South Corsica road trip: 8 days between mountains, bays and Bonifacio

DAY 1: Departure to AJACCIO

Today you will fly to Ajaccio where you will pick up your rental car. Located opposite the Sanguinary Islands, Ajaccio 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"! You will spend two nights in Ajaccio.

DAY 2: THE DAZZLING NATURAL PARK SCANDOLA

Today you will take a day trip along the beautiful west coast route towards Porto. This route goes via the beautiful Gulf of Liscia and Cargèse - where Greek traditions have been strongly preserved - to the picturesque Piana. Possibly even further to the protected natural park Scandola, Unesco World Heritage Site. A peninsula that can only be reached on foot or by boat. From Porto or Galeria you can embark to this natural wonder. An unforgettable boat trip will take you past the colorful red ochre cliffs and caves of this impressive nature reserve. With some luck, dolphins and ospreys will accompany you at sea....

DAY 3: THE BEATING HEART OF CORSICA

You leave the imperial capital Ajaccio and head 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 2 nights at 750 meters altitude, at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, in the middle of nature in a wooded park of 11 ha.

DAY 4: THE HEART OF CORSICA

Today you will visit Levie, the beautifully situated capital of Alta Rocca, the wooded 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 5: 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 stunningly located, floating almost above the sea, with Sardinia in sight. You will stay for 3 nights in one of our hotels in Porto-Vecchio or Bonifacio.

DAY 6: RELAX ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AROUND PORTO-VECCHIO OR THE COL DE BAVELLA

The beautiful beaches in this part of Corsica are wonderful places to relax: Palombaggia, Santa Giulia and the marvellous Rondinara, a shell-shaped bay filled with contrasting blue-green water. Around and around the wide bay of Porto-Vecchio are many small harbours, inlets and cliffs.

DAY 7: PORTO-VECCHIO

Porto-Vecchio, Portivechju in Corsican, is Corsica's largest tourist resort, full of stores, eateries and a veritable marina. For those who love a lively nightlife and wonderful beaches, combined with good food and beautiful nature, this is 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 staircase streets with old houses, great to stroll around for a few hours and relax on a terrace.

DAY 8: Return 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 'Mysterious Northern Corsica'.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. The most beautiful places are spread out and difficult to reach without a car. With a car, you can easily drive along the coast and through the inland areas.

What is the best time to travel?

May to September works best. June and September are quieter and ideal for hiking and exploring nature. In summer, you can fully enjoy the beaches.

Who is this trip best suited for?

For travellers who enjoy a mix of nature and sea. You explore mountains, villages and beaches in one journey, with a balance between active days and relaxation.

What makes this route special?

You experience Corsica in all its contrasts without long distances. From rugged mountains to turquoise bays and from historic sites to lively coastal towns, everything is surprisingly close together.