Touring Corsica by car - nights in hotels only

From Bastia, you journey northwards to Erbalunga and its beautiful, tiny port, then Maccinaggio before crossing the island from east to west. Onwards to Barcaggio, the northern tip of Corsica. Next, via Centuri, the number one fishing port for lobsters in France, you follow the dramatic cliffs of the western coast and take a break at Canari or Albo before reaching Nonza, known for its Genoese tower and black stones beach. Soon after you visit Patrimonio, the Corsican wine capital and then arrive in Saint-Florent with its sandy beaches.

Distance: approximately 130km.

This stage starts with a crossing of the Désert des Agriates, a beautiful, protected area with low chalky mountains and scented maquis. Across the main road there’s a totally different environment. You drive through olive groves as well as small villages. Further on, there’s an almost deserted area with just a few cows wandering randomly across the road. Then, suddenly there is a fantastic view over Île Rousse and the whole Balagne, “the Orchard of Corsica”. A pause should be taken in front of the old church at the beautiful village of Belgodere. Then, you cross to Calvi and its citadel before taking one of the most scenic roads on Corsica to Galeria for a stay near the beach.

Distance: approximately 150km.

The car tour continues up to the Col de Palmarella from where you get a stunning view out over the sea. With scented Corsican scrub on one side and cliffs on the other, you pass through charming villages, each with café terraces inviting you to drink and rest. You soon spot Porto, an attractive little marina with lots of seaside activities on offer.
Then, you come to the famous Calanches de Piana before Cargèse a beautiful village with noticeable modern-Greek influences. Heading inland where wild pigs abound, you meander through the chestnut capital, Evisa (there’s a chestnut festival every November), and go along the beautiful Spelunca Gorge back down to the Porto Gulf.

Distance: approximately 150km.

Initially returning through the sleepy village of Ota and its fine Genovese bridges, then Evisa, carry on a short distance to the Aïtone Forest (pine, beech and larch). The Col de Vergio marks the highest road point in Corsica. Now starts a long, winding descent to the Calacuccia lake. The beautiful Scala (staircase) di Santa Regina is a wonderful road carved into the cliff. You then enter the Castagniccia with its quiet lanes. To complete this great day, drive the length of the Restonica Gorge to where Théo offers a taste of his locally produced meats and cheeses.

Distance: approximately 140km.

On the main road from Corte you drive south to Ajaccio. The birth place of Napoleon is well worth a visit, as is the promontory opposite the Sanguinaire Islands, reached via a number of creeks and sandy beaches. Head further south and after crossing a eucalyptus forest, you reach a very old prison and Coti Chiavari village, towering above the bays of Porto Pollo and Olmeto.

You will discover many small villages and have plenty of opportunities for swimming.

Night in a traditional hotel in Olmeto

About 140 km

Drive through historic Sartène, “the most Corsican of Corsican towns” [Prosper Mérimée], then photogenic Bonifacio with its medieval walls and dramatic cliffs. Next follow the east coast through Porto-Vecchio, “City of Salt”, before going high inland up to the remarkable Needles of Bavella. This day offers many swimming opportunities both in the sea and in clear rivers.

Distance: approximately 180km.

Today you can explore the stunning local villages, olive groves and old mills, you will cross a beautiful collar and see many animals such as freedom of pigs or horses.

You will spend many forests and can join Ghisoni and the parade route of Inzecca, then the plain for your night in Prunete.

About 148km.

You start this day into the Castagniccia and its amazing villages perched high up. Following this panoramic road, you descend to sea level and drive along the Biguglia Lake Nature Reserve, Corsica’s largest lagoon at 11km long, home to hundreds of bird and fish species, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot flamingos.

End of your trip in Bastia.

Distance: approximately 165km.

Just letting you know that we had a fantastic trip that you organised for us recently in Corsica.
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We would definitely recommend to friends to visit Corsica and had a great time !