7 Days in Corsica: The Best Itinerary

You’re traveling to Corsica and you’re looking for the best 7 days Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this detailed 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Corsica. During your trip, you will discover Northern Corisca best places to visit!

Quick note: If you prefer to visit Southern Corsica (Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, Ajaccio) during your trip, you should rather read my other itinerary: How to visit Southern Corsica in 1 week.

And if you prefer to spend 1 week in Corsica staying in just 1 place, you can click there.

In this travel guide, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions, you will find my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget. And as always, I will also give you all my best tips to make the most of your stay!

So, what are the best things to do in 7 days in Corsica?

0) Arrival in Bastia

If you’re planning to do a 7-days itinerary in Northern Corsica, the best is to arrive in Bastia.

Bastia is the largest city in the North of Corsica, and you can easily get there by plane or by ferry boat.

Boats and planes arrive in Bastia all-day long, even late in the evening (I arrived at 11p.m during my trip to Corsica!).

This means that you may have to spend a night in Bastia before starting your 7-day itinerary in Corsica. I’ll give you a list of the best hotels in Bastia a bit below.

If you don’t plan to come to Corsica with your own vehicle, you will also need to rent a car to visit Corsica, as many places are inaccessible otherwise!

To book your car, you should use Booking.com Cars website.

It allows you to compare prices between all the car rental companies at the airport or near the port of Bastia. It’s then easy to choose the cheapest company, or the one with the best customers reviews!

And if you don’t have an insurance with your credit card, you can also opt for the “Full Protection Insurance” to be fully refunded in case of accident or theft. (They have already refunded me more than 1300 euros to date! 😁)

You already know your travel dates to Corsica? Then you should book your car in advance to get the best price.

Where to stay in Bastia

• Best Western Bastia Centre: Located 1 km away from the Old Port and the city centre. This hotel offers spacious and very clean double rooms starting from 75€ per night, with an extra 11.50€. Strong points: the comfortable rooms, the private parking, the kind staff. A great choice in Bastia for its exceptional value for money!
• Hotel Port Toga:  This hotel is located in the heart of Bastia, facing the ferry terminal. You will love the modern double rooms with comfortable beds. The prices starts at 85€ per night. What I loved: the beautiful roof terrace, the sea view, the copious breakfast. If you have to take the ferry, it’s clearly a great choice for your stay in Bastia!
• Hotel Restaurant & Spa L’Ostella: Located 4 km away from the centre and 500 meters from the beach. There, you can enjoy comfortable double rooms, some with a balcony and a sea view, starting from 90€ per night, with an extra 12.50€ for breakfast. Strong points: the caring staff, the excellent restaurant, the wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.
• Alivi: Located 350 meters from the beach and 2 km from Bastia’s city centre. The double rooms with a terrace overlooking the sea are starting from 135€, and the breakfast costs an extra 16€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the location, the view, the restaurant. It’s my  recommendation for a high-end stay in Bastia!
• Hotel Des Gouverneurs: located in the citadel, only a 2-minute walk from the Old Port. There, you will enjoy elegant and cosy double rooms starting from 180€. Breakfast will cost you 19€. What I loved: the beautiful view of Bastia and the sea, the exceptional location, the warm welcoming staff and the indoor swimming pool. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Bastia!

1) Cap Corse (1 day)

Let’s start your 7 or 8 days trip to Corsica with a beautiful hike in Cap Corse.

You’ll hike the renowned customs officers’ path, starting from Macinaggio, located a 1-hour drive from Bastia. You can get there the day before or in the morning, depending on your time of arrival in Bastia.

This 19-km long trail connects the villages of Macinaggio and Centuri, but we’ll focus on its more interesting part, from Macinaggio to Barcaggio.

This sublime coastal path offers preserved landscapes and breathtaking views. You’ll also discover many beaches and coves if you want to take a dip during your stroll!

From Macinaggio beach, you’ll walk for about 3h30 to reach Barcaggio. Plan a bit more time, as you’ll certainly stop to take beautiful pictures or enjoy a picnic!

You’ll have 2 options to get back to Macinaggio:

• On foot: walk back to the Santa Maria Chapel. Once there, you can take the path through the island’s interior, as it’s about 1 hour shorter than the coastal path!
• By boat: you can opt for the shuttle boat connecting Macinaggio and Barcaggio. It’s a great way to discover Cap Corse from the sea, and enjoy a relaxing boat trip after your exhausting walk. You’ll find more information on this website.

Spend the night in Macinaggio.

Where to stay in Cap Corse / Macinaggio

• Marina D’oro: Located on the port of Macinaggio, 100 meters from the beach. This hotel offers classic doubles room starting from 70€, with breakfast available at an extra 7.50€. Strong points: the terrace with a jacuzzi, the location close to restaurants and shops. It’s one of the cheapest hotels in Macinnagio, an excellent choice for a budget stay!
  
• Adonis Macinaggio: Located in front of the port. The studios or apartments with a small kitchen and a balcony overlooking the garden or the sea are starting from 75€ per night. Strong points: the recently renovated flats, the cleanliness, the free private parking.
• Stella Marina: Located 100 meters from the port. You’ll love the recently renovated modern and bright double rooms with a large terrace. The prices starts at 78€ per night, and the breakfast costs 9.50€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the quietness, the private parking, the warm welcoming staff. A great choice in Macinaggio for its exceptional value for money!
• Hotel U Ricordu: Located 150 meters away from the port. The comfortable and modern double rooms are starting from 80€, breakfast available for 14€. What I loved: the 2 heated outdoor swimming pools, the jacuzzi, the comfortable beds, the quietness.
• The Tomino: This 4 stars hotel is located on Macinaggio’s heights. You will love its very comfortable and spacious suites with a private terrace and a sea view starting from 345€, breakfast at 19€. What I loved: the infinity pool, the exceptional view of the bay, the restaurant, the quiet and relaxing environment. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Cap Corse!

2) Cap Corse / Saint-Florent (1 day)

For the second day of your 7-8 days itinerary in Corsica, you’ll drive down the West Coast of Cap Corse to reach the city of Saint-Florent.

On the road, you’ll discover the beautiful typical villages of Cap Corse and admire breathtaking views of the sea.

Here is the best itinerary to make the most of your road trip to Cap Corse:

• From Macinaggio, drive for 20 minutes on the D80 road to reach the Mattei Mill viewpoint. There, you’ll discover a beautiful panoramic view of Centuri, the Capense islet and even the Agriates Desert.
  
• Go down to the pretty port of Centuri.
• Discover the village of Morsiglia.
• Reach the small town of Pino to discover the Saint-Francis convent and the Marine di Scalo, renowned for its pretty stone houses by the sea!
• Get back to your car to discover the small hamlet of Minerviu. There, you can admire a mausoleum looking a bit like a miniature version of the Pantheon of Rome.
• Go to Canari to admire the view from the belvedere.
• Visit the village of Nonza, famous for its black pebble beach.
• Enjoy a refreshing swimming break at Farinole Beach. You’ll love this pretty sandy beach with shallow waters!
• Continue your route to finally reach Patrimonio, mostly renowned for its PDO Patrimonio wines. There are several vineyards along the Wine Route.

If you want more information about Cap Corse, you should read my look at my article: The definitive guide to visit Cap Corse.

It’s now time to head to Saint-Florent, the last stop of your day!

In the village, take a stroll along the port and through the narrow streets, then walk up to the citadel. It offers a beautiful view over Saint-Florent Gulf!

You can opt for a afternoon at Roya beach, located right next to the port.

In Saint-Florent, you can also enjoy various activities, such as Jet Ski, Parasailing, Stand Up Paddle or Flyboard.

Spend the night in Saint-Florent.

You can find more details about Saint-Florent’s must-see attractions in my article: The 12 best things to do in Saint-Florent.

Where to stay in Saint-Florent

• Adonis Saint-Florent: Located 600 meters from the center of Saint Florent. The air-conditioned studios and apartments with a small kitchen and a balcony are starting from 70€, breakfast available for 9.50€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the cleanliness, the great value for money. It’s my recommandation for a budget stay in Saint Florent !
• Hotel Tettola: Located 1.5 km from the port of Saint-Florent. This hotel offers double rooms starting from 90€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool, the perfect location in front of the sea and close to the beach, the warm welcoming staff.
• U Palazzu Serenu: This very nice and charming hotel is located in Oletta, only a 10-minute drive from Saint-Florent. This hotel is located inside a palace of the 17th century, overlooking the gulf and the Agriates desert. It offers splendid and spacious rooms, decorated with original works of art. As the hotel has only 6 rooms and 2 suites, it’s the guarantee to enjoy an intimate and quiet stay. You should book your rooms as soon as possible, to make sure it isn’t fully booked! The prices starts at 180€ per night in winter and 340€ in summer, breakfast included. What I loved: the large outdoor swimming pool, the magnificent view (even more at sunset), the warm welcoming staff, the quietness. It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Saint Florent!

3) The Agriates Desert / Calvi (2 days)

For the 3rd day of your 7-days road trip in Northern Corsica, you’ll discover one of the island’s must-see attractions: the Agriates Desert.

From the port of Saint-Florent, take the shuttle boat to reach the Agriates Desert and its 2 splendid beaches in less than 30 minutes. You can choose between:

• Saleccia beach
• Lotu beach

You’ll for sure fall in love with these 2 magnificent beaches featuring fine sand and turquoise waters. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen to enjoy a great day swimming and sunbathing on 2 of Corsica’s most beautiful beaches!

The boat will drop you either at Saleccia or Lotu. If you want to visit the 2 beaches on the same day, you’ll have 2 options to walk from one beach to the other:

• A 45-minute walk on the trail through the maquis
• A small coastal path, nicer but longer (1h20)

And of course, if you don’t feel like walking, you can spend the whole day on the same beach!

And if you want to enjoy a great day on a boat in the Agriates desert, you should opt for this luxury cruise on a sailboat.

The captain will take you for a swim in the most beautiful places of the Agriates and you will enjoy a typical Corsican lunch made of fresh local products.

As this sailboat cruise is extremely popular, you need to book it as soon as you know your travel dates!

To book your sailboat cruise to the Agriates Desert, you just need to click on the green button below:

If you’re looking for more information about the Agriates Desert, you should read my detailed article: How to visit the Agriates Desert?

After enjoying this heavenly setting, take the boat back to Saint-Florent and drive for 1h30 to reach the city of Calvi. You’ll spend the next 2 nights there.

There are a few nice places to discover on the road between the 2 cities, if you have some time left.

Halfway between Saint-Florent and Calvi, you can go to Ostriconi beach.

This very pretty sandy beach is located at the mouth of a river and is bordered by maquis. If you don’t want to walk to the beach, you can just stop on the road to admire the panorama.

You can also take a short stroll in the 2 seaside resorts of Ile Rousse and Algajola.

And right before arriving in Calvi, you’ll drive through the pretty perched village of Lumio, offering a beautiful view over Calvi’s bay!

Spend the night in Calvi.

Let’s continue this 7-day itinerary in Corsica with a visit of Calvi and its surroundings.

In the morning, walk up to the Citadel of Calvi. There, you’ll admire beautiful views of the city and the sea.

During your stroll in the upper town, you’ll discover:

• Saint-John the Baptist Cathedral: this church, listed as a historical monument,  hosts 2 statues venerated by the locals: the Christ of Miracles and Our Lady of the Rosary.
• The former Genoese governor’s palace dating from the 15th century.
• Saint-Antoine oratory
• The ruins of Christopher Columbus’s birth house (according to a local legend, as he was officially born 10 years later in Genoa).

Once you’ve seen the Citadel, walk down to Calvi’s lower town, very lively with its many souvenir and local crafts shops.

In the old town, you can visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, or have a taste of Corsica’s best specialties at the covered market located next to the church.

End your walk on the Port. With its many restaurants and cafés, it’s the perfect place for a meal on a terrace at lunch time!

In the afternoon, you’ll have several options depending on what you like most:

1) A relaxing stay at Calvi Beach.

Located right next to the port and bordered by a pine forest, this 4-km long fine sand beach is the perfect place for an afternoon swimming and sunbathing.

You can also enjoy a wide range of nautical activities, such as stand up paddle, kayaking, windsurfing, towed buoys and many more!

2) A hike in the forest of Bonifatu, a 30-minute drive from Calvi.

There, you can choose between several marked trails of varied difficulty.

After your hike, go to the river and take a dip in its beautiful natural swimming pools. It’s the perfect place for a family outing during your 7-day trip to Corsica!

3) Another nice walk to discover the Revellata Peninsula, 10 km North-West of Calvi.

From Calvi, take the customs officers’ path to reach the Revellata Peninsula and its lighthouse. During your walk, you’ll admire beautiful views of Calvi and the coast.

And if you want to take a refreshing swim, you can choose between the wild Alga beach or one of the many beautiful coves all around the peninsula.

After your stroll, don’t miss the chapel of Our Lady of the Serra (Notre-Dame de la Serra), overlooking the city. There, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful panoramic view of Calvi and its bay!

And if you don’t feel like walking, I recommend you to take this quad ride with a 2 hours guided tour. You can book it by clicking directly on the link here!

4) A boat trip to the Revellata Peninsula, from the port of Calvi.

This cruise includes a swimming stop at Alga beach. You’ll also enjoy a typical aperitif while admiring the sunset over the bay!

Click the button below to book this boat trip to the Revellata Peninsula at sunset:

Spend a second night in Calvi.

To learn more about Calvi’s best points of interest, you should read my detailed article: The 15 best things to do in Calvi.

Where to stay in Calvi

• The Holy Erasmus: Located 850 meters from the port, on the seaside. This hotel offers well-equipped double rooms with comfortable bedding. The prices starts at 70€ per night, with an extra 10€ for breakfast. Strong points: the swimming pool, the free private parking, the kind staff.
• Camping La Pinède: Located only 200 metres away from Calvi beach. The air-conditioned and fully-equipped chalets and bungalows with a private terrace are starting from 70€ per night. What I loved: the swimming pool, the tennis courts, the playground for children, the free parking. It’s my recommendation for a family holiday in Calvi!
• Hotel Revellata: Located 450 meters from the port. The design and comfortable double rooms are starting from 85€ per night. The breakfast will cost you 12€ per person. Strong points: the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the Spa, the gym, the magnificent view, the excellent breakfast. A great choice in Calvi for its exceptional value for money!
• Hotel Casa Bianca: Located 250 meters from the beach. You will love the spacious and modern double rooms starting from 100€,with an extra 12€ for breakfast. Strong points: the great location, the welcoming staff, the comfortable rooms.
• La Signoria: This 5* hotel is located 3 km away from the beach of Calvi. It offers beautiful and spacious suites with a dressing room, a marble bathroom and a terrace. The prices starts at 320€ per night including breakfast. What I loved: the gastronomic restaurant, the Spa, the swimming pool, the quietness, the exceptional breakfast.  It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Calvi!

4) Porto / Scandola / Calanques de Piana (1 day)

For the 5th day of your 7-8 days trip to Corsica, let’s move South to the village of Porto, located a 2-hour drive from Calvi.

Porto is the starting point for the boat tours to discover 2 magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Scandola Nature Reserve, hosting an amazing marine and terrestrial wildlife. It has a strictly regulated access and you can only get there by boat!
• The Calanques de Piana and its beautiful red porphyry rocks shaped by erosion.

During this 4-hour cruise, you’ll also stop in the ancient fishing village of Girolata, only accessible by boat or on foot. It’s clearly the best boat trip I’ve done during my 7-days itinerary in Northern Corsica!

These boat tours are Porto’s must-see attraction and must be booked as soon as possible.

You’ll have the choice between 2 types of boats:

• An hybrid boat with an electric propulsion, to limit the impact on the environment.

Click the button below to book your hybrid boat trip:

• A semi-rigid boat, for up to 12 people only.

You can book your cruise on a semi-rigid boat right here:

Spend the night in Porto.

If you want more information about Scandola Nature Reserve, have a look at my detailed article: How to visit Scandola Nature Reserve?

Where to stay in Porto, Corsica

• Hotel and Residence Cala di sole: Located 1.2 km away from the port of Porto. The double rooms with balcony are starting from 80€ per night. What I loved: the swimming pool, the beautiful view of the sea and mountains, the warm welcoming staff.  It’s one of the cheapest places in Porto, and it offers a great value for money!
• Hotel Le Romantique: Located only 100 metres away from the beach of Porto. This hotel offers spacious double rooms with a small balcony and a view over the port. The prices start at 90€, breakfast available for an extra 9.50€. Strong points: the kind staff, the perfect location close to the port and the beach, the generous breakfast.
• Logis Hotel Le Lonca: Located 2 km from the port and 1 km from the beach. You’ll love the clean and spacious double rooms starting from 100€ per night. Breakfast for 11€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the private parking, the breakfast on the terrace, the helpful staff.
• Les Flots Bleus: Located on the seafront. This hotel offers recently renovated double rooms with a balcony overlooking the sea, starting from 105€ per night, breakfast available for an extra 10€. What I loved: the magnificent view, the exceptional location, the warm welcoming staff. A great choice in Porto for its exceptional value for money!
• Residence Hotel Capu Seninu: Located on the riverside, right next to the port. These modern and well-equipped studios and apartments with a dishwasher, a washing machine and a balcony are starting from 160€ per night. Strong Points: the spacious and well decorated accommodation, the private parking. It’s my recommendation for a family holiday in Porto, as you can rent an apartment for up to 6 people!

5) Corte (1 day)

Let’s continue your 7-day road trip in Corsica and head to the island’s beautiful mountains and Corte. 

From Porto, it takes 2 hours to go to Corte by car, but there are many great places to visit during your journey! That’s why you should spend a whole morning or even more on the road.

The best things to do between Porto and Corte are:

• A hike in the forest of Aïtone, renowned for its 100-years old pine trees. There, you can also take a refreshing dip in the river! This forest is located a 40-minute drive from Porto.
• Another hike to discover Nino lake: Corsica’s second largest lake is surrounded by the typical pozzines. The round-trip from the Popaghja forest house takes about 5 hours.
• A swim at the Radule waterfalls, accessible in 1 hour on foot.
• Another refreshing swim in the Golo river, near the Albertacce stone bridge.
• A short stop at Calacuccia Lake, in Niolo region.

After Calacuccia Lake, you’ll drive through the Scala di Santa Regina parade.

This narrow gorge with huge rocks was shaped by the Golo river. It offers an impressive and wild scenery, and is clearly among Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes!

Once you arrive in Corte, park your car and visit the city on foot.

Walk to the citadel and visit the Musée de la Corse, also called the Regional Museum of Anthropology. This interesting museum is also the only access to the Eagle’s nest viewpoint.

After visiting the museum, go to the Belvedere, to admire a beautiful view of Corte’s citadel and its surroundings.

Then, walk down the narrow pedestrian alleys. You will pas by Ghionga grocery store, one of Europe’s oldest grocery stores! You’ll arrive in Gaffory Square to see the Church of the Annunciation.

Continue your stroll to reach the Chapelle Sainte-Croix, listed as a historical monument, and end your visit of Corte in the Cours Paoli. There, you’ll discover many restaurants and shops.

Spend the night in Corte.

You can find more information about Corte in my detailed article: The 20 best things to do in Corte.

Where to stay in Corte

• San Giovanni House: Located 3 km from the centre of Corte. The nice and clean double rooms are starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the great staff, the good breakfast made with fresh products, the quietness. A great choice in Corte for its exceptional value for money!
• U Passa Tempu: Located in the centre of Corte, right next to the Chapelle Sainte-Croix. The well-equipped studios and apartments with a small kitchen are starting from 90€ per night. What I loved: the central location, the quietness, the private parking, the warm welcome.
• Hotel Si Mea: Located a 15 minutes walk from the centre. This hotel offers spacious and cosy double rooms starting from 120€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool, the generous breakfast made with local products, the beautiful location.
• Casa di a Restonica: Located 1 km from the centre. The comfortable and modern double rooms  are starting from 140€, breakfast available for an extra 14€. Strong points: the swimming pool, the comfortable room, the quietness.
• Hotel Dominique Colonna: This 4* hotel is located 1 km from Corte, on the river’s edge. You’ll love their beautiful double rooms starting from 400€, breakfast included. What I loved: the beautiful swimming pool, the terrace by the water, the idyllic setting, the kind staff.  It’s my recommendation for a luxury stay in Corte!

6) Back to Bastia (1 day)

Your 7-days road trip to Corsica is already over! From Corte, drive for about 1h15 to reach Bastia.

Depending on your departure time, you can directly go to the airport or the port, or opt for a short stroll in Bastia.

In the city, you can discover: 

• St. Nicholas Square
• Napoleon Street
• The Old Port
• The Citadel

You want more details about Bastia’s points of interest? Have a look at my article: The definitive guide to visit Bastia.

6, 7 or 8 days in Corsica staying in the same city

You prefer to stay in the same city during your 7-day itinerary in Corsica?

Don’t worry, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to Corsica in my detailed articles about each city:

• Ajaccio: The 20 Best things to do
• Bastia: Top 17 places to visit
• Bonifacio: Top 20 things to do and see
• Calvi: The 15 things you must do!
• Cap Corse: The 15 must-see attractions
• Corte: 20 things to do and see
• Porto: Top 12 things to discover
• Porto-Vecchio: Top 17 things to do and must-see attractions
• Saint-Florent: The 12 best things to do

If you need help to plan your 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Corsica, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

Corsica Tours: 7 days

On Voyagetips.com, I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Corsica by yourself. (Click here to read all my articles about Corsica)

However, if you prefer to book a tour to Corsica with a travel agency, I recommend you to check the 10 best Corsica tours by clicking the button below:

Flights and ferries prices to Corsica

The plane is the fastest option to go to Bastia.

The airport is located 20 km from the city centre.

The flight prices to Bastia can vary a lot throughout the year! That’s why you should book your plane tickets as early as possible. You can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner, to check the rates and schedules. It’s a great way to get the best flight prices!

You can also get there by ferry boat from Nice, Marseille, Toulon and Italy.

Renting a boat in Corsica

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Corsica, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Corsica? 😊

You’re traveling to Corsica? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Corsica: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Corsica are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to do in Corsica – The Ultimate Bucket list!

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Corsica – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Corsica
• Itinerary: 1 week in Corsica – The best Itinerary to visit Southern Corsica
• Itinerary: 10 days in Corsica – The best 10 days itinerary in Corsica
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Corsica – How to visit Corsica in 14, 15 or 16 days.

• Road trip in Corsica – The best itineraries for 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 days

• Ajaccio: The 20 Best things to do
• Bastia: Top 17 places to visit
• Bonifacio: Top 20 things to do and see
• Calvi: The 15 things you must do!
• Cap Corse: The 15 must-see attractions
• Corte: 20 things to do and see
• Porto: Top 12 things to discover
• Porto-Vecchio: Top 17 things to do and must-see attractions
• Saint-Florent: The 12 best things to do

• Agriates Desert – The definitive guide
• Calanques de Piana – How to visit the Calanques de Piana by boat, by car and on foot
• Lavezzi Islands – Oganize your trip to the Lavezzi island easily!
• Scandola Nature Reserve – All my best tips to visit Scandola

• The 23 Best Beaches in Corsica: The definitive guide to the most beautiful beaches!

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