Round trip Corsica: from rugged cliffs to hidden beaches

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 OR 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 and drive 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 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 nature topper is on the schedule 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. Since the rocks are best seen from the sea, you can admire the natural wonder of the red rocks by boat from Galeria at 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 continue towards Ajaacio where you will stay for two nights.

DAY 7: AJACCIO AND THE 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 theCours 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: MYSTICAL CORSICA

You leave the imperial capital Ajaccio and set course for the prehistoric menhirs of Filitosa, the largest Stone Age excavations on the whole island and Unesco World Heritage Site. Continue inland to Olmeto and back to the coast where you can make an invigorating stop at the beautiful seaside resort of Propriano, situated on a beautiful sandy beach in a "horseshoe bay. Continue to Sartène, according to Prosper Merimée 'the most Corsican town in Corsica', spectacularly situated against a mountainside to Zonza where you will stay two nights at 750m altitude, at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, surrounded by nature in a wooded park of 11ha.

DAY 9: THE HEART OF CORSICA

Today you will visit Levie, the beautifully situated capital of Alta Rocca, the forested area between Propriano, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio. Nature in this rugged part of Corsica is of stunning beauty. Levie is a medieval town, but the immediate area has been inhabited by people for much longer. North of the town are the remains of a Bronze Age village, Castellu di Cucuruzza. The ruins of the medieval castle of Capula are also nearby. In a small museum you can admire the archaeological finds from Alta Rocca. After visiting Levie, don't miss a visit to Zonza, a charming mountain village. Zonza is known for the Aiguilles (needles) de Bavella. The jagged mountain peaks rising from the Bavella massif that are often compared to the Italian Dolomites. These Aiguilles are 1 of the most photographed natural wonders in Corsica. Those who prefer an active day can certainly enjoy themselves here and opt for a beautiful mountain hike between waterfalls and mystical caves, canyoning, mountain biking, horseback riding or a stroll along the GR20. Wonderful panoramas guaranteed.

DAY 10: BONIFACIO

You continue your exploration of southern Corsica with another highlight: to spectacularly located Bonifacio, the island's most Mediterranean city, face to face with Sardinia. Bonifacio was a true pirate's nest, with houses sloping and hanging wonderfully against the steep white cliffs. Recommended is a boat trip, from the water you can see the hanging houses even better and get to the natural harbors and caves along the coastline, which can only be reached by sea. You can stroll through the old fortified town, 'la ville haute', with some beautiful churches and a citadel. Very poignant is the 'Cimetière Marin,' a cemetery that is stunningly located and hovers almost above the sea, with Sardinia in sight. You will stay two nights in one of our hotel in Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio.

DAY 11 : PORTO-VECCHIO OR RELAX ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Porto-Vecchio, Portivechju in Corsican, is Corsica's largest tourist resort, full of stores, eateries and a veritable marina. For those who love a vibrant nightlife and wonderful beaches, combined with good food and beautiful nature, the address of choice. Besides the tourist bustle, Porto-Vecchio also offers numerous attractions for the more culturally inspired traveler. The old town is still excellently preserved and forms a pleasant tangle of narrow streets, covered passages and stairways with old houses, great for a few hours to stroll around and relax on a terrace. It is also great to spend time on the beautiful beaches in this part of Corsica: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and the wonderful Rondinara, a shell-shaped bay filled with contrasting blue-green water. Around and around the vast bay of Porto-Vecchio follow many more small ports, coves and cliffs.

DAY 12 : BACK HOME

Your trip is over, today you return your rental car and get ready to fly back home. You can also extend your vacation with a few more days at the beach. Curious about our other Corsica trips? Discover our tour in northern Corsica and our tour in southern Corsica.