My Epic 10-Day Corsica Road Trip Itinerary I Completely Fell in Love With

I am officially obsessed with Corsica and won’t shut up about it. Shall we dive into my 10-day Corsica road trip itinerary that got me hooked?

It all started when I was actually making plans to be in Paris for the Grand Masked Ball at Versailles in June. But…while I was there, I figured I’d love to do a road trip somewhere in France I hadn’t been to yet (it’s my goal to get to all 13 metropolitan regions of France and I’m only 3 away)!

Being someone who loves mountains, beaches, snorkeling, and hiking, Corsica (or Corse in French) called my name!

So I packed my snorkel and mask (yes, I have my own snorkel for occasions such as this) and flew to Corsica for an epic 10-day trip with friends.

We hiked, we swam, we ate amazing charcuterie, and we even dodged a couple of wild boars!

But most of all, we fell in love with this iconic Mediterranean island that is both wild, wonderful, and full of warmth at the same time.

Let’s talk about the perfect 10-day Corsica road trip to see the best of this island! 

If planning a Corsica road trip feels overwhelming, I also offer personalized travel consulting to help you design your perfect trip.

Is Corsica Good For a Road Trip?

Not only is Corsica perfect as a road trip destination, but it is the best way to get around. I’ll share my driving tips below (and my mistakes!), but driving is the easiest way to get from point A to point B, especially if you’re planning to follow this itinerary and explore both Northern and Southern Corsica. 

I will say that there are a few trains in Corsica, but overall, driving is best.   

Plus, you’ve got some seriously scenic views along the way! But… just know that while some places may not be super far apart, it can take time to get to it because of the mountainous terrain and winding roads.

I will give you a fair warning that there will be mountain switchbacks too. But overall, I didn’t have issues driving around Corsica as an American and I loved exploring Corsica this way!

And be sure to check AutoEurope for rental car deals!

This 10-day road trip is a loop around Corsica, starting and ending in Ajaccio. You’ll see megalithic standing stones, the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been to, hike through dramatic landscapes, sip local wine, and enjoy a stunning gorge.

This itinerary is best for first-time visitors to Corsica who want to enjoy the best this island has to offer without rushing.

This is perfect if you:

• Enjoy a good balance of adventure and relaxation
• Want to enjoy mountains and beaches
• Delight in delicious local food and wine
• Love a good view

If you want to park it on a beach, this probably isn’t for you. There is nothing wrong with that! But being a mountainous island with stunning views and beaches, we wanted to enjoy as much as we could!

However, if you’re a person who loves a bit of adventure and nature with relaxing, time spent on the beach, and time sampling delicious local cuisine and wine, then I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this itinerary too.

Before I get into all the details below, here is a quick and scannable summary so you get an idea of the day-to-day itinerary.

But, for details on where to stay, things to do, and other helpful tips, keep reading below!

• Day 1: Arrive in Ajaccio
• Day 2: Ajaccio–Sartène–Bonifacio–End in Porto-Vecchio
• Day 3: Porto-Vecchio Beach Day
• Day 4: Day Trip to Aiguilles de Bavella 
• Day 5: Lavezzi Islands Cruise
• Day 6: Porto-Vecchio–Corte
• Day 7: Corte–Calvi + Wine tour
• Day 8: Calvi
• Day 9: Calvi–Ajaccio 
• Day 10: Depart Corsica

I have been excited to write about this for months, so let’s dive into this itinerary of Corsica that goes around the island to see the highlights!

Day 1: Arrive in Ajaccio

Total Drive Time: Approximately 10 minutes

Before you get your car and drive around the island, you need to get here.

The reason that you’re starting and ending your trip in Ajaccio is because 1) it is the capital of Corsica and 2) it’s easy to get to via ship or airplane,

And there are 2 ways to get to Ajaccio: flying or the ferry.

Option 1: Flying

We ended up flying here directly from Paris because we were staying in Paris for several days beforehand and several days afterward. Thankfully, you can find direct flights from Paris Orly to Ajaccio!

And getting to Orly Airport was a breeze- just take metro line 14! 

So we flew over mainland France and landed in Ajaccio all before lunchtime this day. 

We checked for the best flight prices on Skyscanner! 

Option 2: Ferry

If you’re flying into the South of France or are already down south, you can also take a ferry. 

Most ferries coming from mainland France to Ajaccio depart from Marseille or Toulon, and if you want to bring your own car, this is a great option.

And many of these ferries depart in the evening, meaning you’ll arrive the following morning. If you do this, I definitely recommend getting a cabin. 

You can check prices and times on Direct Ferries. 

Once you arrive in Ajaccio, it’s time to pick up your rental car (if you’re not already bringing a car over on the ferry). We did this at the airport, and then drove into the city. 

After dropping off our bags, we got right to lunch! 

We wandered over to La Maison Bonaparte for lunch. And you’ll notice a strong theme while in Ajaccio- a lot of things are named after Napoleon Bonaparte here. That’s because this was his birthplace! 

We enjoyed some local rosé, fried zucchini flowers, and burrata before exploring the real Maison Bonaparte (where Napoleon was born).

His family home is now a museum where you can learn more about him, his family, and his nephew, who became Napoleon III.

Where to Stay in Ajaccio:

Here are a few hotel options in Ajaccio.

ibis Styles Ajaccio Napoleon: This is where we stayed and loved it! Ibis is a hotel chain all over France, and they’re pretty solid overall! But this place was fantastic! There is a rooftop pool, good-sized rooms, nice views over the water, and the service here is great! Plus, it was easy to walk around from here.

We met a really kind and funny English woman working the desk here who was happy to speak English with other native speakers!

Book it here!

This Airbnb: Also not far from the main attractions is this lovely Airbnb property! It has nice views, is walkable to many spots, and has paid parking nearby!

Book it here!

Hotel San Carlu Citadelle Ajaccio: Within steps of the action of Ajaccio, this is a cute hotel with amazing views and a rooftop bar!

Book it here!

Day 2: Ajaccio–Sartène–Bonifacio–End in Porto-Vecchio

Total Drive Time: Approximately 3.5 hours.

I know this looks like a lot, but you’re stopping to some incredible places along the way that it’ll fly by before you notice! And after this day you get a beach day so it evens out!

But have breakfast, check out, pack up the car, and let’s get going to your first stop!

Stop 1: Site Archéologique de Cauria

Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes.

As you can see, the longest drive of the day is done on stop 1. 

And you’re going to want to go to this one, especially if you’re a fan of standing stones.

As an Outlander fan myself, and someone who didn’t see any standing stones at which to pretend to run toward while in Scotland, when I found out there are megalithic ruins on Corsica, I leapt at the chance to see them!

I’m also just a history nerd, so wandering around ancient standing stones and a dolmen is my idea of fun on a vacation. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that there are SEVERAL megalithic sites like this around France?! Carnac in Brittany has over 3,000 standing stones! There are other places in Corsica with standing stones too!

But this archeological site has a bit of parking and then you can hike an easy path for about an hour to see 3 sites: Alignement de Renaghju, Alignement d’i Stantari, and Fontanaccia dolmen. 

The first two are arrangements of standing stones, and the last one is a dolmen, which is comprised of stones with a stone slab roof on top, forming a covered room.

And it was SO cool to see!

Plus, as you’re walking, you get to enjoy the beautiful countryside, complete with big boulder covered hills and peaceful land. 

10/10 I’d do this again.

Stop 2: Sartène

Drive Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

Sartène is a stunning Medieval town perched in the mountains and a great stop for lunch on this day. 

Find some parking in the town and then walk around for a bit. With cobblestone streets, it is incredibly charming! 

If you’ve got the time, you could also stop by the Musée d’Archéologie de la Corse to see more prehistoric tools and artifacts!

But chances are you’ve mostly got time for lunch here. We ate at Le Bistrot du Cours. This place has a lovely terrace and amazing views!

Enjoy some cannelloni with brocciu- a local cheese in Corsica!

Then, it’s time for the next stop!

Stop 3: Bonifacio

Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour.

You’re now approaching the very bottom of Corsica. This city sits right along the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean sea just across the way from the Italian island of Sardinia. 

Now a lot of people may tell you to stay here for a few days, and if you’ve got more time you could! But I loved the last stop far more as a base, so you’ll just be briefly visiting Bonifacio. 

Explore the citadel while here, walk along the beautiful cobblestone streets, and just take it all in!

But the best part has to be walking along the coastal path. Between the gorgeous chalk cliffs and the dramatic landscapes, it’s seriously stunning to wander this area. You can go for as long as you like, but we hiked for about an hour or so, stopping for photos and just admiring the views of the city perched on a cliff.

After that, it’s time to finally settle in for the night and head to stop 4.

Stop 4: Porto-Vecchio

Drive Time: Approximately 30 minutes.

Your final stop for this day is Porto-Vecchio, which will be your home base for the next several days! So don’t worry- we’re not doing a ton of driving every day like this!

But on the way here, we stopped at a grocery store to pick up supplies to make dinner at our rental that evening, which worked out really well! 

We checked into our gorgeous vacation rental, made dinner, had some Capo Spritzes (Corsican spritzes made with Cap Corse liquor, sparkling moscato, and ice), and caught an amazing sunset from the beach at our place.

Why I recommend Porto-Vecchio as a base:

Honestly, what’s not to love? I found the town more charming (although Bonifacio does have the epic views), there are magnificent beaches nearby, and you’re not far to drive to the mountains for hiking. I loved it here so much and could’ve stayed a whole week if I had more time!

Where to Stay in Porto-Vecchio:

Maranatha Porto-Vecchio: This is where we stayed, and honestly, I can’t recommend it enough! Just book this place! 

This place is by a cute inlet with views of the town of Porto-Vecchio across the way. It also has a pool, has kayaks, and you stay in a vacation rental villa with a kitchen, AC, and your own outdoor space. 

I loved it so much and honestly could’ve stayed here a whole week. It’s great because there is a little restaurant area next door, and there was enough to enjoy here for our friend who opted out of hiking with us one day. 

Book it here!

Les Terrasses de Scalegiu: This is closer to the famed Plage de Palombaggia than the town, but you’re within 10 minutes walking distance from the beach! This also is a vacation rental/apartment like hotel with rooms with kitchens and a terrace. 

Book it here!

Santa Giulia Airbnb: This is a newer apartment rental with a kitchen, parking on site, and a pool! 

Book it here!

Day 3: Porto-Vecchio Beach Day

Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Today is a beach club day. If you’ve read my itineraries for Normandy, my 7-day South of France road trip, or even my 2-week South of France road trip, you’ll know that I love a beach club day.

I like to snorkel to my heart’s content, and come back to a beach chair where I can sip spritzes and then grab lunch–all in the same spot!

Because life is about balance. Yes, there is hiking in this itinerary too, but you also deserve a fabulous day at the beach.

So we booked beach chairs and umbrellas at Playa Baggia, located on Plage de Palombaggia.

And OH MY GOSH it is so stinking beautiful! 

Plage de Palombaggia may be the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to Thailand, the Carribean, Greece, etc.)! 

Perfect, white powdery sand, crystal clear water, and the surrounding area feels almost untouched.

I enjoyed my time in Cannes, Cassis, Antibes, and Nice, but Plage de Palombaggia is a more remote feeling than that. I mean, it isn’t off-the-grid by any means, but other than parking and the beach clubs, there aren’t buildings built up and high rise hotels. 

It’s very peaceful.

And the snorkeling is pretty good once you get out to the rocks and sea grass! 

But we pretty much spent most of the day reading in our beach chairs, snorkeling, sipping Capo spritzes and rosé, and dining at Playa Baggia’s restaurant for lunch. 

Note: Make reservations in advance for your beach chair and umbrella. You can WhatsApp message or call +33 (0)6 64 27 26 03.

After most of the day here, you can head back to your accommodation and get cleaned up for dinner in Porto Vecchio.

We ended up making reservations at a place called O P’tit Insolent. This place is a gem. It’s a place where whatever they’re cooking up is what you’re having. Heck, even whatever they have brewing up is what you’re having.

They served us homemade sangria and paella, and it was delicious. 

After that, we wandered around the endlessly charming town, exploring shops selling charcuterie (Corsica is known for this!), and even stopping for ice cream at L’Art de la Glace.

They had several flavors–it was SO good! 

That wraps up day 3! Now that you’re rested…you’re in for an adventure on day 4!

Day 4: Day Trip to Aiguilles de Bavella 

Total Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours.

I know 3 hours looks like another long drive day, but I promise you that it’s not. That’s because you’re driving an hour and 15 minutes to the Aiguilles de Bavella, then an hour and 15 back and then from there it’s like 15 minutes each way from the hotel we stayed in to dinner this evening. 

I’m also going to give you a couple of alternatives this day because the hike we ended up doing was very challenging this day. While we did it and certainly made some memories, it isn’t for everyone. So stay tuned for alternatives below. 

Option 1: Hike Aiguilles de Bavella Loop Trail

I plan to write an entire blog post about what it was like to hike this trail, what I wish I had known, and why sometimes you’ve got to take AllTrails with a grain of salt and pack a lot more water than you think you need.

This was one of the most challenging hikes of my life because it was both technically challenging (we used our arms and legs to push and pull ourselves over boulders on the mountain at times), but we also didn’t bring enough water because the hike was way longer than stated on AllTrails. Oh, and there was a chain repelling situation at one point-stay tuned for my recap!

For reference, by the time I finished, my Garmin said that I hiked for 8.4 miles (13.5 km) and it took between 7-7.5 hours with breaks and all. Yes, we accidentally got off trail a couple of times, but not for long, so this was easily an 8-mile+ (12.9 km+) hike.

It was also about 2,500 ft (762 m) in elevation gain. AllTrails did get that part pretty accurately. 

Here is what you need to bring if you do this:

• 4 L of water per person minimum. I’m not kidding, especially on a hot day. Had we both had a 3L water bladder and an extra water bottle or two, it would’ve been fine. 
• LifeStraw water bottle. I forgot to bring this and regret it. We passed streams where we could’ve filled up!
• Electrolyte tablets. You need to replace your electrolytes on a hard hike like this.
• Hiking backpack with plenty of snacks and lunch. 
• Sunscreen. But you can purchase this when you get there at a French pharmacy in Ajaccio.
• Layers. While it was hot when we did this, we packed our rain gear just in case. The mountains of Corsica get some crazy weather so it’s best to be prepared. 
• Hiking poles. I really wish I brought these on the downhills!

As well as all the basic day hike items. 

This is a full day hike. We began around 8:30 am and finished around 4 pm at the Col de Bavella parking lot.

I will emphasize that you should NOT do this hike unless you’re a very experienced hiker. We both are, and we struggled because we didn’t get accurate information and didn’t have enough water. But this is a really hard hike. 

However, the views are stunning (particularly in the first half), we met some incredible people along the way, and we had a good time overall! It’s a great, challenging hike if you’re prepared!

That leads me to another option.

Option 2: Hike Another Trail at Bavella

While we really did enjoy our hike, sometimes you want to take in the views without struggling as much. 

Here is another trail idea in the area starting at the Col de Bavella parking lot.

Trou de la Bombe: This is a 3.9-mile (6.28 km), 603 ft (184 m) elevation gain hike that is noted as moderate on AllTrails (again, take this with a grain of salt and bring more water than you think you need). But you get to see an 8 meter wide hole in a cliff and get beautiful views on the hike!

OR

I thought some of the best views were from the cafe by the Col de Bavella parking lot. So you could just drive out there for breakfast or lunch and just enjoy the views!

Option 3: Relaxing Day in Porto-Vecchio

You could also be a more sane person than us and stay behind in Porto-Vecchio like our other friend did. 

She had a lovely day hanging out by the pool at our hotel, sleeping in, having lunch at the restaurant next door, reading, etc.

She loved it!

But you could also have another beach day and go to Plage de Santa Giulia. Book another day at a beach club like Club Trois Deux and relax, swim, and enjoy yet another one of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches. 

No matter how you spend your day, have a lovely dinner at L’Accario Plage. This was a recommendation by the owner of our hotel. 

It’s on the beach, has great local wine, and we loved the seafood platter. I also had a tasty clams linguine- desperately needed after the chaos we endured!

But the best part is the views of the beach (Plage d’Acciaghju)…and the cats! There are cats everywhere on this beach. As a cat lover, I LOVED it! They were so cute and so sweet!

After that, it’s time to have a much needed rest!

And if you’re like us, you may be prevented from getting back to your room from the parking lot because a wild boar is rooting around! 

Yes, that happens a lot in Corsica! We were so confused and then we realized it was a wild boar. Thankfully, it was more interested in rooting around than us, so we snuck past him and back to our room!

Day 5: Lavezzi Islands Cruise

Total Drive Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

If you’re sensing a pattern of an adventurous day with a relaxing day afterward, good, because that’s what this itinerary is all about!

And today, we’re exploring the Lavezzi Islands and more fun beaches! I found this great tour from Get Your Guide and booked it with my friends. It also leaves from Porto-Vecchio which is nice!

So, we parked down by the marina for the day, hopped on a boat, and set sail for beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and more!

The guide also speaks English as well as French, which was great because our boat had a mix of people. And we all had such a great time!

We stopped at several places along the way, but the highlight was definitely exploring the Lavezzi Archipelago. These are small granite islands with great reefs for snorkeling. 

However, Lavezzi does have a sad past as there was a terrible shipwreck here in 1855. Now there are memorial cemeteries for the victims.

These islands are also protected and have many bird species and tons of fish! While snorkeling, we saw TONS of fish, a jellyfish, and even a barracuda. 

The cruise also included a time to paddleboard, and we even had a fresh lunch with local charcuterie, cheeses, and some wine. 

Overall, it was a fabulous day full of swimming, sunshine, fun drinks, and good company.

I highly recommend this tour! While Sylvain is the person who runs it, his son was our captain for the day, and he was so nice!

Afterward, we actually stopped by Boulangerie Pâtisserie Paul for some baguettes and made a lovely final dinner at our rental.

Book the boat tour here!

Day 6: Porto-Vecchio–Corte

Total Drive Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Today, you’re crossing from Corse-du-Sud (Southern Corsica) into Haute-Corse (Northern Corsica) as you’re heading to Corte.

While Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica today and was the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte, Corte was the capital of Corsica during Pasquale Paoli’s tenure as the leader of Corsica from 1755-1769. He was instrumental in the movement for an independent Corsica from the Genoese, as well as lead French resistance over the island.

France eventually took the island over, but Paoli is highly regarded in Corte, and the largest university in Corsica is located in Corte and named Université de Corse Pasquale Paoli.

I did have to drop some history before you visit, but here is what you’re doing today!

First, if you’re in Porto-Vecchio on a market day as we were this morning, I highly recommend going into town and going to the market. 

But, just as I suggest in my South of France road trip guide, get there early for parking! Before 9-9:30 am is best to find decent parking in town. 

The market in Porto-Vecchio takes place on Sunday mornings and there is so much to enjoy! 

We had freshly squeezed orange juice, tasted locally made olive oil while talking with the producer, tried local Corsican pastries, and more!

After picking up snacks at the market, it’s time to drive about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the mountain town of Corte.

And it is stunning. If you’ve got more time in Corsica, I highly recommend exploring Corte further. It’s also a hiker’s paradise. 

But it’s well worth wandering through the town, maybe getting some gelato, and enjoying the views.

But what you really want to do is visit Restonica Gorge. This gorge is stunning with a crystal clear river that is perfect for river swimming!

Now, you can explore the gorge with your car, as we did, but know that you can only go as far as the Tuani parking area. That’s because in 2023, there was flooding and damage to the roads. So now, only buses can go past this area.

Now, if you want to take the bus, book tickets in advance! When we showed up at the tourist office hoping to book, we were told to download the app, and sadly, it was sold out for the day.

So we opted to drive it. I will say that this isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re driving on winding narrow mountain roads. It is a challenge when other cars are heading your way!

But we did it! We stopped at Chjarasgiolu, which was stunning! This stop was my favorite because the water was perfect, the views were stunning of the mountains, and there was a charming bridge.

We also saw quite a few people splashing in the river. So if you have your swimsuit on, why not take a dip?

We then also drove to Tuani and enjoyed that view before coming back to our hotel in nearby Venaco.

Then, we had a drink at our hotel before going to dinner nearby at La Place Chez Michael for a Capo Spritz and delicious pizza!

Where to Stay Near Corte:

Hotel U Frascone: This is where we stayed in nearby Venaco and loved it! The views were incredible! We had drinks out on their terrace on the first night and had breakfast out there the following morning. 

The sunrises and sunsets here are like nothing else, and made me fall in love with Corsica. I mean it is nuts to be in the heart of the mountains but you’re also not a far drive to the beach!

But the service here is great, and those views cannot be beat. Just know that if you arrive during their lunch break, there isn’t anyone there to check you in so be sure to show up after 2:30 pm.

Book it here!

Casa Guelfucci: Located in Corte, you can enjoy this charming bed and breakfast and be close to everything.

Book it here!

Corte Airbnb: This charming spot is also in Corte and perfect for exploring. Just know, it’s on the top floor (6 flights of stairs up) with no elevator so this may not be the best option if you have a lot of luggage. However, people love it!

Book it here!

Day 7: Corte–Calvi + Wine tour

Total Drive Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Again, as much as I’d love to spend weeks in Corte (and everywhere else on this island), it’s time to head further north to Calvi as we continue our loop around the island!

Calvi is also in Haute-Corse, and it is on the water. But, it is also near many great wineries, so that’s what we’re doing today: wine tasting!

But first, enjoy a delicious breakfast with one of the most beautiful views of the mountains from the hotel (we highly recommend Hotel U Frascone)!

Then, it’s time to pack up the car and drive to the coast!

You’ll arrive at Calvi about an hour and a half later and then you’re done driving for the day.

That’s because you’re going to have a driver for your wine tasting! 

We booked a private driver and wine tour with Dominique from Corsica Wine Tours.

He actually does wine tours in various places around Corsica from Bastia and Calvi to Porto Vecchio to Cap Corse. 

And he is fantastic! Not only is he a born and raised proud Corsican, but he was a wealth of knowledge of both Corsican history and wine!

So we had the best day going to 3 very different wineries around the Calvi area, sampling incredible wine, and having an epic lunch in the town of Cateri at Chez Leon with delicious local cuisine.

We also witnessed the owner here throw out food scraps and watch as dozens of hawks descended to take some food. These hawks are all over Corsica, but it was cool to see them in action.

We explored the church and adorable town of Cateri while also stopping at Domaine Maestracci (my favorite of the day), Clos Culombu, and Domaine Orsini for delicious wine throughout the day.

And it was one of the best pizzas I think I’ve ever had. I got the burrata pizza with mortadella and pistachio pesto and it was SO good!

That wraps up day 7!

Calvi Hotel: This is where we stayed! This cute hotel is next to the beach and you can easily walk to the beach from there! That’s what we did! There are also views of the Calvi Citadel from here, and all the rooms have terraces! We enjoyed staying here during our time in Calvi.

Book it here!

Hôtel Corsica & SPA Serena – Calvi: Only 5 minutes away from the beach and 10 minutes from the citadel by car, this upscale hotel has a restaurant, spa, beautiful rooms with a view, and a nice pool.

Book it here!

Hotel Calvi L’Acquale: Located close to the heart of Calvi is this hotel with a pool, spa, and lovely rooms. 

Book it here!

Day 8: Calvi

Total Drive Time: Approximately 35 minutes.

At this point you’ve been in Corsica for a whole week and it’s starting to come to a close. But, you’ve got to enjoy the lovely area around Calvi. While you did wine tasting the day before, today is another hike and beach time.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a full day hike!

We hiked Pointe de la Revellata, which is about 5.8 miles (9.33 km) long, 1,125 ft in (343 m) in elevation gain, and took like 3-3.5 hours.  

This was a jaw droppingly beautiful hike! Yes there were some hills, but it was a pretty moderate, not very technical hike at all. And it was on a peninsula outside of Calvi!

Get to the parking lot early though! We got there at around 8 am when it was basically empty. 

But it was a super enjoyable hike with stunning flora, amazing views of the sea, and we could see the mountains in the distance (some with snow at the top!). Overall, this was a very enjoyable hike.

You do a loop to the lighthouse. There are a couple of beaches along the way, but Dominique warned us not to swim there as there are a lot of rip tides and rough waters. So we just viewed it and kept going.

After a nice little hike, we grabbed some treats at the nearby Boulangerie Spiga Santa Maria and ate it on our hotel balcony before heading to the beach!

Then, we spent the afternoon lounging on the beach. We rented a sunbed on Plage de Calvi at Le Lido and sipped Capo Sprizes and swam.

Just know that the water is a little rougher here, so follow any posted signs. It was also windy the day we were there too so we mostly read and relaxed. We dipped in the water a little but not too much. 

But the views look out to the Calvi Citadel, and it’s a cute beach! 

Then, we wrapped up the day by getting dinner at Casa Maiò outside of town. It’s such a cute restaurant that’s tucked away. It was a perfect end to our time in Haute-Corse.

Tomorrow you loop back to Ajaccio. 

Day 9: Calvi–Ajaccio 

Total Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Before you head back to Ajaccio, you can take your time a little in the morning in Calvi!

We grabbed some coffee and breakfast in town where the citadel is at Le Cafe Colomb. We walked around the citadel area and took it all in before embarking on the drive to Ajaccio. 

And, while I wish you could make a full easy loop down to Ajaccio from Calvi, that would actually add on an extra 50 minutes. You could totally do this if you wish! But we actually opted to backtrack through Corte then on to Ajaccio as it was quicker.

So that’s what we did for a nice wonky loop around Corsica!

We arrived in Ajaccio in the afternoon, settled back into our original hotel, and went to the beach. 

The Plage Saint-François – Arinella San Francescu next to the citadel is so relaxing and fun. No beach club chair rentals this time. We just brought some of the Corsican wine we had purchased during our wine tour, plopped down on the sand, and enjoyed time laughing, sipping wine, and swimming in the sea.

We wanted to fully embrace our last day in Corsica, and it was lovely!

Afterward, we had a lovely Vietnamese dinner at Le Petit Viet Nam, and spent the evening packing up our belongings to fly to Paris the following morning.

Where to Stay in Ajaccio:

I covered this earlier, but here are the hotel options from above.

• ibis Styles Ajaccio Napoleon (where we stayed)
• This Airbnb
• Hotel San Carlu Citadelle Ajaccio

Day 10: Depart Corsica

Total Drive Time: Approximately 10 minutes.

Today, we had breakfast at our hotel and drove to the airport and then we were back to Paris by the afternoon! We met up with our friends and started preparing for the Grand Masked Ball at Versailles.

If you’re departing via ferry, then you’d catch that to wherever you’re off to next!

We have such fond memories of Corsica. I seriously keep telling everyone I know that it’s the best place to visit. If you’re someone who loves hiking, swimming, beach time, and good food and wine, you’ll love it here!

I sure did!

Driving in Corsica: Know Before You Go

Here are some SUPER helpful tips for driving in Corsica.

1. Always Buy Car Rental Insurance!

I wish I could tell you that driving in Corsica for us was perfect and with zero incident. 

I mean overall it was totally fine! But I did scratch our rental car on a pole our second day while getting lunch in Sartène. The cars in France keep getting bigger yet the parking areas do not.

Be careful driving and get all the insurance. We were able to just drop off the car and owe nothing (and I’m pretty sure it was a decent-sized dent) thanks to having purchased insurance. 

2. Electric Cars are Very Popular.

In fact, our original rental car we almost picked up at the airport was electric and the rental company there (Sixt) didn’t have regular cars. 

I’m all for being eco-friendly, but I was nervous that 1) what if I run out of electricity in the mountains and 2) would there be enough places to charge it?

I’ve also never driven an electric car. So I ended up getting a refund and switching to another car company at the airport that could get me a regular car.

So be sure to check your rental before booking that it is the car you want!

France actually has a lot more infrastructure for electric cars these days, so it probably would’ve been fine. But I didn’t want Corsica to be my first time driving an electric car. So maybe practice before this if you do decide to rent one!

3. Cars in France are Mostly Manual.

I can’t drive a manual. At this point, I should just learn because I drive in France a lot. 

Yes, they do have automatic cars (that’s what I rent), but they are more expensive to rent. So just keep that in mind.

4. Beware of Winding Roads.

Corsica is wild and wonderful…and so are their roads! Yes, the roads here can be quite windy, especially in the mountains. In fact, going through Corte is a test of wits as you do winding switchbacks.

But really, it wasn’t too bad. However, if you get carsick, you may want to take some dramamine. One of my friends struggled a bit on our longer drive days. 

5. Shorter Distances Does Not Equal a Quick Drive.

For example, Calvi and Ajaccio are around 102 miles (164 km) away from each other. In most destinations on a standard highway, you could probably drive that in 2 hours. However, it takes closer to 2 hours and 45 minutes. 

Porto-Vecchio is only 30 miles (48 km) from Aiguilles de Bavella… and yet it takes over an hour to get there!

Between winding roads and mountains, it just takes time. 

6. They Do Drive on the Right Hand Side.

So if you’re visiting from Canada, the US, or elsewhere where they drive on the right-hand side of the road, it isn’t an adjustment.

But if you come from the UK or somewhere where they drive on the left, it may take getting used to.

7. Download Offline Maps.

This is key. Download offline maps because you may not always have cell service! That way you can at least find your way!

AND

Make sure to also get an ESim to help you! I love Airalo!

8. Beware of Wild Boar!

Wild boar abound on Corsica, and we saw 2 during our short visit. Once we saw one at our hotel in Porto-Vecchio, and another time one ran across the road in front of us. Thankfully, it was at a distance so we weren’t at risk of hitting him.

But regardless, pay extra attention and care while driving, especially around twilight, night, and around dawn because they do pop out!

9. It’s Helpful to have an International Driving Permit. 

I always travel with my International Driving Permit, and being from the US, it’s super easy to get. It’s like $20 at AAA, and you just show them your license, get your photo taken, and fill out a form. 

10. Always Look Up Local Driving Laws and Signs.

Before every trip to France, I look up local driving laws and signs as a refresher. Plus, it’s good to know that you likely won’t get pulled over for speeding in France. But they do have cameras and you’ll get a ticket in the mail…so that’s definitely worth noting!

Check the information here! And check road signs here.

Between the balance of beaches to mountains and adventure to relaxation, I loved the pace of this trip. But more importantly, I loved everything that we got to do!

The hiking, the snorkeling, the Lavezzi Islands, the megalithic standing stones! Everything was so awe-inspiring that I cannot wait to return to Corsica!

As a bonus, Corsicans are SO nice and friendly! Everyone was so welcoming and loved sharing their culture and history with us! Many were surprised to see Americans visiting to be honest compared to French mainlanders and other Europeans.

But Corsica overall is stunning, and I’d go back again in a heartbeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some other things to know before you go!

1. When to Visit Corsica?

I’d avoid visiting in winter simply because a lot of things are closed down. May through September are good options overall.

However, I’d probably avoid mid-July through August as that is when a lot of French people take their vacations. Places can get crowded and hotels are more expensive that time of year.

We went in mid-June and it was honestly the best. The beaches weren’t crowded at all, the hotels were reasonably priced, and it was perfect. 

2. Do You Need to Know French?

Knowing a little French does help, but many people in the more touristy spots of Corsica speak English too. While Corsica gets a lot of French mainland tourists, they also get visitors from around Europe a lot, so a lot of people in tourism also speak English.

However, it does help to know the basics and some key phrases. I’ve got 17 useful French words and phrases to know here.

And if you need help, Google Translate helps too.

3. Do I Need a Car?

If you’re sticking to one spot and it has an airport, then maybe not. 

And there are trains that connect the main cities in Corsica.

But, honestly, having a car is the best option. Just make sure you get one that you can drive (automatic vs manual, electric vs gasoline, etc.), and you’ll be good to go!

Check rental car prices here!

4. What are the Best Places to Base Yourself in Corsica?

I mention this in the itinerary, but I think the best places to base yourself for exploring Corsica are:

• Ajaccio
• Porto-Vecchio
• Corte
• Calvi

However, these are also great spots:

• Bonifacio
• Bastia
• L’Île-Rousse

5. Where Should I Go If I Have More Time in Corsica?

If I had more time, this is what I’d do:

• Extra day in Corte
• Spend time in L’Île-Rousse
• Visit Ota
• Explore Bastia

6. What If I Have Less Than 10 Days in Corsica?

If you’ve got 5 days or less, I’d probably just spend most of my time in Porto-Vecchio. You can explore the mountains and beaches from here and it’s a great place to be!

If you’ve got a week or so, I’d probably skip Calvi and do Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, and Corte.