With its breathtaking cliffs, turquoise coves and rugged mountains, southern Corsica boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Mediterranean. We were won over by the diversity of this region, where each day reveals a new facet of the island of Beauty.
With our itinerary for a week in South Corsica, we’ll guide you through its must-see sites and lesser-known corners. It’s written to give you an overview of all the facets of the region, from a single accommodation.
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 1 week
What can you see in South Corsica in 1 week? Is it long enough?
One week covers all the major sites: Bonifacio, the famous beaches, the mountains, a boat trip and a few surprises. You’ll have plenty of time to alternate between cultural visits, lazing around and hiking.
You can go on a road trip to cover more territory, but if you base yourself around Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, you can explore the southern tip with them:
- Bonifacio and its fortress
- The mangnificent beaches of Palombaggia, Santa Lucia, Tamaricciu…
- Archaeological sites
- The charming little town of Sartène
- The mountains with the Bavella needles
- …
See our selection of the best attractions in South Corsica, if you want to create your own itinerary.
Getting around South Corsica
A car is essential for exploring southern Corsica. Distances between sites are long, and public transport is limited outside the main routes. We advise you to rent a car as soon as you arrive at Figari airport or Ajaccio harbor.
The roads are easier in the south than in the north,
Allow 2h30 driving time between Ajaccio and Bonifacio, and 35min between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio.
And don’t forget to allow time to find 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 around Porto-Vecchio. There’s a superb choice of accommodation, some right on the water.
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
A week in South Corsica – itinerary and map
We chose to cover the southern tip of Corsica, not the southern half. To cover more, you need to go on a road trip and sleep in different parts of the region.
Here is a map to help you find your way:
Day 1 – Discover Bonifacio and its citadel
Your week in South Corsica begins with one of the island’s most fascinating locations. The citadel of Bonifacio is built on a peninsula surrounded by 70m-high white limestone cliffs, sculpted by erosion over the centuries.
From the marina, we took the steep climb up to the medieval old town, whose cobbled streets reveal a remarkable heritage. The combination of nature, history and architecture makes this place truly unique. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes and come early for easy parking, as the parking lots in the old town are not free and quickly become overcrowded.
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° into the rock. This spectacular descent plunges you into the city’s history, while offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. We found the experience impressive, as much for the panorama as for the ingenuity of the construction. The climb back requires a little effort, but it’s worth it in our opinion.
Afternoon: boat trip along the cliffs
To complete this first day, we suggest a boat trip departing from Bonifacio marina. From the sea, you can admire the structure of the cliffs, the sea caves and the houses that seem to float atop the limestone walls. It’s a completely different perspective on the city, and we were struck by the sheer scale of the site from below. Allow at least half a day for Bonifacio, but a full day is ideal to enjoy the area without rushing.
The main company that manages these tours is SPMB. But there are others.
See the options
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Day 2 – Hike to Cap Pertusato and secret beaches
Morning: walk to Pertusato lighthouse
A walk along the cliffs towards Cap Pertusato is the best way to understand how Bonifacio was built on this unique landscape. The path, tarred all the way to the lighthouse, can be covered in 1 hour from the parking lot, or in 2h30 to 3 hours if you set off directly from Bonifacio.
Along the way, we got a close-up look at the limestone and the surprising shapes carved into it by the elements. Please note: there is no shade on the course and no protection on the cliff edge. If you’re traveling with your family, you’ll need to be careful.
Discover our complete Cap Pertusato experience.
Once at the lighthouse, take the small path behind it to discover Saint-Antoine beach and its wreck-like rock formation.
But don’t forget, if you go down there, you’ll have to go back up and do the whole return journey as well!
Take water and a hat. No shadows on the path.
Afternoon: relaxation on a lesser-known beach around Bonifacio
For the afternoon, get away from the busiest beaches and explore lesser-known coves. Tonnara beach and Saint-Jean beach are among our favorites. These beaches are less crowded in summer and almost deserted in the off-season. We particularly appreciated the peace and quiet of these places, far from the crowds 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 3 – Mountains and natural pools
A bit more driving today, but well worth it!
Morning: the Aiguilles de Bavella
After several days on the coast, take a change of scenery by heading for the mountains. The Aiguilles de Bavella offer a landscape of granite peaks and laricio pine forests in stark contrast to the beaches of the coast.
Several hikes are possible around the pass, for all levels. We enjoyed the striking contrast between the blue of the sea, which you leave in the morning, and the ochre and dark green of the Corsican mountains. If you’re a keen hiker, you should know that 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 Lzvie and Zonza.
Afternoon: natural pools and river swimming
Then head back down to the east coast along the Solenzara river, where you’ll discover natural pools with refreshing crystal-clear waters, nestled in a landscape of gorges and forest.
We loved this alternative to swimming in the sea, all the more enjoyable in the heat. Bring suitable footwear as the rocks can be slippery.
Day 4 – Sartène and prehistoric sites
Morning: explore Sartène, the most Corsican of Corsican towns
Sartène is considered the most Corsican of Corsican towns, so much so that its rustic, authentic character sums up 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 variety of views of the mountain and the town. 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 advise you to get there early enough 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 best-known, Cuccuruzzu the most mystical and Cauria the quickest to visit (and free).
From Sartène, 3 sites are possible. It all 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. Don’t forget to bring walking shoes, as the sites are located 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 – The emblematic beaches: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, Santa Giulia and Rondinara
Today, you can either choose one of the beaches and stay there, or explore the different beaches, ending up with your favorite to enjoy.
Stop 1: Palombaggia
Palombaggia is without doubt Corsica’s most famous beach, 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 coves.
Stop 2: Tamaricciu
Tamaricciu is not far away, another magnificent cove with rock formations and shallow waters.
We recommend arriving early in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet, as these two beaches are very popular in high season. See our tips and photos on Palombaggia.
Stop 3: Santa Giulia
In the afternoon, continue your beach exploration with a trip to Santa Giulia, a large protected bay with clear, shallow waters and fine white sand. All amenities are available, making it one of the most popular beaches in the region.
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 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.
Day 6 – Excursion to the Lavezzi Islands
Set sail from Bonifacio marina for an excursion to the archipelago of the Lavezzi Islands, an unspoilt area of small islands covered with huge granite boulders of varying colors, shapes and sizes. And because we love rock formations, we didn’t want to leave!
Several departures are organized every day, and you can choose the length of your stay on the island. It’s important to know that there are no facilities on site: no restaurant, no water, no shade. So take everything you need with you (water, food, sun cream, hat) and wear good shoes to walk between the rocks.
See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands.
Day 7 – Outdoor activities and final moments
Morning: water sports or coastal hiking
For this final day, we suggest you take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer in the region. Sea kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling: South Corsica offers a wide range of ways to discover its coastline in a different way. V
ou can also follow a section of the Sentier des Douaniers, the ancient coastal surveillance paths that run along the shoreline through a landscape of scrubland and coves. We found these trails to be in generally good condition, although some sections can be steep. It’s a gentle 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, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of southern Corsica one last time.
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Alternative 1: with more beaches and idleness
If you’d like to spend more time swimming and relaxing, here are a few possible adjustments to our itinerary. Replace the mountain day with an in-depth exploration of the beaches on day 5.
Or choose from our selection of the most beautiful beaches around Porto-Vecchio.
Alternative 2: Ajaccio, depending on your airport
If you’re flying in and/or out of Ajaccio airport, take the opportunity to spend a day there.
The town, probably developed as early as the 2nd century BC, boasts a Genoese citadel dating from 1492. Take a stroll through the old town center to discover the Cathedral of 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 3: with activities for children
South Corsica is the perfect place for a family holiday. For children, the beaches of Santa Giulia and Rondinara are ideal, with their shallow, protected waters.
The natural pools in the rivers are also a refreshing and fun activity: the rocks allow you to jump, wade and explore in complete safety (under supervision).
We also recommend a boat trip to the Lavezzi Islands, which fascinate adults and children alike with their spectacular rock formations.
On the other hand, take particular care when hiking to Cap Pertusato, as there is no cliff edge protection. Last but not least, the prehistoric sites of Filitosa and Cauria can arouse the curiosity of younger visitors, as long as they bring good shoes for the trails.
Alternative 4: with more hiking
For walking enthusiasts, South Corsica offers a variety of 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 also excellent options. We enjoyed the diversity of the landscapes we traversed: scrubland, forest, mountains and seaside all follow one another along the trails. For experienced hikers, a section of the GR20 can complete the program.
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 can also take advantage of a rainy day to explore Sartène and its stone streets, or head to Ajaccio to visit its museums. Finally, the restaurants on the coast and inland are 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
