If you’re planning 2 weeks in Corsica, the biggest mistake is trying to “do the whole island.” Corsica is compact on a map but slow to drive once mountains, curves, and spontaneous stops come into play. This 14‑day itinerary uses a 3‑base strategy so the trip feels like a holiday, not a packing-and-driving marathon.
Quick verdict: Two weeks is ideal if you pick three bases (north → south‑east → inland). You’ll get beaches and mountains with realistic driving days.
Is 2 weeks in Corsica worth it?
Yes—if you don’t try to cover every corner. In 14 days, the sweet spot is combining a few regions with enough buffer time. Corsica’s roads can be slow, and that’s exactly why an itinerary needs breathing room.
- Worth it if you want beaches and mountain scenery in one trip.
- Worth it if hiking matters (lakes/passes) and you still want swim days.
- Not ideal if you hate driving and want one fixed beach base for two weeks.
Best 14‑day route: 3 bases instead of constant moving
The easiest way to enjoy Corsica in two weeks is a 3‑base plan: north → south‑east → inland. You get variety without turning the trip into a logistics project.
- Base 1 (North): St‑Florent area (easy if you arrive via Bastia)
- Base 2 (South‑East): Porto‑Vecchio (beaches + a Bavella mountain day)
- Base 3 (Inland): Corte (Old Town + iconic lake hike)
Why this works: three very different “Corsicas” in one trip—without constantly packing up and moving.
Day‑by‑day itinerary (14 days)
Use this as a framework. The rhythm is the key: arrival days stay light, hiking days get buffer time, and beach days are your recovery days.
Days 1–4: Arrive via Bastia → base in St‑Florent
- Day 1: Arrive in Bastia → head to St‑Florent and settle in.
- Days 2–3: Beach time + slow start (don’t go full-speed on day two).
- Day 4: Buffer day (weather, rest, spontaneous plans).
Days 5–9: Base in Porto‑Vecchio (beaches + Bavella)
- Day 5: Drive to Porto‑Vecchio and keep the day light.
- Day 6: Palombaggia beach day (stunning, but busy in peak season—timing matters).
- Day 7: Bavella day (Trou de la Bombe hike: short, high reward; final section is a bit scrambly).
- Day 8: Buffer / beach day.
- Day 9: Bonifacio day trip (iconic cliff-top setting; touristy but impressive).
Expectation setting: this is “postcard Corsica.” If crowds stress you out, go early or later in the afternoon and avoid midday at famous beaches.
Days 10–14: Base in Corte (inland + hiking focus)
- Day 10: Drive inland to Corte for a completely different vibe.
- Day 11: Corte Old Town / citadel day (great after a drive).
- Day 12: Lac de Melo & Lac de Capitello hike day (plan it as your “main effort” day).
- Day 13: Buffer day (weather/energy).
- Day 14: Return toward departure point (depending on ferry/flight).
Reality check: keep at least one buffer day around your main hike. It’s the easiest way to avoid a rushed feel.
Options: more beaches or more mountains?
- More beaches: extend Porto‑Vecchio and shorten inland time.
- More hiking: cut one beach day and add extra inland days around Corte.
- Less driving: choose either North+Inland or South+Inland instead of doing both ends.
Driving in Corsica: realistic time planning
- Driving days are travel days: don’t stack a full sightseeing plan on top.
- One main activity per day: hike or long beach day or town day.
- Buffer time makes the trip feel easy: without it, Corsica can feel like a checklist.
Corsica without a car: doable or frustrating?
Doable, but limited. Trains/buses help on key corridors, but many beaches and trailheads get much harder without a car. For a car-free 2‑week trip, plan fewer bases and stay longer in each.
Corsica in June vs July for a 2‑week trip
Search intent often focuses on Corsica in June and Corsica in July. For a 2‑week plan, the practical difference is mainly crowds and booking pressure.
- July: peak season—expect crowds at famous beaches and plan bookings earlier.
- June: often smoother for a beach+hike mix with less peak-season pressure.
FAQ
Yes—if you don’t try to see everything. A 3‑base plan (north, south‑east, inland) gives you beaches and mountains without constant moving.
A balanced plan is St‑Florent (north) → Porto‑Vecchio (south‑east, beaches + Bavella) → Corte (inland hiking + Old Town). It’s realistic and keeps driving manageable.
Usually 3 bases is ideal. More than 4 in 14 days often turns the trip into packing and driving.
For this itinerary, a car makes everything easier. Without one, reduce the number of bases and expect more planning around limited connections.
July is peak season (crowds, booking pressure). June can be a smoother balance for hiking plus beach time.
