If you’re planning a Corsica road trip, the biggest mistake is over-scheduling: too many towns, too many hotel changes, and not enough buffer for slow mountain roads. This itinerary starts in Bastia and is designed to feel relaxed in 2–3 weeks (plus a realistic 14-day version).
Is a Corsica road trip worth it?
- Yes if you want beaches and mountain scenery in one trip.
- Yes if hiking matters to you (lakes, passes) and you still want swim days.
- Maybe not if you hate driving and prefer one fixed beach base for two weeks.
14 vs 21 days: what’s realistic?
- 14 days: 2–3 regions + one strong inland base (Corte works very well).
- 21 days: a full loop with breathing room for beach days, hikes, and spontaneous stops.
3-week itinerary from Bastia (practical)
This structure works because it alternates coastal “recovery time” with inland/mountain days, instead of forcing constant moving.
- Days 1–5: St-Florent area as your first base (ease in, beach time).
- Days 6–9: Porto-Vecchio base (beaches + a mountain day in Bavella).
- Day 10: Bonifacio day (iconic cliff setting; touristy but impressive).
- Days 11–16: Corte base (Old Town + hikes like Lac de Melo / Lac de Capitello).
- Days 17–19: Calvi base (coast + town evenings).
- Days 20–22: Ostriconi for a wilder beach feel (wind/waves can happen).
- Day 23: back to Bastia for departure.
2-week version: what to cut
In 14 days, the goal is fewer moves and fewer long drives. Two good options:
- Option A: North + South + Inland (skip Calvi/Ostriconi).
- Option B: North + Inland + Calvi (reduce the far south if you want less driving).
Base strategy: move less, enjoy more
Aim for 3 bases in 14 days, and 4–5 bases in 21 days. It’s the easiest way to make Corsica feel like a holiday, not a logistics project.
Driving times in Corsica: why it feels bigger
- Mountain roads and curves slow you down more than you expect.
- You’ll naturally stop for viewpoints, swims, and food (which is part of the fun).
- Build in buffer time—Corsica punishes “minute-perfect” schedules.
Plan B if your car plan fails
On one trip our car broke down on the island (long repair wait). It was frustrating, but also a reminder: you can still travel Corsica using trains, buses, and (if it suits your comfort level) hitchhiking.
FAQ
2–3 weeks is ideal for a relaxed loop. In 14 days, keep it to 3 bases and cut optional regions to avoid constant driving.
A car makes everything easier, especially beaches and trailheads. Without one, it’s doable but more schedule-dependent.
One great beach base, one mountain/inland base (Corte area), and one iconic town like Bonifacio is a strong first trip mix.
