The raw splendour of Southern Corsica

The Greeks did not refer to Corsica as 'Kalliste', 'the Most Beautiful', without good reason. But with its millennia-old colonial past and rich culture, Southern Corsica is also undoubtedly one of a kind. The best way to explore 'L'Île de la Beauté'? Simply take your time to fully experience all its facets.

Discover the natural wonder of Scandola Nature Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage Site, on an unforgettable boat trip and with a bit of luck... accompanied by dolphins and ospreys. Venture inland via one of the island's most haunting routes and explore the historic and spectacularly located capital Corte.

But Southern Corsica is also renowned for its beautiful beaches with blue-green waters, coves and cliffs. Explore spectacular Bonifacio, the island's most Mediterranean city. And don't forget to stop along the way at the prehistoric menhirs of Filitosa, another World Heritage Site.

Your experiential journey starts in the city of Napoleon, with a spectacular sunset as the grand finale.

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.

DAY 6: PORTO-VECCHIO - BONIFACIO - AJACCIO OR THE COL DE BAVELLA

Via Figari you drive to Sartène, according to Prosper Merimée "the most Corsican town in Corsica," spectacularly situated against a mountainside. Along the way, mystical Corsica strikes again at the "Megalithes de Cauria," several groups of menhirs. On the coast, you can make an invigorating stop at the beautiful seaside resort of Propriano, situated on a beautiful sandy beach in a "horseshoe bay. Back inland, you drive via Olmeto to the prehistoric menhirs of Filitosa, the largest Stone Age excavations on the entire island Unesco World Heritage Site). You then set course for the "imperial" capital of Ajaccio, where you stay for two nights.

DAY 7: AJACCIO AND 'LES ILES SANGUINAIRES'

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'.