Southern Corsica is a concentration of the best that the island has to offer: mountains and beaches, culture, history and many fantastic addresses for those who like to eat well. But how best to enjoy all the potential of this land? What to visit in Corsica if you only have a few days to spare? With this itinerary, we tell you what to see on the island in a week.
The profile of Bonifacio, Corsica. ©Pascal POGGI/Getty Images
Bonifacio
Day One
Perched on a limestone cliff that drops precipitously into the sea, Bonifacio is undoubtedly one of, if not the most beautiful town in Corsica. Take a day to wander around the streets of the citadel, descend (and then ascend again!) the grand Escalier du Roi d'Aragon and walk up to the Phare de Pertusato, from where there is a breathtaking panorama.
The sparkling bay, the spectacular location on top of cream-coloured cliffs and the solid walls of the citadel overlooking the azure waters of the Straits of Bonifacio make this port a must-see.
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Day Two
The next day pack your picnic hamper, mask and snorkel and head out by boat to the Îles Lavezzi: this group of uninhabited and protected islets seem tailor-made for those who want nothing more than to dive into their placid blue waters and are undoubtedly among the places to visit in Corsica.
Third Day
On the third day, head north to Sartène. With its grey granite houses, mysterious blind alleyways and gloomy, haunted atmosphere, the village seems to embody the rough spirit of the island (the French novelist Prosper Mérimée described it as 'the most Corsican of Corsican towns') and should definitely be included in a tour of Corsica.
Its appearance is very different from that of the glittering coastal resorts. With its pretty ruined houses situated along the slopes, its shady and somewhat neglected streets and life still following the slow rhythms of tradition, Sartène will offer you the opportunity to observe the most authentic aspects of rural Corsica up close.
The mysterious Bronze Age stones at Levie, in the interior of Corsica. ©Philip Lee Harvey/Lonely Planet
Inland
Day Four
Take a small diversions to visit the beautiful prehistoric site of Cauria and then have lunch on the panoramic terrace of Le Jardin de l'Echauguette. From here, climb up to Levie in the Alta Rocca mountain area: your final destination is the delightful boutique hotel A Pignata.
In the morning, visit the prehistoric site of Pianu di Livia, just a five-minute drive from the hotel. You can spend the day exploring the picturesque villages of Levie and Sainte-Lucie de Tallano or stop by the hotel and enjoy the view.
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Porto Vecchio, Corsica. ©Philip Lee Harvey/Lonely Planet
Sport and nature
Towards day five: action! Canyoning, hiking or mountain biking in the Aiguilles de Bavella, a stunning mountain range with sharp, craggy peaks, forested slopes and deep gorges.
Day Five
In theAlta Rocca area, you can truly immerse yourself in the wild atmosphere of the island, far from the hustle and bustle of beach life. Dense evergreen and deciduous forests and villages with granite houses clinging to rugged rocky ledges will leave you with an unusual and genuine image of Corsica.
The beautiful beach of Palombaggia, Corsica.©Steffen Ramsaier Photography/Getty Images
Porto-Vecchio and the most beautiful beaches
Sixth day
Unashamedly charming and fashionable, Porto-Vecchio is considered the Saint-Tropez of Corsica: a reputation that is hard to believe. Overlooking an enchanting bay, this town is the kind of place favoured by members of the French elite and wealthy tourists. Its picturesque streets, lined with restaurants and designer shops, have charm to spare and are overlooked by the photogenic ruins of an ancient Genoese citadel.
The town cannot boast its own beach, but some of the most beautiful and famous beaches on the island are within a short distance.
- Plage de Palombaggia. Lapped by turquoise waters and fringed with pine trees, with a magnificent view of the Îles Cerbicale, the long sandy crescent of Plage de Palombaggia is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica.
- Plage de la Folacca. To the south of the Plage de Palombaggia, the Plage de la Folacca (also called Plage de Tamaricciu) is no less impressive and a must-see during a trip to Corsica.
- Plage de Santa Giulia. Continuing a few kilometres southwards, past a pass called Bocca di L'Oru, you reach another gem: the Plage de Santa Giulia, which forms a gentle arc of sand.
To the north, too, the coast is dotted with beautiful sandy shores.
- Cala Rossa and Baie de San Ciprianu. The shimmering depths of the waters facing the beach of Cala Rossa and the Baie de San Ciprianu are so beautiful that they will make your heart beat faster.
- Golfe de Pinarello. Further north is the spectacular Golfe de Pinarello, with its Genoese tower and other wonderful stretches of sand lapped by shallow waters.
Day Seven
Devote the last day to shopping in the pretty boutiques of Porto-Vecchio, taste fresh pasta or a meat or fish tartare at U Molu, at the harbour, and go swimming at some of the other beaches nearby.
