The Corsica coast road passes 600 kilometres around the coast of Corsica. En route it passes through or by many of the most interesting and important sites. If you have time for a thorough exploration of the island, this route would make a fine starting point for your plans!
Our route starts from Bastia (although of course you can start anywhere) and travels in an anti-clockwise direction, with the route passing principally through or near to:
- Heading north from Bastia around the Cap Corse promontory via Erbalunga, with a suggested stop also at Ersa at the northern point of the promontory. One of Corsica's best beaches is at Barcaggio at the tip of the peninsula
- then back south down western Cap Corse be sure to visit the delightful fishing village of Centuri and then on through Nonza to reach Saint-Florent and the Nebbio region
- following the north-east coast road via L'Ile-Rousse to reach Calvi and Galéria
- The western part of the Corsica coast road continues to Porto and Piana. This is our favourite part of Corsica. Be sure to find the time in Porto to take a boat trip out along the coast to see the Calanches de Piana and the Scandola nature reserve
- Continue via Cargèse then the attractive coastal town of Ajaccio heading into the south-west of the island
- Next towns near this region of coast are Propriano then inland a little to the lovely town of Sartene and on to the southern tip of Corsica
- Bonifacio, with its ancient citadel and dramatic cliff top position, marks the southern point of Corsica, from where the coast road continues northwards up the eastern coast
- the road passes through Porto-Vecchio which is a charming coastal town and close to the best beaches of Corsica. Then continue along to Aleria, centrally placed in the eastern coast.
- You could head inland a little between here and Bastia to visit the villages of Castagniccia
- finally to finish at Bastia, your starting point and an interesting town to visit in itself
For scenic highlights in each of these regions see the 'Corsica scenery' section.
Allow at least a two-three week visit to Corsica to follow the entire route, plus a few days to head inland to Corte.
Four - six weeks would be better if you want to spend time on the magnificent beaches or relaxing and taking in the atmosphere, or exploring some of the many beautiful villages of the interior of Corsica - albeit impractical for most of us to get away for so long!
There is of course no obligation to follow the entire route! An alternative for example would be to follow the coast starting from Bastia (as above) but on reaching Ajaccio head inland via Corte and the mountains to return to Bastia. Or follow our proposed route for a two week holiday in Corsica to see our favourite places.
