had a real crush on this place, the atmosphere is special and the warm welcome ++++ Perfect to start your itinerary in Northern Corsica! To book, contact Gaëlle on Instagram or via their website.

As the Relais du Cap is a small and popular establishment, it may be full. I advise you to book at the U Sant’Agnellu hotel or the Hotel Osteria a Stalla Sischese   which both offer a great value for money with sea view!

How to visit Cap Corse? 

I recommend driving around Cap Corse . It will take you about 3 hours, without the breaks, for the itinerary I prepared for you (to be found here on Google Maps ).

We left the Relais du Cap because we were staying there, but you can make this route from any point, and in any direction, at your convenience. Do not hesitate to stop by the roadside as soon as the landscape pleases you! The Cap Corse is visited like this, according to your desires.

You can also decide to take a 4X4 excursion to discover the beauty of this island. You will be guided all along your escapade of what to put you full in the eyes.

What to do in Cap Corse? Must-sees

Here are the stops I recommend for a day at Cap Corse :s

• The village of Nonza: It is full of charm! Here you will find cute little terraces, a black sand beach and the famous Nonza tower. Up there, you will come across the restaurant La Sassa which has an incredible setting and view. Book in advance if you want to eat there, or stop for a drink.
• Centuri: fishing port and beautiful village
• The small village of Cannelle
• The beaches of Cap Corse: Tamarone beach, Barcaggio beach, Anse d’Aliso, Macinaggio beach…
• Excursion to Cap Corse and Saleccia

There are many other things to see and do in Cap Corse , but the timing being quite tight, I didn’t want to spend the day by car and preferred to enjoy each of the spots. It makes me a good excuse to come back one day.

Good addresses in Cap Corse

If you are looking for a bit of entertainment, you will find many restaurants in the small town of Saint-Florent. To eat on the beach, I recommend BO’S Beach: delicious with a great setting!

Located on the coast of Haute-Corse, the pretty towns of Calvi and Île-Rousse are a must-see during your road trip. You can stay in one of the two if you don’t want to move around too much, or stay in both. Both cities are within a 30-minute drive of each other.

Where to stay in Calvi?

I stayed at the Hotel Méditerranée, located in the center with an excellent value for money! The room had a small balcony with sea view and there is a swimming pool in the hotel with a great view of the citadel. Booking here 

Where to stay in Île-Rousse?

I was lucky enough to stay at the Minera Hotel . The establishment is magnificent, with a restaurant that enjoys a clear view of the Île-Rousse and the sea. They serve excellent food, especially with the homemade breakfast with plenty of choice.Everything was perfect: the garden and its swimming pool, the decoration chosen with taste…

What to do in Calvi?

The city center of Calvi is full of charm! Although Île-Rousse also has its assets, I preferred the atmosphere of Calvi. That said, the atmosphere of Île-Rousse is quieter and more family-friendly.

I highly recommend you to walk in the center of Calvi and climb up to the Citadel (at sunset, it’s great!). You will have a magical view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding peaks… In the evening, go to the restaurant A Piazzetta to eat and on the port to have a drink!

? Revellata Lighthouse

La Revellata is home to wild coves, hiking trails and a pretty lighthouse. You can visit it on foot, the walk to the lighthouse will take you 3h round trip/return.

You can also book this cruise  at sunset to admire the landscapes of Revellata and Calvi from the sea I made it and I really had a good time with small happy hour, stop swimming with mask and snorkel and a little music! Great value for money.

? The Desert of Agriates

Are you ready to discover the most beautiful beaches of the North of Corsica (according to a study in which the only participant is myself )? I named the beaches of Lodu and Saleccia! They are located in the Desert of Agriates. To get there, you have 3 choices:

• By boat, but you’ll see that the coastal landscapes and it’s a shame
• On foot, for the most daring
• In 4×4 , the road is chaotic so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is mandatory to face it.

I booked a great excursion via Manawa and I recommend it 100%. The guide explained the history of the Agriates desert and the flora and fauna that can be found there. It was interesting! Last thing: the road shocks made us laugh. Click here to book the Fascinating Agriate tour  

Here, in order, the beach of Lodu and that of Salecica

Here is the itinerary of the excursion to the Desert of Agriates:  

• Rendez vous at 9 am at Île-Rousse and drive to the Agriates desert
• Arrival at the beach of Lodu (my favorite)
• You can choose between a one-hour hike on the Les Douaniers trail to Saleccia beach, where the guide can take you by 4×4 if you don’t want to walk
• Swimming at the beach in Saleccia
• Back to Île-Rousse.

For lunch, either you plan a picnic, or you will eat like me at the Lodu hut. The setting is beautiful, the view is crazy and the food is excellent! Booking strongly advised.

Nice meeting on the road  ?

Beaches around Calvi and Ile Rousse

Beautiful beaches are located on the north coast of Corsica. Here are my favorites:

• Bodri and Ghjunchitu beach: parking costs 2.5€ for the day, there are two (one for each beach). That said, they are 1 km from each other so you can leave your car in a parking lot and reach the two beaches on foot, if you want to pay for the parking once.
• Aregno Beach
• Rock Beach: for snorkelling and its special rocks
• Ostriconi Beach
• Beach of the Acciolu.

Swimming at the Fangu River

Looking for a cool break? Head to the Fangu Valley to swim in the river. The water is clear, the Ponte Vecchiu (small stone bridge) is sublime and the view of the summits behind… breathtaking. And the little extra: no need to walk to access the river.

Access: See on Google Maps. Parking is free.

Other must-sees around Calvi and Île-Rousse

If you have time, here are some more places to see:

• The chapel of Notre Dame de La Serra for a superb view of Calvi
• The abandoned village of icci
• The village of Sant’Antonino.

Days 6 to 7: Corte, journey to Upper Corsica 

In hindsight, I would like to tell you that a road trip in the North of Corsica deserves more time: two or even three weeks. But sometimes you don’t have a choice and you have to compromise! In short, let’s head to Corte, in the heart of the mountains, through winding roads…

Where to stay in Corte?

I stayed in this duplex apartment so I could make some food quietly. It is well equipped and there is parking. Good value for money: Residence e Scaravaglie.  

If you prefer to stay in a hotel of good standing, I recommend the beautiful establishment Dominique Colonna or t he guest room Maison San Giovanni.  

What to do in Corte? 

The island of Beauty does not only shine through its heavenly beaches, it also offers its visitors and its inhabitants breathtaking mountain landscapes. Corte is a city to visit, especially for its surroundings.

The lakes of Melo and Capitello

To do rather in the morning, the hike that leads to Lake Melo and Capitello is magnificent! Just the road to get there is crazy about beauty. That said, be careful when driving on this road, it’s tight. That’s why I don’t necessarily advocate renting a large vehicle.

I advise you to be there under the blows of 8:30/9 o’clock so as not to get too hot during the walk. In addition, we are here in the mountains so sometimes the sky covers in the afternoon. The climb to Lake Melo will take you about 1h30. This does not present any major difficulty, there is just a steep slope and 2 small ladders towards the end.

The start of the hike is from this parking  lot. The entrance fee is 6€ per day per vehicle.

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par CORSE ÎLE DE BEAUTÉ (@corse_ile_de_beaute)

? The natural swimming pools of Restonica

Imagine, alone in the world, refreshing yourself in the clear waters of the Restonica gorge … It’s a dream come true, isn’t it? Well, the water is cold but it doesn’t matter, it will still look like heaven.

To find your private natural pool, you just have to walk along the D623 that starts from Corte until the end of the valley road. I stopped right here , but if there are people you can just go ahead or turn around and find your own pool!

Little advice: don’t go too early in the morning, or too late in the afternoon because it’s better if the sun is straight. Not only for not being in the shade and being cold, but also for the photogenic side.

Via Ferrata in the heart of the Asco valley

We end this itinerary in Haute Corse with my favorite activity of the trip: the Via Ferrata. As you know, I am not a great athlete but I loved it! I did the «Evasion» route which is fun and sensational at the same time, with its 7 zip lines. Well, pass your way if you really have vertigo and prefer this activity canyoning … but otherwise, go for it!

The landscapes are magnificent, between mountain and river. Safety is perfectly ensured with good equipment and a briefing at the beginning of the course.  Do not hesitate to make a small splash in the river after the effort !

Info & reservation

You can also opt for a 4×4 ride through the valley!

This is the end of my week-long itinerary in Northern Corsica ! I hope you enjoyed it and that you found the necessary information to organize your trip to Haute Corse.

To go further, discover a week-long itinerary in the north of Sardinia !

Further Reading...

What to do in Brighton: the must-sees

Travelling to Finland in summer: a week-long road trip

Visit Gran Canaria

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10 Days in Corsica: The Ultimate Itinerary (First Time Visit)

The best itinerary for 10 days in corsica.

You’re planning to spend 10 days in Corsica and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 9-10-11 days itinerary in Corsica that will allow you to discover the best places to visit of the island.

During your trip, you will visit amazing places such as Ajaccio , Bonifacio , the Lavezzi islands , Porto-Vecchio , as well as Scandola Nature Reserve and the Calanques de Piana .

A quick note before starting: This itinerary is about a trip Southern and central Corsica. If you prefer to visit Northern Corsica, you should rather read my other article: “ how to visit Northern Corsica in 7 days? “.

It can easily be adapted for a 10 days trip (don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the bottom of the article if you need some help to plan your stay!).

And if you prefer to spend 10 days in Corsica staying in just 1 place , you can click there .

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 10 days in Corsica?

Let’s find out!

Where to stay in Ajaccio

Best hotels in bonifacio’s city centre:, best hotels in bonifacio’s surroundings:, where to stay in porto-vecchio, best hotels in solenzara, where to stay in corte, where to stay in porto, corsica, 7) scandola / calanques de piana (1 day), 8) ajaccio (1 day), 10 days in corsica staying in the same city, corsica tours: 10 days, flights and ferries prices to corsica, renting a boat in corsica, you’re traveling to corsica these articles will help you , 1) ajaccio (1 day).

If you want to visit Southern Corsica in 9 or 10 days, the best is to arrive in Ajaccio.

As Ajaccio is the largest city in the South of the island, it’s easily accessible by plane or boat . It’s thus the perfect starting point for your 10-days trip to Corsica!

If you don’t come to Corsica with your own car, you’ll also need to rent a car to visit Corsica in 9-10 days.

Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars website to rent cars abroad, whether I’m in Sardinia , Greece or even Thailand !

This very convenient website allows you to compare prices between all the rental companies in Ajaccio. So simply choose the cheapest, or the one with the best customers reviews.

If you don’t have an insurance included with your credit card, you can also opt for the “Full Protection Insurance” , to be fully refunded in case of accident or theft . (Tested and approved, they have already refunded me more than 1300 euros to date! 😁)

As cancellation and modification are completely free of charge on Booking.com Cars , you should book your car as soon as possible to get the best price!

Click the button below to compare prices between the rental companies:

On the first day of your 10-days stay in Corsica, you should visit Ajaccio’s city centre on foot. Here is the best itinerary to explore the city:

• Visit the Fesch Museum and its collection of Italian artworks.
• Discover the imperial chapel, right next to the museum. There, you’ll see the tombs of Napoleon Bonaparte’s parents.
• Have a taste of Corsica’s typical products at Ajaccio Market taking place every morning on Foch square . From there, you can also take Ajaccio’s small tourist train to visit the city without having to walk!
• Visit the National Museum of the Bonaparte Residence , Napoleon’s birth house. There is even some of the original furniture left.
• Pass by Ajaccio Cathedral to admire its bright colored facade.
• Walk to the General de Gaulle Square.
• Continue your stroll along the Cours Grandval and the foreigner’s district, to finally reach Place d’Austerlitz and Bonaparte’s Cave.

Now that you’ve visited the old town, it’s time to discover one of Ajaccio’s main points of interest: the Sanguinaires Islands.

You can do a boat trip from the port of Ajaccio (located near Foch Square), including a stop on the largest island . There, you can walk to the lighthouse or enjoy a refreshing swim in turquoise waters!

As this cruise is among Ajaccio’s must-see attractions, you should really book it in advance.

Click the button below to book your boat trip to the Sanguinaires Islands:

And if you’re on a romantic gateway in Corsica, how about doing a cruise at sunset to admire the Sanguinaires islands?

This excursion includes wine tasting and a typical buffet with delicatessen and cheese from Corsica. You’ll also discover the island’s renowned polyphonic songs and guitar. It’s a great way to discover the local atmosphere! 

Spend the night in Ajaccio.

You can find more information about the city in my article: The definitive guide to visit Ajaccio.

If you don’t want to do a boat trip, you can drive for 25 minutes to reach the Parata peninsula .

Park your car at the site’s entrance, and walk for a few minutes to reach the viewpoint. There, you’ll admire a magnificent panoramic view over the Sanguinaires islands! 

• Hotel Spunta Di Mare: Located only 150 meters away from the beach and 2 km from Foch square. This hotel offers colorful double rooms, some with a balcony overlooking the sea. The prices starts at 99€ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor swimming pool, the view of Ajaccio from the terrace, the proximity to the airport.
• Best Western Plus Ajaccio Admiralty: Located 350 meters from the beach and 1 km from the port. You will love the modern and comfortable double rooms, starting  from 140€ per night, with an extra 12€ for breakfast. What I loved: the swimming pool, the friendly and helpful staff, the generous breakfast.
• Sofitel Gulf of Ajaccio Thalassa Sea & Spa: This 5-star hotel is located in front of Ajaccio Bay and Sanguinaires islands. The warm and comfortable double room with a beautiful sea view are starting from 170€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 29€. Strong points: the heated outdoor swimming pool, the breathtaking sea view, the Spa. A great choice in Ajaccio for its exceptional location!
• Cala di Sole: Located on the seaside between Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires islands. This hotel offers spacious and very well equipped double room with sea view. The prices starts at 200€, with an extra 17€ for breakfast. What I loved: the private beach, the swimming pool, the free parking, and the splendid view over the Sanguinaires islands. A great choice for a romantic stay in Ajaccio!
• Hotel Le Week end: Also located between Ajaccio and La Parata, only 50 meters from the beach of Terre Sacrée. You will discover spacious suites with a private terrace and sea view starting from 390€. Breakfast will cost you 22€. What I loved: the beautiful location, the excellent breakfast, the setting, the calm. The best choice for a luxury stay in Ajaccio!

2) Bonifacio (3 days)

For the second day of your 10-days road trip in Corsica , you will go to Bonifacio , at the extreme South of the island.

The journey from Ajaccio to Bonifacio takes about 2h30 by car through the island’s interior, but you should rather opt for the magnificent coastal road to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Southern Corsica!

From Ajaccio, drive South towards the small seaside city of Porticcio, then continue your route to discover 3 beautiful beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip in the morning:

• Agosta beach: a long sandy beach with rather deep waters.
• Ruppione beach: a very pretty and wild sandy beach with rocks at the water’s edge.
• Mare e sole beach: also nicknamed the “Silver Beach”, this large white sand beach is among the most beautiful near Ajaccio!

After your swim, get back in your car to reach the renowned seaside resort of Propriano. There, you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants.

There are 2 nice places to visit South of Propriano:

• Portigliolo beach, 9 km from Propriano. This large and wild beach is located at the mouth of a river.
• Campomoro bay: there, follow the trail all around the Cape to discover beautiful views. Kayak Tours are also organized. A great activity to enjoy with your family!

In the afternoon, continue your route South to discover the village of Sartene. There, you’ll enjoy an authentic atmosphere, even if the place is very touristy!

Take a stroll along the village’s narrow paved alleys to admire the village’s typical stone houses. You can also rent an audio guide for 5€ at the tourist office if you want to learn more about the village’s history and main buildings.

In the village, there are also many souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. The Church square is the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

From Sartene, it takes about 1 hour to reach Bonifacio.

30 minutes after Sartene, you can make a short stop at the Casa di Roccapina viewpoint, to admire a huge rock, shaped like a lying lion, overlooking the beautiful Roccapina beach. 

Then, right before arriving in Bonifacio, how about ending your day at the beach? You can choose between:

• San Giovianni beach: this pretty beach is located in the Gulf of Figari. There, you’ll discover 2 coves and the Genoese Tower of Caldarello.
• Paragan beach, ideal for a swim with its shallow and calm waters!
• Fazzio beach , located at the end of a small fjord, a 15-minute walk from Paragan beach.
• Tunara beach, a beautiful but quite crowded sandy beach, easily accessible by car.
• Stagnolu beach, located a 5-minute walk from Tunara beach, wilder and quieter than its neighbor!

Spend your 1st night in Bonifacio.

The next day, you’ll continue your 10-days itinerary in Corsica with a visit of Bonifacio and its surroundings.

Bonifacio is clearly one of Corsica’s most famous places.

You can’t do a 10-day road trip in Southern Corsica without visiting Bonifacio: its houses, built on the edge of the white limestone cliffs at more than 70 metres high and overlooking the sea are one of the island’s most iconic landmarks!

Let’s start your visit of Bonifacio’s upper town and Citadel. You can easily visit the whole city on foot.

Walk through the Genoa Gate to enter the Citadel. It has been the city’s only entrance for centuries. On your right, you’ll find the tourist office.

There, you can get a map of the city , but also buy the “Pass Monument” . For only 3.50€ per person, you’ll have access to the Fortress of the Standard and the King of Aragon’s staircase.

As these 2 places are among Bonifacio’s best points of interest , it would be a shame not to visit them!

Right after the gate, you can enter the Fortress of the Standard. During your visit, you’ll discover large underground halls, hosting an exhibition dedicated to the fortified city’s History and many sieges.

At the exit of the Fortress, walk along the city walls to enjoy splendid views of the sea and the port.

Then, turn left to discover the market square and its beautiful view of the cliffs. Continue your stroll to reach the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Bonifacio’s oldest monument.

You can also visit 3 other churches in Bonifacio’s old town: the Church of Saint John the Baptist, the Holy Cross Church  and the  Church of Saint-Dominique.

Then, you’ll arrive at the King of Aragon’s Staircase.

As I told you earlier, this staircase is one of Bonifacio’s must-see attractions . According to a local legend, it was dug in a single night by the King of Aragon’s soldiers who attempted to invade the city.

In fact, this natural fault has existed for centuries, and a staircase was carved into the cliffs to reach a source of fresh water located below.

It’s really impressive to go down the staircase’s 187 steep steps, perched at more than 60 metres above the sea, but the hardest part of your day will be the climb back to the Citadel!

After a short break to catch your breath, you should head to the marine cemetery . The contrast between the white tombs and the blue sea in the background in just incredible! Right next to the cemetery, you can enter the Gouvernail (the Rudder).

This bunker was used during World War 2 to monitor the entrance of Bonifacio’s port. You can visit it for 2.50€ , as it’s not included in the “Pass Monument”.

Now that you’ve discovered most of Bonifacio’s upper town, let’s go outside the city to take the best pictures of Bonifacio and its cliffs. Walk back to the Genoa Gate, and take the stairs to reach the Saint-Roch pass, in front of the gate.

From there, you can take the Campu Rumanilu trail to admire the most beautiful view of Bonifacio’s upper city! 

From Bonifacio, you’ll walk along the cliffs for about 1 hour. Then, if you’re motivated, you can take the other trail going to the Cap de Pertusatu. Count another hour to get there.

At the end of the Cape, you’ll discover Saint-Antoine beach, mostly renowned for its large rock shaped as a stranded ship.

If you don’t feel like walking that much, you can also go to the Cap de Pertusatu by car. Park at the semaphore, and walk for 20 minutes to reach the beach!

You can end your day at Saint-Antoine beach, or get back in your car to discover Petit Sperone beach.

This magnificent beach is ranked among Corsica’s 10 best beaches , and is the perfect place to swim during your 9-10 days trip to Corsica!

To get there, you will need to park your car at Piantarella beach (where you can enjoy many nautical activities, including Stand Up paddle – click here ) and then walk for 10 minutes to reach Petit Sperone Beach.

You’ll love this magnificent beach with fine sand and turquoise waters. You can also walk for 10 more minutes to reach Grand Sperone beach, bigger and windier, but just as pretty as its neighbor.

Spend a second night in Bonifacio.

You want more details about the best places to visit in Bonifacio? Have a look at my article: The definitive guide to visit Bonifacio.

For your last day in Bonifacio, you should really go to one of the best points of interest in the city’s surroundings: the Lavezzi Islands.

From the port of Bonifacio, take the shuttle boat to get there in less than 30 minutes. There are departures every hour during high season.

The boat takes you to Lavezzu, the archipelago’s largest island. There, you’ll spend a relaxing day at the beach.

You can also walk all around the island to find the best place to swim. It normally takes about 1 hour , but you should count at least 2 hours, as you’ll stop many time to take pictures or just to admire the panorama!

One of Lavezzu’s best beach is Chiesa Beach, with its big rocks at the water’s edge,  creating a natural swimmi ng pool and preventing the boats from anchoring too close (contrary to most of the other island’s beaches).

As there are no bars, restaurants or toilets on the island, remember to bring everything you need for the day, including a picnic and bottles of water. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat, as there are no shady places on Lavezzu!

During the return trip to Bonifacio, you’ll enjoy a commented cruise.

You’ll sail along Cavallo island, renowned for its amazing celebrities houses. You’ll also get close to Sperone Beach, and you’ll contemplate Bonifacio’s cliffs and the King of Aragon’s staircase from the sea. 

You’ll find more details about the Lavezzi Islands in my article: How to visit the Lavezzi Islands?

Spend a 3rd night in Bonifacio.

Get back to the dock at least 20 minutes before departure when taking the boat back to Bonifacio. If you’re late, you’ll need to wait for the next boat.

During the return trip, try to be on the right side of the boat to get the best views over the coast!

The SPBM , (the boat company operating the shuttle to the Lavezzi Islands) offers 2 free car parks for its clients. It’s the most convenient place to park your car when visiting the islands.

And if you prefer to enjoy a VIP experience, there are 2 other options that will allow you to discover Bonifacio’s surroundings by boat, away from the other tourists:

1) Book a private boat trip from Bonifacio

In my opinion, this is the best way to make the most of your day at the Lavezzi islands!

You will rent a boat with an experienced skipper that will take care of showing you the most beautiful places around Bonifacio, including the Lavezzi’s of course.

Motorboat, sailboat, catamaran or even yacht: choose the boat you want to spend a dream day!

As you can imagine, this type of VIP day at sea is extremely popular, so you should rent your boat with skipper as soon as possible. It would be a shame to miss this day because all boats are already rented!

You can find all boats with skipper in Bonifacio by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover Bonifacio’s surroundings

If you have a boat license, your second option for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

To do so, it’s very simple: you just have to click on the button below:

Where to stay in Bonifacio

If you want to spend a few nights in Bonifacio, you can choose an accommodation in the heart of the city, near the port or the Citadel. From there, you will have an easy access to all the city’s must-see attractions!

You can also opt for a stay a bit further from the city, if you’re looking for quieter holidays.

To help you choose the perfect accommodation, here is my selection of the best hotels in Bonifacio , depending on where you want to stay and your budget.

• Best Western Hotel du Roy d’Aragon: Located in the old port of Bonifacio. The comfortable and modern double rooms are starting from 80€ per night, with an extra 14.50€ for breakfast. Strong Points: the location at the foothill of the citadel, the copious breakfast, the free parking. A great choice in Bonifacio for its exceptional value for money!
• Solemare: Located 100 meters from the port and 800 meters from King of Aragon’s staircase. This hotel offers modern double rooms with an original decoration and a view of the port. The prices starts at 110€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 15€. What I loved: the heated outdoor swimming pool, the beautiful view, the private parking. It is one of the few hotels in Bonifacio’s city center with a swimming pool!
• Santateresa: Located in the upper town of Bonifacio. You will love the design and comfortable double rooms with sea view, starting from 180€ per night, with an extra 17€ for breakfast. What I loved: the excellent location in the heart of the Citadel, the breathtaking view, the beautiful decoration, the private parking. The best choice for a luxury stay in Bonifacio!
• Hotel Maora Village: Located 300 meters from the beach of Maora and 6 km from Bonifacio. The double room with private terrace are starting from 75€, with breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool and jacuzzi, the quietness, the excellent breakfast. It’s a great choice in Bonifacio’s surroundings for its exceptional value for money!
• Les Chambres de Casarina: Located 400 meters from the beach of Maora and 6 km from Bonifacio’s city centre. You’ll love the comfortable and well-decorated double room with balcony, starting from 150€ per night including breakfast. What I loved: the heated swimming pool, the beautiful garden, the quiet location.
• Hotel Cala di Greco: Located 2 km from the upper town of Bonifacio. There, you will discover well-decorated suites, some with private swimming pool. The prices starts at 200€ per night, with an extra 16€ for breakfast. What I loved: the 2 large heated outdoor swimming pools, the exceptional view over Bonifacio, the magnificent location.  It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay in Bonifacio!
• Hotel Version Maquis Citadel: This 5* hotel is located 1.5 km away from the citadel. It offers sublime and spacious suites with private terrace, starting from 450€ per night including breakfast. What I loved: the infinity pool, the calm location, the very kind staff, the excellent restaurant. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Bonifacio’s surroundings!

3) Porto-Vecchio (1 day)

Let’s continue your 10-days stay in Corsica and discover Porto-Vecchio , located a 45-minute drive from Bonifacio.

Porto-Vecchio region is mostly renowned for its magnificent beaches, often ranked among Corsica’s most beautiful!

All these beaches are equally splendid, with fine sand and turquoise waters. You should take some time to visit several of them during your journey between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio:

• Rondinara beach: a circular shaped bay with fine sand.
• Santa Giulia beach: with its shallow and calm waters, it’s the perfect place if you’re with children.
• Palombaggia beach , one of Corsica’s most famous beaches. You’ll love this trendy beach with fine sand, turquoise waters, umbrella pines and big rocks in the water.
• Tamaricciu beach, located right next to Palombaggia. It has a more family atmosphere than its neighbor!

After a relaxing day at the beach, get back to your car to discover Porto-Vecchio’s old town.

Take a short stroll in the city, and walk up to the Bastion de France (2€). There, you’ll discover a sublime view over Porto-Vecchio’s gulf.

The old town is quite small but very lively. You can also go to the Church square if you want to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

And for dinner , you can choose between the many great restaurants located in the old town and along the port. 

Spend the night in Porto-Vecchio.

You can find more details about Porto-Vecchio and its best beaches in my article: The definitive guide to visit Porto-Vecchio.

If you want to take a refreshing dip in a river, you should go to the Cavu valley, a 35-minute drive from Porto-Vecchio.

There, you can swim in the river’s natural swimming pools.

The place is magnificent, with its small waterfalls and large rocks perfect for sunbathing. It’s a great place for a family outing with your children during your 10-days trip to Corsica!

• Residence Marina Di Santa Giulia: Located 800 metres from Santa Giulia beach. The modern and bright apartments and villas, fully equipped with dishwasher, barbecue, and a private terrace are starting from 70€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool, the location, the sea view, the comfortable apartments. A great choice in Porto-Vecchio for its exceptional value for money!
• Hotel Costa Salina: Located at the end of Porto Vecchio’s marina. This hotel offers modern and spacious double rooms with balcony and a sea view for most of them. The prices starts at 115€ per night. Breakfast for 16€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the free private parking, the comfortable bedding, the kind staff.
• The Balamina: Located 2 km away from the port. The spacious and bright double rooms with a refined decoration are starting from 140€ per night, breakfast available for an extra 17€. Strong points: the indoor swimming pool, the rooftop terrace, the kind staff.
• Residence Santa Giulia Palace: Located 800 metres from Santa Giulia beach. You’ll love these modern and comfortable apartments, well-equipped and for up to 6 people. The prices starts at 160€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool, the great location close to the beach, the beautiful view of the bay, the quiet environment. It’s my recommendation for a family holiday in Porto-Vecchio!
• Hotel Le Roi Théodore & Spa: Located only a 5-minute drive from the city centre. This luxury hotel offers spacious double rooms starting from €200 per night. Breakfast for 12€. What I loved: the beautiful garden and outdoor swimming pool, the Spa, the heated indoor pool, the excellent breakfast, the delicious restaurant. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Porto-Vecchio!

4) Ospedale / Bavella Pass (1 day)

If you’re staying 10 days in Corsica, you’ll have enough time to discover the island’s splendid beaches, but also to hike in Corsica’s beautiful mountains!

For the 6th day of your 10-days itinerary in Corsica, take the D368 road towards Zonza and admire beautiful views of Porto-Vecchio bay. Drive for about 35 minutes to reach the Ospedale forest and lake.

From the Ospedale (about 2 km above the lake ), you can follow the marked trail to reach the Piscia di Gallu, Corsica’ highest waterfall. Count about 1h30 or 2 hours for the round trip.

This hike is quite easy , but there’s a steep part at the end, just before the waterfall.

Then, get back to your car and drive to Bavella Pass, where you can do another beautiful hike, the Trou de la Bombe (“Bomb hole”).

After an easy walk under the shade of the pines, you’ll reach a 8-meter diameter hole carved into the cliffs and overlooking the valley.

The round trip takes about 2h30.

Spend the night towards Solenzara, a 45-minute drive from Bavella pass. It’s the best option to reduce your travel time to Corte the next morning! You’ll find a list of Solenzara’s best accommodations below.

If you don’t want to do both hikes on the same day, choose the one that suits you best!

You should stop at Bavella Pass even if you don’t do the “Trou de la Bombe” hike. The view from the car park is truly beautiful.

You can also enjoy mountain biking  on one of Bavella’s  30 marked trails.  You’ll find more information on  this website.

And if it’s too hot to hike, you can opt for a more refreshing activity : Canyoning ! The Bavella massif is the perfect place to enjoy this activity. There are canyoning courses for all levels!

To book, simply click on the links below:

• Canyoning in Pulischellu gorge – For beginners
• Canyoning in Purcaraccia gorge – For beginners
• Adventurous Canyoning in Purcaraccia Gorge – Intermediate level
• Canyoning in Vacca Gorge – For beginners
• Adventurous Canyoning in Vacca Gorge – Advanced level
• Hotel Restaurant La Caravelle: Located 350 meters from the beach, this hotel offers modern and cosy double rooms. The prices starts at 70€ per night, breakfast available for 8€. Strong points: the terrace with a beautiful sea view, the well-decorated and recently renovated rooms.
• The Thyreneen: Located on Solenzara’s waterfront. These villas with fully equipped kitchen for up to 4 people are starting from 75€ per night. Breakfast for 8€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the sea view, the welcoming staff, the quiet location.  A great choice in Solenzara for its exceptional value for money!
• Hotel Des Nacres: Located in the hamlet of Travi, north of Solenzara. You’ll love the spacious and bright double rooms starting from 80€ per night. Breakfast for 8€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the comfortable bedding, the friendly staff.
• Hotel Maquis et Mer: Located 400 metres from Solenzara beach. The pleasant double rooms, some with a sea view, are starting from 115€ per night, breakfast available for 12€. Strong points: the warm welcoming staff, the free parking, the beautiful view.

5) Corte (1 day)

For the next day of your 10-days trip to Corsica, you’ll stay in the island’s mountains to discover Corte and its surroundings. 

In the morning, you can choose between 2 hikes:

• The Cascade des Anglais (English waterfalls) in the forest of Vizzavona. Follow the trail along the river to discover beautiful natural swimming pools and small waterfalls. You’ll find more information in my article.
• The Restonica Gorge: from the “Bergeries de Grotelle”, you’ll walk up to the Melo and Capitello Lakes. It’s the most famous hike in Corte’s surroundings. If you’re looking for more details about this trail, have a look at my Corte travel guide.

After your hike, get back to your car and drive to Corte, where you will spend the night.

During your visit of Corte, you’ll discover: 

• The citadel: there, visit the Musée de la Corse, dedicated to the island’s History.
• The Belvedere to discover a panoramic view of Corte’s citadel and its surroundings.
• Ghionga grocery store, one of Europe’s oldest stores!
• Gaffory Square and the Church of the Annunciation.
• The Chapelle Sainte-Croix, listed as a historical monument.
• Cours Paoli, Corte’s main street, and its many shops and restaurants.

You want to learn more about Corte’s must-see attractions? Have a look at my detailed article: The definitive guide to visit Corte.

You should definitely try the restaurant “La rivière des Vins” for dinner. It is located at 5 Rampe Sainte-Croix.

This restaurant serves meats cooked in a wood fire oven, accompanied by homemade french fries . All the dishes are delicious and hearty, and the burger is just amazing!

The homemade desserts are also very good and copious. Don’t miss their incredible tiramisu!

• San Giovanni House: Located 3 km from the centre of Corte. The nice and clean double rooms are starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the great staff, the good breakfast made with fresh products, the quietness. A great choice in Corte for its exceptional value for money!
• U Passa Tempu: Located in the centre of Corte, right next to the Chapelle Sainte-Croix. The well-equipped studios and apartments with a small kitchen are starting from 90€ per night. What I loved: the central location, the quietness, the private parking, the warm welcome.
• Hotel Si Mea: Located a 15 minutes walk from the centre. This hotel offers spacious and cosy double rooms starting from 120€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool, the generous breakfast made with local products, the beautiful location.
• Casa di a Restonica: Located 1 km from the centre. The comfortable and modern double rooms  are starting from 140€, breakfast available for an extra 14€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the comfortable room, the quietness.
• Hotel Dominique Colonna: This 4* hotel is located 1 km from Corte, on the river’s edge. You’ll love their beautiful double rooms starting from 400€, breakfast included. What I loved: the beautiful swimming pool, the terrace by the water, the idyllic setting, the kind staff.   It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Corte!

6) Corte/Porto – Hiking (1 day)

For the 8th day of your itinerary in Southern Corsica, you’ll drive from Corte to Porto.

It normally takes about 2 hours, but there are many beautiful places to visit during your journey!

From Corte, take the D18 road towards Ponte Castirla, then turn left on the D84 . You’ll drive through the Scala di Santa Regina Parade . This narrow gorge, shaped by the Golo river, offers splendid and impressive landscapes.

Right after the gorge, you’ll discover Calacuccia Lake.

Then, you can make a short stop in Albertacce to swim in the Golo River, at the foothill of the stone bridge . It’s the perfect place for a refreshing dip during your road trip from Corte to Porto.

And if you’re up for a bit more action , then you should take a rafting tour on the river. Click here to book it!

You can also do a short 1-hour walk to reach Radule Waterfalls.

And if you’re looking for a longer hike in the Niolo region, you can go to Nino lake.

You’ll discover Corsica’s second largest lake, surrounded by typical pozzines. The round-trip from the Popaghja forest house takes about 5 hours.

40 minutes before   Porto , you’ll arrive near the villages of Ota and Evisa. There, you can also:

• Enjoy a short walk in the forest of Aïtone. The river offers beautiful natural swimming pools, accessible in only 10 minutes on foot.
• Hike the Spelunca Gorge trail from Ota to Evisa. If you don’t want to do the whole hike, stop at the old stone bridge of Zaglia to enjoy a refreshing swim!
• Canyoning – For more information and to book, click there.

Spend the night in Porto.

• Hotel and Residence Cala di sole: Located 1.2 km away from the port of Porto. The double rooms with balcony are starting from 80€ per night. What I loved: the swimming pool, the beautiful view of the sea and mountains, the warm welcoming staff.   It’s one of the cheapest places in Porto, and it offers a great value for money!
• Hotel Le Romantique: Located only 100 metres away from the beach of Porto. This hotel offers spacious double rooms with a small balcony and a view over the port. The prices start at 90€, breakfast available for an extra 9.50€. Strong points: the kind staff, the perfect location close to the port and the beach, the generous breakfast.
• Logis Hotel Le Lonca: Located 2 km from the port and 1 km from the beach. You’ll love the clean and spacious double rooms starting from 100€ per night. Breakfast for 11€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the private parking, the breakfast on the terrace, the helpful staff.
• Les Flots Bleus: Located on the seafront. This hotel offers recently renovated double rooms with a balcony overlooking the sea, starting from 105€ per night, breakfast available for an extra 10€. What I loved: the magnificent view, the exceptional location, the warm welcoming staff. A great choice in Porto for its exceptional value for money!
• Residence Hotel Capu Seninu: Located on the riverside, right next to the port. These modern and well-equipped studios and apartments with a dishwasher, a washing machine and a balcony are starting from 160€ per night. Strong Points: the spacious and well decorated accommodation, the private parking. It’s my recommendation for a family holiday in Porto, as you can rent an apartment for up to 6 people!

It’s now time to do a boat trip in Porto ‘s surroundings to admire splendid landscapes. It’s clearly one of the best things to do during your 9-10 days holidays in Corsica!

During your cruise, you’ll discover 2 beautiful natural places: 

• Scandola Nature Reserve, and its incredible terrestrial and marine wildlife. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only accessible by boat!
• The Calanques de Piana: you’ll be amazed by the magnificent porphyry rocks shaped by erosion, contrasting with the turquoise waters to create a beautiful scenery.

This boat trip also includes a 30-minute stop in the ancient fishing village of Girolata (less than 20 year-round inhabitants). You can only get there by boat or on foot.

This excursion to visit both Scandola Nature Reserve, the Calanques de Piana and Girolata takes about 4 hours.

There are boats departing every day in the morning (around 9am) and in the afternoon (around 2pm). These cruises are Porto’s most famous tourist attraction and must be booked in advance!

You can choose between 2 types of boats:

• A hybrid boat with an electric propulsion, for a lower impact on the environment.
• A semi-rigid boat, for up to 12 people only!

You can book your cruise on a semi-rigid boat right here:

If you want to learn more about Scandola, have a look at my article: How to visit Scandola Nature Reserve?

If you do the boat trip in the morning, you’ll be back in Porto by early afternoon.

Afterwards, ou just need to drive back to Ajaccio to end your 10-days road trip in Southern Corsica.

There are many beautiful beaches along the road, if you want to take a last dip:

• Arone beach: a beautiful wild sandy beach with several bars and restaurants.
• Chiumi beach: there, you can enjoy a wide range of nautical activities, such as jet-ski and towed buoys.
• Peru beach: another large and quite wild sandy beach.
• The beaches of Menazina and Capizollu , quieter and wilder than Peru beach.
• Liamone beach: a wild and quiet 3-km long sandy beach.

Your 10-days road trip in Southern Corsica is already over! It’s now time to go back to the port or the airport.

If you’re staying in Corsica for only 9 days, you can skip the 6th stage of this itinerary, and directly drive to Porto. There, you’ll do the cruise to Scandola and the Calanques de Piana.

If you’re doing a 11-day trip to Corsica, you just have to spend one more day in Porto-Vecchio to relax at the beach!

You prefer to stay in the same city during your 10 days itinerary in Corsica?

Don’t worry, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Corsica in my detailed articles about each city:

• Ajaccio: The 20 Best things to do
• Bastia: Top 17 places to visit
• Bonifacio: Top 20 things to do and see
• Calvi: The 15 things you must do!
• Cap Corse: The 15 must-see attractions
• Corte: 20 things to do and see
• Porto: Top 12 things to discover
• Porto-Vecchio: Top 17 things to do and must-see attractions
• Saint-Florent: The 12 best things to do

If you need help to plan your 9 or 10 days trip to Corsica, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Corsica by yourself. (Click here to read all my articles about Corsica)

However, if you prefer to book a tour to Corsica with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Corsica tours by clicking the button below:

The plane is the fastest option to get to Ajaccio, as the airport is only  7 km away from the city centre!

The flight prices to Ajaccio can vary a lot throughout the year. That’s why you should book your plane tickets as early as possible!  You can use  our flight comparator,  in partnership with Skyscanner, to check the rates and schedules. It’s a great way to get the best flight prices!

You can also get there by  ferry boat from the ports of Marseille and Toulon, but also from Sardinia and Italy .

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Corsica, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Corsica? 😊

Discover all my articles about Corsica : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Corsica are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to do in Corsica – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Corsica – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Corsica
• Itinerary: 1 week in Corsica – The best Itinerary to visit Southern Corsica
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Corsica – The definitive guide to visit Northern Corsica in 1 week
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Corsica – How to visit Corsica in 14, 15 or 16 days.
• Road trip in Corsica – The best itineraries for 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days
• Agriates Desert – The definitive guide
• Calanques de Piana – How to visit the Calanques de Piana by boat, by car and on foot
• Lavezzi Islands – Oganize your trip to the Lavezzi island easily!
• Scandola Nature Reserve – All my best tips to visit Scandola
• The 23 Best Beaches in Corsica : The definitive guide to the most beautiful beaches!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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