Looking for a dreamy road trip escape in the Mediterranean without the crowds? This 7-day west Corsica itinerary is your ultimate guide to the best beaches, beautiful villages, and the most stunning hiking trails in Corsica.
Discover hidden coves, snorkel in Corsica’s crystal-clear waters, walk the iconic Capo Rosso hike, and wander the charming villages on the island. We’ll cover tips for driving in Corsica, where to stay, which airlines fly to Corsica, and whether it’s safe to travel to Corsica.
Contents
Introduction
How to use this guide
Why should you visit Corsica?
How to get to Corsica?
Driving in Corsica
Is Corsica safe to visit?
When is the best time to visit Corsica?
Is Corsica expensive?
7 day Corsica itinerary summary
Corsica is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean and has the most exceptional natural beauty. With nearly two-thirds covered in rugged mountain terrain and more than 200 beautiful beaches, the island effortlessly blends adventure and relaxation. Corsica is home to over 100 peaks, earning the title of the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea.
On Corsica you don’t have to choose between mountains or beaches you can have both. Corsica is a seaside sanctuary, where mountains meet the sea. It has over 1,000 km of coastline with towering peaks over 2,000 metres, making the island feel like something out of Jurassic Park, where forested slopes plunge into turquoise bays and hidden sandy coves.
Its history is as dramatic as the landscape. Over the centuries, it has passed through the hands of the Greeks, Romans, the Republic of Genoa, the British, and the French and even endured pirate raids by the Barbary corsairs. The island enjoyed 14 years of independence before being ceded by Genoa to France. Corsica also gave the world one of history’s most infamous figures, Napoleon Bonaparte who was born in Ajaccio.
Life in Corsica has never been easy. The steep mountainous terrain has made it difficult for public transport links and some villages have remained isolated only accessible on foot or by boat. Today, Corsica remains one of France’s least populated departments, a quiet escape from the everyday which makes it one of the best destinations for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers and wellness gurus.
This itinerary highights the best of the west Corsica, serving plenty of adventure, relaxation and wildlife spotting. Hike the iconic Capo Rosso, swim in the natural pools in Evisa and enjoy local Corsican delicacies and award-winning produce.
EAT | Read our guide on best places to eat in Corsica
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to jump to different sections of our Corsica travel guide whenever you’re looking for something specific.
This Corsica 7 day itinerary is designed for an unforgettable adventure along the west coast. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, with a mix of mountain and ocean views, snorkelling spots, boat rides, scenic hikes, charming villages and tasty local food.
We also answer the most common questions about visiting Corsica including how to get there, why it’s worth visiting, whether it’s safe, and the best time to go. This one-week itinerary highlights the best places to explore on the wet coast, from quiet sandy coves and coastal walks to local markets and handmade crafts.
Why you should visit Corsica?
The island feels like the Mediterraneans best kept secret, referred to as the island of beauty and a mountain in the sea. Corsica’s wild beauty blends both granite mountains with pristine sandy beaches along with a rich cultural heritage that can be rare to find in this part of Europe. The dramatic landscapes make it the perfect destination for hiking, swimming, road trips and taking in the spectacular views.
Corsica’s nature rich landscape from alpine forests to coastal wetlands provide a vital habitat to a many species of birds, mammals and marine animals. It is home to a treasure trove of bird species, such as the bearded vulture, osprey and the rare Corsican nuthatch. Underwater there are impressive seagrass meadows that provide vital habitat for many marine species and produce oxygen, while capturing carbon.
Corsica has it’s own unique identity and culture, distinct from mainland France. The local dialect is the Corsican language, a dialect derived from Tuscan origins and you’ll discover centuries-old villages, Genoese towers and historic churches that share the story of the island’s complicated past.
Local and foraged ingredients are the main inspiration for Corsican cuisine, from chestnut soup to wild boar and drinks made from fragrant herbs of the maquis habitats such as Cap Corse, making them unique and distinct to the island. Corsica offers travellers a nature-rich experience, suited to slow and intentional visitors keen to explore and understand the local way of life.
How to Get to Corsica
By Plane
Corsica has a few international airports which service the island with connections to major European cities including London Gatwick.
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (west)
Bastia Poretta Airport (north)
Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (north-west)
Figari Sud Corse Airport (south near Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio)
Each airport is serviced by Air Corsica and Air France throughout the year, with seasonal flights from Easyjet.
We flew from Bristol airport to Nice and then caught a connecting flight to Ajaccio. This route offers the perfect opportunity for a quick stop over in Nice and explore the Côte d’Azur (south coast of France).
There are direct flights from London to Corsica from London Gatwick to Bastia and Figari with Easyjet but these are seasonal usually from June to September. Direct flights take around 2.5 hours
By Boat
If arriving from France and Italy, it’s possible to take a ferry from several ports including Toulon, Nice and Marseille in France and Genoa, Savona, Livorno and Piombino in Italy. The shortest route is from Italy in Livorno to Bastia taking around 4 hours and from France it’s Nice to Île Rousse that also takes approximately 4 hours.
This is a popular choice with campervans and motorhomes looking to explore the island on a road trip and island has several campsites which cater to this way of travel around Corsica.
Driving in Corsica
Driving in Corsica is an adventure in itself, with winding mountain roads that can be narrow and steep. While most roads are in good condition, there is the occasional pothole to look out for. Motorbikes are common on the island, drawn by the scenic, s-shaped roads ideal for touring.
Renting a car or campervan is perfect for exploring Corsica’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. There are many beautiful parking spots, campervan-friendly areas, and plenty of campsites to choose from. There are some places, especially in small harbour towns or small car parks that restrict motorhomes and overnight parking which are clearly marked. Driving allows you to reach remote sandy coves, scenic viewpoints and remote villages inaccessible by public transport.
Is Corsica Safe to Visit?
Corsica is generally considered a safe place to visit, when visiting a new place we always recommend staying street smart by being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables out of sight.
While Corsica is mostly safe for tourists, it does have a high homicide rate (3.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2023) when compared to other destinations, as a result of organised crime, usually as a result of the Corsican mafia.
Recent anti-mafia campaigns from locals Corsicans and a focus on the French government by reinforcing police on the island and tackling issues with drug smuggling has been reinforced in 2025 to improve safety to residents and visitors.
Most visitors enjoy a peaceful stay on Corsica, without experiencing any threats to safety or wellbeing. Violence is mostly linked to gangs and separatist movements in Corsica.
Before visiting Corsica always check the latest travel advice and local news to ensure your safety.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Corsica?
There are only seasonal direct flights from the UK, this means you can only visit from May until September. However, there are flights from mainland France throughout the year to Corsica.
The best time to visit Corsica is in the shoulder months in May, June and September before the peak of summer holidays. The weather in these months is usually warm, and dry allowing you to make the most of being outdoors hiking, snorkelling, swimming and exploring beautiful villages.
Another benefit of visiting during the shoulder months will usually mean better deals on flights and accommodation on Corsica and fewer crowds than the summer months. We visited Corsica in early June and had full on sunshine for the whole week with temperatures from 25-32°C. Most hikes we did earlier in the morning to beat the midday heat, or plan a visit to a nearby beach or natural pools to stay cool.
How Expensive Is Corsica?
Corsica has managed to avoid mass tourism being experienced on other nearby European islands, which has made it more of a premium travel destination attracting more luxury visitors with easy connections from Monaco and Nice.
While flights can be expensive, deals can be found in the shoulder seasons - for example £84pp with Easyjet to Figari in September looked like a very good bargain. Most flights range from £134-£280pp from the UK, and the best direct flights are from London Gatwick.
If you’re a budget-conscious traveller, there are a variety of accommodation to choose from including affordable hotels and campsites as an alternative to luxury hotels and villas. Travelling in the shoulder season months outside of July and August will give the best chances for deals on flights, cars and hotels.
Car rental will typically cost around £35-45 per day for a small car. Public transport on the island is limited and is not the best way to get around Corsica especially outside the main cities.
Day 1 - Arrive in Ajaccio
Once you arrive in Ajaccio, begin your Corsican adventure by driving north along the scenic coast to Piana, one of the most beautiful areas on the west coast of the island.
Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon soaking up the magnificent views from Capo Rosso Hotel. There is a swimming pool if you need to cool down or just want somewhere to relax after your travel day.
Piana Village
Named one of the most beautiful village in Corsica and even all of France, Piana overlooks the Golf of Porto. In our opinion, what makes this one of the most beautiful villages is the spectacular setting, surrounded by fiery pink mountains and ocean views on the horizon are what makes this place special and has some of the most glowy sunsets.
Spend your evening wandering around the streets, the recently renovated church stands in the centre of the village and there are several cafés, shops and restaurants to enjoy. Visit the Boucherie charcuterie Maison for delicious local produce such as tasty pastries, cured ham, award-winning honey and olives. Make sure to try Bastelles, a turnover pastry which have Brocciu a creamy Corsican cheese, this shop sells some of the best!
For our week adventure in Corsica, we stayed at Capo Rosso for our entire trip. The hotel is in a fantastic location to explore the west coast and has the most beautiful views of the Calanques de Piana over the Golf of Porto.
Day 2 - evisa & Ficaghjola beACH
Chestnut trail
Take the scenic D84 mountain road, climbing up 850 metres to the scenic mountain village, Evisa. This quiet village, with a 19th century church that contrasts to the surrounding vibrant green hills and rocky peaks in the distance. The mountain road leading to the village is popular route with cyclists for its challenging and relentless climb.
Start your morning on this easy trail, in the steps of shepherds and walk under an ancient chestnut grove which follows a shaded path for 3.5 km with 120 metres elevation, look out for pigs and piglets en route, sleeping and foraging in the forest. The trail is shaded and gentle elevation making it an enjoyable hike and leads you to the Evisa Natural Pools.
Evisa Natural Pools
Cool down in the Evisa natural pools, these are fairytale-like pools surrounded by towering fragrant pine trees, several waterfalls leading into a beautiful swim spot. Don’t forget your swimwear for a refreshing dip too cool down from the Corsican summer heat.
You can visit the natural pools at the end of the Chestnut Trail, continue 20 minutes further until you reach a waterfall. Turn left down the steps until you reach the large pool. There are several other smaller pools you can enjoy the crystal-clear water fed by cold mountain water. Bear in mind the water is much colder here than the ocean, bring warmer clothes, snacks if you’re body goes into shock and don’t swim alone.
Plage de Ficaghjola
Spend a lazy afternoon on Plage de Ficaghjola, a secluded beach accessible on foot. You can either take a1.5 hour hike from Piana (good footwear recommended) or driving down a mountain road to a car park. The walk to the beach from the car park is around 800 metres, down some steps and takes around 5 minutes. As you step closer to the beach the vibrant blue water peers through the trees revealing the beautiful beach below.
There are facilities on the beach including a toilet and café. Bring your snorkelling gear to enjoy the clear water for snorkelling and observe the underwater life hiding in the rocks. There is very little shade on the beach, bring a hat, suncream and plenty of water.
Day 3 - porto & scandola nature reserve
boat tour
Drive to Porto, a lovely little coastal village mostly catered to boat tours to Scandola and Capo Rosso. Avoid parking in the centre and park in the large car park overlooking the river by the footbridge on the side of Porto beach.
Spend the morning on a boat tour, exploring the Corsican coastline. There are several boat tours to choose from and we’d recommend choosing an operator that does not feed the fish, as there has been a reputation of tours and visitors feeding the fish bread and is not sustainable or a responsible practice.
We can recommend Pass Partout for a relaxing tour across the Gulf of Porto to Plage de Ficaghjola, over to Capo Rosso into Piana Cove, venturing inside sea caves, through arches and across to Scandola Nature Reserve to observe the impressive basalt columns, similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
The boat had an underwater screen allowing you to see underwater marine life without getting in the water. Our tour stopped in the remote village of Girolata, for a quick lunch break with some time to explore the shops and local village life. The tour lastest around 3-4 hours and you can choose between a more relaxing traditional boat or speed boat.
Porto
We enjoyed a late lunch in Porto after the boat trip. There are many restaurants to enjoy from traditional French cuisine, Italian Pizza and tradtional Corsican cuisine. If you fancy something light choose a laid-back café and watch the boats come and go.
If you have the time walk up to the Genoese tower, it costs €2.50 per person to enter. You’ll find wonderful views from the top of the tower and there are information boards all about the history of these iconic structures found across the island.
There is a tourism information centre, close to the port with plenty of useful information, maps of the area and suggestions of activities such as hiking routes, beaches etc. It also has one of the most pretty pharamcies we’ve ever seen.
Day 4 - Capo Rosso
hike capo Rosso
One of the best hikes you can do on Corsica is the Capo Rosso trail boasting breathtaking views over the Capo Rosso peninsula. Hike 8.9km up to Turghju Tower at 331 metres in elevation standing ontop of a mound of pink granite, passing wild herbs like lavender, rosemary and thyme creating an sauna-like aroma.
Do not underestimate this hike, it’s a challenging but rewarding trail with steep rocky ascents, limited shade and panoramic coastal views. Supportive footwear is recommended for the gravel terrain and the walk will take around 4 hours. The café at the end of the Capo Rosso hike was a very welcome sight, as we returned one hiker gestured their challenging experience to the peak as a testament to it not being a walk in the park.
A gentle alternative is the hike to the Omigna Tower, a shorter 2 hour hike and a more moderate challenge. The peninsula is sat between Plage de Chiuni and Plade de Péru and you can follow a circular trail following the coast to the tower.
Read more | Hiking Capo Rosso - Everything you need to know
Plage d’Arone
After hiking Capo Rosso, you’ve earned a lazy afternoon at Plage d’Arone, a short 10 minute drive from the start of the trail. Plage d’Arone is a golden sandy beach with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you’d prefer to stay in the shade, rent a sunbed at the Beach café. There are a few restaurants to get an ice cold drink and the car park can get busy in the afternoons but it’s usually possible to find a spot.
Day 5 - Cargèse
Snorkelling
Head south of Piana to Cargèse Marina for a morning back on the ocean for a snorkelling adventure with Romain from A l’Eau Rando. Spend the next 3 hours along the Capo Rosso coast, Romain will look after you making it very enjoyable experience and guides you through the whole time, sharing valuable knowledge and ensuring your safety.
Swim through sea caves, crystal clear water and the chance to see plenty of colourful fish! On our return to the port, we spotted a pod of dolphins who playfully swam around the boat putting on a performance and also saw an Osprey catching a fish, a true wildlife-rich morning. We’d highly recommend this snorkelling experience and there are also opportunities to dive to Romain.
Cargèse
The beautiful village of Cargèse is worth spending sometime to walk around and in our opinion was one of the most beautiful in west Corsicq. Set on a hill the narrow streets lead your way to the ocean frame the mediterranean with their terracotta tiles. It’s history dates back to the 18th century when the Greeks arrived from Peloponnese and settled in this location. Two churches stand above the cemetry with beautiful sea views and each one represents the Greek immigrants and Corsicans.
There are several restaurants in town to enjoy a late lunch or dinner. If you want to take some of the local delicacies home with you look inside Epicerie Leca, full of delicious treats from the island.
Plage de Chuini
For a quiet beach spot not far from Cargèse and amazing water clarity, spend the afternoon on Plage de Chuini. This beach has plenty of space to spread out and find a peaceful spot near the water to watch the waves come and go. If you enjoy horse riding, take a ride at Ranch Cargese where they take their ponies onto the beach for a cool dip and show you some of the best views in the area.
Day 6 - Piana & Girolata
calanques de piana
This morning you’ll explore the dramatic Calanques de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique and fascinating rose pink granite formations which change colour depending on the light. Legend has it that Satan fell in love with a local Shepherdess, who rejected him and sent her husband to beat him which made him create this landscape masterpiece that was unliveable.
The road from Piana to Porto is a windy mountain road, where you’ll drive in between towering rocks and pass many beautiful viewpoints. Endemic species can be found here such as Maritime Pine trees, Evergreen oak and strawberry tree which is maquis shrubland with an amazing fragrant, making up most of the Piana forest.
Walking from one end to the other takes around 2 hours, slowly taking in scenery and photos along the way. Be careful when walking on the road to anticipate for traffic including buses, lorries, bikes and cars. There are several walks including to the Châtea fort and up to the l'arbre de l'amour.
TIP | Park at the Dogs Head (Tête de Chien) or the Stade Municipal de Piana and then walk along the road to discover the iconic shapes such as the Lion, Giants head and the famous ‘Heart of Corsica’.
Sentier du facteur
It’s time for another beautiful short hike to a secluded beach, Plage de Tuara. This hike forms part of the Sentier du Facteur, a 8km linear walk from Osani to the remote village of Girolata which we visited on our boat tour. For this reason, we decided to just walk to Tuara beach for the afternoon to enjoy a spot of snorkelling and a peaceful beach covered in dead seagrass which made it feel like lying on a matress. The underwater seagrass at this beach was spectacular, many fish hiding in the grass and curious to see who we were. From the beach, it has wonderful dramatic views of Monte Senino as the backdrop.
You can continue on foot to Girolata but we stayed on the beach and be prepared to share the beach with the odd goat or cow. The hike down to Plage de Tuara from Osani and back takes around 1.5 hours and the return back to the car park is mostly uphill so bring lots of water. We saw a western whip crawl across the path
Day 7 - souvenir shopping
Le Ceramiques de Manette
On your last day on Corsica, it’s time to get some beautiful souvenirs of local handcrafts and delicious produce. From Piana to Cargèse on the D81 is a hidden gem, Les céramiques de Manette, a wonderful craft shop where Kevin and Manette create beautiful shepherds knives and ceramics.
It’s possible to learn Manette’s skills by joining an introductory pottery workshop. Each piece made is completely unique and we picked up a bowl with beautiful shapes and patterns that we now use as a salt pot.
Casa di U Pastore
Next door Jean-Claude, a native shepherd produces delicious goats cheese, you can sit on the covered panoramic terrace and enjoy a charcuterie board or take some the local Corsican goats cheese home with you.
Epicerie Leca
In the picturesque town of Cargèse, discover and taste some of the best local quality Corsican produce in Epicerie Leca. As you walk in you’ll notice the numerous hanging cured meats, jars of homemade jams, honey, brocciu, cheeses and Corsican wines.
La Cave des Corsaires, Piana
A cave of treasures, a local shepherd Antoine makes goats cheese and makes the well known Corsican cheese ‘brocciu de Piana’, a creamy cheese considered to be some of the best on the island. You wont only find cheese in this shop, discover Corsican wine, jams, beers and honey to take home with you.
Where to stay in Corsica
Read our in depth guide of campsites, hotels and unique accommodation and the best places to stay in Corsica.
For our week adventure in Corsica, we stayed at Capo Rosso Hotel for our entire trip. The hotel is in a fantastic location to explore the west coast and has the most beautiful views of the Calanques de Piana over the Golf of Porto.
BOOK | Capo Rosso Hotel, Piana
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