Are you planning to visit South Corsica in 6 days? It’s the perfect time to explore the treasures of the southern tip of the Isle of Beauty, with its spectacular cliffs, crystal-clear coves and unspoilt mountains. We were seduced by the variety of landscapes that follow one another here over just a few dozen kilometers.
With our 6-day itinerary for South Corsica, we’ll guide you through its major sites and lesser-known corners.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting South Corsica in 6 days
What can you see in South Corsica in 6 days? Is it long enough?
Six days to discover the essential sites of the southern tip: Bonifacio, famous beaches, mountains and picturesque villages. You’ll have time to alternate between cultural visits, relaxation and hiking.
By basing yourself around Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio, you can cover the region well without changing accommodation:
- Bonifacio and its citadel perched on the cliffs
- The beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Giulia, Tamaricciu, Rondinara…
- Remarkable archaeological sites
- The authentic little town of Sartène
- The Aiguilles de Bavella mountain range
- Water sports and coastal paths
See our selection of the best attractions in South Corsica, if you want to put together your own program.
Getting around South Corsica
A car is essential for exploring South Corsica. Public transport remains limited outside the main routes, and sites are scattered over a wide area. We recommend that you reserve a vehicle as soon as you arrive at Figari airport or Ajaccio harbor.
Roads in the south are generally more passable than those in the north of the island. Allow around 2h30 between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, then 35min between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Don’t forget to allow time for parking, especially in Bonifacio and Sartène, where spaces are scarce in high season.
See all our tips for renting a car in Corsica.
Where to stay in South Corsica
We recommend staying in the Porto-Vecchio area. The town offers a wide choice of accommodation, some of which is right on the water. It’s also an ideal starting point for exploring the entire southern tip of France.
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto-Vecchio
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: around the Citadel
Hotel-restaurant Casa Santini feet in the water
– see pictures and availability
Option 2: on the southern shore of the Gulf
Hotel Mariosa with beach, pool, restaurant…
– see pictures and availability
Option 3: on the south coast, near well-known beaches
Hotel Les Bergeries de Palombaggia (5 stars) – see photos and availability
See our list of the 12 best hotels in Porto-Vecchio, with our reviews
6 days in South Corsica – itinerary and map
Our program covers the southern tip of Corsica from a single accommodation, without road trips or hotel changes. To make the most of these six days, we’ve balanced the pace between sightseeing, beach and nature.
Here’s a map to help you find your way around and understand the different days:
Day 1 – Bonifacio and its citadel
Your stay in South Corsica begins with one of the island’s most striking sites. The citadel of Bonifacio stands on a peninsula of white limestone, surrounded by 70m-high cliffs that erosion has sculpted over the centuries. The first impression on arriving at the marina is unforgettable.
We climbed the steep ascent to the medieval old town, whose cobbled streets reveal a rich heritage. The combination of raw nature, architecture and history gives this place a truly singular character. It’s worth coming early in the morning to find a parking space without difficulty, as the parking lots in the old town are not free and fill up quickly.
Find out all our tips for visiting Bonifacio.
Descending the Escalier du Roy d’Aragon
From the citadel, don’t miss theEscalier du Roy d’Aragon, carved at 45° directly into the rock. This descent plunges you into the city’s history, while revealing breathtaking panoramas of the cliffs and open sea. We found the experience as impressive for the view as for the ingenuity of the construction. The climb back up requires some effort, but is well worth it in our opinion.
Flip-flops prohibited.
Afternoon: boat trip along the cliffs
To round off this inaugural day, we suggest a boat trip departing from the marina. From the sea, the structure of the cliffs, the sea caves and the houses that seem to hang from the limestone walls take on a whole new dimension. We were struck by the sheer scale of the site as seen from below. Ideally, plan a full day for Bonifacio, so you can enjoy the place without rushing.
The main company organizing these outings is SPMB. Other operators are also present in the port.
See the options
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Day 2 – Mountains and natural pools
Today, a little more driving awaits you, but it’s well worth the detour!
Morning: the Aiguilles de Bavella
After a few days on the coast, we head for the mountains for a radical change of scenery. The Aiguilles de Bavella are a landscape of granite peaks and laricio pine forests, in stark contrast to the beaches along the coast. Several hikes start from the pass, suitable for all levels.
We were struck by the contrast between the blue of the sea, which we left in the morning, and the ochre and dark green of the Corsican mountains. If you’re a keen walker, the famous GR20 crosses this area: you can take a short section on a day trip. Along the way, you’ll discover the villages of Levie and Zonza.
Afternoon: natural pools and river swimming
As you head back down to the east coast along the Solenzara River, you’ll come across natural pools with refreshing, crystal-clear waters, nestled in a landscape of gorges and dense forest. It’s an ideal alternative to swimming in the sea, and all the more enjoyable when temperatures rise.
We loved this break in the heart of nature, far from the crowded beaches. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear, however, as the rocks can be slippery.
Day 3 – Hike to Cap Pertusato and secret beaches
Morning: walk to Pertusato lighthouse
The path along the cliffs towards Cap Pertusato offers the best vantage point for understanding how Bonifacio came to be built on this very special relief. Paved all the way to the lighthouse, the route takes around 1 hour from the parking lot, or 2h30 to 3 hours if you leave directly from the town.
Along the way, we took a close look at the limestone rock and the surprising shapes carved out by the elements. Please note: there are no shaded areas along the way and no cliff edge protection. If you’re traveling with your family, vigilance is essential.
Discover our complete Cap Pertusato experience.
Once you’ve reached the lighthouse, take the small path leading down behind it to reach Saint-Antoine beach and its wreck-like rock formation. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to climb back up and do the whole way back afterwards! Bring water and a hat: the sun is unforgiving on this trail.
Afternoon: relax on lesser-known beaches around Bonifacio
For the afternoon, get away from the busiest shores and explore some of the more confidential coves. Tonnara beach and Saint-Jean beach are among our favorites. You’ll find fewer visitors in summer and almost deserted shores out of season. We particularly appreciated the tranquility of these places, far from the hustle and bustle of the most popular sites.
Find all our suggestions in our article on Bonifacio’s most beautiful beaches.
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 4 – Sartène and prehistoric sites
Morning: explore Sartène, the most Corsican of Corsican towns
Sartène has the reputation of being the most Corsican of Corsican towns, so much so that its raw, authentic character embodies the spirit of the island. Its history dates back to medieval times, and part of the town was built in the early 16th century. As you stroll along its steep streets and stone staircases, you’ll enjoy a wide range of views of the mountains and the city’s skyline.
Despite the size of the commune, we found a village atmosphere, enhanced by a very photogenic church and characterful alleyways. The place is very popular at lunchtime: we recommend arriving early to enjoy the peace and quiet and find a parking space. Allow around 1 hour’s drive from Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio.
Find out more in our article on Sartène.
Afternoon: time travel to a prehistoric site
South Corsica is home to several remarkable prehistoric sites, established since the Neolithic period: dolmens, statue-menhirs, alignments and megalithic enclosures. The three main ones are Filitosa, Cauria and Cuccuruzzu, each offering a different experience. Filitosa is the most famous, Cuccuruzzu the most mystical and Cauria the quickest to navigate (and free of charge).
From Sartène, all three sites remain accessible. The choice depends on where you’re staying and how much you want to drive. To know more about prehistoric sites in Corsica. We were surprised by the richness of this heritage, often overlooked by visitors who think only of beaches and mountains. Bring walking shoes, as these sites are visited on nature trails.
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.
Day 5 – Emblematic beaches: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, Santa Giulia and Rondinara
Today, you have two options: choose one of these beaches and spend the whole day there, or take in the different shores before settling down on your favorite one to enjoy it to the full.
Stop 1: Palombaggia
Palombaggia is considered Corsica’s most famous beach. And it is regularly ranked among the most beautiful in the world(see our list of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica). Its long stretches of white sand, lined with umbrella pines, are divided into several successive coves.
Stop 2: Tamaricciu
Tamaricciu is in the immediate vicinity. This is another superb cove, dotted with rock formations and boasting shallow waters ideal for swimming. We recommend arriving early in the morning to take advantage of these two quiet beaches, which are very popular in high season.
See our tips and photos on Palombaggia.
Stop 3: Santa Giulia
In the afternoon, continue your seaside exploration by heading for Santa Giulia, a vast protected bay whose clear, shallow waters are perfect for swimming. The fine white sand, combined with all the on-site amenities, makes it one of the region’s most popular beaches.
Stop 4: Rondinara Bay
If you still have some energy left, the Bay of Rondinara, often cited as one of the most beautiful in Europe, is well worth a visit. We were seduced by the colorful rocks accessible in a 5-minute walk on the right-hand side of the bay (facing the sea).
These last two beaches are located between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, a 15 to 25-minute drive from each of the two towns. Remember to come on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially at the height of the season.
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 – Outdoor activities
Finally, a bit of relaxation, but if you want to explore further, see the alternative days we suggest next.
Morning: water sports or coastal hiking
On your last day, take advantage of the region’s abundance of outdoor activities. Sea kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling: South Corsica lends itself to many different ways of discovering its coastline. You can also take a section of the Sentier des Douaniers, the ancient coastal surveillance paths that run along the shore through scrubland and coves.
We found these trails to be in generally good condition, although some sections can be steep. It’s a gentle, pleasant way to round off your stay in South Corsica.
Afternoon: final swim or stroll in Porto-Vecchio
If your flight or ferry leaves in the late afternoon, make the most of your last few hours for a final swim on Favone beach, Fautea beach or Pinarellu bay, options accessible from Porto-Vecchio and generally less crowded. Find all our suggestions in our article on Porto-Vecchio’s most beautiful beaches.
You can also stroll through the narrow streets of Porto-Vecchio, stock up on local produce and enjoy a final meal overlooking the sea. We enjoyed this relaxed end to our stay, ideal for soaking up the atmosphere of southern Corsica one last time.
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Alternative 1: excursion to the Lavezzi Islands
If you have an extra day or would like to replace one of the stops on our itinerary, set sail from Bonifacio marina for an excursion to the Lavezzi archipelago. This unspoilt area is made up of small islands covered with huge granite boulders of varying colors, shapes and sizes. We love rock formations, and once we got there we didn’t want to leave!
Several departures are organized each day, and you choose the length of your stay on the island. Please note that there are no facilities on site: no restaurant, no water, no shade. So pack everything you need (water, food, sun cream, hat) and wear good shoes to get around the rocks.
See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands.
Alternative 2: with more beaches and idleness
If you prefer to spend more time swimming and relaxing, there are a few simple adjustments you can make. Replace the mountain day with a more in-depth exploration of the beaches on day 5, or choose from our selection of the most beautiful beaches around Porto-Vecchio.
Alternative 3: Ajaccio, depending on your airport
If you’re flying in or out of Ajaccio airport, take the opportunity to spend a day in the town. Probably developed as early as the 2nd century BC, Ajaccio boasts a Genoese citadel dating from 1492. Take a stroll through the old town center to discover the Cathedral Notre Dame de l’Assomption, the Church of Saint Roch and the 19th-century Palais Lantivy.
We particularly enjoyed the Musée National de la Résidence Bonaparte, a small museum where the emperor spent part of his childhood, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the Palais Fesch, which combines art and remarkable architecture. Allow 2h30 to 3h driving time between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, in one direction.
See our selection of the best attractions in Ajaccio.
Alternative 4: with more hiking
For walking enthusiasts, South Corsica is full of varied trails suitable for all levels. The Sentiers des Douaniers, former coastal surveillance paths, run along the coast and are generally in good condition.
The hikes around the Aiguilles de Bavella are among the most spectacular on the island. The Cascade de Piscia di Gallu and the Cascade des Anglais (north-east of Ajaccio, 45min drive plus a short walk) are excellent options. We loved the diversity of the landscapes we traversed: scrubland, forest, mountains and seaside follow one another along the trails.
For more experienced hikers, a section of the GR20 can complete the program.
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What you need to know for your stay in South Corsica
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
If it rains during your stay, don’t panic. The prehistoric sites of Filitosa and Cuccuruzzu can still be visited under overcast skies, and the vegetation is all the more beautiful. The mountain villages of Zonza and Levie are ideal for a quiet visit on a grey day. You just have to be willing to get a little wet.
You can also take advantage of a rainy day to explore Sartène and its stone streets, or head to Ajaccio to visit its museums. The restaurants on the coast and inland are also an excellent reason to take the time to sit down and taste Corsican specialities: charcuterie, cheeses, local wines and grilled fish.
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
