An off-season Corsican circuit
Would you like to discover Corsica in a different way, with complete freedom and, above all, in complete tranquillity? Go before or after everyone else, in the off-season! You'll have the Isle of Beauty all to yourself: a gentle way of life as exotic as it is endearing, authentic encounters, discoveries along the paths, deserted beaches... The ideal time for a Corsican tour by motorcycle or car, discovering the hinterland or following the coastline. In this article, discover some practical information and itinerary ideas to help you prepare your next Corsican vacation... in the off-season!
Off-seasonvacations
Let's go back over the meaning of this term: it refers to the period outside the months most frequented by tourists, corresponding to school vacations and bridging periods. The ideal time for parents and children to get together is July and August, the peak season. In Corsica, June and September are two months reserved for groups, couples of all ages and groups of friends: we're still in high season. By deduction, we speak of off-season outside these four months of the year.
When to come and why?
If you're planning to visit Corsica in the off-season, April-May and October are the best months: less stress, free-flowing traffic, more affordable prices, pleasant seaside temperatures between 18 and 25° and more available craftsmen and shopkeepers! Accommodation and transport prices on the island are lower during this period, especially if you're flexible and opt for a mid-week departure instead of the traditional Saturday.
Last but not least, unless there's a particular climatic phenomenon, the water is still warm all over Corsica in September and October, so you can enjoy the uncrowded beaches and satisfy your need for privacy.
Activities during your stay
For Corsican vacations in spring (before June), you'll need to pack some warm clothes, especially for mountain activities such as walks, hikes, quad biking, adventure parks... Note that canyoning trips start in mid-April, so you'll need thicker wetsuits. For example, ascents to the Melo and Capitello lakes in the Restonica valley rediscover their soothing, silent atmosphere, in perfect harmony with nature.
By saving money on your accommodation, you'll be able to do much more. Our local advisors will suggest a range of classic and original Corsican experiences to suit all tastes: a donkey ride, a fun wine tasting, a 4X4 ride.....
For those coming with a baby, the off-season is ideal for avoiding the heat. Always bring your hat and sunscreen, because although temperatures are easing, the sun is still shining!
A tailor-made rental or trip
If you need to relax and leave the car in the parking lot during your vacation, we can recommend a hotel, villa or mobile home to suit your tastes and requirements. If you prefer a tailor-made tour, we'll build it for you. If you're short of inspiration, here are a few suggestions:
Travel by boat or bicycle
Corsica is a victim of its own success, attracting boats of all kinds and bicycle enthusiasts. In the off-season, you cantake a week-long cruiseTake a boat trip to discover the wonders of the Isle of Beauty, or a catamaran outing to get up close and personal with the underwater wonders. All this in complete privacy, with sea traffic ideal for meeting new people, or avoiding them altogether!
Electrically-assisted bicycles have been on the rise for several years now, and if you haven't tried them yet, now's the time to give this ecological, practical and economical means of transport a try. We invite you to think about a different kind of vacation by reading our our VAE circuit in Corsica perfect for the off-season, with ideal temperatures and climate.
A 7-day motorcycle tour off the beaten track in southern Corsica
Leaving from Ajaccio, this tour will take you into the hinterland on charming trails, discovering the beautiful regions of southern Corsica! You can, of course, adapt the tour to suit your tastes, for example by continuing on to Bonifacio, the city of cliffs.
- D1 - D2: Arrival in Ajaccio. Market and local produce. Discover Propriano and Sartène. Rendezvous in Campomoro, at the southern tip of the Gulf of Propriano, where a pretty little village and well-protected beach await you. Places to visit: Genoese tower and fortifications, Musée Fesch, Maison Bonaparte Things to do: Swimming in rocky coves, boat trips to Lac de Tolla, stroll to Place de Gaulle... For 2 days in Ajaccio, don't hesitate to continue your visit to Pianottoli Caldarello and Tizzano. Two beautiful Corsican regions to visit!
- D3-J4: Departure for Zerubia, 34 km from Ajaccio, then on to Propriano (17 km) and Sartène (17 km). A short stopover before continuing on to Porto-Vecchio (25 km). Places to visit Cauria megaliths, Olva Nature Park. What to do: Caldane baths, golf at Domaine de Murtoli, relaxation and scuba diving at Plage de Tizzano (de l'Avena).
- D5-J6-J7: Discover Porto-Vecchio and the surrounding area. What to see: Citadel and old town, marina What to do: Hike to the Aiguilles de Bavella (50 km northwest of Porto-Vecchio), swim in the Purcaraccia waterfalls and natural pools, laze in Palombaggia, enjoy a pleasant coffee break at Place de la République... Note that Bonifacio is only 25 km from Porto-Vecchio, if you'd like to drop in!
- Day 7 : Visit Corte and return to Ajaccio. Places to visit: The citadel, Parc Régional Naturel Corse Things to do in Corte: Hiking in the Restonica Gorges, the Scala de Santa Régina and the Asco Gorges, a walk to the Belvedere (panoramic view), Via Ferrata, tyro trekking, rock climbing...
A tour of Haute-Corse by car
- D1 - D3 : Arrival in Bastia. Put on your walking shoes for an unforgettable tour of Cap Corse along the Sentier des Douaniers! Places to visit: The citadel and old town, the Giraglia lighthouse, the Tuscan National Park. What to do: Hike the Sentier des Douaniers, cruise the Réserve Naturelle des Iles du Cap Corse, Centuri or Capraia Island.
- D4 - D5 : Road to Balagne! A journey that takes you from Bastia to Ile Rousse, via Patrimonio and Saint Florent. During this beautiful journey, you'll discover the beauty of Corsica's hinterland before reaching the island's eastern coast. To visit: Citadel, Genoese towers, wineries... Things to do: Patrimonio wine tasting, swimming and sightseeing in Saint Florent, boat trips to the magnificent beach of Saleccia...
- D5 - D6 : Descent to Calvi and visit the Porto and Piana regions Visit: the Calvi Citadel, the Gulf of Porto and its fishing port Do: swimming at Calvi beach, stroll to the Calanches de Piana and Capu Rossu (south of the Gulf of Porto), discover the Scandola nature reserve...
- D7 : Drive back up to Corte to join Bastia directly (68 km, approx. 1h drive) Visits en route: Corte citadel, Point Panoramique lookout point, Corsican Museum, Church of the Annunciation Things to do: Hikes in the Restonica Gorges, boat trip to Lake Ninu, via Ferrata, climbing to the Corte Arch...
Tips and ideas for off-seasontours from north to south, so you can discover the island at your own pace, and make the most of every moment to recharge your batteries as a couple or with your family, and fill up on unforgettable memories.