Autotour in Corsica: let us guide you!
On the mountainsides, along the coast or in the heart of the cities, on the island of beauty, there are as many places to explore as there are paths to take. On a Corsica self-guided tour, you'll have the privilege of choosing your own paths across the island. Taste the joys of freedom on Corsican roads and access the island's the most secret places on the island of beauty. Discover our most beautiful itinerary ideas for your autotour.
Corsicatours offers tailor-made itineraries to suit your tastes and desires. We'll guide and advise you as you prepare your Autotour, and you can count on our team to reveal some of the most beautiful places to discover on the island.
Our tour ideas for an exceptional self-drive tour of Corsica
Along the coast of Corsica
From Calvi to Ajaccio
Some roads are legendary for the landscapes they cross and the scenery they provide access to. For the first leg of your Corsican tour, we're taking you on one of them: départementale 81. Leaving Calvi, after strolling along the cobbled streets of the citadel, your itinerary along the west coast of Corsica begins.
As you leave Calvi in the direction of Ajaccio, the scenery changes, the sea recedes and the Marsulinu valley gradually takes shape before you. It's the ideal place for a first stop to admire the lush green landscapes of the Balagne region. En route, stop off at Antoine and Alexandrine Massoni's U Pastore cheese dairy to savour a delicious brocciu produced on site.
No sooner have you finished your tasting than the sea beckons. Head back down into southern Corsica towards the town of Galéria. From here, you enter a new world of turquoise coves, indented coastlines and unreal rock formations. On the other side of the road, on the cliff face, admire the superb scenery of the Scandola Nature Reserve. Before entering Ajaccio, you still have to drive along the Gulf of Porto, where we recommend stopping for a few moments to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Calanques de Piana. Once you've arrived in the imperial city, you can enjoy a well-deserved meal of delicious Corsican produce in one of our selected hotels.
Our selection of hotels for your stopover in Ajaccio
- Club Marina Viva
- Radisson Blu
- Campo Dell'Oro
Our other itinerary ideas for your Corsica self-drive tour
Climbing the island's peaks
From Corte to Bonifacio
The soul of the Isle of Beauty is revealed through steep paths and passages between valleys. During your Corsica self-guided tour, we reveal some of the most beautiful routes around the island's relief. The starting point for this summit itinerary is the commune of Corte. This hilltop village, topped by a citadel, is full of surprises. Stroll through its narrow streets, discovering chapels, churches, the 4 cannons fountain and houses of unspoilt charm.
After exploring the island's historic capital, your itinerary takes you to the Prunelli valley. Here, enchanting wilderness dominates. Stroll along the gorges and stop off at Bastelica, a picturesque village where pine forests and Genoese bridges mingle. Then divert to the Val d'Ese to discover one of the island's best-kept secrets: the pozzines. These high-altitude peat bogs, dotted with waterholes, are well worth the detour. We advise you to leave the car for a few hours and follow the footpaths that will take you to the pozzines of the Val d'Ese.
Finally, before taking advantage of Bonifacio's gentle beaches and surveying the town's cliffs, a final break is in order on the roads of southern Corsica. Sartène, the most Corsican of Corsican towns, is the place to be. This picturesque town with its many medieval buildings is also a mecca for winegrowers. In the heart of the old town, push open the doors of the Cave Sartenaise. You'll be able to buy local wines and handcrafted products, which you can taste as soon as you arrive on the shores of Bonifacio.
Our selection of hotels for your stopover in Bonifacio
- Solemare
- Santa Teresa
- Prea Gianca
Frequently asked questions about self-guided tours in Corsica
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What is an autotour?
A self-guided tour is an organized trip that includes a driving tour and accommodation along the way. It can also include a rental car. You determine each stage of your tour, and we'll advise you and reveal the most beautiful places to visit, the finest hotels to stay in and the most beautiful roads to take, according to your tastes and desires.
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What's the difference between a tour and a self-guided tour?
Unlike a traditional tour, where you'll be accompanied by a guide or even a driver, a self-guided tour is completely autonomous. During your stay on the roads of Corsica, you'll be your own chauffeur. From Ajaccio to Calvi, from Bonifacio to Bastia, you choose your own itinerary, and we'll find you the best accommodation for each stage of your trip.
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Should I take my own car on a Corsica self-drive tour?
If you want to travel around the island with your own car, you can take the ferry from Marseille, Toulon or Nice. On this crossing, you can take your own vehicle on board. For your destination, you can choose between Bastia, Ile Rousse, Calvi, Ajaccio, Propriano and Porto-Vecchio. If you don't want to drive across, we can include a rental car in your tour. Family car, 4x4 or classic car, you choose the best option for your Corsica tour.
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Which departure city should I choose for my Corsica self-drive tour?
We recommend that you start your tour in your destination town. Either one of the ports where the ferries disembark, or close to one of the island's airports. There are four airports in Corsica with flights to the mainland: Bastia Poretta, Calvi Sainte-Catherine, Ajaccio Napoléon Bonaparte and Figari Sud Corse.
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Can I change my itinerary on a self-drive tour?
We can help you plan your itinerary before your trip. We'll recommend towns and places to visit, and find you hotels along the way. If during your stay you wish to take a different route, visit another town or relax on a beach, you are free to modify your itinerary. On the other hand, your self-guided tour includes the booking of accommodation where you'll need to stay at each stage of the tour.
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Is it possible to include lunch, breakfast and dinner during the trip?
Many of the hotels we recommend for your self-drive tour offer full- or half-board packages. So you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, depending on the accommodation you choose.
Our local advisors can guide you!
How to visit Corsica in 7 days?
Corsica, with its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, can be effectively explored in a week if you plan wisely. Here are a few tips to maximize your experience while avoiding long journeys, which on this mountainous island are better measured in time than in kilometers.
Explore northern Corsica on a self-drive tour - The fabulous beach at Saleccia
Start your adventure in the north of Corsica, where you'll discover some unmissable natural wonders. Use your camera to capture the wild beauty of the fabulous Saleccia beach, accessible by winding roads through the Agriate desert. This secluded beach is famous for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. From here, you can easily explore Cap Corse and Balagne.
Head south on a self-drive tour - limestone cliffs and legendary panoramas
To the south of the island, where the legendary limestone cliffs offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The cliffs, especially those of Bonifacio, are a must for any photographer. Take time to explore the narrow streets of Bonifacio, perched on sheer cliffs offering breathtaking panoramas. From here you can explore the Alta Rocca and the beaches of Porto-Vecchio.
Tips to optimize your stay
Avoid long journeys by planning ahead and staying in one geographical area each day to reduce the time spent on the road.
Always use your camera to capture Corsica's diverse landscapes, from dazzling coastlines to majestic mountains.
What type of car for Corsica?
Choosing the right type of car is crucial to making the most of your stay in Corsica. The island offers a wide variety of terrains, from coastal roads to mountain trails, which require careful planning in terms of mobility.
Car hire: care and precautions
Most visitors opt for a rental car, which can be picked up either at the airport or in the island's main towns. To rent a car, you'll need a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit. This is crucial to ensure a smooth pick-up.
Choosing the right vehicle for exploring Corsica
To explore Corsica on your own, we recommend choosing a vehicle suited to the various driving conditions. Here are a few options:
- SUV or 4x4: Perfect for those planning to venture onto less accessible paths or mountain roads. These vehicles offer better grip and greater safety on rough terrain.
- Compact car: Ideal for visitors who plan to stay mainly on paved roads and in urban areas. These cars are easier to maneuver and can be more economical in terms of fuel consumption.