![\"visit](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/visit-Southern-Corsica-one-week-itinerary-7-days.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n See our selection of the best attractions in South Corsica<\/a>, if you want to create your own itinerary.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n The roads are easier in the south than in the north, See all our tips for renting a car in Corsica<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n And see what’s on offer.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n We recommend staying around Porto-Vecchio. There’s a superb choice of accommodation, some right on the water.<\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Option 1: around the Citadel Option 2: on the southern shore of the Gulf Option 3: on the south coast, near well-known beaches See our list of the 12 best hotels in Porto-Vecchio, with our reviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n Here is a map to help you find your way:<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n Find out all our tips for visiting Bonifacio<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n From the citadel, don’t miss theEscalier du Roy d’Aragon<\/a>, carved at 45\u00b0 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.<\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n The main company that manages these tours is SPMB<\/a>. But there are others. It’s time to book! 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. Once at the lighthouse, take the small path behind it to discover Saint-Antoine beach<\/a> and its wreck-like rock formation. For the afternoon, get away from the busiest beaches and explore lesser-known coves. Tonnara beach<\/a> and Saint-Jean beach<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n Find all our suggestions in our article on Bonifacio’s most beautiful beaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n All the information you need for your trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bit more driving today, but well worth it!<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n Along the way, you’ll discover the villages of Lzvie and Zonza.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n Sart\u00e8ne 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n 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. 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). <\/p>\n\n From Sart\u00e8ne, 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Today, you can either choose one of the beaches and stay there, or explore the different beaches, ending up with your favorite to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n 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<\/a>). Its long stretches of white sand, lined with umbrella pines, are divided into several coves. <\/p>\n\n Tamaricciu is not far away, another magnificent cove with rock formations and shallow waters.<\/p>\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n If you still have some energy left, the Bay of Rondinara<\/a>, 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). <\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n 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!<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n See our complete article on the Lavezzi Islands<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n See tour options directly.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n 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<\/p>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n See fun activities<\/a><\/p>\n\n 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<\/a>, Fautea<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\nPractical tips for visiting South Corsica in 1 week<\/h2>\n\n
What can you see in South Corsica in 1 week? Is it long enough?<\/h3>\n\n
\n
![\"beach](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15a-Palombaggia\/i-FWjhC6m\/1\/89cea0d0\/L\/plage_Palombaggia_Corse-69-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nGetting around South Corsica<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/14a-Ospedale-Forest\/i-9VD54BX\/1\/d7f99a85\/L\/foret_Ospedale_corse-15-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhere to stay in South Corsica<\/h3>\n\n
WHERE TO STAY<\/span> IN Porto-Vecchio<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Corsica-Lovers\/Porto-Vecchio\/n-dKN5Pq\/Ou-dormir\/i-wgtgJp6\/0\/e433c388\/L\/Porto_vecchio_hotel_casa_santini_roc_seven_plage-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"arrow\"\/](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ArrowRight.png\")
<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nA week in South Corsica – itinerary and map<\/h2>\n\n
![\"South](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/map-Southern-Corsica-itinerary-7-days.jpg\")
Day 1 – Discover Bonifacio and its citadel<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/16a-Bonifacio-forticiations\/i-V9g8Kq3\/5\/f9350b63\/L\/Bonifacio_Corse-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDescending the Escalier du Roy d’Aragon<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/16b-Bonifacio-bateau-2\/i-D2bFfcT\/1\/7261fe32\/L\/Bateau_Bonifacio_Corse-117-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAfternoon: boat trip along the cliffs<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/16b-Bonifacio-bateau-2\/i-cRtwVV8\/1\/09d52d6c\/L\/Bateau_Bonifacio_Corse-129-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"corsica](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/corsica-plane.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nDay 2 – Hike to Cap Pertusato and secret beaches<\/h2>\n\n
Morning: walk to Pertusato lighthouse<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15e-Falaise-Bonifacio\/i-KgKNSs9\/1\/e0eb4dc6\/L\/falaises_Bonifacio_Corse-7-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Saint-Antoine](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15f2-Plage-Saint-Antoine\/i-fznXw2K\/5\/b798f319\/L\/plage_saint_antoine_Corse-14-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAfternoon: relaxation on a lesser-known beach around Bonifacio<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/17a-Tonnara-Stagnolu\/i-t3xq35n\/3\/78e5ec11\/L\/plage_Tonnara_Corse-14-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nUSE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
\n
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Box](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Box-Ebook-Corsica-EN.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nDay 3 – Mountains and natural pools<\/h2>\n\n
Morning: the Aiguilles de Bavella<\/h3>\n\n
![\"route](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/13b-Bavella\/i-TLTG3Xm\/6\/K2JtZbn8LDG4XHqGk2TT4nL86JgdxKVZZRFZHJt5D\/L\/Aiguilles_Bavella_Corse-26-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAfternoon: natural pools and river swimming<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/13a-Gorge-Solenzara\/i-NfZhf3T\/5\/49d22a9b\/L\/Gorges_Solenzara_%20Corse-12-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDay 4 – Sart\u00e8ne and prehistoric sites<\/h2>\n\n
Morning: explore Sart\u00e8ne, the most Corsican of Corsican towns<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/18a-Sart%C3%A8ne\/i-FSQj9qD\/1\/76ce5105\/L\/Sartene_Corse-41-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAfternoon: time travel to a prehistoric site<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/18e-Filitosa\/i-rFD5sfF\/6\/1b4efbf0\/L\/Filitosa_Corse-30-L.jpg\")
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR<\/span> IN Corsica<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduite_vertical.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDay 5 – The emblematic beaches: Palombaggia, Tamaricciu, Santa Giulia and Rondinara<\/h2>\n\n
Stop 1: Palombaggia<\/h3>\n\n
![\"South](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15a-Palombaggia\/i-qqXd5NN\/1\/6fbb58d7\/L\/plage_Palombaggia_Corse-26-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 2: Tamaricciu<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15b-Tamaricciu\/i-5LvdsqJ\/1\/199c5905\/L\/plage_Tamaricciu_Corse-72-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 3: Santa Giulia<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15c-Acciaju\/i-SZDG8kh\/1\/205a9208\/L\/Santa_Gulia_Corse-8-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 4: Rondinara Bay<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/15d-Baie-de-Rondinara\/i-R7NLLBD\/3\/1d950e50\/L\/Baie_de_Rondinara_Corse-40-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDay 6 – Excursion to the Lavezzi Islands<\/h2>\n\n
![\"South](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/16c-Iles-Lavezzi\/i-R452Nhk\/1\/49cf05af\/L\/Bateau_iles_Lavezzi_Corse-25-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/16c-Iles-Lavezzi\/i-bkMkkZm\/1\/37fe80f6\/L\/Bateau_iles_Lavezzi_Corse-123-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDay 7 – Outdoor activities and final moments<\/h2>\n\n
Morning: water sports or coastal hiking<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Corse](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/13d-Plage-Favone\/i-b6GjSvX\/5\/3a3d44a4\/L\/Plage_Favone_%20Corse-26-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAfternoon: final swim or stroll in Porto-Vecchio<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Pinarellu](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/13f-Baie-de-Pinarellu\/i-JfhNBtL\/5\/94767b98\/L\/Baie_de_Pinarellu_corse-16-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Porto-Vecchio\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Corsica\/14d-Porto-Vecchio\/i-N67H8bC\/6\/f0d2d9de\/L\/Porto_Vecchio_Corse-8-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nSubscribe to our Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n