A Road Trip Across Corsica’s Mountains and Villages

Hiking in the Dolomites or a road trip to Corsica? That was my dilemma while I had to choose the destination and the travel style for my birthday trip.

I never get tired of the mountains, and I like traveling by public transportation since I don’t have a car anymore (my small contribution to a greener planet).  Still, I was keen to make a road trip again,  free to stop wherever I felt like and to stay at a place as long as I wished.

Don’t get me wrong. I still love mingling with locals on the bus, the train or the boat, especially in faraway countries with a totally different culture. However, truth is that in some places getting around by public transportation means seeing very little and hiring a car is almost paramount

Corsica is one of those places, and only by car (or motorbike or, if you’re not scared by steep climbs, by bike), one can discover the contrasts of the Ile de Beauté as the island is often called in French.

So I decided. I would go on a Corsica road trip.

Unforgettable Corsica Road Trip, to Jagged Mountains, Dreamy Beaches, and Charming Villages

I had visited Corsica several times before, but it was a few years I hadn’t been back and was keen to set foot again in one of my favorite spots in the Mediterranean. It was the perfect destination for a road trip to explore the hidden corners of the island I hadn’t visited before.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Corsica because the island has it all (or almost). Breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear water, jaw-dropping mountain sceneries, delightful small villages where time seems to have stopped, beautiful forests and rivers, all in an area of about 8,800 sqm.

Day 2 – Sartène, Zonza, Bavella

Crossing the pretty village of Zonza, the winding road toward the mountains rewarded me with stunning views. Here and there, I spotted wild pigs walking alongside the road, sometimes even laying unconcerned on the pavement and slowly moving away as I approached.

All of a sudden, the Aiguilles de Bavella (the ‘Bavella Needles’) appeared on the horizon, beautiful rocks and peaks dominating the landscape. I had been anticipating a nice hike in one of the most scenic mountain areas of Corsica but when I arrived it was so unexpectedly packed that I gave up. The scenery is indeed breathtaking but it was far too crowded for my taste. Definitely worth going back in Spring or Autumn, though.

Day 3 – Corte

Narrow streets leading up to the citadel, old houses looking a little unkempt and for that very reason all the most fascinating, this is Corte, the former capital of Corsica during the short period in which the island achieved the independence in the mid 18th Century.

The Corsican Republic was short-lived, but the old town maintained its pride and scrupulously kept their traditions, starting from the language.

Seen from below, the houses perched atop the hill make for a lovely composition, while from atop the citadel overlooks the surrounding mountains and forests of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica.

Day 4 – Hiking the Restonica Valley

The nearby Restonica Valley, which I had never visited before, is well known for its beautiful hikes. I couldn’t miss it this time and after breakfast, I started the drive along the narrow and rather bumpy road.

I picked up randomly one of the many trails and started the ascent, surrounded by breathtaking wild scenery. Rocks sculpted by erosion, green pine trees bent by the strong winds, and the clouds running fast in a cobalt blue sky. Surprisingly, I met only a handful of people hiking along the trail, which made my hike all the most enjoyable.

The Restonica Valley ended up being one of the highlights of my Corsica road trip and a place I wouldn’t have been able to reach without a car.

Day 5 – Corte to Ota

More winding roads through the mountains and then, the blue sea appeared on the horizon. Time for a change of scenery, from the rocks to water. I could hear my stomach grumbling, reclaiming attention. I approached Algajola, a pretty fortified small town along the cost, almost halfway between Ile Rousse and Calvi, and a lovely spot for a lunch break.

I treated myself with a dish of delicious fresh fish and a glass of cold local white wine. The sandy beach was too tempting, so I went for a long walk and a short bath before entering the car once again. I continued my journey heading back inland to the enchanting village of Ota.

From the Gulf of Porto, sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in Corsica, the road climbs up to Ota, a delightful hamlet leaning against the mountain. It’s an oasis of peace, popular with hikers coming here for daily excursions or stopping along the Mare e Monti hiking trail.

Day 6 – Ota and the Gorges de Spelunca

Small and secluded, Ota was the perfect place to relax and go for a scenic drive and a day hike to the beautiful Gorges de Spelunca.

Back from my walk, I chilled out having a drink on a terrace overlooking the mountains and the village, watching the colors of the houses getting warmer as the sun started setting down.

Ota invites to stop for a couple of days to enjoy the silence, the beautiful scenery and the life of the locals along the streets or at the bar. A corner of authentic Corsica I thoroughly liked.

Day 7 – Ota to Ajaccio

The last leg of the Corsica road trip was also the most scenic. I left Ota short after the sunrise and reached the Calanques of Piana when the sun was still low and the rocks shaded in pink, contrasting with the deep blue of the water beneath.

I stopped at a couple of viewpoints, striving to catch as much as possible of this awe-inspiring beauty, willing to fix in my eyes and memory the sight of one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Mediterranean.

Sadly, my Corsica road trip had come to an end and I took the road again, down to Ajaccio. As I drove back to the airport, I couldn’t help feeling a bit glum but also pleased because, after more than ten years, Corsica was as beautiful as I remembered it. It was only a goodbye. I know I’ll be back.

Corsica: Practical Information

Getting to Corsica

Bastia, Ajaccio, and Calvi are connected by boat from Italy (Savona, Genova, Livorno) and France (Marseille, Toulon). If you plan to travel to Corsica with your own car in high season (July-August), I strongly recommend you to book in advance for better fares. Flights to Corsica from France and other European cities must be checked as some of them are only seasonal.

Best time to travel to Corsica

Although I’d be curious to see Corsica in Winter, the best time to visit is from April to late September, mid-October. If possible, avoid July and August, which are the busiest months and also very hot for hiking. Additionally, should you visit Corsica in July and August, you should choose your accommodation and book well in advance.

Driving in Corsica

Allow plenty of time, as most roads are winding, often narrow and sometimes in poor conditions. Beware as well of animals crossing the roads (wild boars, goats, etc.). Drive slowly and with caution. Anyway, the landscape is so beautiful that there’s no need to rush.

Where to Sleep in Corsica

Corsica is not a cheap destination, especially if you are a solo traveler, so if you’re looking for budget accommodations your best bet is staying at the Gites d’étape, hostels popular with hikers, mostly in small villages and offering accommodation in dormitories, usually with half-board.

Although rather pricey, Corsica offers many beautiful accommodations, often with stunning views. Here’s a selection of hotels in some of the most interesting towns and areas of the island:

Sartène

Best Western Plus San Damianu: The hotel features modern and bright room with balcony, an outdoor swimming pool and a large terrace with superb views of Sartène and the surrounding landscape.

Propriano (14 km / 9 mi from Sartène, 15-20 min drive) 

Miramar Boutique Hotel: Modern and stylish, the Miramar Boutique Hotel overlooks the Gulf of Valinco and its beautiful beaches. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a spa. Perfect for a romantic getaway and a relaxing holiday.

Résidence & Hôtel Aria Marina: Overlooking the Gulf of Valinco, Aria Marina Hotel and Residence features tastefully decorated self-catered apartments with a balcony and a common terrace with superb views.

Olmeto (21 km / 13 mi from Sartène, 30 min drive)

L’Hostellerie du Moulin des Oliviers: A beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by a charming Mediterranean garden. The Hotel features all kind of amenities, including a swimming pool, private beach, spa, and fine dining.

Piana and Calanques

Hôtel Capo Rosso: The hotel boasts a wide terrace with superb views of the Calanche de Piana and the Gulf of Scandola, one of the most scenic areas of Corsica.

Corte

Dominique Colonna Hotel: A stylish hotel with a wide terrace overlooking the river. Dominique Colonna features an outdoor swimming pool with sundeck and a spa.

Calvi

La Signoria: A superb hotel surrounded by a lush garden. A Signoria features wonderful amenities, including a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a gourmet restaurant.

Hôtel La Villa: Modern and stylish, Hotel La Villa features five swimming pools, a fitness center and a spa, a tennis court, and beautiful views.

LʼÎle-Rousse

Best Western Plus Santa Maria:  The hotel features modern rooms with balcony,  a swimming pool, access to a private beach, and a terrace from which you can enjoy the stunning view of l’Ile-Rousse and the sea.

Map of my Corsica Road Trip

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 Note:

For my road trip across Corsica, I was kindly offered a complimentary car by Auto Europe, leading car rentals and service provider at competitive rates. I decided the itinerary and opinions, as always, are my own.