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Road trip to discover the Isle of Beauty in complete freedom! New
You arrive in Bastia by sea or by air. With your own vehicle or a hire car from the airport, you're ready to set off for a long weekend immersed in Corsica. This option allows you to enjoy a wide-ranging and enjoyable exploration of the north of the Isle of Beauty in just a few days.
Heading for Capicorsu!
View of the Gulf of San Fiurenzu (Saint-Florent) ©ADOBESTOCK
Bastia opens the way to the Cap. After visiting this beautiful citadel, head north along the coast. The pebble beach at Erbalunga (Erbalonga) invites you to take your first dip in the sea. In May, the water temperature is already mild. Continue along this small coastal road which passes Brandu (Brando), Siscu (Sisco) and Luri. Each village overlooks its marina by the water's edge, where you can settle down on the terrace of a bar. Do as the locals do and order a Cap, and you will be served a Cap Mattei, a Corsican aperitif created in 1872 and made from cinchona bark, citron and plants from the maquis. On the coastal road, look out for the Genoese towers, ancient defence towers that dot the Corsican coastline. Then you cross the cape via the heights and the enchanting road linking Macinaghju (Macinaggio) and Cinturi (Centuri) reveals sumptuous panoramas of the sea and its two coasts. Drive slowly with the windows open to enjoy the explosion of flowers in the maquis and its biodiversity: myrtle, rockrose, mastic, immortelle, honeysuckle, thyme, catmint...
On the west coast of the Cape, stop off at Nonza, a medieval village perched on a vertiginous cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and its black pebble beach. Nonza differs from the other coastal villages of the Cape. With no scattered hamlets or marina, the houses are clustered around the beautiful church of Santa Ghjulia (Saint Julie). Climb the narrow streets to the 18th-century Pauline tower for a breathtaking view of the Gulf of San Fiurenzu. On the lower square, next to the church, a local bistro-restaurant invites you to stop for a gourmet break.
Towards Calvi and Balagne
The village of Spiluncatu (Speloncato), in Balagne. ©STEPHANE COMPOINT / ONLYFRANCE.FR
Other gems await you as you head south, including Patrimoniu (Patrimonio) and its vineyards, and the tourist port of San Fiurenzu, a city stopover that punctuates the wild Agriates desert. Continuing towards Calvi along the coast, you will find a succession of wild beaches alternating between sand and rock. Leave your vehicle at the side of the road and follow a section of the coastal path for a charming short hike.
Stop off at Isula Rossa (l'Île-Rousse) for a coffee in the large square lined with plane trees before exploring the citadel of Calvi and its harbour. Finally, take the balcony road that connects the hilltop villages of Balagne – Calenzana, Zilia, U Cateri (Cateri), U Spiluncatu and Belgudè (Belgodère). This magnificent route is lined with vineyards, olive groves, almond plantations and oak forests. You can find accommodation in beautifully restored old buildings offering agritourism. Small restaurants and guest tables serve platters of Corsican charcuterie and cheese. Not to be missed!
Return to Bastia
The hilltop village of Corte ©ADOBESTOCK
In Belgudè, take the RT301, then the T30 to the Pont'à a Leccia (Ponte Leccia) crossroads, where you can admire a splendid Genoese-style humpback bridge. Here, you have two options. You can take the T20 north to quickly reach U Borgu (Borgo) and the beautiful protected wild lake of Biguglia before connecting to Bastia. If you're not afraid to rack up the miles, take the T20 south to discover Corti (Corte), the beautiful mountain citadel. Then, at the end of a magnificent mountain road with impressive gorges and breathtaking landscapes, you will reach Aleria and the East Coast, a region committed to ecotourism. Aléria borders the Diana lagoon, where you can treat yourself to a romantic, gourmet and magical meal at the floating restaurant Aux coquillages de Diana. But you'll need to book in advance, especially during a long weekend! All that remains is to drive back up the coast to U Borgu and Bastia, gazing out at the sea and the ever-captivating landscapes...
A few tips
- Take your time: Corsica is particularly suited to exploring at a leisurely pace
- The roads are picturesque, but winding and narrow: take care on these roads
- Fill up in town before you set off, as there are few petrol stations on the smaller roads.
- On mountain roads, watch out for wild pigs roaming free.
- A road trip in your own car allows you to stock up on olive oil, Corsican charcuterie and cheeses, maquis plants and other delicacies from the island.
For information on places of interest and to arrange your accommodation, visit www.visit-corsica.com/en
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