Corsica Road Trip: Bastia to Bonifacio, 11 Stops
Explore Corsica's most striking destinations across 685.5 km, from Bastia's coastal charm to Bonifacio's clifftop old town, Calvi's citadel, and inland Corte. This route connects beach towns, nature reserves, and historic sites including Ajaccio, Porto's Calanques de Piana, and the Lavezzi Islands.
- Distance
- 685.5 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Corsica Travel Guide
- End
- Erbalunga
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Corsica Travel Guide — Mediterranean island region of France featuring dramatic granite mountains, pristine beaches, and charming coastal villages steeped in Genoese heritage.
- Bonifacio’s Clifftop Old Town — Old town perched on white limestone cliffs at Corsica's southern tip with the King Aragon stairway (187 steps carved into cliffside).
- Restonica Valley — Alpine hiking destination near Corte with trails leading to alpine lakes Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitanelle.
- Lavezzi Islands — Uninhabited granite islands with crystal-clear waters, accessible by boat from Bonifacio.
- Corte and the Heart of Corsica — Mountain town at the island center with character, featuring the Musea de la Corsa citadel museum and hiking trails into Tavano and Restonica gorges.
- Ajaccio’s Old Town and Napoleon Vibes — Island capital with laid-back atmosphere, home to Maison Bonaparte museum and beaches including Plage San Francois.
- Porto and the Calanques de Piana — Gateway town to the Calanques de Piana with towering red granite cliffs, accessible by boat tours from the marina.
- Filitosa Prehistoric Site — Ancient prehistoric site in the southern part of the island with mysterious menhir monuments.
- Scandala Nature Reserve — UNESCO-listed coastal reserve on Corsica's west coast, accessible only by sea from Calvi or Porto.
- Bastia — Starting point for the Cap Corse scenic coastal road trip on the northern peninsula.
- Erbalunga — Picturesque village on Cap Corse with pastel buildings and a crumbling Genoese tower.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Take a boat trip to Scandala Nature Reserve from Porto or Calvi. The UNESCO site is only accessible by sea.
- Tip
- Visit Bonifacio's King Aragon Stairway - 187 steep steps carved into the cliffside with dramatic views from below.
- Tip
- Hike to Lac d'Melo and Lac de Capitello alpine lakes in Restonica Valley. Trail involves rock scrambling and chains for balance.
- Transport
- Boat tours to Lavezzi Islands depart from Bonifacio. Bring your own food and drinks as there are no shops on the islands.
- Avoid
- In Lavezzi Islands, respect protected area rules: no loud music, no littering, no disturbing wildlife.
- Tip
- Drive Cap Corse loop (just over 100 km) starting from Bastia clockwise for best coastal views and access to villages like Erbalunga.
- Timing
- Visit Calanques de Piana at sunset when red rock formations glow fiery orange in the light.
- Transport
- Take boat tours from Porto's Marina to experience Calanques de Piana from below, sometimes entering sea caves if water is calm.
- Food
- Visit Ajaccio's daily market for local cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit, and sweet canistelli cookies.
- Tip
- Visit Maison Bonapart museum in Ajaccio to see Napoleon's childhood home filled with family history and artifacts.
- Where to stay
- Use Corte as a base to explore inland Corsica. It's less touristy, more authentic, with hiking trails leading to Tavano and Restonica gorges.
- Tip
- Snorkel in Lavezzi Islands where water visibility is excellent and full of fish.
Video on this route
Top 10 Places To Visit In CORSICA France - Travel Guide