Corsica Lovers

To awaken your senses in Corsica - Claire et Manu’s Blog

Home » Travel tips

1 week in Corsica: 5 itineraries of 7 days (North or South)

by Claire | | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (détails)

What to see with one week in Corsica?
We have created 5 itineraries for 7 days in Corsica with our favorite places – choose according to your interests and your preferred way of traveling:

  • A 7 days road trip in South Corsica
  • A week in South Corsica with a fixed base
  • A 7 days road trip in North Corsica
  • A week in North Corsica with a fixed base
  • A road trip with the most beautiful places of Corsica in 7 days (but a lot of driving)
one week in Corsica itinerary 7 days

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.

Content
1 week in Corsica: where to go + general advice
#1 – Road trip South Corsica in 7 days
#2 – 1 week in South Corsica – fixed base
#3 – North Corsica road trip in 7 days
#4 – 1 week in North Corsica – fixed base
#5 – 1 week tour best-of Corsica (West Coast)
1 week in Corsica without car
Frequently asked questions

1 week in Corsica: where to go + general advice

How to visit Corsica in 7 days – is one week enough?

No, in one week you can’t see all of Corsica. It is a rather large island. But with 7 days you can discover one of its beautiful regions, in the North or in the South. Or, if you are ready to drive more, you can discover its most beautiful places. In this article, we offer you these different options.
Here is a map with the driving times, to give you an idea:

Map Road time in Corsica

Where to go in Corsica for a week? What is the best part?

Frankly, all Corsica is magnificent. You can’t go wrong.
We think that taking a road trip is the best way to discover its beauty (see our 3 suggestions in this article: #1,3 and 5).
But if you want to stay for a week, our favorite places to stay are:

To the North (see our route #4):

Saint-Florent
Saint-Florent

To the South (see our itinerary #2):

Cliffs affected by the sunset in Bonifacio
Sunset in Bonifacio

How to get there

Corsica is accessible by ferry from several cities in France and Italy.
But beware, ferry crossings are quite long, and for a trip of only one week, 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.

Map how to get to Corsica

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.
See available cars arrow

See all our tips

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 South Corsica in 7 days

Summary of this route and Map

During these 7 days in South Corsica, you will see the best of the region: incomparable beaches, mountains, citadels, rock formations…

Map itinerary one week south corsica 7 days
Map – 7 days road trip in South Corsica

For this itinerary, we advise you to arrive by ferry or by plane to Ajaccio.
See available flights from your departure city.

See the cars and offers available on our favorite platform.

Day 1 – Ajaccio to Propriano by the coast

Driving time = 2h

Beach of Verghia
Beach of Verghia

From the airport, 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!
Prehistoric site of Filitosa
Prehistoric site of Filitosa

Night in Propriano – we recommend:

or See the best hotel and rental offers

Day 2 – Propriano to Bonifacio, via Sartene

Driving time = 2h

Sartene
Sartene

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.
  • 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
Saint John Beach
Saint John Beach

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

View on the marina of Bonifacio

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.
Saint-Antoine Beach
Saint-Antoine Beach

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

The Lavezzi islands covered with rocks

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

Lavezzi Islands boat shuttle

Night in Porto-Vecchio (1/2) – 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.

Palombaggia
Palombaggia

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 (2/2)

Day 6 – Bavella and the mountains

Driving time = 3h15

View on the needles of Bavella

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.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can opt for some cool outdoor activities:

lake of the Ospedale

Night in Ajaccio – our suggestions:

or See the best hotel and rental offers

Day 7 – Ajaccio

Travel time = 0

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
view on Ajaccio from the boat

Find all these stops with practical tips and other suggestions in our eBook:

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
Discover arrow
Box Ebook Corsica FR

#2 – 1 week in South Corsica – fixed base

Where to arrive?

For this itinerary, the easiest way is to arrive by plane at Figari airport, or by ferry at Porto-Vecchio. But you can also arrive in Ajaccio, that adds just a little bit of road.

See available ferry schedules and book.

Where to base yourself?

You can land near a beach if you just want to relax on the sand.
But if you want to explore without taking the car all the time, we recommend one of the two main cities: Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio.

Bonifacio: See the best hotels and rentals offers
For example, the Hotel Genovese with a cliff top location and a lot of charm – See photos and availability

Porto-Vecchio: See the best hotel and rental offers
For example, Hotel Restaurant Casa Santini x Roc Seven, right on the water
see pictures and availability

Day 1 – Citadel of Bonifacio and Cape Pertusato

Travel time = 0 to 40min

Staircase Roy Aragaon in the citadel of Bonifacio

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.
View on 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.

Day 2 – Sartene and Filitosa

Driving time = 3h

Today you go a little north for a little history and prehistory of Corsica.

City of Sartene

Your first stop is in Sartene, the most Corsican of 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.

Filitosa

Then direction Filitosa, one of the most fascinatingarchaeological sites of 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.

St. John's Beach

On the way back, you can take a break in Rocapinna to enjoy the view and spot the lion in the rocks.
And you can also go and discover a new beach.
We recommend:

Day 3 – Beaches of Palombaggia, Tamaricciu and Santa Giulia

Beach of Santa Giulia
Beach of Santa Giulia

Today it is tune beach day between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio with 2 options.
Either you stay on the same beach all day to relax, swim, snorkel, explore…
Either you visit the most beautiful beaches of the South to discover a maximum of landscapes.

Beach of Tamaricciu
Beach of Tamaricciu

Among the most beautiful beaches to consider are

  • 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

Day 4 – Lavezzi Islands

Lavezzi Islands Shuttle

Today, from Bonifacio, 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.
Take time to relax, discover the different beaches, explore the huge rocks…
See our complete article.

Day 5 – Aiguilles de Bavella and the mountains

Aiguilles de Bavella

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.

If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can opt for some cool outdoor activities:

Day 6 – Pinarellu Bay and Fautéa Beach

Pinarellu

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.

Fautea beach

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.

Day 7 – Gorge of Solenzara

Driving time from Porto-Vecchio = 50min to 1h10

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.

Again, you can complete this with an adventure:

FOR QUALITY ADVICE
QUALITY Support us

Do you appreciate all the free content you find on our blog?
Our independence, the only guarantee of qualitytips, is partly based on your generosity!
We offer you to give us a coffee (or several) in the hope of sharing it with you one day in person!

I’ll buy you a coffee arrow

#3 – North Corsica road trip in 7 days

Summary of this route and Map

During these 7 days in North Corsica, you will see the best of the region: beaches, charming villages, desert, historical places…

Map – 7 days road trip in North Corsica

For this itinerary, we advise you to arrive by ferry or by plane to Bastia.
See available flights from your departure city.

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.
See available cars arrow

See all our tips

Day 1 – Tour of Cap Corse

Driving time = 3h30

Cap Corse - black beach

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, we recommend that you limit your visits. But we recommend that you stop at all the viewpoints along the way.

Erbalunga
Erbalunga

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. Night 1/2. We recommend you:

swimming pools hotel Auberge Lustincone
Hotel Auberge Lustincone
  • 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 and Agriates Desert

Travel time = 0

City of Saint-Florent

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.

Beach of Saleccia
Beach of Saleccia

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 3 – Île-Rousse and the villages of the Balagne

Driving time = 1h30

Today you drive south to the city of Calvi.

Beach of Ostriconi
Beach of Ostriconi

Start with a stop at the beautiful beach of Ostriconi, for one of the most beautiful views of Corsica, in our opinion (and one of our favorite beaches, as a result).

Village of Pigna
Village of Pigna

Then 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)
L'Île-Rousse
L’Île-Rousse

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 in Calvi, there is only half an hour drive between the 2. Night in Calvi (1/2)

We recommend:

Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi.

Day 4 – Calvi and the Balagne coast

Driving time = 30min to 1h

Punta di Spanu
Punta di Spanu

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
Citadel of Calvi
Citadel 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 5 – 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!

calanques de Piana

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!

Village of Piana
Village of Piana

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 6 – Corte and the Restonica

Driving time = 3h30

Return to Bastia through the heart of Corsica with the city of Corte.

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.
Restonica Valley
Restonica Valley

And if you want a little more thrill, consider a canyoning activity, for example on the side of Morosaglia:

Spend the night in Bastia. We suggest:

See the best hotel and rental offers

Day 7 – Bastia

Travel time = 0

Bastia marina

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.

Find all these stops with practical tips and other suggestions in our eBook:

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
Discover arrow
Box Ebook Corsica FR

#4 – 1 week in North Corsica – fixed base

Where to arrive?

For this itinerary, the easiest way is to arrive by plane at Calvi airport, or by ferry at L’Île-Rousse. But you can also arrive in Ajaccio, that adds just a little bit of road.

See available ferry schedules and book.

Where to base yourself?

You can land near a beach if you just want to relax on the sand.
But if you want to explore without taking the car all the time, we recommend one of the two main cities: Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio.

Calvi: See the best hotel and rental offers
For example, the Hotel Onda where you will sleep almost with your feet in the water…
See prices, pictures and availability

L’Île-Rousse: See the best hotels and rentals offers
For example, the Rocabella Hotel in the heart of the city, with a soothing natural setting – see prices, photos and availability

Saint-Florent: See the best hotel and rental offers
For example, Hotel La Roya – see photos and availability

This is similar to the road trip before.

Day 1 – Calvi, its citadel and the coast

Calvi
Calvi

As on Day 4 of the previous itinerary
And see our article on the most beautiful beaches of Balagne.

Day 2 – The villages of Balagne

Village of Pigna
Village of Pigna

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)
  • Lumio
  • …

See our list of the most beautiful villages of Balagne.

Day 3 – Excursion to the calanques de Piana or Cap Corse – depending on your base

If you stay in Calvi or L’Île-Rousse, go down to the calanques de Piana.
It’s worth the 2 hour drive each way.

calanques de Piana

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!

Or take a longer boat trip from Calvi – see options and availability

Cap Corse
Cap Corse

And if you stay in Saint-Florent, opt for a day trip around the Cap Corse. See our guide.

Day 4 – Île-Rousse, its pink islands and the park of Saleccia

Île-Rousse from the Pietra

Today we advise you to discover the charming town of L’Île-Rousse with the islands of Pietra and their white lighthouse. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the mountains.

And near L’Île-Rousse, don’t miss the park of Saleccia (not to be confused with the beach you will see tomorrow). A beautiful nature collection!

Day 5 – Agriates Desert

Beach of Saleccia
Beach of Saleccia

From Saint-Florent, discover the magnificent desert of Agriates with the beaches of Lotu and Saleccia.
Fine white sand, maquis and breathtaking views.
Read more

Day 6 – Excursion to Corte

Direction the heart of Corsica with the city of Corte.

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.

Day 7 – Beaches or activities

#5 – 1 week tour best-of Corsica (West Coast)

Summary of this route and Map

In one week, we do not recommend trying to see everything in the south and north.
But if you don’t want to hear otherwise and you are willing to drive a long way. Here is our suggested itinerary (avoiding stops between the most famous places).

Arrival and departure in Bastia – See available flights from your departure city.

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.
See available cars arrow

See all our tips

Day 1 – Tour of Cap Corse or Agriates desert

2 options from Bastia.

Cap Corse
Cap Corse

If you want to drive around, see beautiful mountains plunging into the sea, drive around the Cap Corse with stops at Erbalunga, Port Centuri and Nonza. See our article.

Agriates Desert - view towards Lotu

If you prefer walking and a maquis landscape, go to Saint-Florent and take the boat to the Agriates desert. To know more about it.

Night in Saint-Florent. We recommend:

  • 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 – Calvi, Ile-Rousse and the Balagne

Today we are going down to the South, but we don’t have to stop everywhere.

Pigna
Pigna

We recommend:

  • The view on the beach of Ostriconi
  • The walk from Ile-Rousse to the islands of Pietra
  • One of the villages of Balagne like Pigna (with its blue shutters) or Sant’Antonino (one of the oldest).
  • Punta di Spanu with its rocks and its Genoese tower
  • Calvi and its citadel.

Night in Calvi. We recommend:

Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi.

Day 3 – calanques de Piana and Scandola Reserve

Today, continue your descent along the West Coast.
We are going to one of the most famous places in Corsica!

calanques de Piana

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 4 – Ajaccio

And we continue towards the South for one day in Ajaccio.

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:

or See the best hotel and rental offers

Day 5 – Bonifacio

Bonifacio on the cliffs

And we continue towards the South.
Take a morning break in Sartene, the most Corsican of Corsican cities.

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.

Day 6 – Porto-Vecchio and its beaches

Beach day! Discover the most beautiful beaches of South Corsica:

Palombaggia
Palombaggia
  • 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

They are all located between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio.

Night in Porto-Vecchio – 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 7 – Bastia

Bastia marina

We go up towards the North, via the East coast. Discover Bastia, the second largest city in 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.

Night in Bastia, we recommend:

See the best hotel and rental offers

1 week in Corsica without car

Option Porticcio / Ajaccio

By landing on the side of Ajaccio, you have access to many boat trips, to the city and to the beach.
If you prefer the city atmosphere, sleep in Ajaccio. If you want easy access to a beautiful beach, choose Porticcio. A boat shuttles between the two very frequently.

view on Ajaccio from the boat

For sleeping, we recommend

Fesch Palace
Fesch Palace

In activities and excursions, we recommend

  • Stroll in the city
  • Discovery of the city by bus with commentary – reserve
  • Beach of Porticcio
  • The Fesch Palace with the fine arts museum inside. The collection of paintings is impressive with great Italian artists. One of the most beautiful in France
  • The National Museum of the Bonaparte House – where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he spent part of his childhood.
  • Boat trip to Bonifacio and its citadel – See availability and book your place.
  • Boat trip to the famous calanques de Piana and the Scandola reserve (Unesco site) – See availability and book your place.
  • Boat transportation to the îles sanguinaires – See availability and book.
Îles Sanguinaires
Îles Sanguinaires

Calvi option

By landing on the side of Calvi, you have access to the city, to the beaches around thanks to the train of the beaches and to numerous excursions by boat, or 4WD.

View from the citadel of Calvi
View from the citadel of Calvi

We recommend:

Or see all the best rated accommodations in Calvi.

Beach Trains

You can for example:

See more ideas in our article on what to do in Calvi.

Frequently asked questions

Motorcycle road trip

These one-week road trips in Corrse are also possible by motorcycle.
The roads are beautiful and will bring you a lot of pleasure.

1 week in Corsica all included

Most travel agencies offer all-inclusive packages. But Corsica has a lot to offer, I recommend you make the effort to book every element of your trip to enjoy the best of Corsica!

Where to go in Corsica one week: North or South

We love the North as well as the South of Corsica.
Here is the summary of our battle:

North or South Corsica
  • Density of beautiful beaches = South Corsica
  • Most beautiful villages = North Corsica
  • Best cultural sites = equality (prehistoric in the south, Roman in the north, and Genoese everywhere)
  • Most beautiful natural sites = south Corsica (but Piana and Scandola are at the limit so can be counted for both)
  • Most beautiful cities = equality
  • Nature activities = equality
  • Crowd = North Corsica, a little less crowded
  • Gastronomy = equality

Learn more in our comparative article.

Price for 1 week in Corsica

The price depends on many criteria:

  • place of departure,
  • departure month (the most expensive months are July and August)
  • week vs. weekend,
  • type of accommodation (camping vs 5 stars)
  • how much you are,
  • …

Approximately between 600 euros per person and 2500 euros per person…

Best time to spend a week in Corsica

Our favorite month is May, but outside of the bridges to avoid the crowds.
But if you want to swim in warmer water, late September will be a better choice.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Corsica

Inspiration destinations

Best of

Beach of Ostriconi

Practice

See all our tips arrow
À PROPOS DES BLOGUEURS
Claire et Manu

Une sœur passionnée de voyages, un frère épicurien, des valeurs familiales bien ancrées… des blogs que nous avons construits à notre image et au service des voyageurs du monde entier.

Je vous paye un café fleche