Northern Corsica road trip: 9 days in Bastia, Cap Corse, Calvi and Ajaccio

DAY 1: Departure to Bastia

Today you fly to Bastia, where you will first pick up your rental car. Then you set sail for your Caractère hotel where you will stay for three nights.

DAY 2: CAP CORSE PENINSULA

Today is already a Corsican highlight on the program: the exploration of the northern peninsula of Cap Corse, which sticks out into the sea like a finger sticking up. During the round of Cap Corse, you will discover unspoiled villages and small fishing ports such as Macinaggio, Centuri, Pino, Nonza and Patrimonio where sometimes cows still walk on the beach. The natural harbors and coastline here are bordered by round Genoese watchtowers because until 1768 Corsica was under Italo-Genean rule. These watchtowers had a dual function: lighthouse and military stronghold. As a matter of fact, the Italian influence is abundantly noticeable here in architecture, language and cuisine. Geologically and linguistically, Corsica belongs to Italy, politically, of course, to France. Many traditions and customs have thus survived and make Corsica unique in Europe.

DAY 3: THE MONTE ASTO OF BASTIA

You will drive via Oletta to San Michele de Murato, where one of Corsica's most attractive churches is implanted in a pristine and stunning mountain landscape. Nature lovers will continue the day in the Monte Asto area. Alternatively, explore Bastia and the surrounding area. First drive to the Roman excavations at La Canonica and Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral on the Fouilles de Mariana before driving along the elongated basin "Etang de Biguglia" into Corsica's second most important city and economic capital. Bastia may not be Corsica's most polished port city but no less worthwhile for that.

DAY 4: SAINT-FLORENT - L'ILE ROUSSE WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

You leave Cap Corse westward across a "desert," le désert des Agriates. A recommended photo stop is Bocca di Vezzu. Afterwards you arrive in L'Ile Rousse, a pleasant seaside resort on an immense sandy beach and with a lively harbor, where pleasure boaters like to moor. In this seaside resort you will also find many restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine. The town was founded by the legendary Corsican hero Pascal Paoli and takes its name from the nearby archipelago of ochre-colored granite. Onwards to Calvi where you will stay two nights in one of our hotels.

DAY 5: THE PROUD CITY OF CALVI AND THE BALAGNE

Calvi flaunts an impressive citadel, one of Corsica's most beautiful sights, where you can stroll on the ramparts to the lower town. The stronghold is located very strategically on top of a protruding rock, between the bay of Calvi and the headland of Révellata, and its main task was to watch over the thriving fishing port. In the afternoon, you can take another trip into the unspoiled mountainous landscape of the high Balagne region, where hiking is wonderful. You go into the Balagne in search of old picturesque villages and of what used to be the vegetable garden of Corsica: villages like Pigna, Aregno and Corbara where time seems to stand still. All around are olive groves, almond trees, and Barbary fig trees. Also unforgettable is the route along the eagle's nest of St. Antonio, near Monte San Angelo: eagles here soar elegantly above the vast forest of larch pines.

DAY 6: SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE AND THE "CALANQUES" OF PIANA

An absolute highlight of nature is on the agenda today: you drive to the world-famous coastline of "Les Calanques" with possible stop in the impressive nature reserve Scandola, known for its breathtaking views. As the rocks are best seen from the sea, you can admire the natural wonder of the red rocks by boat from Galeria on the bay of the same name. Afterwards you drive to the Gulf of Porto, with its "calanques" between Porto and the picturesque Piana. Also in both of these little ports you can possibly take the boat for a beautiful view from the sea. After admiring this natural beauty, you drive further towards Ajaccio where you stay for three nights.

DAY 7: AJACCIO AND LES ILES SANGUINAIRES

Ajaccio, located opposite the Sanguinaires Islands, is Napoleon's city and an important port. It is also home to the villa and tomb of another famous Corsican: Tino Rossi. Reminders of the "little dictator" can be found on the Cours Napoléon, and at the Casonu monument, erected to his honor and glory. A little further on is also Bonaparte's birthplace, which is now a museum. The cathedral and citadel are also worth a visit. A drive along the Route des Sanguinaires with a spectacular sunset means "un paysage de rêve.

DAY 8: Corte: the historic capital

Corte, the former capital of Corsica, is a city steeped in history and culture. Located in the heart of the island, Corte offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The Citadel of Corte, an impressive fortress that towers high above the city, is a must-see for any visitor. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the rich history that can still be felt here. Corte is the perfect destination for anyone interested in Corsica's history and culture and can be done as a day trip from Ajaccio.

DAY 9: Back home

Your trip is over, today you will return your rental car and get ready to fly back home. Don't feel like returning home yet? Extend your vacation with our second experience trip The rough splendor of southern Corsica.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. A car makes it easy to reach Cap Corse, the Balagne region, the Calanques of Piana and the mountainous interior around Corte.

What is the best time to travel?

May to September is ideal. During these months temperatures are pleasant for beach days, hikes and boat trips along the coast.

What makes Northern Corsica so special?

You’ll find a mix of rugged mountain landscapes, small fishing harbours, citadels such as the one in Calvi and spectacular coastlines like Scandola and the Calanques of Piana.