My itinerary allows you to tour Corsica in 7 days by car, camper van or motorbike. It is a circuit, along the coasts, which combines the essential visits, the splendid natural spaces of Cape Town Corsica, the Balagne region and the heavenly beaches of southern Corsica. This route around the most beautiful island of France may:
- serve as a model,
- be suitable for a tour of 8 days in Corsica or 9 days in Corsica or more.
- be adapted according to the starting point of your Corsica tour because it makes a loop. You can start it from Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi or Ile Rousse.
- or simply get inspired to plan your own trip to the Isle of Beauty.
What to see in 1 week in Corsica?
Impossible to explore all of Corsica in just 7 days! But in 1 week in Corsica you can discover the most beautiful natural sites, the most incredible landscapes, the emblematic cities and the most beautiful beaches of the island. Here are the sites that you can visit in 1 week in Corsica following my tourist circuit:- Bastia
- Cape Corsica
- Desert of Agriates
- Saleccia Beach
- Calvi
- Scandola Nature Reserve
- Calanques de piana
- Ajaccio
- Propriano
- Roccapina Beach
- Bonifacio
- The Lavezzi Islands
- Rondinara Beach
- Palombaggia Beach
- Porto-Vecchio
- Bavella needles
- Purcaraccia hike
- Return to Bastia
How to visit Corsica in a week?
There are dozens of itineraries to discover the island of beauty in 7 days. But to visit as many tourist sites as possible in just 1 week, the best thing is to tour Corsica by the coast. This is what I offer you below: An optimized 1-week circuit to tour Corsica. Indeed, it is perfectly suited for a 7-day road trip because it only goes around the coast (no visits inland, to villages perched on the hills, no mountains). However, in high season, I'm afraid it will be a little short because there are a lot of people on the roads.Itinerary map to visit Corsica in 7 days
Before giving you more details on the stages and tourist visits, here is the map tracing the route to tour Corsica in 7 days.
Of course, if you have a few extra days, this road trip will be even more pleasant because you will take more time at the sites and better enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Corsica in 1 week - Circuit DAY 1
Bastia
My road-trip starts very early in the morning from Bastia (8am), a city that I advise you to visit quickly in 1 hour or 1:30 to reserve enough time to make my complete circuit. Built on the mountainside, Bastia has a few must-see tourist sites: The Citadel and the old town they call Terra Vecchia (Place Saint-Nicolas, Place du Marché, the old port of Cardo).
Erbalunga
With its 40 km long against 10 wide, Cap Corse has beautiful wild beaches, coves, small fishing ports and unspoiled and unspoiled nature. To reach Cap Corse from Bastia, you have to walk along the coast in the direction of Erbalunga our 1 rd stage. After ten kilometers of road, you will arrive in the small Erbalunga village who knew how to remain authentic and welcoming. It can be visited for its famous Genoese tower, its small alleys and its pretty port.
Pietracorbara
Then my circuit will take you fifteen kms further north to Pietracorbara. This is where you can discover one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of Cap Corse. The village is known for its beautiful houses of Americans (former wealthy Corsicans expatriated in America). If you have time, you can take a short 3 km hike (white water trail) along a river (information at the tourist office).Macinaggio and the customs officers' path
After a 1 hour drive, you will reach Macinaggio, next step of our road trip in Corsica. After having a quick lunch, you will spend the afternoon at the beach or walking. Indeed, it is from here that the customs trail hike. And you can borrow the portion Macinaghju-Barcaghju of this path which leads in 3 hours to the beach of Baracaggio. In addition, this beach offers an exceptional view of the reserve of Finocchiarola Islands. For the return, you can take a shuttle from the customs path that will take you back to Macinaggio. Remember to book on 06 14 78 14 16 or by email ( info@sanpaulu.com ) or at the ticket office (opposite the pharmacy and tobacco shop in Macinaggio).
For the less courageous who prefer a lazy afternoon, they will find here several coves and beautiful beaches, accessible on foot (following the customs path) or by boat (Tamarone, Cala Genovese Beach, Cana Francese Beach).
Where to sleep in Cap Corse?
To be well placed (near the beach and in the center), I recommend the hotel Starfish à Macinaggio. Indeed, located 80 meters from the beach and departure of the customs path, you can enjoy its swimming pool and the convenience of a free parking.Corsica in 1 week - Circuit DAY 2
Pine
Today we pass to the other side of the Cape Corsica to go to Pino village. This is our 1st stop of the day to have a little coffee on the edge of the beautiful Scalo Marina and its Genoese tower. And why not a morning swim on the magnificent Anse d'Aliso beach ?Desert of Agriates
After a 2 hour drive, we arrive at Agriates desert. No less than forty kilometers of unspoiled coastline await you! White sand beaches and turquoise waters, the landscapes are simply PARADISIAC !!! On the other hand, the beaches are complicated to reach because there is no road except a few tracks ...Saleccia Beach
Among the many beaches of the Agriates desert each more beautiful than the other, I recommend that you choose the famous Saleccia beach considered to be one of the most beautiful in Corsica. For this, the best will be to go to Saint Florent and take a water taxi (reservations possible on 06 62 16 23 76). The crossing from Saint Florent lasts about 20 minutes and allows you to enjoy a beautiful promenade at sea, to admire the village with its citadel and its ramparts, the Agriate coast, the Mortella tower, the tip of the Cavallata and the Lotu beach right next to the Saleccia beach.Calvi
To go from Saint Florent to Calvi, allow at least 2 hours by road (off season). Along this road you will pass by theIle Rousse leaving Cap Corse to arrive in Balagne region nicknamed "the Corsican garden".
Very beautiful small hilltop villages are to be discovered in Balagne when you have a little more time (Sant Antonio, Pigna, Lumio, Occi or Speloncato). On the other hand, I advise you to absolutely visit Calvi, its citadel, its 18th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, Place Christophe Colomb, the salt tower, the marina ...
The ideal would be to make the most of your evening in Calvi and sleep there to schedule a romantic evening in an idyllic setting.
Where to sleep in Calvi?
For this, treat yourself to one of the most beautiful hotels in Calvi: theHotel Saint Christophe. I let you discover it : See this hotel on BookingCorsica in 1 week - Circuit DAY 3
This morning again, it will be necessary to leave early ... Indeed, it is necessary to count at least 2 hour drive to go from Calvi to Porto, village where are the departures of the cruises which leave for the Scandola nature reserve and Calanques de Piana (accessible only by boat).Porto - Scandola Reserve - Calanques de Piana
It’s a essential circuits in Corsica : the sea trip to discover the 2 major sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO: the Scandola nature reserve and Calanques de Piana. Recommended by Tripadvisor, the backpacker's guide, the Michelin guide, Lonely Planet ... it is with the Alpana Company that I advise you to take this sea trip which lasts about 3h30.
Of course, it is strongly recommended to book in advance at: 06 69 69 04 05 or: contact@alpana.corsica.
Ajaccio
After Porto, direction Ajaccio with a journey of about 3 hours. Small walk in the Ajaccio old town. You can walk through its colorful streets, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the imposing citadel and the Tino-Rossi marina.Which hotel in Ajaccio?
For a stopover hotel on your 1 week road trip in Corsica, I recommend thehotel Kallisté. Very well located in the city center (only 400 m from the casino and Saint-François beach), it provides all the comfort and services you need for a night. The little extra is his private parking ! More information about this hotelCorsica in 1 week - Circuit DAY 4
The bloodthirsty islands
Here is the program for my 4th day in Corsica:- Discovery Gulf of Ajaccio
- Walk along the north coast (Tino Rossi's home, Marine Cemetery, Citadel of Ajaccio ...)
- Sanguinaires Archipelago
- Free time on the island of Mezumare
The 4 small islands of this archipelago are impressive for their wild beauty. They are classified among the most beautiful protected sites in Corsica.
Tour of Corsica in 7 days - DAY 5
This morning, we take the road for a very long journey south (Ajaccio-Bonifacio road of 140 km).Propriano
You will be able to take a 1st break at Propriano after 1 hour and a half drive. Why not a little café in this charming little seaside resort in the heart of the Gulf of Valinco? Then you have to continue the road via Sartène to arrive at Bonifacio after about 1 hour 30 minutes from Propriano.Roccapina Beach
On the way, we will stop at Lion of Roccapina. It is a rock in the shape of a lion where one can climb to enjoy a view of the magnificent Roccapina beach. Small swim and we take the road to Bonifacio.
Bonifacio
We have finally arrived at theextreme south of Corsicaor a Bonifacio built on beautiful limestone cliffs! If you've ridden properly and left early enough, you'll most likely be on time to eat. Stroll through the Citadel and have a quick lunch on the port of Bonifacio.
The Lavezzi Islands
The archipelago of Lavezzi Islands located in the south of Bonifacio are characterized by landscapes of granite rocks posed on magnificent beaches where the sea reserves splendid seabed. To be able to enjoy the superb landscapes of the Lavezzi Islands, you will have to plan to spend a half day there. You can choose to:- take a cruise (Lavessi Islands, Billionaire Island, Cavallo, Piantarella Lagoon, caves…);
- or prefer a shuttle taxi which will drop you off directly on a small island in the archipelago: theLavezzu Island.
During the return trip, take some pictures of Bonifacio at dusk, it's just wonderful!
Which hotel in Bonifacio?
I present here my favorite hotel which is located on the Citadel of Bonifacio: theGenovese hotel. More information about this hotelCorsica in 1 week – DAY 6
Rondinara Bay
Early departure towards Porto-Vecchio for a 1 er swimming stop at the Rondinara beach. Only 18 km from Bonifacio, in a seashell-shaped gulf, the bay of Rondinara beach is a marvel!Palombaggia Beach
About 20 km from Rondinara beach (1 hour journey) is a second exceptional beach in Southern Corsica: the Palonbaggia beach. This is one of my favorite beaches in Southern Corsica but to practice only out of season because otherwise there are really too many people! White sand, turquoise sea, this beach is a postcard. You will be able to stay there until around noon.
Porto-Vecchio
A little stroll at Porto Vecchio, an ancient Genoese citadel, on a hill facing the sea. To discover it quickly, I advise you to take the little tourist train or just go up in about fifteen minutes to the Citadel and walk through the old town. For lunch, I can only recommend the only restaurant I tested in Porto Vecchio: the Alta Rocca restaurant (6 Rue Aspirant Michelin). In the heart of the citadel, it offers Corsican cuisine with obviously Corsican cold meats and cheeses!Zonza
To end this 5th day of road trip in Corsica, you have to take the road to go from Porto-Vecchio to Zonza. Zonza is a village which attracts a lot of tourists because it is close to the sea and in the mountains. This is where the hikes in the Aiguilles de Bavella start (scheduled for the next day).Which hotel in Zonza?
It is a safe bet that I recommend as a hotel because:
- it is not too expensive,
- it is well located in the center,
- it has a swimming pool and free parking.
Corsica in 1 week – DAY 7
Bavella needles
Early in the morning, you will take the magnificent road through the Bavella Pass and sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows on the road to Solenzara.
Purcaraccia hike
How to go to Corsica without discovering its mountains, its torrents, its forests? From essential hikes on the Isle of Beauty, I recommend the trail to Purcaraccia waterfalls. Very busy in summer, this path alternates with slides, natural pools and waterfalls. The hike is great, not too long (3,5 km) but it does have a few difficult little passages. So above all, do not go in flip flops! To get there, you will have to go to Col Bocca di Larone (between Col de Bavella and Solenzara). The start is next to the car park after a hairpin bend. A small hiking trail is signposted there.
Back Bastia
Return to Bastia in the evening after a 3 hour drive along the east coast of Corsica.Which hotel in Bastia?
For a simple night in Bastia, no need to take a 5 star! I recommend theBonaparte hotel. More information about this hotel Indeed, it is very well located in the city center, less than 10 minutes walk from the train station and the ferry port and 2 minutes walk from Saint-Nicolas Square. Its great advantage is its car park !Where to stay to visit Corsica?
Want cheap rentals for the whole family? So to tour Corsica in 1 week, why not choose 2 rentals (1 in the North and the other in the South of Corsica)?- 500 meters from the beach, the Gîtes du Cap Corse is perfect accommodation for a stay in a dream setting in the north. See this rental
- For a stay or visit to the south of the island, I can recommend a very nice residence right next to Santa Giulia beach, close to Porto Vecchio and 4 km from Palombaggia. See this rental
You only have a few days to enjoy Corsica? I suggest you a 5-day tour in Southern Corsica