Are you dreaming of a road trip in Corsica? In this article, you are told everything you need to know before you start: itinerary ideas, essentials, rules of conduct, etc.
Welcome to the Island of Beauty! A road trip in Corsica is an excellent way to discover all the natural, historical and cultural riches of the island. It’s an opportunity to explore Corsica-du-Sud and Haute-Corse for a long time, and to select your hikes without launching you in long treks, which are particularly difficult.
But how do you best organize your stay? In this article, discover everything you need to know to succeed in your holidays and truly plunge into the heart of the Corsican soul!
1. Bastia and the tower Cap Corse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andrew Mayovskyy
- 🗺 in Route : from Bastia to Cap Corse
- 📍 Subject : 28 km – 1h (2h round trip)
- 📷 To visit : the old port, the citadel and the history museum of Bastia, then the Cap Corse
- ✱ Where to stay : In the heart of the historic district
In one day, you have time to go through the alleys of Bastia and its old port. Enjoy the atmosphere and restaurants of the city, before climbing to the citadel and the Museum of History.
From Bastia, you also have the opportunity to take a trip on the Cap Corse, the island on the island. In addition to its magnificent landscapes, the region contains charming, perched Corsican villages.
To deepen the stage :
- The Customs Trail : located in the heart of Cap Corse, it is one of the most beautiful hiking paths of the island – a true wonder;
- Erbalunga, Centuri or Nonzo : these three villages typical of Cap Corse are worth a visit.
- Rent a car for your road trip in Corsica
2. The Agriata Desert
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Michel PERES
- 🗺 in Route : from Bastia to the desert of the Agriates
- 📍 Subject : 45 km – 1h10
- 📷 To visit : the beach of Saleccia, the beach of Lotu, the beach of Ostriconi,Île-Rousse, Saint-Florent
- ✱ Where to stay : On Rousse Island, with a beautiful sea and mountain view
The Agriates Desert contains breathtaking white sand beaches. In spite of what his name might suggest, this mountainous area has nothing of a desert. It contains a rich biodiversity that will delight nature lovers. Browse the time of a hike during your road trip in Corsica!
To deepen the stage :
- Ile-Rousse : in the heart of the Balagne, Île-Rousse is perched in height on a rock. This former trading counter is visited for its coastal landscape, fortifications and Florentine houses. You can sleep there after your escapade in the Agriates Desert;
- Saint-Florent : nestled in the hollow of a gulf, the “Saint-Tropez corse” is a real call to the ride. Visit its multicolored lanes, its marina and its pier.
3. Calvi
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andrew Mayovskyy
- 🗺 in Route : from the Agriates Desert to Calvi
- 📍 Subject : 50 km - 55 minutes
- 📷 To visit : the Landry dock, the citadel, the beaches
- ✱ Where to stay : Pavilion with swimming pool in the center of Calvi
Calvi is this kind of coastal city that mixes historical heritage and Farniente , for the greatest pleasure of holidaymakers. The beauty of its alleys, the views it offers on the Mediterranean Sea and the joy of living that emerges from it make it a must during a road trip in Corsica. Visit the old town and its citadel, then stroll along the beaches lined with pine forests.
To deepen the stage :
- The beaches : Calvi and its surroundings are home to many dream beaches. To you choose between the beach of Pinède, the beach of Sainte Restitude, the beach of Aregno or the beach of Lozari;
- Bonifatu Forest : an ideal getaway to escape in nature during your road trip in Corsica.
- Rent a car for your road trip in Corsica
4. The Gulf of Porto
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vadym Lavra
- 🗺 in Route : from Calvi to Porto
- 📍 Subject : 75 km – 1h40
- 📷 To visit : the Natural Reserve of Scandola, Girolata and the calanche di Piana
- ✱ Where to stay : Suite with pool in the heart of the maquis
The Gulf of Porto is one of the richest places on the island of Beauty. From the marina of Porto you can book many excursions to discover the surroundings. If you have only one day in front of you, turn to a mini-boat. The agencies offer a tour of the natural reserve of Scandola, the hidden village of Girolata and the calanques of Piana. All these treasures are accessible only from the sea or on a hike.
To deepen the stage :
- Genesis : this ancient Greek colony has become a charming village, which has been able to preserve a unique cachet;
- Porto Ota : this pretty village is surmounted by a genoese tower, which has the peculiarity of being square.
5. Ajaccio and Sanguinary Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vadym Lavra
- 🗺 in Route : from Porto to Ajaccio
- 📍 Subject : 80 km – 1h45
- 📷 To visit : the old town and its monuments, the customs and the Sanguinary Islands
- ✱ Where to stay : Beautiful apartment with views from the terrace
Between its cathedral, museums, beaches and paved streets, the imperial city has a lot to offer. Visit the old town and its monuments, then take a trip to the Sanguinary Islands, one of the most beautiful treasures of Corsica. An option to discover them is the customs trail, an emblematic trail of the Island of Beauty. It runs along the coast, mixing the spicy scents of the sea and maquis.
To deepen the stage :
- The beaches : Ajaccio is a beautiful destination to enjoy the beach during a road trip in Corsica. Enjoy the beaches of Capo di Feno, the beach of Saint-François, the beach Barbicaja or the beautiful beach of silver;
- The villages of the Ajaccian hinterland : Villanova, Bocognano, Tavaco... these beautiful stone villages are nestled in the maquis.
6. Bonifacio and Lavezzi Islands
Photo credit: Shutterstock – salva.tours
- 🗺 in Route : from Ajaccio to Bonifacio
- 📍 Subject : 130 km - 2h20
- 📷 To visit : the city centre and the Citadel of Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands
- ✱ Where to stay : Studio in the heart of the citadel
If you can, take a whole day to join Bonifacio. This will allow you to enjoy the coastline: Sartène, the beach of Agosta, Mare e Sole, Paragan, Fazzio... The next day, visit the city, its citadel and the beautiful Campu Rumanilu trail.
It is also an opportunity to take a trip to the Lavezzi Islands, famous for their coves and paradise beaches.
To deepen the stage :
- The chapel Saint-Roch : from the port, you can start in this wonderful ascent. On arrival, the panorama is exceptional;
- The staircase of the Roy d’Aragon 187 steps split the promontory of the city, plunging into the sea. A sports trip not to be missed during your road trip in Corsica.
- Rent a car for your road trip in Corsica
7. Porto-Vecchio and its beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Aliaksandr Antanovich
- 🗺 in Route : from Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio
- 📍 Subject : 30 km – 30 minutes
- 📷 To visit : Porto-Vecchio and its fort, then the beaches and the mountain
- ✱ Where to stay : Mini villa close to the beaches
Take a day to discover the beautiful Porto-Vecchio, surrounded by fortifications, beaches and mountains.
But the region of Porto-Vecchio offers a golden opportunity to go hiking in the interior Corsica. Several choices are available to you to enjoy:
- the tip of the Chiappa;
- Lake Opedale;
- the cascade of the Piscia di Gallu;
- The Bomb Trou;
- the trail of the English waterfall.
To deepen the stage :
- The beaches : the surroundings are full of beautiful beaches. Visit the beach of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Cala Rossa or Tamaricciu;
- Prehistoric sites : to learn more about the history of the region, visit the Castellu d’Araghju, the site of Ceccia, the site of Cucuruzzu and Capula or the site of Tappa.
8. Corte, historical and cultural capital of Corsica
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dominik Michalek
- 🗺 in Route : from Porto-Vecchio to Corte
- 📍 Subject : 120 km – 1h50
- 📷 To visit : the old town of Corte and the anthropology museum
- ✱ Where to stay : Apartment cosy
Visit the old town of Corte, visit the citadel and pass the doors of the regional anthropology museum of Corsica to conclude your stay on a cultural note!
To deepen the stage :
- Lake Nino : perched at 1,743 metres above sea level, it is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Island of Beauty;
- The Gorges de la Restonica : this very famous hike offers sumptuous landscapes close to Corte.
Documents on board
Photo credit: Shutterstock – GetFocusStudio
The documents on board during a road trip in Corsica are the same as on the continent:
- An identity document;
- The driver's license;
- The certificate of registration of the original vehicle;
- The green insurance card.
Also consider having in your vehicle the following elements, which are mandatory:
- Rescue wheel;
- Replacement bulbs for headlights;
- A reflective jacket;
- Two emergency triangles;
- An extinguisher.
Rules of conduct
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Naeblys
The rules of conduct to be respected during a road trip in Corsica are the same as on the continent.
The only difficulties concern some steep and narrow mountain roads, which can sometimes be dangerous. But if you are not confident in the steering wheel, you can avoid them.
In the middle of the season, traffic is sometimes difficult. You can find it hard to park: prefer the morning if you visit tourist sites.
Motorway tolls: information and prices
There are no highways in Corsica. You will therefore have no tolls to pay!
- Rent a car for your road trip in Corsica
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