Tour of Corsica by car: advantages and examples of tours!
Fancy a nice tour of Corsica by car? An excellent idea for getting off the beaten track and and discover Corsica at your own pace! Whether you're a couple, a family or a group of friends, this is the perfect opportunity to let yourself be tempted. Here are three good reasons to make your plans a reality, plus a few itinerary ideas.
Which Corsica tour? Travel to the essentials of Corsica by car.
The Isle of Beauty is full of beautiful spots to discover, both on mountain roads and along the coast. From North to South, from East to West, a tour of Corsica by car will take you to the must-see places in Corsica.
The must-sees
Don't miss: a visit to the citadels of Bastia and Calvi in Haute Corse offers breathtaking panoramic views, excursions to villages such as Piana in southern Corsica, also renowned for its magnificent calanques... And, of course, there are the superb beaches of Saleccia in the Gulf of Saint-Florent, or Palombaggia in southern Corsica.
Nature discoveries
Combining relaxation and discovery, a tour of Corsica by car will also take you to the many easily accessible nature reserves and parks on the Isle of Beauty:
- Scandola Nature Reserve (southern Corsica, 1,669 hectares): A marine and terrestrial reserve classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a boat trip to discover a biodiversity unique in the world, surrounded by red rocks reflected in turquoise waters!
- Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve (South Corsica, 80,000 hectares): A beautiful reserve renowned for the beauty of its limestone cliffs and the richness of its flora and fauna;
- L'étang de Biguglia (south of Bastia, 1,450 hectares): Considered the largest body of water in Corsica, it is home to around a hundred species of birds, some of them endemic, including coots and scaups.
- Finocchiarola Islands Nature Reserve (Cap Corse, 3 hectares): A reserve created to protect an endemic species, the Audouin's gull;
- Parc naturel marin du Cap Corse et de l'Agriate (6,830 km²): A park considered to be the largest natural marine park in mainland France, home to red lobster, denti and lobster. Hiking in the Agriate desert
Other reserves such as the Trè Padule de Suartone reserve (southern Corsica), the Cerbicale Islands nature reserve (southern Corsica) and the Archipel des Îles Lavezzi nature reserve (southern Corsica) are also well worth a visit.
Book your Corsica tour :
How to do the grand tour of Haute Corse in 10 days?
Day 1: Arrival in Bastia - Cap Corse:
Sightseeing: Citadel, port of Bastia, Chapelle des Confréries, make Les Légendines, Saint Jean Baptiste church, Escalier Saint at Monserato chapel, Bastia museum
Things to do: stroll around Place Saint Nicolas and Place du Donjon, discover Corsican products at the Bastia market, hike to Serra di Pigno
D2 - D3: Visit Bastia and tour Cap Corse (3h30 drive):
Route: Bastia- Centuri (1h25) / Centuri -Nonza (1h06) / Nonza- Saint Florent (1h)
Sights: Tour paoline, Centuri tower, Église Sainte Julie in Nonza,
Things to do: swim at Nonza's black sand beach, hike to the Il Monte lookout, dive in the Sisco and Macinaggio seascapes.
D4: Visit Saint Florent :
What to see: Citadel, 12th-century Nebbio cathedral, port of Saint Florent
What to do: Boat trips, kayaking, sailing and diving at Plage de la Roya, Saleccia beach, excursion to Loto beach.
D5 - D7: Descent to Balagne :
Route: Saint Florent- Ile Rousse (1h) / Ile Rousse- Calvi (38mn)
Sightseeing: Sant'antonino Jardin de la corse, narrow promontory, craggy peak, Pietra lighthouse, Saleccia park, covered market, Saint-Dominique convent, Calvi citadel and port,
Things to do: swim at Ostriconi beach, visit Notre Dame de la Serra chapel, excursion to La Revellata headland.
J8 - J9: Return eastwards by inland route:
Route : Calvi - Belgodère - Moltifao - Borgo (3h)
Places to visit: Turtle village, Fiuminale village, Arte Stella museum, Biguglia Nature Reserve
Things to do: Swimming at the sandy beach of Lozari, horseback riding or mountain biking.
J10 :
Return to Bastia
How to tour South Corsica by car? Our itinerary :
Day 1: Arrival in Ajaccio:
Placesto visit : One of the most beautiful gulfs in the world, Citadelle, Maison Bonaparte, Musée Fesch, Château de la Punta, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption
Things to do: hikes to Lac de Tolla and the Sentier des Douaniers, strolls around Place Foch, Place d'Austerlitz and Place de Gaulle, boat trips and excursions, water sports and lounging at Cala di Fica, Plage de Rupione or Plage Saint François. Meet at Place du Marché.
D2 - D3: Ajaccio - Piana (81.6km) :
Route : Ajaccio - Calcatoggio - Coggia - Cargèse - Piana (1h58mn)
Sightseeing: Genoese towers of Calcatoggio, Church of St. Spiridion, Church of the Assumption, Stop at Cargèse
What to do: relax on the West Coast at La Liscia beach, laze on Sagone beach, hike to Omigna tower, embark on a sea trip to Scandola and Girolata and its frozen lava flows, hike in Les Calanques de Piana, Col de la croix, muleteers' walk, hike to Capo Rosso, laze on Ficajola beach.
Day 4: Return to Ajaccio:
Route: Piana - Evisa - Casaglione - Ajaccio (3h20)
Sightseeing: Gorges between Ota and Evisa
What to do: Swimming in the pools beneath the waterfalls at Evisa, hiking in the Aïtone forest or at Lac de Nino, picnics and swimming in the natural pools, Tiuccia beach, trekking to Col de Ambiegna.
D5 : Road to Propriano :
Route: Ajaccio - Albitreccia - Propriano (1h50)
Places to visit: Sainte Catherine d'Albitreccia parish church and local heritage, Capu di Muro Genoese tower
What to do: Short hike in the Taravo valley, Mare à Mare Centre hike, swim at Agosta beach.
D6: Visit Propriano and surrounding area:
Sightseeing: village of Campomoro and Genoese tower, fishing village of Porto-Pollo, village of Ste Lucie de Tallano, small villages of the Alta Rocca and on to Sartène, celebrated by Prosper Mérimée.
Things to do: relax at Campomoro beach, Roccapina beach, stroll in Sartène, sea walks, parachuting, quad biking...
D7: Heading for the southern tip :
Route: Propriano - Departure for Bonifacio - Porto-Vecchio (1h49) or from Sartène continue to Zonza -Porto-Vecchio
Sightseeing: Genoese citadel, Grottes de Bonifacio (only by boat), Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, view of sheer cliffs, Pertusato lighthouse, old Trinity hermitage
To do: cruise to the Lavezzi islands, Petit Spérone beach, Bonifacio marina, Rondinara beach
D8: Descent to Figari :
Route: Porto-Vecchio - Figari (24mn)
Sightseeing: Church of Saint Jean Baptiste, Castellu d'Araghju
What to do: Palombaggia and Santa Giulia beaches, scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, cycling, hiking at Capo di Feno, kitesurfing in Figari bay.
D9 - D10 : Return to Ajaccio :
Route: Figari - Propriano - Ajaccio (2h32)
Things to do: shopping and souvenir photos!
Organized coach vacations
If you don't like driving, you can opt for our one-hotel, one-discovery package: you'll put your bags down in a single accommodation with full board from breakfast to dinner, and go on a coach excursion every day. Discover the wonders of Corsica without stress, guided by our expert travel consultant. Departing from Ajaccio, Napoleon's birthplace, explore Corsican towns and cities, and let yourself be transported across Corsica, from the citadel of Calvi to the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio in the far south. Enjoy guided tours and natural panoramas. Wander the narrow streets of picturesque villages, admire the Spelunca gorges, discover the history of Pascal Paoli and the charms of colorful old houses.
How to visit Corsica in 15 days?
Our autotours and tailor-made tours
Because we've always known Corsica and Corsicans, we've designed themed tours for you: for lovers, for families, prestige Corsica, motorcycle roadtrips, hiking, always with activities suggested or included in our offer.
Organized vacations: our coach tours
For those who want to make the most of their vacation and let themselves be driven, opt for a coach tour. Visit the whole island at your leisure, accompanied by a guide who will answer all your questions for a week. He'll tell you all about Corsica's history and secret anecdotes you'll be talking about for a long time to come. On the program: guided tours and an evening of Corsican songs and guitars!
Our local advisors can guide you!
How many kilometers around Corsica?
The tour of Corsica covers around 1000 kilometers. This estimate may vary depending on the route taken, any detours and any stops you wish to make along the way. Plan your trip carefully to take full advantage of the varied landscapes and paradisiacal coastline with its wonders of hidden treasures that the island of beauty has to offer.
How long does it take to circumnavigate Corsica?
To tour Corsica, you should generally allow 7 to 10 days by car. This estimate may vary depending on your itinerary, your stops and the length of your visits to the different regions of the island. Corsica, with its winding roads and captivating landscapes, deserves to be explored with time to savor every moment. Whether it's admiring coastal panoramas, discovering picturesque villages or venturing out on hiking trails, plan your trip carefully to make the most of this unforgettable experience. There's so much to see here, from the authentic granite sculptures of Filitosa, to bustling Bonifacio with its indescribable charm, the Aiguilles de Bavella, Cap Corse, the ancient capital of Corsica, St-Florent, and more...
How long is Corsica in km?
Corsica, a stunningly beautiful Mediterranean island, stretches for some 183 kilometers. Known for its breathtaking scenery, fine sandy beaches and imposing mountains, this island offers a diversity of breathtaking panoramas over a remarkable distance. Whether you're exploring its rugged coastlines, hilltop villages or hiking trails, Corsica's compact size and natural wealth are sure to amaze you.