Embarking on a Corsica holiday but don't have enough time to explore the entire island? We've dreamed up what we believe to be the best way to spend one week in Corsica.
For those embarking on a week in Corsica, there is an incredibly diverse array of attractions awaiting you on the island. From beautiful beaches and majestic mountains, to fascinating food and cultural cities, choosing what to see and do during your Corsica holiday can be a challenging prospect.
In an ideal world, your Corsica holiday will provide ample time to explore and discover the best of what the island has to offer. Many, however, will find themselves visiting the island for only a week and with little scope for traversing the whole of Corsica.
We’ve tried our best to overcome time obstacles and dream up the perfect Corsica itinerary, transporting you from highlight to highlight on an anti-clockwise journey around the island in just one week.
One week in Corsica
Day one
Start your Corsica itinerary via the airport at Calvi and spend your first day in this historic and beautiful city. Elegance, sophistication and culture can be found in the form of Calvi’s attractive harbour, wonderful array of restaurants and intriguing ancient Citadel. Others will be drawn to the beach, with Calvi and its local area presenting a haven to lovers of the coast.
Day two
The next stop on your perfect week in Corsica will guide you inland and introduce you to some of the island’s stunning and iconic natural landscapes. Corte is one of the most attractive prospects for those heading inland; a beautiful and striking mountain commune with great access to adventure and exploration amid the wild and rugged Regional Natural Park of Corsica.
Day three
On day three of this fantasy Corsica itinerary, head back to the coast towards Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio. The city was the birthplace of Napoleon and you can learn about his legacy by visiting his birth home and museum. After absorbing the city’s culture and history, take to the beaches of the south-west, such as the gorgeous Cupabia Beach.
Day four
Spend your next day at the southern tip of Corsica exploring the fascinating fortress town of Bonifacio. The town’s immense history and breath-taking location are among several factors behind paying a visit to Bonifacio, reinforced further by the possibility of mesmerising trips to the nearby Lavezzi Islands.
Day five
Abandon your northern bearing early on day five of your Corsica itinerary and stop at the vibrant and stylish city of Porto Vecchio on the east coast. Spend your time dining on delicious Corsican cuisine as your overlook the water, admiring the many yachts floating into the harbour, and exploring some of the surrounding beaches such as wonderful San Ciprianu.
Day six
Make your way gradually to the northern tip of the island, via the interesting and bustling city of Bastia. Cap Corse will be the primary focus on the sixth day of your perfect week in Corsica, and whether you choose to spend it lazing on beaches or exploring the photogenic landscapes by bicycle, the natural beauty of Cap Corse will keep you captivated throughout the day.
Day seven
Spend the final day of your Corsica itinerary making the most of the island's glorious 1000 km coastline. The beaches of the Desert des Agriates will be your oyster, hopping from the likes of Loto Beach to Saleccia Beach. Retire to the attractive little commune of Saint-Florent for an indulgent evening spent enjoying fresh seafood and drinks as the sun sets on your final day in Corsica.
Image credit: Jon Ingall | Shutterstock
Where to stay in Corsica
To help you know where to base yourself on a week in Corsica, we’ve picked out some of the best places to stay in the destinations we’ve included on our dream Corsica itinerary.
Calvi
We offer a number of great properties in Calvi, but nothing beats the views enjoyed from the pool at Hotel St Christophe. The hotel’s privileged location will allow you to absorb the majesty of Calvi’s citadel throughout your stay, in addition to being just walking distance from a great range of shops and restaurants.
Corte
A truly idyllic retreat for lovers of the great outdoors, a stay at Hotel Les Jardins de la Glaciere is the perfect choice for those hoping to explore Corsica's great outdoors. Nestled amongst the wild, rugged mountains of the Restonica Valley on the edge of Corte, the hotel blends effortlessly into its surroundings, offering spacious rooms and a friendly welcome to all.
Olmeto
Hidden away in a tranquil setting and boasting unbeatable views across the verdant Corsican countryside, Bergerie Olivella is a great base for those hoping for a relaxed retreat, as well as holding the advantage of being in easy reach of the beaches of the south-west and the fascinating city of Ajaccio.
Bonifacio
Located just outside of Bonifacio, the luxurious Hotel U Capu Biancu is the perfect place for couples and honeymooners to stay on their Corsica itinerary, benefitting from remarkable coastal views amid relaxed and beautiful hotel grounds.
Erbalunga
Located on the coast of Cap Corse, overlooking the clear blue waters around Erbalunga, Apartment des Peintres is a charming and charismatic property set in the heart of an authentic fishing village. Enjoy the wonderful coastal views from your own seaside balcony, as well as easy access to Erbalunga’s inviting pebble beach.
Tempted by the prospect of a week in Corsica? Check out some of our other accommodation options for sedate breaks or active adventures across the island.
⬤
FEATURED
Our top tips for family holidays to Corsica Read more