With 10 days in Corsica, you have time to discover splendid landscapes in different corners of the island: charming villages, dream beaches, impressive mountains, breathtaking cliffs and historical citadels.
Here are our 3 tour options with the best of Corsica, the north and the south.
Our itineraries allow you to plan everything to visit Corsica in 10 days with map, photos, places to see, where to sleep…
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices and paying all our bills in full.
10 days in Corsica: where to go + general advice
Is it possible to visit Corsica in 10 days?
With 10 days, it’s still a little short to see absolutely all of Corsica. We recommend 3 approaches:
- A 10-day road trip, to see a bit of each region – but you’ll have to do a lot of driving, and not let yourself get lost in trying to see too many places in each region
- Visit the southern half of Corsica
- Visit the northern half of Corsica
- Settle down in one place and alternate beach and some excursions.
In this article, we propose our itineraries for the first 3.
Here’s an idea of the road times, for context:
How to get to Corsica
Corsica is accessible by ferry from several cities in France and Italy.
But be careful, ferry crossings are quite long, and for a trip of only 10 days, the interest of the ferry depends on your point of departure.
See available ferry schedules and book.
Otherwise, there are 4 airports where you can arrive in Corsica: Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio, Figari. You can locate them all on the map below.
Compare the destinations and flights available from your departure city.
For the 10-day loop, we start it in Bastia, but you can start it in any city of arrival on the island.
How to get around
It is possible to explore certain regions without a car: There are guided tours that can take you to the most famous places: villages, desert, islands…
But this limits you enormously. There is a lot to see!
We really think that renting/renting a car is the best way to discover the island. See our tips for driving in Corsica.
Beware, in the middle of summer, the parking lots fill up completely, so it’s better to start your day early to enjoy it more.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Attention, the following North / South itineraries are divided geographically and not according to the official departments of South Corsica and Haute-Corse.
#1 – Road trip in Corsica in 10 days – itinerary
Introduction and Map
As we said above, to cover the whole of Corsica, you will have to drive a lot, and change hotels every night. But we think it’s worth it!
This itinerary starts and ends in Bastia, but it is a loop, so you can reorganize it from Calvi, Ajaccio, Figari, Porto-Vecchio…
See the cars and offers available on our favorite platform.
Here is our program map:
Day 1 – Tour of Cap Corse
Driving time = 3h30
The main excursion is of course the tour of the Cap Corsea wild region with only a few villages and impressive mountains plunging into the sea.
With only one day, you must limit your visits. But we recommend that you stop at all the viewpoints along the way.
Erbalunga, Port Centuri and Nonza are worth a visit. And it is the only place to find black beaches in Corsica. However, the color is not due to volcanic ash (as in other countries) but to an old abandoned asbestos mine on the coast.
It is a wild jewel not to be missed!
Spend the night in Saint-Florent by the sea, or in Patrimonio next door in the vineyards. We recommend you:
- Hotel in downtown – good value for money
The Flor Hotel is centrally located, but be aware that it does not have a large enough parking lot for all guests!
see pictures and availability - Hotel Tetolla
Ideal to see the sunsets
see pictures and availability - In the vineyards
At the Lustincone Inn in Patrimonio we loved the charm of the rooms, the delicious breakfast and the fantastic views from the terrace and pool!
see photos and availability - Store, in the mountains
Hotel Dimora is located in the mountains above St. Florent, for peace, tranquility and beautiful views.
See photos and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 2 – Saint-Florent, Agriates Desert, Ile Rousse
Driving time = 1h or 1h30
Today enjoy the bay of Saint-Florent to the west.
Start by taking the boat to the Lotu beach and the Agriates desert. Either you enjoy the beach with the beautiful views of the mountains of Cap Corseor you can walk to discover the beach of Saleccia (1h walk in one direction). The place is magical and the views from the boat are superb.
The Agriates desert is one of our favorite places in Corsica.
And on your return, explore the town of Saint-Florent with its citadel, its ice merchants and its marina. Admire the views of the bay with the mountains of Cap Corse.
Take the road to the Balagne.
Enjoy a short stop above the Ostriconi beach, one of our favorite views in Corsica (and one of our favorite beaches, for that matter).
And finish the day in L’Île-Rousse.
It was founded by the most famous leader of the Corsican people Pasquale Paoli in 1758 (although the place has been inhabited since antiquity). He wanted a port that was not controlled by the Genoese.
The main thing to do in Ile-Rousse is to enjoy the island walk to the top of the lighthouse.
See our guide to visit Ile-Rousse.
Either you sleep in L’Île-Rousse, or you sleep in Calvi (to have 2 nights in a row in the same hotel), there is only a half hour drive between the 2.
We recommend:
- Quietly located in the heart of the city, the Rocabella Hotel is ideal for relaxation.
see prices, pictures and availability - Just steps away from the beach, Hotel Liberata & Spa offers a colorful and fun, yet cozy experience.
see prices, pictures and availability - For a good value, the Casa Rossa hotel, a little further from the center, is an excellent option.
see prices, pictures and availability
Where to see the best rated accommodations in L’Île-Rousse
Day 3 – Calvi and the Balagne
Driving time = 2h
Go up into the hills of the Balagne, to discover one or two typical villages of the region.
For example we recommend:
- Pigna and its blue shutters (35min drive from Calvi)
- Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest villages in Corsica (30min drive from Calvi)
- Speloncato, less touristic, with its houses surrounded by rocks (50min drive from Calvi)
Then go back down along the coast of Balagne.
At the beach level, we recommend:
- the beach of Bodri with its very fine white sand
- Punta di Spanu, one of our favorite places in the region, with its rocks, its Genoese tower and its view on the bay of Calvi
End the day in Calvi, start by admiring the citadel from the beach!
Then go explore it.
Inside, you will discover a labyrinth of alleys, stairs, fortifications, and beautiful views in all directions.
Among the monuments note:
- the church of St. John the Baptist
- the oratory of Saint-Antoine.
- MUDACC – the art museum of the citadel of Calvi with works of the Contemporary Art Fund
See our article dedicated to the citadel or our complete guide to Calvi.
We recommend:
- Around the port
Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
See photos and availability - Along the beach
Hotel Onda where you will sleep almost with your feet in the water…
See prices, pictures and availability - On the heights
A dreamy and luxurious stay in the hotel La Villa Calvi.
See prices, pictures and availability
Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi.
Day 4 – calanques de Piana and Scandola Reserve
Driving time = 2h
Today, continue your descent along the West Coast.
We are going to one of the most famous places in Corsica!
With the calanques de Pianathe Scandola nature reserve is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get up close and personal.
The cliffs and colored rock formations are exceptional.
Attention, reserve your place on the boat!
Night in Piana. We recommend 2 options:
Sleep in the village of Piana, in the heart of the Calanques on a higher ground.
Many hotels have incredible views of the Gulf. For example the Scandola hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability
Sleep in Porto Ota, the village located in the center of the gulf. It is convenient for boat tours.
For example, at the Residence Hoteliere Capu Seninu with its breathtaking views.
– see prices, pictures and availability
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
Day 5 – Ajaccio
Driving time = 1h30
Drive to Ajaccio.
Take time to explore the old town, walk around the fort, see the market and visit the churches.
In terms of visits, we recommend
- The Palais Fesch with the fine arts museum inside. The collection of paintings is impressive with great Italian artists. One of the most beautiful in France – schedules and rates on the official website
- The National Museum of Bonaparte House – where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he spent part of his childhood – schedules and prices on the official website
- But if you prefer nature, take the boat to the îles sanguinaires! See options and availability
Night in Ajaccio – our suggestions:
- Luxury – Hotel Le Week-End, by the sea
See photos and availability - Hotel central – Hotel San Carlu Citadelle Ajaccio, well located
See photos and availability - Out of town – Hotel Les Mouettes with its pool on the waterfront
See photos and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 6 – Filitosa and Sartene
Driving time = 2h
Take the road to the South.
Your first stop is in Filitosa, one of the most fascinatingarchaeological sites in Corsica.
We really enjoyed the walking tour that loops around the various points of interest. It leads you to several structures and megaliths and offers breathtaking views of the area. It is especially known for its status-menhirs which make it one of the most impressive sites of statuary art in the Mediterranean.
The artifacts found on the site are displayed in the museum.
Then direction Sartene, the most Corsican of the Corsican cities.
Enjoy its charming center and its church.
It is a good place to have lunch.
You can also visit the museum of prehistory, to learn more about the region.
Continue your journey to the south. Our favorite stops, if you prefer to see beaches at the archaeological site, are:
- The view on the beach of Roccapina and the lion of rocks – possibility of hiking
- Saint-Jean beach and its beautiful grey rocks
- The beach of La Tonnara with its pink sand and colored rocks
Night in Bonifacio (1/2) – we recommend:
- Above the rest
At the Santateresa Hotel, you can enjoy a superb view of the citadel and the cliffs from above!
See photos and availability - Near the marina
The Centre Nautique hotel is located on the waterfront and the marina.
See photos and availability - Old town
Another option inside the old town is the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and lots of charm.
See photos and availability - Luxury
For a 5-star stay not far from the marina, check out the spacious and beautiful design of the Version Maquis Citadelle hotel.
See photos and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 7 – Bonifacio and Cap Pertusato
Travel time = 0
Today take the time to discover all the facets of one of the most beautiful cities of Corsica: Bonifacio.
The citadel was built on a small peninsula with cliffs over 70m high.
Among our favorite activities:
- Admire the views from all the ramparts
- Descend the staircase of the King of Aragon dug in the cliff
- Visit the marine cemetery
- Have a drink (or an ice cream!) at the marina
- Take a boat trip to admire the cliffs and caves from the sea
- See our article on all the things to do in Bonifacio.
And if you are feeling a bit sporty, you can walk to Cape Pertusato to have exceptional views of the city.
And for a unique beach, once at the lighthouse, you can go down to the beach of Saint-Antoine, completely different from all the Corsican beaches, with its giant cave. See our article.
Night in Bonifacio (2/2)
Day 8 – Beaches of Santa Giulia, Palombaggia…
Driving time = 1h30 (or more, if activities)
In South Corsica, you will find several of the most famous beaches of Corsica.
They are between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Let us quote:
- Palombaggia with its red rocks
- Tamaricciu and its postcard bay
- The bay of Rondinara with its perfect shape (often listed as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe)
- The beach of Santa Giulia and its long strip of sand
And if you don’t want to spend the day at the beach, think about the outdoor activities in the area:
- Canyoning initiation in Pulischellu – see pictures, details and availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – see details and availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – see details and availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto_Vecchio – see photos, details and availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – see pictures, details and availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see pictures, details and availability
Night in Porto-Vecchio (or a 3rd night in Bonifacio (30min drive)).
We recommend:
- Luxury
Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca, right on the beach
see pictures and availability - 4 stars on the sea
Hotel-Restaurant Casa Santini x Roc Seven, right on the water
see pictures and availability - Residence with all services
At the Residence U Pirellu, we enjoy spacious villas, beautiful views of the maquis and the sea. There is a heated swimming pool and all activities. It is only 10min from Palombaggia and 10min from Porto-Vecchio.
see pictures and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 9 – Bavella, Salenzarra to Corte
Driving time = 3h or 4h
To complete your Corsican experience, after a citadel and beaches, we advise you to take altitude in the mountains.
Take the road through the forest of Ospedale and stop at the lake.
Continue towards Zonza and the Aiguilles de Bavella. Here you can go for a short hike or continue your journey through the mountains.
It is absolutely beautiful and a radical change from the beaches.
Then go back down to the coast, through the gorge of Solenzara. Here, enjoy the views of the river and mountains or find a spot to swim in one of the natural pools.
Continue to the heart of Corsica and the city of Corte.
If you like Roman ruins, you can stop in Aleria with its museum and its archaeological site. Otherwise, continue towards the city.
You can:
- Stroll in Corte
- Climb to the Belvedere and enjoy the view
- Visit the museum of Corsica and learn more about its history
- Drive in the beautiful Restonica valley (but be careful the road is narrow and winding). To know more about it.
Either you sleep in Corte, or you continue to Bastia (1 hour drive more)
In Corte, we recommend:
- Hotel Dominique Colonna – see prices, pictures and availability
- B&B A Chjusellina – see prices, pictures and availability
In Bastia, we recommend:
- Good value for money
Hotel Continental – 3 star hotel in the heart of the city
See photos and availability - Central
Hôtel Des Gouverneurs, above the water
see pictures and availability - Hotel de la Corniche, less central but with beautiful views and calm
see pictures and availability - Mister Miot Concept Hotel – Bastia center, with a very pleasant atmosphere
see pictures and availability - Apartment by the sea
The Cada del Mare offers splendid views of the sea
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 10 – Bastia
Driving time = 0 or 1 hour
After the nature, discover Bastia, the second biggest city of Corsica.
One day is enough.
We advise you to :
- walk around the citadel,
- stroll in the old port,
- visit the Governor’s Palace and its garden
- discover the many richly decorated churches.
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#2 – 10 days – South Corsica tour
Summary and Map
Here is our suggestion for a 10-day tour in the southern half of Corsica.
Beaches, mountains, prehistory, citadels… you will be dazzled!
Less road to be expected with this itinerary, except at the end. But, if you want to drive less, you can remove Corte and Piana to spend more time around the southern beaches.
See the cars and offers available on our favorite platform.
Here is the map of this route:
Day 1 – Ajaccio to Propriano by the coast
Driving time = 2h
From the airport or the port, head south along the coast. There are many beautiful places. Our favorite stops are:
- The peninsula of Isolella with its beautiful beaches. You can stretch your legs a bit by exploring
- The beaches of Mare E Sole and Verghia, with a touch of the Seychelles
- Visit the site of Filitosa – a fascinating prehistoric site with many statue-menhirs!
Night in Propriano – we recommend:
- Luxury Villas
At Residence Terra Thea, you can enjoy a resort with several villas overlooking Propriano.
see pictures and availability - Apartment-hotel
At Residence & Hotel Aria Marina, you can enjoy convenient apartments not far from the beach
see pictures and availability - Unique
Micalona Genoese Tower where you can stay in one of the historical defense towers, not far from Propriano!
see pictures and availability - Seaside in the south of the city
U Liventi offers beautiful cabins, under the trees and near the beach.
see pictures and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 2 – From Propriano to Bonifacio, via Sartene
Driving time = 2h
Continue your journey to the south. Our favorite stops are:
- The old center of the city of Sartene, the most Corsican of Corsican cities with its church and its museum of prehistory. It is a nice place to relax and have lunch
- The view on the beach of Roccapina and the lion of rocks – possibility of hiking
- Saint-Jean beach and its beautiful grey rocks
- The beach of La Tonnara with its pink sand and colored rocks
Night in Bonifacio (1/2) – we recommend:
- Above the rest
At the Santateresa Hotel, you can enjoy a superb view of the citadel and the cliffs from above!
See photos and availability - Near the marina
The Centre Nautique hotel is located on the waterfront and the marina.
See photos and availability - Old town
Another option inside the old town is the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and lots of charm.
See photos and availability - Luxury
For a 5-star stay not far from the marina, check out the spacious and beautiful design of the Version Maquis Citadelle hotel.
See photos and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 3 – Bonifacio and Cap Pertusato
Travel time = 0
Today take the time to discover all the facets of one of the most beautiful cities of Corsica: Bonifacio.
The citadel was built on a small peninsula with cliffs over 70m high.
Among our favorite activities:
- Admire the views from all the ramparts
- Descend thestaircase of the King of Aragon dug in the cliff
- Visit the marine cemetery
- Have a drink (or an ice cream!) at the marina
- Take a boat trip to admire the cliffs and caves from the sea
- See our article on all the things to do in Bonifacio.
And if you are feeling a bit sporty, you can walk to Cape Pertusato to have exceptional views of the city.
And for a unique beach, once at the lighthouse, you can go down to the beach of Saint-Antoine, completely different from all the Corsican beaches, with its giant cave. See our article.
Night in Bonifacio (2/2)
Day 4 – Lavezzi Islands
Driving time = 40min
Today, we continue the car break. Board the shuttle that will take you to the Lavezzi Islands.
We love this wild and protected place.
Only 30 minutes by boat from Bonifacio, you can explore a land full of giant rocks of different colors and shapes.
See our complete article.
Road to Porto-Vecchio. Night in Porto-Vecchio (1/3) – we recommend:
- Luxury
Grand Hotel de la Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca, right on the beach
see pictures and availability - 4 stars on the sea
Hotel-Restaurant Casa Santini x Roc Seven, right on the water
see pictures and availability - Residence with all services
At the Residence U Pirellu, we enjoy spacious villas, beautiful views of the maquis and the sea. There is a heated swimming pool and all activities. It is only 10min from Palombaggia and 10min from Porto-Vecchio.
see pictures and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 5 – Beaches of Santa Giulia, Palombaggia…
Driving time = less than 1 hour.
In South Corsica, you will find several of the most famous beaches of Corsica.
They are between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Let us quote:
- Palombaggia with its red rocks
- Tamaricciu and its postcard bay
- The bay of Rondinara with its perfect shape (often listed as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe)
- The beach of Santa Giulia and its long strip of sand
Night in Porto-Vecchio (2/3)
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
Day 6 – Bavella and the mountains
Driving time = 3h15
To complete your Corsican experience, after a citadel and beaches, we advise you to take altitude in the mountains.
Take the road through the forest of Ospedale and stop at the lake.
Continue towards Zonza and the Aiguilles de Bavella. Here you can go for a short hike or continue your journey through the mountains.
It is absolutely beautiful and a radical change from the beaches.
There are many hikes to consider in the area:
- The waterfall of Piscia di Gallu
- The swimming pools of Cavu
- Punta di a Vacca Morta for a panoramic view
- Bavella, U Cumpuleddu hike
Or you can have fun with one of the outdoor activities:
- Canyoning initiation in Pulischellu – see pictures, details and availability
- Complete canyoning experience in Pulischellu – see details and availability
- Or sport canyoning in Purcaraccia – see details and availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto_Vecchio – see photos, details and availability
- Sea kayaking near Propriano (west coast) – see pictures, details and availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see pictures, details and availability
Night in Porto-Vecchio (3/3)
Day 7 – Solenzara and beaches of the east coast
Driving time = 3h
Today, head north of Porto-Vecchio to discover even more beautiful beaches.
We begin by the bay of Pinarellu. This bay has 2 km of white sandy beaches with shallow waters in a protected environment.
You can choose to settle either at the wild end of the south side of the bay, or near the colorful rocks, on fine sand near the village to enjoy its many restaurants.
From everywhere, you have a view of the bay island and its 500 year old tower.
Then explore Fautea with its 3 beautiful white sand beaches, one in the village and 2 that can be reached by short walks.
The most fascinating is the beach of the Tower in the middle: a beautiful little cove surrounded by lush nature (with juniper trees). The northern point has an accessible Genoese tower in good condition.
For a change from the beach, why not go and cool off in a river.
One of the most visited gorges is the valley of Solenzara. It has several sections where it is easy to access the water and enjoy a refreshing swim.
The water is emerald in color, a contrast to the sparkling white rocks of the riverbed.
And the river Solenzara is surrounded by dense vegetation and mountains in all directions.
And finish the road to Corte
In Corte, we recommend:
- Hotel Dominique Colonna – see prices, pictures and availability
- B&B A Chjusellina – see prices, pictures and availability
Day 8 – Corte
Driving time= 2h30 (without the Restonica valley)
You can:
- Stroll in Corte
- Climb to the Belvedere and enjoy the view
- Visit the museum of Corsica and learn more about its history
- Drive in the beautiful Restonica valley (but be careful the road is narrow and winding). To know more about it.
Then take the road to the west coast and the famous calanques de Piana. And enjoy the sunset!
Night in Piana. We recommend 2 options:
Sleep in the village of Piana, in the heart of the Calanques on a higher ground.
Many hotels have incredible views of the Gulf. For example the Scandola hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability
Sleep in Porto Ota, the village located in the center of the gulf. It is convenient for boat tours.
For example, at the Residence Hoteliere Capu Seninu with its breathtaking views.
– see prices, pictures and availability
Day 9 – Piana
Driving time = 1h30
We are going to one of the most famous places in Corsica!
With the calanques de Pianathe Scandola nature reserve is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get up close and personal.
The cliffs and colored rock formations are exceptional.
Attention, reserve your place on the boat!
Then take the road to Ajaccio.
Night in Ajaccio – our suggestions:
- Luxury – Hotel Le Week-End, by the sea
See photos and availability - Hotel central – Hotel San Carlu Citadelle Ajaccio, well located
See photos and availability - Out of town – Hotel Les Mouettes with its pool on the waterfront
See photos and availability
or See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 10 – Ajaccio
Take time to explore the old town, walk around the fort, see the market and visit the churches.
In terms of visits, we recommend
- The Palais Fesch with the fine arts museum inside. The collection of paintings is impressive with great Italian artists. One of the most beautiful in France – schedules and rates on the official website
- The National Museum of Bonaparte House – where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he spent part of his childhood – schedules and prices on the official website
- But if you prefer nature, take the boat to the îles sanguinaires! See options and availability
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
#3 – 10 days in Northern Corsica
Summary and Map
Here is our suggestion for a 10-day tour in the northern half of Corsica.
Beaches, mountains, citadels, villages… you will be charmed!
Less road to foresee with this route.
See the cars and offers available on our favorite platform.
Here is the map of this route:
Day 1 – Cap Corse east coast
Driving time = 1h or 1h30
The main excursion is of course the tour of the Cap Corsea wild region with only a few villages and impressive mountains plunging into the sea.
We have planned two days to enjoy it.
And we start with the East Coast.
Find out more:
- The road to the Corniche
- The village ofErbalunga with its houses stuck on the peninsula and the ruined Genoese tower
- The beach of Pietracorbara
- The many views of the coast
- The view from Tomino
- Once you arrive in Macinaggio, go stretch your legs on a part of the customs path.
- See our complete guide on the visit of the Cap Corse
Spend a night in the North of the Cap Corse. We recommend you:
Day 2 – Cap Corse west coast
Driving time = 2h
Today you explore the west coast of Cap Corse with:
- The tiny coastal village of Port Centuri
- Breathtaking views of the mountains falling into the sea
- The village of Nonza with its black sand beach and its views from the top of the cliffs
However, you should know that the color is not due to volcanic ash (as in other countries) but to an old abandoned asbestos mine on the coast.
Spend the night in Saint-Florent by the sea, or in Patrimonio next door in the vineyards (Night 1/2). We recommend you:
- Hotel in downtown – good value for money
The Flor Hotel is centrally located, but be aware that it does not have a large enough parking lot for all guests!
see pictures and availability - Hotel Tetolla
Ideal to see the sunsets
see pictures and availability - In the vineyards
At the Lustincone Inn in Patrimonio we loved the charm of the rooms, the delicious breakfast and the fantastic views from the terrace and pool!
see photos and availability - Store, in the mountains
Hotel Dimora is located in the mountains above St. Florent, for peace, tranquility and beautiful views.
See photos and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 3 – Saint-Florent and Agriates Desert
Travel time = 0
Today enjoy the bay of Saint-Florent to the west.
Start by taking the boat to the Lotu beach and the Agriates desert. Either you enjoy the beach with the beautiful views of the mountains of Cap Corseor you can walk to discover the beach of Saleccia (1h walk in one direction). The place is magical and the views from the boat are superb.
The Agriates desert is one of our favorite places in Corsica.
And on your return, explore the town of Saint-Florent with its citadel, its ice merchants and its marina. Admire the views of the bay with the mountains of Cap Corse.
Spend the night in Saint-Florent by the sea, or in Patrimonio next door in the vineyards. Night 2/2.
Day 4 – L’Île-Rousse
Driving time = 1h30
Today you drive south.
Take the road to the Balagne.
Enjoy a stop at the Ostriconi beach, one of our favorite sights in Corsica (and one of our favorite beaches, for that matter).
Make a stop at the park of Saleccia, to discover the wonderful garden and plants of Corsica.
Finish the day in L’Île-Rousse.
It was founded by the most famous leader of the Corsican people Pasquale Paoli in 1758 (although the place has been inhabited since antiquity). He wanted a port that was not controlled by the Genoese.
The main thing to do in Ile-Rousse is to enjoy the island walk to the top of the lighthouse.
See our guide to visit Ile-Rousse.
Overnight in L’Île-Rousse – don’t miss the sunset!
We recommend:
- Quietly located in the heart of the city, the Rocabella Hotel is ideal for relaxation.
see prices, pictures and availability - Just steps away from the beach, Hotel Liberata & Spa offers a colorful and fun, yet cozy experience.
see prices, pictures and availability - For a good value, the Casa Rossa hotel, a little further from the center, is an excellent option.
see prices, pictures and availability
Where to see the best rated accommodations in L’Île-Rousse
Day 5 – The villages of the Balagne
Go up into the hills of the Balagne, to discover several typical villages of the region.
For example, we recommend:
- Pigna and its blue shutters (35min drive from Calvi)
- Sant’Antonino, one of the oldest villages in Corsica (30min drive from Calvi)
- Speloncato, less touristic, with its houses surrounded by rocks (50min drive from Calvi)
And finish the day in Calvi (Night 1/2). We recommend:
- Around the port
Casa Bianca hotel with its modern decor and beautiful views
– see pictures and availability - Along the beach
Hotel Onda where you will sleep almost with your feet in the water…
See prices, pictures and availability - Sir the heights
a dreamy and luxurious stay in the hotel La Villa Calvi.
See prices, pictures and availability
Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi.
Day 6 – Calvi and the Balagne coast
Driving time = 30min to 1h
Today, discover the coast of Balagne and the citadel of Calvi.
At the beach level, we recommend:
- the beach of Bodri with its very fine white sand
- Punta di Spanu, one of our favorite places in the region, with its rocks, its Genoese tower and its view on the bay of Calvi
Then in Calvi, start by admiring the citadel from the beach!
Then go explore it.
Inside, you will discover a labyrinth of alleys, stairs, fortifications, and beautiful views in all directions.
Among the monuments note:
- the church of St. John the Baptist
- the oratory of Saint-Antoine.
- MUDACC – the art museum of the citadel of Calvi with works of the Contemporary Art Fund
See our article dedicated to the citadel or our complete guide to Calvi.
Night in Calvi (2/2)
Day 7 – calanques de Piana and Scandola reserve
Driving time = 2h
Today, continue your descent along the West Coast.
We are going to one of the most famous places in Corsica!
With the calanques de Pianathe Scandola nature reserve is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is protected and access is limited. The cliffs and their geological formations are unique. The boat tours allow you to get up close and personal.
The cliffs and colored rock formations are exceptional.
Attention, reserve your place on the boat!
Night in Piana. We recommend 2 options:
Sleep in the village of Piana, in the heart of the Calanques on a higher ground.
Many hotels have incredible views of the Gulf. For example the Scandola hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability
Sleep in Porto Ota, the village located in the center of the gulf. It is convenient for boat tours.
For example, at the Residence Hoteliere Capu Seninu with its breathtaking views.
– see prices, pictures and availability
Day 8 – Corte and the Restonica
Driving time = 3h30
Return to Bastia through the heart of Corsica, with the city of Corte.
You can:
- Stroll in Corte
- Climb to the Belvedere and enjoy the view
- Visit the museum of Corsica and learn more about its history
- Drive in the beautiful Restonica valley (but be careful the road is narrow and winding). To know more about it.
Night in Corte. We Recommend
- Hotel Dominique Colonna – see prices, pictures and availability
- B&B A Chjusellina – see prices, pictures and availability
Day 9 – Aleria, Mariana and the East Coast
Driving time = 2h
Today you go down to the east coast and up to Bastia.
Your first stop is in Aleria with the Roman ruins, the archaeological museum and the views of the area.
Then as you head up the east coast, consider:
- the Galea Park which presents the secrets of Corsica
- the village of Vescovato and its tunnel under the houses
- the archaeological site of Marina and its modern museum
- …
Then finishes the road to Bastia
Spend the night in Bastia. We suggest:
- Good value for money
Hotel Continental – 3 star hotel in the heart of the city
See photos and availability - Central
Hôtel Des Gouverneurs, above the water
see pictures and availability - Hotel de la Corniche, less central but with beautiful views and calm
see pictures and availability - Mister Miot Concept Hotel – Bastia center, with a very pleasant atmosphere
see pictures and availability - Apartment by the sea
The Cada del Mare offers splendid views of the sea
see pictures and availability
See the best hotel and rental offers
Day 8 – Bastia
Travel time = 0
After the nature, discover Bastia, the second biggest city of Corsica.
One day is enough.
We advise you to :
- walk around the citadel,
- stroll in the old port,
- visit the Governor’s Palace and its garden
- discover the many richly decorated churches.
10 days in Corsica with your family
The itineraries, which we propose here, are intense enough to see a maximum of things during your trip.
It may be too intense with children.
In this case, we recommend you to choose either the North or the South, to go and see our 7 days itineraries and to add rest days: page in the middle.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica
Inspiration destinations
Best of
- The most beautiful beaches of Corsica
- The most beautiful villages of Corsica
- The most beautiful cities of Corsica
- The most beautiful destinations in Corsica
- The museums of Corsica
- Hidden gems in Corsica
- The most beautiful natural pools
- What to do in North Corsica
- Best things to do in South Corsica
- Canyoning in Corsica
Where to stay
