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5-day itinerary

Corsica Highlights Tour

5-day tour of Corsica's coastal and mountain highlights

Length
5 days · 20 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€365 per person
Based in
Corsica

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Ajaccio & Napoleon's Legacy

    Begin your Corsican journey in the capital, Ajaccio. Explore the historic center, visit Napoleon's birthplace, and enjoy the coastal views.

    • 09:00

      Parc Napoleon

      Stroll through the lush gardens where Napoleon Bonaparte was born. A peaceful start to the trip with historical significance.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:30

      Citadelle d'Ajaccio

      Visit the 15th-century Genoese fortress overlooking the bay. Offers panoramic views of the city and sea.

      About 60 min

    • 12:30

      Lunch at Marché d'Ajaccio

      Experience the vibrant daily market on Place Campinchi. Sample local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh produce.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Palais Fesch & Musée Fesch

      Explore the 19th-century palace housing Cardinal Fesch's impressive collection of Italian primitive art.

      About 2 hours

    • 17:00

      Evening Stroll in Old Town

      Relax with an aperitif in the narrow streets of Ajaccio's historic center.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Marché d'Ajaccio; Dinner at Ajaccio City Center
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Ajaccio city center for easy access to attractions and ferries.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for most sights. Taxi/Uber for longer distances.

  2. Day 2: Northern Coast & Calanques de Piana

    Drive north to discover the dramatic red granite cliffs of Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A day of stunning natural beauty.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Piana

      Scenic drive from Ajaccio to Piana via the coastal road. Allow extra time for stops.

      About 3 hours

    • 11:00

      Calanques de Piana Hike

      Walk the trail along the UNESCO-listed red granite cliffs. The view of the sea carving through the rock is breathtaking.

      About 3 hours

    • 14:00

      Lunch in Piana Village

      Enjoy a traditional Corsican meal at a local restaurant with views of the sea.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 16:00

      Calvi Citadel

      Visit the Genoese citadel in Calvi. Explore the ramparts and enjoy the harbor views.

      About 2 hours

    • 18:00

      Calvi Marina Walk

      Relax by the Port de Plaisance de Calvi, watching the yachts and enjoying the sunset.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Piana Village; Dinner at Calvi Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Calvi or nearby Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano for a quieter night.
    Getting around:
    Car rental is essential for this day. Parking is available near the Calvi Citadel.

  3. Day 3: Bastia & The Northern Highlands

    Explore the vibrant capital of Northern Corsica, Bastia, and visit the scenic Golo River valley.

    • 08:30

      Drive to Bastia

      Drive from Calvi to Bastia along the scenic coastal route.

      About 2 hours

    • 10:30

      Bastia Old Town (Citadelle)

      Explore the historic upper town with its narrow streets, shops, and the Citadel overlooking the port.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch at Plage de l'Ortolo

      Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant near Plage de l'Ortolo.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Port de Bastia

      Walk along the lively port, visit the fish market, and see the Genoese towers.

      About 2 hours

    • 17:00

      Place Saint-François

      Relax at the main square with its fountain and cafes.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Plage de l'Ortolo; Dinner at Bastia Old Town
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Bastia for easy access to ferries and northern attractions.
    Getting around:
    Car rental recommended. Bastia has limited parking in the old town; use public lots.

  4. Day 4: Southern Cliffs & Bonifacio

    Travel south to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Bonifacio. A highlight of the trip with stunning coastal views.

    • 08:00

      Drive to Bonifacio

      Long drive from Bastia to Bonifacio via the interior roads. Scenic but winding.

      About 4 hours

    • 12:00

      Lunch in Bonifacio

      Enjoy lunch with a view of the cliffs. Try local goat cheese and chestnut products.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:30

      Citadelle de Bonifacio

      Explore the medieval citadel perched on white limestone cliffs. Walk the historic stairs down to the sea.

      About 3 hours

    • 16:30

      Bonifacio Cliffs & Porte d'Aval

      Walk along the cliff edge and visit the Porte d'Aval, the historic gateway to the old town.

      About 2 hours

    • 18:30

      Sunset at the Beach

      Relax at the beach below the cliffs, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Bonifacio Town; Dinner at Bonifacio Cliffside
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Bonifacio for the best views. Book well in advance.
    Getting around:
    Car rental essential. Parking in Bonifacio is limited; use the paid lots outside the old town.

  5. Day 5: Sartène & Departure

    Visit the 'Black City' of Sartène, known for its medieval streets and strong Corsican traditions, before departing.

    • 08:30

      Drive to Sartène

      Short drive from Bonifacio to Sartène, inland through the mountains.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:00

      The Old Town (Vieille Ville)

      Wander through the narrow, medieval stone streets of Sartène, known as the 'Black City'.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:00

      Sartène Cathedral

      Visit the 17th-century Baroque cathedral, Cathédrale Saint-André.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Sartène

      Traditional lunch in the heart of Sartène, sampling local specialties.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Local Market & Shopping

      Browse local crafts and products before heading to the airport or ferry port.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Sartène Center
    Where to stay:
    Depart from Sartène or nearby Ajaccio depending on flight/ferry schedule.
    Getting around:
    Car rental return. Ensure sufficient time to return the vehicle before departure.

Practical information

Corsica is best visited between May and June or September and October to avoid the intense heat and crowds of peak summer, while still enjoying warm, swimmable weather. July and August offer the most reliable sunshine but bring high prices and congested roads. The island’s terrain is rugged and mountainous, making driving times significantly longer than distances suggest; a journey that appears short on a map may take over an hour due to winding coastal and mountain roads. Consequently, flying into either Ajaccio or Bastia is recommended for international travelers, with car rental being the essential mode of transport for exploring. Public buses exist but are infrequent and ill-suited for a tight five-day schedule. For accommodation, strategic basing is crucial to minimize daily transit. Splitting your stay between the north, near Saint-Florent, and the south, near Bonifacio or Porto-Vecchio, allows for efficient exploration of distinct regions. Saint-Florent offers a vibrant town center with access to the Calanques de Piana, while the south provides dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. Alternatively, staying in one central location like Corte reduces driving but limits beach time. Budgeting should account for mid-range hotels or gîtes, which typically range from 80 to 150 euros per night in shoulder seasons, rising significantly in July and August. Car rentals average 30-50 euros daily, plus fuel costs, which are higher than mainland France. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat, but include layers for cooler evenings and windier coastal areas. Sturdy hiking shoes are mandatory for trails like the GR20’s accessible sections or coastal paths, while swimwear and sun protection are essential for the numerous beaches. A reusable water bottle is practical, as tap water quality varies by region. Key tips include booking ferries and popular restaurants well in advance, especially for summer travel. Respect local customs by keeping noise levels down in small villages and adhering to strict no-smoking laws in public spaces. Be prepared for limited mobile reception in remote valleys and download offline maps. Finally, prioritize flexibility; weather conditions can change rapidly, and road closures due to landslides or fires are possible in summer, so have backup indoor activities or shorter drive options ready.

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