11 Best things to do in Cap Corse, Corsica, France

Introduction

We visited Corsica, an island in the south of France, at the end of the season in September and had an incredible time exploring the island. Little did we know that we would fall completely in love with this breathtaking destination. And for good reason—Corsica boasts some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen, with majestic mountains always providing a stunning backdrop.

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!

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide

Getting there

Let’s start by how to get to Bastia:

• By Air: Bastia 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, Lyon, and international hubs like London, Brussels, and Berlin.
• By Ferry from Mainland France: Several ferry companies operate routes between the French mainland and Bastia. Common departure ports include Marseille, Toulon, and Nice.
• By Ferry from Italy: Ferries also connect Bastia with Italian ports like Livorno, Genoa, and Savona.

Moving Around

Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to explore Corsica, 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.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cap Corse depends on the type of experience you’re looking for:

• Spring (March to May) – Ideal for Exploring: Mild temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F) perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Wildflowers are in bloom, adding vibrant colors to the already breathtaking landscapes. Fewer tourists, meaning quieter villages and roads.
• Summer (June to August) – Beach Paradise: Warm weather (25–30°C / 77–86°F) makes it perfect for beach days and swimming in the turquoise waters. Longer days give you more time to explore. Vibrant summer atmosphere in local markets and restaurants. But this is peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. Roads can be busier, especially around popular stops.
• Autumn (September to October) – The Sweet Spot: Warm temperatures (20–27°C / 68–81°F) with cooler evenings. The sea is still OK for swimming after the summer heat. Fewer tourists compared to summer, offering a more relaxed experience. Great for road trips, with quieter roads and stunning autumn colors in the countryside.
• Winter (November to February) – Quiet and Authentic: Cooler temperatures (10–15°C / 50–59°F), making it great for exploring without the heat. Villages are peaceful, offering a chance to experience authentic Corsican life. But many tourist services, including restaurants and accommodations, may be closed. Swimming and some outdoor activities may not be suitable due to cooler weather.

Late Spring (May) and Early Autumn (September) are the ideal times to visit Cap Corse. These months offer perfect weather, fewer crowds, and the best conditions for hiking, swimming, and exploring the region’s charming villages and dramatic coastal roads.

We would also recommend that you get an eSIM to be able to use your GPS and Google map all along your trip. In France, you can get an Airalo eSim of 5GB for 13,5€ or 10GB for 22€.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

For your Cap Corse adventure, you will need a complete day. So, we would recommend that you first stay in Bastia:

• (€):  Adonis Hotel Le Bastia
• (€€): Pietracap Hotel
• (€€€): Hôtel Des Gouverneurs
• AirBnb: Casa La Vista

And then take a full day to road trip all around the Cap Corse and end your adventure in Saint-Florent which is your base for the next adventure to Saleccia and Lotu Beach

• (€):  Mulinu Biancu
• (€€): Résidence San Roccu
• (€€€): Hôtel Flor

Here are all your accommodation options in Bastia

What to Eat

Corsica’s cuisine is a delightful 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 you road trip in Cap Corse, we recommend that you make a lunch break on the beach of Tamarone, along the custom 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.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

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.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

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.

Here are all your accommodation options in Bastia

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.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

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 archipel next to the coast with an old tower on it.

Here are all your accommodation options in Bastia

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.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

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.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

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.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Hike to Nonza Beach

For the adventurous, hike down to Nonza Beach, known  as the black pearl of Corsica and 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.

Here are all your accommodation options in Bastia

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.

Check our Google Map of Corsica

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.

Read: The Ultimate Corsica Road Trip & Travel Guide