By Car
For the freedom to explore deep into the island's dramatic scenery, the majority of visitors to Corsica choose to get around by car. The cost of a hire car is included in the majority of our villa-based holidays. More information about car hire.
Main roads (there are no motorways) are generally very good. However, many country roads, especially mountain roads, are likely to be narrow and winding with very little room for manoeuvre.
EU driving licences are valid in France and speed limits are 110km/h (68mph) on two lane highways, 80km/h (56mph) on other roads in non-urban areas (rural two or three-lane roads) and 60km/h (37mph) in towns. The roads are generally fairly slow with 50 kilometres taking at least an hour. Anyone who has seen the Rallye de Corse (the French stages of the WRC) will know the terrain already. Some areas are better than others for ease of local driving - please call us if this will affect your choice of area or the enjoyment of your holiday and we will be advise on the best area for you.
During July and August the roads can be busy but at other times you won't see as much traffic as you do in the UK. In common with other parts of the Mediterranean, you may find the driving of other road users a little unpredictable.
By Bus
Buses are Corsica's principal form of public transport but you will find that even in the summer season, routes between the larger town centres often only have departures once or twice a day, less frequently in more remote areas. Tourists would be advised to obtain an up-to-date timetable from the local Tourist Office or ask your Corsican Places representative for details.
By Taxi
This may be an alternative option for a planned day out to a town centre or simply if you want to leave your car at your property for the day. Taxis in Corsica have a 'Taxi' sign on the roof - prices given on request. You can obtain more information about your local service from your nearest Tourist Office or ask your Corsican Places representative for details.
By Train
Travelling by train in Corsica is a thrilling experience! The island’s diminutive, bone shaking train, the 'U Trinighellu' (little train) operates along a principal line that crosses the mountains from Ajaccio to Bastia via Corte. It is a slower option of travelling around the island but the scenery en route is amazing and a journey along part of the route at least is very much recommended on a visit to Corsica. Visitors can obtain a timetable and more information from the local Tourist Office or ask your Corsican Places representative for details. Please note however, this service may be a little unreliable at times and departures are not always guaranteed.
By Bicycle
If you enjoy a challenge, discover the mountainous landscapes of Corsica by mountain bike or road bike. For experienced cyclists this is superb cycling terrain. Bicycle hire is widespread and at a reasonable cost.
By Ferry
Corsica has many ferry routes to and from the island. Ferries from France, including Marseille, Genoa, Toulon, Nice and Savona cover most of the island. Ferries from Italy depart from the four ports in Italy to Bastia and Ile Rousse with the shortest journey being from Piombino to Bastia. There is also a car and passenger ferry that connects Corsica to Sardinia. The ferry is between Bonifacio and Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia. This trips take around 50 minutes and is a great way to spend a day out exploring Sardinia.
By Cruise
Many of the popular cruise lines cruise to Corsica. Depending on the itinerary you may visit any one of the ports across Corsica, including, Ajaccio, Calvi, Propriano, Bastia, Bonifacio, L'lle Rousse and Porto Vecchio. The larger cruise ships tend to dock in Ajaccio and Calvi.
