Introduction

We visited Corsica, an island in southern France, at the end of the season in September and had an incredible time exploring it. Little did we know that we would fall completely in love with this breathtaking destination. Our adventure began in Bastia, one of Corsica’s largest cities and home to one of the island’s main airports, alongside Ajaccio. After landing, we rented a car, as road-tripping is by far the most convenient way to explore the Island of Beauty.

Our first evening was spent in Bastia, followed by an incredible day of road-tripping around Cap Corse, a 40-kilometer-long peninsula in northern Corsica. Starting in Bastia and ending in Saint-Florent, our Cap Corse road trip allowed us to explore nearly all the highlights this region has to offer.

In this first article about Corsica, we’ll share all the best things to do in Cap Corse, including where to stop along the way. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply dreaming of your next adventure, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

Cap Corse At a Glance and Travel Tips

• Duration: 1 full day for the road trip.
• Starting Point: Bastia.
• Ending Point: Saint-Florent.
• Top Tip: Don’t rush. The roads are narrow and winding, so you’ll average about 30km/h, but the views are worth every second.

Getting there

Let’s start with how to get to Bastia. The city is served by its own international airport, Bastia-Poretta Airport (BIA), located about 20 km south of the city. You can find direct flights to Bastia from major European cities, especially during the high season (spring and summer). Popular routes include flights from Paris, Marseille, Nice, and Lyon, as well as international hubs such as London, Brussels, and Berlin.

If you are already in mainland France, several ferry companies operate routes between the French mainland and Bastia. Common departure ports include Marseille, Toulon, and Nice. But you can also take a Ferry from Italy: embarking at Italian ports like Livorno, Genoa, and Savona.

Moving Around

Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to explore Corsica, especially the Cap Corse, as many of the island’s beautiful beaches, mountain villages, and scenic spots are not easily accessible by public transport.

Corsica has a network of well-maintained roads, but expect winding mountain roads most of the time. Overall, our average speed was about 30km/h. And it is easy to refuel your rental car as all towns have gas stations.

When to Visit

If you are wondering when to pack your bags for the Cap Corse, you should know that the experience changes quite a bit with the seasons. We visited in September, and it was honestly the perfect way to wrap up our summer.

In the Spring, between March and May, you will find the best conditions for exploring. With temperatures around 15°C to 22°C (59°F – 72°F), it’s the ideal time to hike the Custom Officers Trail without the intense heat. The landscapes are covered in wildflowers, and the best part is that you’ll have the villages and roads almost to yourself.

If you are looking for that classic beach paradise, Summer (June to August) is your best bet. It gets warm, usually between 25°C and 30°C (77°F – 86°F), making the turquoise water incredibly inviting. While the atmosphere is vibrant, keep in mind it is peak season; you will definitely see larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Autumn, especially September and October, is what we call the “sweet spot.” Temperatures stay warm, ranging from 20°C to 27°C (68°F – 81°F), but the air starts to feel a bit fresher in the evenings. The sea is still warm enough for a swim, but the summer rush is gone, leaving the roads much quieter for your road trip.

Winter is much quieter and more authentic, with cooler weather ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). It’s very peaceful, but be aware that many restaurants and hotels close for the season, so it’s more about slow village life than typical tourist activities.

For the absolute best conditions, we recommend aiming for May or September. You get the perfect balance of great weather for both swimming and hiking, but without the intense crowds of July and August.

Where to Stay

To really take in everything Cap Corse has to offer, you will need at least one full day. We found that the best way to organize this is to start by staying in Bastia for your first night. This gives you a head start in the morning.

If you are looking for something budget-friendly, you should check out Adonis Hotel Le Bastia. For a mid-range option with a bit more character, Pietracap Hotel is a great choice, while Hôtel Des Gouverneurs is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to something more high-end. If you prefer the local feel of an apartment, Casa La Vista is a wonderful Airbnb option in the area.

After your night in Bastia, you will spend the day road-tripping all around the peninsula. It is a stunning drive, and you’ll want to end your adventure in the charming town of Saint-Florent. This is the perfect base for your next mission: exploring the famous Saleccia and Lotu beaches.

For your stay in Saint-Florent, you can choose the more affordable Mulinu Biancu or the comfortable Résidence San Roccu. If you are in the mood for luxury after a long day of driving, Hôtel Flor is a fantastic pick. We really enjoyed the atmosphere in Saint-Florent; it’s the best place to grab a drink by the water and relax after a day behind the wheel.

What to Eat

Corsica’s cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean influences, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients, including fresh seafood, chestnuts, herbs, cheese, and meats. And here are some of the best foods to try in Corisca:

• Brocciu: A soft, fresh sheep or goat cheese, often used in desserts or savory dishes. (Protected by AOP status).
• Tomme Corse: A hard, aged cheese with a nutty flavor.
• Pulenta (Polenta): Made from chestnut flour, often served as a side dish.
• Cakes and Desserts: Chestnut flour is used in sweet treats like cakes and biscuits.
• Canistrelli: Crunchy biscuits flavored with anise or almonds.
• Pastizzu: A sweet pudding made with leftover bread or chestnut flour.
• For meat lovers: Prisuttu (Dry-cured ham), Coppa (Cured pork shoulder), Lonzu (Cured pork tenderloin)

For your road trip in Cap Corse, we recommend that you take a lunch break at the beach of Tamarone, along the customs officers’ trail (sentier des douaniers). There is a bakery at Macinaggio where the trail starts that offers pastries and sandwiches. You can also eat at U Paradisu, a restaurant on the Tamarone beach.

In Bastia, we loved the OTTIMO pizzeria. Stunning view of the port and delicious pizza. Plus, in Corsica, you will find lots of Italian restaurants.

Best things to do in Cap Corse

Visit the town of Bastia

Start your journey in Bastia, one of Corsica’s largest and most vibrant towns. Stroll through the charming streets of the old town, visit the historic citadel, and enjoy the lively ambiance of the old port. It is the perfect place to visit once you have landed in Corsica.

Explore the village of Erbalunga

Start your adventure in Cap Corse, with a short drive to reach Erbalunga, a quaint fishing village that feels like stepping back in time. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the colorful houses, and enjoy the peaceful harbor views. It’s one of our favorite villages in Corsica.

Enjoy the view from the coast

As you drive along Cap Corse’s rugged coastline, take time to stop and admire the breathtaking views of the coast. There are many scenic viewpoints where you can stop on the side of the road.

Hike the Custom officer’s trail

Head to Macinaggio and set off on the Custom Officers Trail (Sentier des Douaniers), a stunning coastal hike offering panoramic views of untouched landscapes. The complete trail is about 11,2km one way, so we would recommend only going until you see the Finocchiarola islands, a small archipelago next to the coast with an old tower on it.

Picnic at Tamarone Beach

Midway through your hike, stop at Tamarone Beach for a relaxing break. With its crystal-clear waters and serene setting, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic. And a small dip in the Mediterranean sea if you dare.

Stop by Mattei windmill

After your beach break and once back at your car, head to the Mattei Windmill, a historic site offering sweeping views of Cap Corse. Be sure to look out for the friendly goats hanging around the place.

Make a quick stop at Pino

As you drive south, make a quick stop at the village of Pino, perched high in the hills. This small, peaceful village is great for a brief stop to admire its old churches. We would recommend this stop only if you have some spare time. If you are already far in the afternoon, skip it to have more time south of the Cap Corse.

Visit Nonza

Your next stop along the Cap Corse is the striking village of Nonza, perched on a cliff overlooking a black pebble beach. Be sure to visit the old town and walk to its tower.

Hike to Nonza Beach

For the adventurous, hike down to Nonza Beach, known as the black pearl of Corsica, for its unique black pebbles and stunning coastal scenery. The hike down is stunning and through old ruins. Once on the black beach, make sure to leave your footstep behind by creating a memorable souvenir with white pebbles.

Drive through Patrimonio

On your way to Saint-Florent, pass through Patrimonio, Corsica’s renowned wine region. Take a moment to admire the vineyards and, if time permits, stop by a winery to sample some of Corsica’s exceptional wines.

End in Saint-Florent

Finish your day in the charming coastal town of Saint-Florent, often referred to as Corsica’s “Little Saint-Tropez.” Wander the marina, enjoy a delicious dinner by the sea, and relax after a day of exploring Cap Corse.

Cost of Road-tripping the Cap Corse

You might be wondering if a trip to Northern Corsica is going to break your bank. We visited in September, which is technically the “lower” season, and found the prices much more reasonable than the peak summer madness. On average, you should budget €90-€110 per person per day to cover your car, a nice place to stay, and some good local food.

When it comes to accommodation, we spent about €104 per night in Bastia. Once we moved over to Saint-Florent, we found a cozy accommodation for around €90 a night. Keep in mind that these prices can easily double in July or August, so traveling in September really is the “sweet spot” for your wallet.

For food, you can be as flexible as you like. We had a delicious dinner at a local pizzeria for about €38. You definitely have to try the local Corsican biscuits; we picked up a pack for about €9, and they were the perfect road trip snack.

One thing you shouldn’t forget to factor in is parking. While it is usually cheap in smaller villages, we often paid only €1, it can be a bit more in larger towns, where we spent about €4.20 for the day.

For getting around, renting a car in Bastia is quite affordable, usually costing between €30 and €45 per day depending on the season. Just remember to book in advance during the summer months!

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:

• 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