Canyons, cliffs, clubbing, and cocktails – Corsica’s got it all, and then some. Interest in this French pearl on the Mediterranean rises every summer. See this craggy movie diva of an island up-close and personal with our road trip itinerary.
Le Cap Corse
The Torra d’Agnellu, on the north-east tip of the Cap Corse © gaikokujinkun
Authentic and surprisingly untainted by tourism, the Cap Corse is one of the most authentic regions on the island. Its natural beauty, numerous stone towers, and little fishing villages compose the charming attractions of the area accessible by car, bike, or hike from Bastia.
One of the most scenic routes is the Sentiers des Douaniers. The 8-hour hike goes through the villages of Centuri, Tollare, Barcaggio, and Macinaggio. Or just hike half the route and spend the night in Macinaggio with its panoramic views. A shuttle will take you back to Barcaggio to effortlessly enjoy the Corsican scenery.
Saint-Florent
Saint-Florent, a seaside resort rich in prehistoric heritage
Saint-Florent is where it’s at, which is also why everyone flocks here in the peak summer months. Avoid fighting over a sea-view seat at the many bars and restaurants by coming here in June or September. Saint-Florent doubles as a great beach city and an ancient Geneose city, perfect for sunbathing and culture. Visit the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral and the citadel for a priceless view over the Saint-Florent gulf.
Saint-Florent is a great place to start if you’re planning a wine-tasting tour around Patrimonio, or great for discovering secluded beaches like Loto, only accessible by boat or by foot.
Calvi
The port of Calvi and its citadel
Historically isolated by its citadel, Calvi is today one of the most visited cities on the island. Steep streets will lead you to the citadel – a bird’s eye view of the bay and lower city is your reward. Must-sees include the Saint-Antoine Oratory, Calvi Cathedral, and the ancient Genoese governor’s palace. As you head down to fetch a drink by the sea, stop by what is supposedly Christopher Columbus’ old house.
Hiking on your mind? Hiking around the island tip known as La Revellata is a charming jaunt across hills sprinkled with creeks, along shores of white sand and turquoise water. If you’re up for a challenge, climb to the top of the city to Notre Dame de la Serra chapel for yet another stunning view of the city and the bay.
Calvi on the Rocks
Corsica is a party at Calvi on the Rocks © Matthew Oliver
Switch your hiking shoes for high heel sandals! Kick off the season at the best party Calvi has to offer – Calvi on the Rocks. The glamourous electro fest attracts thousands of posh party people every year over the six day festivities.
Imagine yourself knee deep in water at a sunset beach party, with a mimosa in one hand, and your designer sandals in the other. You might even catch a demonstration of Corsican polyphonic singing. Your next chance to join the party is on July 8-13.
Want a taste of the fest? Take a listen to our Calvi on the Rocks playlist:
The Calanche di Piana
A rock formation full of love in the Calanche di Piana © Anna & Michal
There’s no better time than sunset to see the Calanche di Piana cliffs turn shades of deep orange. Admire them on your road from Porto to Piana, or hike along the trails that follow the coast. The Chateau Fort trail lasts 40 minutes, following the cliff’s backbone, offering views of the Monte Cinto, the Porto Gulf, and the Scandola reserve (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list). Or challenge yourself by leaving Piana on the trail towards the Arone beach to stop by the Turghiu tower summit.
Hike early to avoid the hottest hours of the day and bring ample amounts of water – there is only rarely shade.
For a grand sea entrance to the calanques, take one of the shuttle boats that leaves from Porto towards Scandola. Take advantage of the stopover in Girolata to visit the village and drink a local Pietra beer.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the Corsican capital, and city of coral
“Imperial city”, “city of coral”, birthplace of Napoleon, and totem to Matisse – the capital city of Ajaccio is a necessary pit stop on your holidays in Corsica. When visiting the city centre, pop by the Atelier Chrysolite, one of the last local coral workers (most is now outsourced to Italy). The Fesch museum will satisfy those hungry for art with works from Botticelli, Titian, or Veronese.
Perhaps you’d enjoy the hike of Route des Sanguinaires trail towards the Sentier des Douaniers route, offering views of the Sanguinaires islands before arriving to the Capo di Freno beach. Hop on a boat towards the islands for prime snorkelling.
The Sartenais-Valinco
Carved menhirs at the Filitosa prehistoric site
It doesn’t get more typically Corsican than this – in the Sartenais-Valinco you’ve got culture, gastronomy, and history in one place. On the road to Propriano, take a detour to Filitosa, home of the first prehistoric sites of Corsica, reputed for its megaliths from circa 7000 B.C. – no wonder its nickname is the “Original Corsica”.
Head towards Sartène, claimed to be the most beautiful city in Corsica by French author Prosper Mérimée. Visit the city centre with an audio-guide you can rent at the Tourism office.
Just south of Sartène, don’t miss Roccapina Lion, a natural granite sculpture that resembles a lion guarding the Roccapina tower overlooking the white sand beach.
The Lavezzi islands
Endless turquoise waters around the Lavezzi islands
Isolated beaches, and clear blue water – the Lavezzi islands are paradise. Yet only 30 minutes from Bonifacio by boat, enjoy this natural reserve in complete wild condition, without any shops around. Bring a picnic, sunscreen, and enough water to last all day while lazing on the rocks between snorkel sessions.
Trails are abundant around the island leading you to the sailor’s tombs, victims of the French boat Semillante’s shipwreck against the islands’ cliffs in the 19th century. Head back by shuttle to Bonifacio to enjoy the island’s sights like the Gouvernail de la Corse and the Grain de sable rock formations, the King Aragon’s Steps, and of course, the white cliffs of Bonifacio.
Corsican fare
Chow down on some Corsican cheese
Although not a physical landmark on your roadtrip, it should be on the top of your list of things to discover in Corsica. Corsican delicacies include pork based delicatessen, Brocciu (fresh whey cheese), Maquis (scrubland) honey with hints of cocoa and caramel, Cap Corse quinquina drink, Mirto liquor, and chestnut flour – if you don’t have room in your belly, make some extra room in your suitcase to bring it all home as a souvenir of your holidays in Corsica!
While in Bastia, pop into Mattéi’s boutique on the main square to get your Cap Corse drink and other wines from all around the island. For superior quality delicatessen and cheese, hit up Corsica Colis gourmet grocery store.
