Introduction

Visiting Corsica should be on everyone’s bucket list, as the island has so much to offer. The same year we traveled to Corsica, we also visited the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and to be honest, Corsica held its own against both.

The island’s crystal-clear waters reminded us of the stunning lagoons we had seen in the Maldives, with one major difference: Corsica’s breathtaking mountains in the background.

Oh, and if you don’t know, Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of mainland France.

This itinerary follows a loop, making it easy to adapt depending on your arrival city. We’ll cover that part later. While a full road trip around Corsica can be done in about 10 days, we recommend at least 13 days for a more relaxed experience.

If you have extra time, even better! You can take things slow and enjoy the island at your own pace.

So, are you ready? Let’s dive into this complete Corsica itinerary!

Corsica Itinerary At a Glance & Top Travel Tips

Corsica at a Glance

• Vibe: A mix of wild, dramatic mountains and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s like the Maldives but with massive granite peaks in the background.
• Best way to see it: A road trip is the only real option. We recommend at least 13 days to cover the island without rushing.
• Landscape: You can hike rugged mountain trails in the morning and be swimming at a white-sand beach by the afternoon.
• The Drive: Expect narrow, winding roads. You’ll definitely be sharing the pavement with local goats and cows!

• Top Travel Tip

• Rent a small car: Public transport is almost non-existent for this itinerary. We highly suggest a small or compact car because mountain roads and village streets are incredibly tight—you’ll thank us when you have to squeeze past an oncoming bus!
• Book ahead: If you’re visiting in the summer, book your ferries and flights months in advance as they sell out fast.
• Driving time: Don’t trust GPS times blindly. Because of the curves, your average speed will likely be around 30km/h (18mph).

Getting there

Corsica is an island, so your two main options to reach it are by plane or ferry. Both have their advantages depending on where you’re coming from, your budget, and whether you want to bring your own vehicle.

By Plane: Corsica has four main airports that connect the island to France and other European destinations:

• Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) – The busiest airport, located in the capital city, Ajaccio.
• Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) – Serving northern Corsica, close to Bastia. (Our arrival airport)
• Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) – A smaller airport near the northwest coast.
• Figari-Sud Corse Airport (FSC) – The best option for reaching Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south.

Flights to Corsica operate from several cities in France, including Paris, Marseille, Nice, and Lyon, as well as select international locations during the high season. Budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, and Air Corsica offer seasonal direct flights.

Once you land, you can rent a car at the airport to start your road trip. We highly recommend renting a car, as public transport is very limited.

By Ferry: If you prefer bringing your own car or just want a scenic way to reach Corsica, taking a ferry is a great option. Several ferry companies operate routes between Corsica and mainland France or Italy:

• From France:
  • Marseille → Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile Rousse, Porto-Vecchio
  • Nice → Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile Rousse
  • Toulon → Ajaccio, Bastia, Porto-Vecchio
• From Italy:
  • Savona, Genoa, Livorno → Bastia
  • Piombino → Porto-Vecchio
  • Santa Teresa di Gallura (Sardinia) → Bonifacio (A short 50-minute crossing)

The main ferry companies include Corsica Ferries, La Méridionale, and Corsica Linea. Ferries can be booked online in advance, especially during peak season when tickets sell out fast.

Moving Around

Corsica is an incredible island to explore, but getting around requires some planning, as public transportation is quite limited. The best way to move around Corsica is by car, giving you the flexibility to visit remote beaches, scenic mountain roads, and charming villages at your own pace.

However, here is an overview of all your options:

• By car
• By Motorcycle or Scooter
• By Campervan
• By Train – Limited but Scenic
• By Bus – Limited Service

Renting a car is what we recommend, as Corsica’s most beautiful spots are only accessible by road. Whether you arrive by ferry with your own vehicle or rent one at the airport, a car will allow you to explore the island freely.

Roads & Driving Conditions:

• Corsica has both coastal roads and winding mountain routes, so expect narrow and curvy roads in some areas.
• The main roads are generally in good condition, but smaller, rural roads can be a bit challenging.
• Driving times can be longer than expected due to the island’s geography. Our average speed was 30km/h
• Parking can be difficult in peak season, especially in towns like Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, and Calvi.

Car Rental:

• Available at all airports and ferry ports.
• We recommend booking in advance for the best prices and services.
• A small or mid-size car is ideal, as some roads can be quite narrow.
• If you plan to explore off-road areas, consider a 4×4.
• We recommend taking an automatic car for easy of use.

When to Visit

Corsica is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you want to hike through dramatic landscapes, relax on pristine beaches, or explore charming villages, each season offers something unique.

• Spring (March-May): A fantastic time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. The island is lush with wildflowers, temperatures are mild (15–22°C / 59–72°F), and there are fewer tourists.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season with hot weather (25–30°C / 77–86°F), perfect for beach lovers and water sports. Expect crowded beaches, lively towns, and higher prices.
• Autumn (September-October): A great balance of warm temperatures (20–27°C / 68–81°F) and fewer crowds. The sea remains warm for swimming, and the island takes on beautiful autumn colors.
• Winter (November-February): A quiet and peaceful time to visit, with cooler temperatures (10–15°C / 50–59°F). Some tourist services close, but it’s ideal for slow travel, photography, and enjoying Corsica’s culture without the crowds.

For the best mix of good weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor activities, May and September are the ideal months to visit Corsica. We visited at the end of September.

Where to Stay

Corsica offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every type of traveler, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers. During our time there, we tried various types of accommodations such as:

• Guesthouses & B&Bs: Ideal for an authentic Corsican experience, they offer a cozy atmosphere and are run by locals who provide great recommendations. Our best souvenir is Chambres d’Hôtes U BARRACONU in Porto-Vecchio
• Hotels & Resorts: Hotels range from boutique stays to high-end resorts with sea views and spas. We loved Résidence Casarina in Bonifacio
• Camping: A popular and budget-friendly option, Corsica has plenty of well-equipped campsites, many near the beach or mountains. Some even offer bungalows. We had a great experience in the eco-lodge of Résidence Sophia
• Mountain Lodges & Refuges: If you’re hiking the GR20 or exploring Corsica’s rugged interior, mountain lodges and refuges provide basic accommodations for trekkers.

During the high season (July and August), accommodations fill up quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. If you’re traveling in the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October), you’ll find more availability and better prices.

We booked all our accommodation using booking.com as it is super easy to use and we are sure about the conditions

What to Eat

Corsican cuisine is a unique blend of French and Italian influences, deeply rooted in the island’s rich agricultural and pastoral traditions. From charcuterie to seafood and delicious pastries, here are some must-try dishes when visiting Corsica:

• Charcuterie Corse: Corsican cured meats are among the best in France. Try Prisuttu (dry-cured ham), Coppa (pork loin), Lonzu (smoked pork fillet), and Figatellu, a traditional liver sausage best enjoyed grilled in winter.
• Brocciu: A fresh cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk, Brocciu is used in both savory and sweet dishes. Try it in fiadone (a Corsican cheesecake) or in omelets and ravioli.
• Storzapreti: A baked pasta dish made with Brocciu, spinach or chard, and a touch of nutmeg. It’s a Corsican take on Italian gnocchi.
• Pulenda: A traditional chestnut flour-based polenta, often served with figatellu or Brocciu. It’s a staple of Corsican rural cuisine.
• Canistrelli: Small, crunchy Corsican biscuits flavored with lemon, almonds, or anise, perfect with coffee or as a snack.
• Fiadone: A delicious Corsican cheesecake made with Brocciu, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. Light and refreshing, it’s a perfect dessert.
• Pietra Beer & Corsican Wines: Try Pietra, a Corsican beer brewed with chestnut flour, or local wines from Patrimonio, Ajaccio, or Sartène, which pair perfectly with the island’s rich cuisine.

Corsica Itinerary Overview

Let’s get into the heart of this article: the day-by-day overview of what we recommend for this Corsica itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival and exploration of Bastia
• Day 2: Road trip around Cap Corse
• Day 3: Visit the secluded beaches of Saleccia and Lotu
• Day 4: Road trip through the Balagne region, ending in Calvi
• Day 5: Road trip from Calvi to Porto and a boat tour of the Gulf of Porto
• Day 6: Road trip from Porto to Ajaccio
• Day 7: Road trip from Ajaccio to Bonifacio
• Day 8: Exploration of the Lavezzi Islands
• Day 9: Beaches and Bonifacio
• Day 10: Beaches and Porto-Vecchio
• Day 11: Hiking in the mountains
• Day 12: Visit Corte
• Day 13: Return

If you have more time we would:

• Spend an extra day in Balagne to visit more villages
• Add one or two more days in Bonifacio to fully enjoy the south of Corsica

If you have less time:

• On Day 4, finish the day in Porto (or even Ajaccio)
• On Day 5, either do a morning boat tour and head straight to Ajaccio
• On Day 12, skip Corte

Corsica Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Bastia

Your Corsican adventure begins in Bastia, the island’s second-largest city and a lively gateway to the north. Depending on your arrival time, take a few hours to explore:

• Citadel of Bastia, offering panoramic views over the sea.
• Terra Vecchia, the old town, with its charming narrow streets and colorful houses.
• Place Saint-Nicolas is the heart of the city.
• Vieux Port (Old Port), a picturesque harbor lined with restaurants. Perfect to end the day.

Stay overnight in Bastia: (€):  Adonis Hotel Le Bastia, (€€): Pietracap Hotel, (€€€): Hôtel Des Gouverneurs

Day 2: Road Trip Around Cap Corse

Time to hit the road for an epic drive around Cap Corse, a rugged peninsula filled with hidden gems:

• Start with Erbalunga, a charming fishing village.
• Stop at Macinaggio, where you can walk a bit of the Sentier des Douaniers coastal trail.
• Visit Mattei windmill, and have fun with the goats,
• Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the coast of Corsica,
• Visit Nonza, known for its black pebble beach and stunning views from the village.

Stay overnight in Saint-Florent: (€):  Mulinu Biancu, (€€):  Résidence San Roccu, (€€€): Hôtel Flor

Day 3: Visit the Secluded Beaches of Saleccia and Lotu

From Saint-Florent, take a boat shuttle or a 4×4 ride to Plage de Saleccia and Plage du Lotu, two of the most beautiful and remote beaches in Corsica. These white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters are part of the Desert des Agriates, an untouched natural area.

To get from one beach to the other, be sure to hike the coastal trail. After a relaxing beach day, return to Saint-Florent and enjoy a sunset drink at the marina.

Stay overnight in Saint-Florent: (€):  Mulinu Biancu, (€€):  Résidence San Roccu, (€€€): Hôtel Flor

Day 4: Road Trip Through the Balagne Region, Ending in Calvi

Today is all about discovering the beautiful Balagne region, known for its stunning villages and scenic coastal roads.

• Visit L’Île-Rousse, a charming coastal town with a lively market.
• Stop at Pigna and Sant’Antonino, two of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Corsica.
• Enjoy the drive along the coastline, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
• Arrive in Calvi, a town with a beautiful beach, a lively port, and an impressive Citadel.

Stay overnight in Calvi: (€):  Hôtel Le Saint-Érasme, (€€): Hôtel Maria Die, (€€€): Hôtel Le Rocher

Day 5: Road Trip from Calvi to Porto + Boat Tour of the Gulf of Porto

Take the coastal road from Calvi to Porto, one of the most scenic drives in Corsica:

• Stop at Ponte Vecchiu, an old brige
• Once in Porto, take a boat tour to explore the Gulf of Porto and the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO-listed area of dramatic red cliffs and marine life.
• Explore Girolata, a small village accessible only by boat or hiking.

Stay overnight in Porto: (€):  Hôtel Bella Vista, (€€): Residence Capu Seninu, (€€€): Hôtel Les Flots Bleus

Day 6: Road Trip from Porto to Ajaccio

Today’s drive takes you from Porto to Ajaccio, passing through breathtaking landscapes:

• Calanques de Piana, stunning red rock formations with viewpoints along the road.
• Plage d’Arone, a quiet and beautiful beach
• Cargèse, a unique town with both a Latin and a Greek church. Perfect for a lunch break

Arrive in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, where you can visit the old Town, with charming streets and a lively waterfront and later head to the Sanguinaires Islands

Stay overnight in Ajaccio: (€):  ibis Styles Ajaccio Napoleon, (€€): Cala Di Sole, (€€€): Le Week-End

Day 7: Road Trip from Ajaccio to Bonifacio

Leave Ajaccio in the morning and start your journey to Bonifacio, the most dramatic town in Corsica:

• Stop at Cupabia, another one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches
• Then, stop at Filitosa, an archaeological site with prehistoric menhirs.
• If you feel like it stop at Roccapina Beach, famous for its lion-shaped rock, or skip it.

Arrive in Bonifacio, perched on dramatic limestone cliffs. Spend the evening exploring:

• The Old Town and Citadel, with its medieval charm and narrow streets.
• King Aragon’s Staircase is a steep staircase carved into the cliffs.
• The Marine Cemetery offers beautiful sea views.

Stay overnight in Bonifacio: (€): SantaTeresa Hotel, (€€): Résidence Casarina, (€€€): Solemare

Day 8: Exploration of the Lavezzi Islands

Take a boat trip from Bonifacio to the Lavezzi Islands, a small archipelago with turquoise waters and surreal granite rock formations. Spend the day:

• Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea.
• Exploring the deserted island landscapes.
• Relaxing on hidden coves and sandy beaches.

Return to Bonifacio for the night: (€): SantaTeresa Hotel, (€€): Résidence Casarina, (€€€): Solemare

Day 9: Beaches Around Bonifacio

Today is a relaxing beach day around Bonifacio. After a slow breakfast, head to Rondinara Beach, a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay with shallow waters.

In the afternoon, return to your accommodation and enjoy their swimming pool.

Stay overnight in Bonifacio: (€): SantaTeresa Hotel, (€€): Résidence Casarina, (€€€): Solemare

Day 10: Beaches and Porto-Vecchio

Spend the morning relaxing at another stunning Corsican beach,

• Santa Giulia Beach, one of the most famous in Corsica, with white sand and calm waters.
• Palombaggia Beach, the most iconic Corsican beach, surrounded by pine trees.

Then explore Porto-Vecchio, known as the “St. Tropez of Corsica”:

Stay overnight in Porto-Vecchio: (€): Chambres d’Hôtes U BARRACONU, (€€): Hôtel Le Roi Théodore & SPA, (€€€): Golden Tulip Porto Vecchio

Day 11: Hiking in the Mountains

Time to leave the coast and explore the Corsican mountains:

• Hike to Trou de la Bombe, one of Corsica’s most famous and unique sights.
• Chill in the natural pool of the Solenzara Valley
• End the day at Canella Beach

Stay overnight in Porto-Vecchio: (€): Chambres d’Hôtes U BARRACONU, (€€): Hôtel Le Roi Théodore & SPA, (€€€): Golden Tulip Porto Vecchio

Day 12: Discover Corte

After breakfast, hit the road and visit the

• The Cavu Natural Pools, a beautiful river with rock pools.
• Drive to Corte
• Visit the Citadel and Belvedere for incredible panoramas.
• Walk through the Old Town, full of Corsican charm.
• Drive in the Restonica Gorges

Stay overnight in Corte: (€): Hôtel U Frascone, (€€): Maison San Giovanni, (€€€): Dominique Colonna

Day 13: Return

Your road trip ends back in Bastia, where you can catch your flight or ferry home. If you have extra time before leaving, take a final walk along the Vieux Port and enjoy a last Corsican meal.

What Does it Cost to Travel in Corsica?

Budgeting for Corsica can be tricky because prices fluctuate between the quiet mountain villages and the glitzy coastal towns. On average, we spent about €206 ($225) per day for the two of us. This included everything from our stay to activities and food.

• Accommodation: Expect to pay around €96 per night for a decent double room. You can find cheaper spots in the interior, but prices jump quickly in places like Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio.
• Transportation: This is where your budget can vary. We managed to snag a rental for just €22 per day by booking early, but typically, you should budget €40–€60 per day for a compact car, especially in high season. Don’t forget to account for fuel and parking!
• Food: A nice meal out for two usually lands between €35 and €55. We saved quite a bit by shopping at local supermarkets for breakfast and dinner—Corsican supermarkets have amazing local cheeses and charcuterie anyway!
• Activities: Most of the best things—beaches and hikes—are free! However, budget about €20–€60 per person for “must-do” extras like the boat tour to the Lavezzi Islands or the Scandola Nature Reserve.

Plan Your Trip to Corsica

If you are planning a full road trip around the island, you are in the right place. We have written detailed guides for every stop we made to help you plan the perfect itinerary:

• The Ultimate Itinerary: The Best 13-Day Corsica Road Trip
• Budgeting: Cost to Travel to Corsica: Our 2024 Budget Breakdown
• Essential Tips: 17 Things to Know Before Your Corsica Trip
• Where to Stay: 16 Best Hotels in Corsica for 2025
• The Best Beaches: 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Corsica

Our Other Regional Guides:

• 11 Best Things to Do in Cap Corse: Our Perfect 1-Day Road Trip
• Saleccia & Lotu: The Agriates Desert’s Best Beaches
• 6 Stunning Places to Discover in Balagne
• 15 Best Things to Do in the Gulf of Porto
• 20 Best Things to Do in Ajaccio
• 20 Best Things to Do in Bonifacio
• Lavezzi Islands: Corsica’s Best Secluded Escape
• 12 Best Things to Do in Porto-Vecchio
• 8 Best Things to Do in Corte
• 18 Most Beautiful Places in Corsica