Corsica Road Trip Guide: Sights, Itinerary & Tips

Plan the perfect Corsica road trip with this guide – including suggested itineraries, where to stay and the island’s best destinations!

It is no secret that Corsica (also known as Corse) is known for its paradise-like feel and truly magnificent beaches. There are areas on Corsica that cause you to stop and question if you’re even still in Europe!

From the turquoise shores of southern Corsica to the “off-grid” Cap Corse peninsula, the island has many different corners to discover. The best and most deserving way to travel Corse is by car.

Although it may sound daunting at first to anyone less than a seasoned traveler, road tripping throughout Corsica is rather uncomplicated and immensely rewarding.

This is a complete guide to planning a Corsica road trip. We’ve included essential information, suggested itineraries and the best places to see along the way.

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Corsica Road Trip Map: Things to See

Orange Pins: Towns and villages
Blue Pins: Natural wonders
Green Pins: Beaches

Top Things to See & Do on Corsica

The perfect Corsica road trip itinerary will ultimately depend on you as a traveler and what you want to prioritize during your time on Corsica.

Corsica has many different types of things to see and do, but that doesn’t mean they’re a one-size-fits-all solution. This is one of the greatest things about this road trip—it’s completely curated around what you care about seeing and doing the most.

Below you’ll find recommendations on some of the top things to do in Corsica, which will help you put together your ideal road trip itinerary.

1. Discover the Different Regions

Cap Corse

This is the northernmost peninsula of the island, often known as the “finger” of Corsica. It is not the smoothest area to travel around but possibly the most intriguing.

Haute-Corse and East Coast

Haute-Corse is essentially the northern half of Corsica and this is also where the major town of Bastia is located. Everything running from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia can be considered the east coast. Most of Corsica’s great mountain peaks are also situated in the Haute-Corse region.

La Balagne

The northwest corner of the island is called Balagne which is compromised of two major towns – Calvi and L’Île-Rousse. It stretches from the northern coastline down to Monte Cinto.

West Coast and The Gulf of Porto

The Gulf of Porto is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Corsica’s most unique landscape. Ajaccio and Propriano are the major towns along the west coast of Corse.

South Corsica

Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio are the most notable areas of southern Corsica. This region is dense in beautiful beaches and the gateway to Sardinia.

2. Enjoy Many Beautiful Beaches

By this point in your trip planning, you’re probably aware that Corsica has some of the best (and sandy) crystal clear water in all of Europe.

Most of the beaches are not easily accessible by walking from a town and can be reached by car instead, perfect for a road trip! In fact, curating a road trip itinerary based on all the Corsica beaches you want to visit makes a lot of sense.

Corse beaches are the top reason for the island’s many annual visitors and likely what you’ll most be interested in doing during your summer trip.

Some of the top beaches to keep in mind when putting together your road trip itinerary include:

• Plage de Ghjunchitu
• Plage de Losari
• Plage de Palombaggia
• Plage De La Folaca
• Plage de Rondinara
• Plage de Santa Giulia
• Plage Cala Genovese
• Plage de Saleccia
• Plage de l’Isolella

3. Visit Villages and Towns

The island of Corse has a few large towns, all in various areas of the island. This means each major town has a slightly different feel and things to offer its visitors.

Each of these towns also serve as ports. This results in them being well equipped to handle travellers and their needs such as finding SIM cards, car rentals or stocking up on groceries.

Below are the larger main towns in Corsica worth visiting.

• Bastia
• L’Île-Rousse
• Calvi
• Ajaccio
• Propriano
• Bonifacio
• Port-Vecchio

Life on Corsica also thrives in smaller towns and villages sprinkled throughout the island. You’ll find small towns nestled alongside the mountainous terrains and coastal shores.

We personally enjoy visiting smaller villages as it’s easier to appreciate a sense of every day life and culture compared to bigger towns. You’ll also be surprised by how much better a pastry tastes from a smaller community once you eliminate a swarm of tourists.

Here are just a few notable small towns to wander through during your Corsica road trip.

• Nonza
• Erbalunga
• Saint-Florent
• Piana
• Aregno
• Évisa
• Sartène
• Cargèse

4. Drive Through The Corsican Mountains

With so much attention on its beaches, it’s really easy to forget how mountainous Corsica is. The island is also thoroughly green with forests making up nearly 20% of its landscape.

Overall, beaches are just a very small geographical aspect of the island. Although often overlooked, the real hidden gems of Corsica are the mountains!

The continuous mountain range, which has a number of peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, runs along the center of the island. Outdoor enthusiasts will be appreciate the number of destination points along the mountains including the highest peak of Monte Cinto and hiking trails throughout the Corsica Natural Regional Park.

If you do decide to road trip in the winter time and have a capable vehicle, visiting one of the handful of ski resorts by car is a feasible activity.

Other than hiking or mountain biking to these high altitude destinations, many panoramic viewpoints are accessible by car but you’ll need off-road capabilities to reach them. Still, there are plenty of places to visit in the mountainous regions of Corsica with any type of car!

Some natural wonders and mountain areas to visit on your road trip itinerary without heavy hiking are below.

• Piscine Naturali – natural pool
• Village Abandonné d’Occi – abandoned village with panoramic view
• Muna – abandonded village
• Belvédère Mare à Mare Nord – viewpoint
• Cascate d’Aitone – forest swimming area
• Vasques baignades Asco – river swimming area
• Pont Génois d’Asco – historic bridge
• Piscine Naturelle in Aullène – natural pool
• Point de vue du col de Teghime – viewpoint

One of the most popular attractions and beautiful drives on Corsica is the Calanques de Piana. It is a scenic route along the west coast of the island featuring impressive rock formations made out of red ochre, a natural earth clay material.

The drive begins in the town of Porto and through the town of Piana. After reaching Piana, we recommend continuing on to reach Plage d’arone. This entire spectacular area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly worth a visit.

Road Trip Route to See Calanques de Piana

Corsica Road Trip Itinerary Options (1 or 2 Weeks)

To tour Corsica by car takes more time than it would elsewhere on mainland France or Europe. Due to its curvy and narrow roads built alongside the hilly and rocky terrain, it is not a road trip destination for driving quickly.

The old and quaint towns sitting en route of the major “motorways” on the island are another reason to not speed your way through a road trip. Corse merits a minimum of one week to travel throughout its numerous regions.

An ideal two weeks in Corsica will allow ample time to appreciate wondrous sights to see and places to visit on your road trip itinerary. Based on how much time you have, we’ve put together a couple of ideas on Corsica road trip itineraries below.

1 Week in Corsica Itinerary

Day 1: Ajaccio to Galeria (130 km)

The first day will begin in Ajaccio where you’ll get onto the D81 road. The D81 is likely the most scenic route on the island and will take you to see Calanques de Piana in addition to many other panoramic views along the way.

The D81 runs close to the coastline before gaining altitude which means it’s a good opportunity to stop at the beaches of Plage de Péru or Plage de Menasina before reaching Piana.

For lunch, stop in Cargèse, a coastal town with many restaurants and a convenient parking lot. From Cargèse, you’ll get back on the D81 towards the town of Piana.

If you have time, make a detour to Plage d’arone, an absolutely stunning and less frequented beach. Once passing through Calanques de Piana, you’ll continue on the breathtaking D81 route until you reach Galeria for the evening.

Day 2 – 3: Galeria to L’Île-Rousse (50 km)

The drive from Galeria to L’Île-Rousse only takes on hour but there are many places to visit in this area. It’s recommended to spend two days here and enjoy the variety of beaches and towns.

Calvi is the biggest coastal town with a big crescent bay of fine sand and a shallow beach. Other beaches near Calvi worth visiting include Plage de Sainte Restitude and Plage de l’Arinella.

From Calvi, take a small detour towards the Village Abandonné d’Occi which is located by the town of Lumio. This site is really special and has a phenomenal view.

Before reaching L’Île-Rousse, you’ll find a number of gorgeous beaches to stop at including Plage de Bodri and Plage d’Aregno.

Day 4: L’Île-Rousse to Ghisoni (136 km)

From L’Île-Rousse, you’ll depart the coastline and head inland. The T30 road is one of the straightest roads on the island and you’ll get a brief break from the twist and turns. Before hitting Ponte Leccia, turn right onto D47 and eventually the D147 which runs along the river.

This is an excellent area for camping in addition to hiking throughout the gorge, Gorge de l’Asco. After stopping in the small yet lovely town of Asco for lunch, continue to the river swimming area at Vasques baignades Asco for a brief dip.

Following Asco, you’ll need to slightly backtrack to get back on the main T20 road which leads south. After passing through the town of Vivario, stop at the beautiful Belvédère de Pasciola viewpoint before your end point of Ghisoni.

Ghisoni is a favoured ski resort in the winter and is a refreshing change of setting to the beaches.

Day 5 – 6: Ghisoni to Porto-Vecchio (85 km)

As you venture down the mountain from Ghisoni, you’ll join the main road of T10 which will begin to run along the coast. Before getting to Porto Vecchio, stop at the must see yet underrated beaches of Plage de Tarco and Plage de Saint Cyprien.

Once you get situated in Port-Vecchio as your end destination, we recommend staying there for two days to experience the handful of exquisite beaches in the area.

Day 7: Porto-Vecchio to Propriano (73 km)

The last leg of your journey will only take a little over an hour.

This allows you to take your time in order to relish in your last full day on Corsica. Some significant beaches to view along this route include Plage de Roccapina and Plage de Tizzano.

Other than beaches, there are some lovely towns to check out such as Sartène for a bite to eat and peaceful stroll. If you’re traveling with kids, make a visit to the animal farm at Le Parc Naturel d’Olva.

One Week in Corsica Road Trip Route

2 Weeks in Corsica Itinerary

Day 1: Bastia to Macinaggio (37 km)

After a morning coffee in Bastia, you’ll head north to explore Cap Corse with Macinaggio as your destination. Along this route, you’ll pass through many coastal towns and beaches.

Some favoured beaches include Plage de Pietracorbara and Plage de Meria. From Macinaggio, you can access a few hiking trails which will lead you to secluded beaches on the peninsula.

Day 2 – 3: Macinaggio to Saint-Florent (71 km)

The roads in Cap Corse are particularly narrow with many unpredictable turns. It’s best to take your time during this part of the trip.

Next, you’ll cross Cap Corse and begin heading south. Getting from Macinaggio to Morsiglia in order to get on the D80 is the next goal. The D80 swiftly runs along the west side of Cap Corse.

You can stay near the coastline or head up into some of the hillside villages such as Bracolaccia. You’ll soon reach the quaint and picturesque town of Saint-Florent which is wonderful for a short stay.

Day 4 – 6: Saint-Florent to Calvi (69 km)

Balagne is one of the best regions on Corsica for impeccable beaches and pretty hilltop towns. It’s recommended to stay a couple days here and travel among the area in order to visit the many places to see.

Must visit stops include the view from Notre Dame de la Serra and abandoned village of Occi. The city of L’Île-Rousse is a perfect place to find fabulous restaurants, bars and beautiful hotels. The Fanale di Petra attraction is a short yet rewarding hike with a view.

Day 7 – 8: Calvi to Ajaccio (155 km)

The journey from Calvi to Ajaccio is a bit long and should be broken out into a couple of days in order to not feel rushed. The D81 route is spectacular and will take you to Calanques de Piana.

Aside from this popular attraction, you can stop in a couple of charming towns along the way such as Osani and Porto. You’ll find many other mesmerising viewpoints in this area around Réserve Naturelle de Scandola (or Scandola Nature Reserve) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fantastic for bird watching!

Between Piana and Ajaccio, you’ll be surrounded by an endless number of beach options as long as you stay on the D81.

Day 9: Ajaccio to Propriano (70 km)

Driving from Ajaccio to Propriano will not take you long. Use this extra time to explore some smaller coastal towns along the journey. Porticcio, Isolella and Porto Pollo are all exquisite and should be stops on your Corsica itinerary.

Day 10: Propriano to Bonifacio (65 km)

The coastline between Propriano and Bonifacio is equally as impressive as the one near Port-Vecchio.

As most of the beaches sit in between coves and bays, the water is calmer here and ideal for an afternoon spent relaxing. Bonifacio is a romantic little town perched on the cliffside and is a wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner with a stunninng view.

On the edge of the the village, you’ll also find Escalier du Roy d’Aragon, a steep staircase carved into the cliff which leads directly to the sea.

Day 11 – 12: Bonifacio to Port-Vecchio (28 km)

Porto-Vecchio and its bounty of beaches to choose from is only 30 minutes from the port town of Bonifacio. Thus, freeing up some extra time to spend at either end.

Other than beaches, there isn’t much else to see during the route. Still, trust that you’ll want to keep your itinerary loose in order to visit multiple southern Corsica beaches.

Some lesser known alternatives to the popular Santa Giulia Beach are Plage de Cala Longa, Plages de Sant’Amanza and Plage de Benedettu which are all accessible by car.

Day 13 – 14: Porto-Vecchio to Bastia (188 km)

Your last route from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia begins on the T10 which turns into the T11. This road is fairly straight forward and connnects Corse-du-Sud (south) to Haute-Corse (north).

The journey takes you along the coast where you’ll find Chez Costa, a well rated seashore restaurant with a great view. Corsica’s east coast is practically one long stretch of beach and you may find a lovely place for a pit stop such as Plage de Serra di Fium’orbu.

Exploring the seafront town of Bastia is worthy of an entire day before your road trip concludes.

2 Weeks in Corsica Road Trip Route

FAQs Corsica Road Trip

The first place to start when planning a road trip is to understand a few basics. Perhaps you’re still trying to decide if a Corsica road trip is right or doable for you and you want to have all the facts.

Or, your mind is set on touring Corsica by car and you’re ready to plan the details. Either way, there are some fundamental pieces of information to keep in mind when planning a trip to Corsica, especially a road trip.

These are the top things to know before you go!

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip in Corsica?

Luckily, Corsica’s climate is mild most of the year which means a road trip is doable any time, with the exception of winter.

You’ll want to avoid planning a road trip in the months of December – February as it’s not uncommon for Corsica to receive snow. If snowfall is heavy enough, certain roads will be closed which isn’t an ideal situation when doing a road trip.

The best time for a Corsica road trip is in the spring or fall when crowds have faded. This allows for less traffic on the road and big savings if you are renting a car.

May is warm enough for outdoor activities but visiting in October means the sea will still be at a sufficient temperature for swimming.

Is It Easy to Drive in Corsica?

The answer to this question will depend on how experienced of a driver you consider yourself to be.

If you are a confident driver and have some experience with driving in Europe, driving in Corsica will be a breeze. There are much more trickier places in Europe to drive as a foreigner but we wouldn’t consider Corsica to be one of them.

As one of the top things to be aware of when driving in Corsica, be prepared for narrow and curvy roads. Animals in the middle of the road are also something to be careful of! As long as you are not driving too fast or recklessly, it is not an impossible feat to navigate the roads on Corsica.

The roads can particularly get questionable in the mountains so if you’re unsure of your own driving skills, just avoid these areas. As long as the weather is calm, driving in Corsica along the coast and main roads is very effortless.

Another tip to keep in mind about driving in Corsica is the lack of major highways and motorways. Most of your traveling from point A to point B will be on local roads which are not wide and tend to be indirect to accommodate the island’s landscape.

Do not expect to complete a short distance in record time and set realistic expectations if you’re working with a tight timeline.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Corsica?

Corsica is just over 180 km long from Bonifacio to Cap Corse, the northernmost tip of the island. With the entirety of its coastline being around 1,000 km, it’s not a huge island when compared to Sardinia or Sicily.

To enjoy a proper tour of Corse, we recommend a minimum of one week in Corsica. If you are able to set aside two weeks in Corsica for a road trip, this is ideal and will allow you to see many of the sights without rushing.

A direct journey by car from Bonifacio to Cap Corse will take around 4 hours. Getting across the island from Ajaccio to Bastia or Porto-Vecchio will take 3 hours.

The distances are not long but Corsica’s roads are not the most efficient. This limits the amount of direct travel throughout the island and your drive will always take a bit longer than expected.

We’ve put together two itinerary examples further down in this post for those planning to stay one week and those staying two weeks in Corsica.

How to Get to Corsica?

Traveling to Corsica means you have two options on how to get there – by ferry or plane. Ferry travel is incredibly popular for both passengers traveling on foot and those with vehicles.

The available ferry routes to Corsica range from multiple departure points in France as well as Italy. Based on where you are coming from, you can choose the most convenient departure port near you.

Ferry rides can take as little as 3 hours and up to 15 hours depending on your starting and ending point.

If you are planning on using your own car for a Corse road trip, taking the ferry to Corsica is your only option. A majority of ferries to Corsica from France or Italy accommodate cars in addition to motorcycles and camper vans.

Many ferry routes to Corsica also operate year round which means you do not have to visit when crowds are at their fullest in the summer.

Exploring Corsica by car is still completely doable if you are flying to the island. Upon arrival, you’ll find rental car agencies available at all four international airports on Corsica.

From multiple ferry routes to flight paths, our complete guide on how to get to Corsica can be found here!

Should You Rent a Car in Corsica?

You do not need to travel to Corsica with your own car (or existing rental car) but you will absolutely need a car when you’re there to explore the island. Touring Corsica by car is the finest way for Corse to reveal itself to you.

The many hidden corners, various regions and natural wonders it has to offer simply cannot be experienced by public transportation.

When renting a car in Corsica, keep in mind its size and capability. Choosing the type of car will come down to your travel style and what you’re looking to gain from your time on Corsica.

If you’re solely relying on the car to get you from one stay to the next as you make your way around the island, a compact car will suffice. Smaller cars are also advantageous on Corsica as some roads are very narrow, including mountain roads, rural towns and busy port cities.

If visiting off-grid destinations is a top priority for your road trip, you should rent a car with AWD/4WD capabilities or at least a car with enough ground clearance.

Final Checklist for Your Corsica Road Trip

You should now have a better idea of what to expect from a Corsica road trip. The next step is to double check if you are fully prepared and equipped to tour Corsica by car.

These are a few critical details to be mindful of when planning your Corsica road trip.

Maps & Directions

Since Corsica is technically France, you’ll still be located in the European Union. If you’re coming from another EU country or have purchased a travel SIM card which works anywhere in the EU, you will have full internet access on your phone. This will make it a lot easier to get around on the island when using GPS.

Before arriving in Corsica and when you have wifi access, always make sure to download an area on Google Maps so it’s accessible even when you’re offline. Data connection can be spotty on Corsica, particularly when driving in less populated areas.

Finding Places to Stay

If your Corsica road trip is scheduled in the summer time, it’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance.

Road trips taking place in the spring or fall have the luxury of some spontaneity if you’re travelling with a loose itinerary.

Finding a last minute hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Corsica is certainly doable but you may not want to risk it during peak season. Book a place to stay (last minute or plenty in advance) with Booking.com for the best prices.

Language

Corsica is French after all which means they’ll expect you to know as much French as possible. This is kind of a joke but also kind of the reality.

Corsica also has their own local language and if you take some time to learn a few phrases, you’ll be sure to impress one or two people!

What to Pack

Your packing list for a Corsica road trip should have emphasis on making sure you’re able to encounter any unforeseen situation on the road. If you were to break down during your road trip, there are luckily many towns and villages located close to each other so you’ll find a haven if absolutely necessary. Still, it’s best to be prepared with these additional items in your car.

– Drinking water
– Non perishable snacks
– Good shoes for walking
– Car phone charger
– Warm clothes and extra blanket(s)

Aside from emergency scenarios, these are some items to pack to ensure a delightful road trip:

– Photography equipment including GoPro or other action camera
– Snorkeling gear
– Beach or picnic blanket
– Plenty of sunscreen

More Road Trips:

• Algarve Coast Road Trip
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• Southern Spain Road Trip
• Balkan Road Trip Route
• How to Plan a Corsica Car Camping Trip
• Best Road Trip Routes in Turkey

Corsica Road Trip Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com
☎️ ESIM: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator