Dreaming of a road trip to Corsica? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know before you set off: itinerary ideas, must-sees, driving rules, etc.
Welcome to the Isle of Beauty! A road trip to Corsica is an excellent way to discover all the island’s natural, historical and cultural riches. It’s an opportunity to explore Corsica-du-Sud and Haute-Corse at length, and to select your own hikes without embarking on long treks, which are reputed to be particularly difficult.
But how best to organize your stay? In this article, find out everything you need to know to make the most of your vacation and truly immerse yourself in the heart of Corsica’s soul!
1. Bastia and the Cap Corse tour
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Bastia to Cap Corse
- 📍 D istance: 28 km – 1h (2h round trip)
- 📷 Places to visit: Bastia’s old port, citadel and history museum, then Cap Corse
- 🏠 Where to stay: In the heart of the historic district
In just one day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the narrow streets of Bastia and its old port. Enjoy the town’s atmosphere and restaurants, before heading up to the citadel and the history museum.
From Bastia, you can also take a trip to Cap Corse, the « island within an island ». In addition to its magnificent scenery, the region is home to some charming Corsican villages.
- Le sentier des douaniers: located in the heart of Cap Corse, this is one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island – a real marvel;
- Erbalunga, Centuri and Nonzo: these three typical Cap Corse villages are well worth a visit.
2. The Agriates Desert
- 🗺️ Itinerary: from Bastia to the Agriates Desert
- 📍 D istance: 45 km – 1h10
- 📷 Places to visit: Saleccia beach, Lotu beach, Ostriconi beach,Île-Rousse, Saint-Florent
- 🏠 Where to stay: Île Rousse, with magnificent sea and mountain views
The Agriates Desert boasts breathtaking white sandy beaches. Despite what its name might suggest, this mountainous area is anything but a desert. It boasts a rich biodiversity that will delight nature lovers. Take a hike through it on your road trip to Corsica!
- L’Île-Rousse: in the heart of the Balagne region, Île-Rousse is perched high on a rock. This former trading post can be visited for its coastal scenery, fortifications and Florentine houses. You can even spend the night here after your trip to the Agriates desert;
- Saint-Florent: nestling in the hollow of a gulf, the « Corsican Saint-Tropez » is a real invitation to stroll. Visit its multicolored streets, marina and pier.
3. Calvi
- 🗺️ Itinerary: from the Agriates desert to Calvi
- 📍 D istance: 50 km – 55 minutes
- 📷 Places to visit: Quai Landry, citadel, beaches
- 🏠 Where to stay: Chalet with swimming pool in the center of Calvi
Calvi is the kind of coastal town that combines historical heritage and idleness, to the delight of holidaymakers. The beauty of its narrow streets, its views over the Mediterranean Sea and its joie de vivre make it a must-see on any Corsican road trip. Visit the old town and its citadel, then stroll along the pine-fringed beaches.
- Beaches: Calvi and the surrounding area are home to many dream beaches. Choose between the Pinède beach, the Sainte Restitude beach, the Aregno beach or the Lozari beach;
- The Bonifatu forest: an ideal escape into nature on your Corsican road trip.
4. The Gulf of Porto
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Calvi to Porto
- 📍 D istance: 75 km – 1h40
- 📷 Places to visit: Scandola nature reserve, Girolata and the calanche di Piana
- 🏠 Where to stay: Suite with swimming pool in the heart of the maquis
The Gulf of Porto is one of the richest places on the Isle of Beauty. From the Porto marina, you can book a number of excursions to discover the surrounding area. If you’ve only got a day to spare, consider a mini-cruise by boat. Agencies offer tours of the Scandola nature reserve, the hidden village of Girolata and the calanques of Piana. All these treasures are only accessible from the sea or by hiking.
- Cargèse: this former Greek colony has become a charming village with a unique character;
- Porto Ota: this pretty village is topped by a square Genoese tower.
5. Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Porto to Ajaccio
- 📍 Journey: 80 km – 1h45
- 📷 Places to visit: the old town and its monuments, the customs trail and the Sanguinaires islands
- 🏠 Where to stay: Magnificent apartment with view from the terrace
With its cathedral, museums, beaches and cobbled streets, the imperial city has much to offer. Visit the old town and its monuments, then plan an excursion to the Sanguinaires Islands, one of Corsica’s most beautiful treasures. One option for discovering them is the « sentier des douaniers », an emblematic path on the Isle of Beauty. It follows the coastline, blending the spicy scents of the sea and the maquis.
- Beaches: Ajaccio is a great beach destination on a Corsican road trip. Enjoy the beaches of Capo di Feno, Saint-François beach, Barbicaja beach or the superb Silver Beach;
- The villages of the Ajaccio hinterland: Villanova, Bocognano, Tavaco… these pretty stone villages are nestled in the scrubland.
6. Bonifacio and the Lavezzi islands
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Ajaccio to Bonifacio
- 📍 Route: 130 km – 2h20
- 📷 Places to visit: Bonifacio town center and citadel, Lavezzi islands
- 🏠 Where to stay: Studio in the heart of the citadel
If you can, take a whole day to get to Bonifacio. This will allow you to enjoy the coastline: Sartène, the beach at Agosta, Mare e Sole, Paragan, Fazzio… The following day, visit the town, its citadel and the superb Campu Rumanilu trail.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to take an excursion to the Lavezzi Islands, famous for their heavenly coves and beaches.
- La chapelle Saint-Roch: starting from the port, you can embark on this marvellous climb. On arrival, the panorama is exceptional;
- L’escalier du Roy d’Aragon: 187 steps cut through the town’s promontory, plunging into the sea. A sporty walk not to be missed on your road trip to Corsica.
7. Porto-Vecchio and its beaches
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio
- 📍 D istance: 30 km – 30 minutes
- 📷 Places to visit: Porto-Vecchio and its fort, then the beaches and mountains
- 🏠 Where to stay: Mini villa close to the beach
Take a day to discover beautiful Porto-Vecchio, surrounded by fortifications, beaches and mountains.
But above all, the Porto-Vecchio region offers a golden opportunity for hiking in inland Corsica. There are a number of ways to make the most of it:
- Pointe de la Chiappa;
- Lake Opedale;
- the Piscia di Gallu waterfall;
- le Trou de la Bombe ;
- the Cascade des Anglais trail.
- Beaches: the surrounding area is full of magnificent beaches. Visit Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Cala Rossa or Tamaricciu;
- Prehistoric sites: to learn more about the region’s history, visit Castellu d’Araghju, Ceccia, Cucuruzzu et Capula or Tappa.
8. Corte, historic and cultural capital of Corsica
- 🗺️ Itinerary: Porto-Vecchio to Corte
- 📍 D istance: 120 km – 1h50
- 📷 Places to visit: Corte’s old town and the Anthropology Museum
- 🏠 Where to stay: Cosy apartment
Head to the old town of Corte, visit the citadel and pass through the doors of the regional museum of anthropology of Corsica to end your stay on a cultural note!
- Lake Nino: perched at an altitude of 1,743 metres, this is one of the most beautiful natural sites on the Isle of Beauty;
- Gorges de la Restonica: this famous hike offers sumptuous scenery just a stone’s throw from Corte.
Documents to have on board
The documents you need to have on board for a road trip in Corsica are the same as on the mainland:
- One piece of identification ;
- Driver’s license ;
- The original vehicle registration certificate ;
- The green insurance card.
You must also carry the following items in your vehicle:
- Spare wheel ;
- Spare bulbs for headlights ;
- A reflective vest;
- Two emergency triangles ;
- A fire extinguisher.
Rules of conduct
The rules for driving on a road trip in Corsica are the same as on the mainland.
The only difficulties are some steep, narrow mountain roads, which can sometimes be dangerous. But if you’re not confident behind the wheel, you can avoid them.
At the height of the season, traffic can be difficult. You may find it difficult to park: opt for the morning if you’re visiting tourist sites.
Freeway tolls: information and rates
There are no freeways in Corsica. So you won’t have to pay any tolls!