7-day mini road trip in Corsica: your thoughts?

Hi everyone, after a stay in the South and one in the North, I’m planning a mini road trip in Corsica (Bastia-Bastia) in June to explore places I haven’t seen yet. Since we’re heading to the mountains later this year, we’ve deliberately skipped the Corsican mountains. Could you share your thoughts and, most importantly, suggest things to see? We love nature, reasonable hikes, peaceful spots, and small villages. No cities. No boat excursions (yes, that includes Piana and Scandola). We already know the area between Bastia and Calvi.

June 7 Flight arrival in Bastia and night at the hotel

June 8 Drive to Calvi (beach and/or fortress) Meal at Les Boucaniers restaurant Night in Calvi

June 9 Walk from Calvi fortress to Alga beach Charcuterie platter at A Casetta Calvi Night in Calvi

June 10 Drive from Calvi to Piana Buvette du col de la Croix and visit the orientation table Chemin des muletiers (Muleteers’ Path) Or Sentier de la source des roches bleues (Blue Rocks Spring Trail) counterclockwise Or (less scenic) Tête du chien (Dog’s Head, starting at the parking lot) Dinner at Épicerie Castellani in Piana Night in Piana

June 11 Drive from Piana to Propriano Arone beach and meal at Le Café de la plage Drive along the coast, stopping wherever we like Night in Propriano

June 12 Hike starting from Campomoro in the Jardin du Vent (Wind Garden), and visit the Genoese tower of Campomoro Meal in Campomoro: restaurant Chez Pierre Paul U spuntinu Night in Propriano

June 13 Around Propriano (avoid Capu Laurosu beach—sewage treatment plant...) Night in Propriano

June 14 Drive from Propriano to Bastia airport Meal at L’Éternisula in Zonza Aiguilles de Bavella (Hole of the Bomb) Night at the same hotel as arrival

June 15 Departure

Good evening,

a mini road trip in Corsica

From Bastia to Propriano via Calvi, I’d call it more of a speedy maxi road trip.

We love nature above all, reasonable hikes, peaceful spots, and small villages

In that case, why not explore the Balagne, Nebbio, and Castagniccia regions if you haven’t already? They’re closer to Bastia and will perfectly match what you’re looking for—you’ll be spoiled for peaceful spots and small villages! But maybe you’re also after beaches?

Yeah, it’s not exactly short, but compared to the road trips I’ve done elsewhere, it’s pretty reasonable—even if the roads are winding. I already spent a week in Balagne and wanted to see other places. Plus, my partner is here for the sea...

Good evening, You say you prefer nature and peaceful places, yet you do the exact opposite...

In June, how will these places be the opposite of natural and peaceful?

Instead of going from Bastia to Calvi, I’d head to Cap Corse first—there are so many gorgeous villages like Centuri, Erbalunga, Nonza, etc. On the way back, I’d make a detour through the Désert des Agriates...

As mentioned, we’ve already visited the areas between Bastia and Calvi. For us, the adventure really starts after Calvi, heading toward the West Coast.

If you love driving, there’s nothing to say about your route—you’ve already chosen it (Rode trip is perfect), along with your accommodations and restaurants. 😕 You’re considering some short "walks" in Piana… From Tête du Chien, you can extend to the fort (1 km round trip)! A bit more "physical" is the Capo Rosso hike. About 3 km past Piana on the D824 (a dead-end road), the trail starts leading to Capu Rossu (specifically the Turghiu Tower)—it’s the westernmost point of all Corsica and, in my opinion, one of the most stunning viewpoints on the island. Simply breathtaking. Around 7–8 km round trip, but no car needed.

The most beautiful spots in Corsica are discovered on foot. https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-capo-rosso/carte-diagramme.html

Next up: Make sure to stop in Cargèse! (Greek church), and before arriving, Chiuni Beach.

PS: If there’s one boat excursion worth doing in Corsica, it’s the Scandola Nature Reserve (departs from Galeria). A stop in Girolata, a village accessible only by boat or on foot!

Hi there! Your plan is pretty ambitious. Especially Day 10 when you go through Bavella and hike the Trou de la Bombe trail. Sure, it's doable, but you’ll need to drive fast and practically sprint on the trail. For June 13th, you’ve got the Caldane baths or the archaeological sites of Cucuruzzu or Cauria.

I noticed that the Bavella Needles are on the most direct route from Propriano to Bastia Airport. What’s the best way to see the site without just rushing past?

I had definitely spotted Capo Rosso, but I ended up cutting it because, as mentioned, we’ve got a vacation coming up with some really intense hikes, and Corsica is our chance to relax without any serious treks.

And is it realistic to head up into the Fango Valley on the way from Calvi to Piana? Too tight a schedule, I guess?

Going from Propriano to Bastia in one day via Bavella is doable. But adding the Trou de la Bombe on top of that—it’s not gonna work out well! From Solenzara to Bastia, there’s nothing interesting. So, unless you really want to go through the Col de Bavella, I suggest you take Propriano - Ghisoni via the D69, then: - either Ghisoni-Ghisonaccia through the Inzeca Gorge, then up to Bastia via the T10 - or Ghisoni-Col de Sorba-Vivario-Corte, then Corte-Bastia via the T20... Just so you know, the T10 and T20 are smooth drives...

Thanks! In terms of landscapes, things to see, or short hikes, are these two itineraries as interesting as around Bavella? If so, which of the two suggested routes is the most beautiful?

Hi there. At the Bavella Pass, you can spend about an hour there (photos, short walk...). But don’t bother climbing up to the Trou de la Bombe—it’s just not worth the time, especially if it’s crowded. You’ll also get some great views on the way down to Solenzara.

At the Col de Bavella, you can spend about an hour there (photos, short walk...). But don’t go up to the Trou de la Bombe—it’s just not worth the time.

2 hours round trip for an average hiker. 2.5 hours for a "stroller."

3 hours of driving without stops between Propriano and Bastia Airport, plus 2 hours of walking. It’s doable if you leave at 9 AM. No need to exaggerate.

Well yeah, but when I mentioned Capu Rossu, you weren't interested. However, in my opinion, the place is gorgeous and less crowded than the Col de Bavella (overrun with tourist buses even off-season!)...

I had noted the cape years ago but, for the reasons mentioned, I’d given up on it. We’ll see how we feel when we’re there. The descent is steep at first to reach sea level, and the climb back up is the same if I understood correctly. I prefer starting hikes with the uphill part.

Hi there,

So, how did it go??? You’ll have to tell us a bit about your trip.

Thanks in advance!

Puma2A

...

Hi there, and thanks for asking how it went! It’s crazy because we just got back this very moment. So, my impressions are mixed. First thing—early June is already too late to enjoy Corsica because between 9 AM and 6 PM, it’s impossible to do outdoor activities in the sun due to the heat. Since we’re really into outdoor activities and nature, our takeaway is that we should’ve gone in April or May.

Next, regarding the places we visited—I should’ve listened to some of the advice here suggesting I rethink my itinerary, knowing my goal was to see quiet, natural, preserved, and authentic spots. We loved the Calanques de Piana and the hike we did there, as well as the village of Piana and the little beach just below it. We also loved the Aiguilles de Bavella and the Alta Rocca region. That said, we only spent a day there and in hindsight, we would’ve liked to stay much longer. We liked Campomoro and the sunrise walk in the Jardin du Vent a bit less. The towns of Calvi and Propriano, where we stayed the longest, were horrible in my opinion. They’re probably perfect for some travelers, but absolutely not for us since it’s not what we were looking for.

Our conclusion is that if we ever go back, it’ll be during a cooler period and focusing only on isolated, authentic spots. Which most likely means the interior of Corsica.

Hi there,

In Corsica, just like anywhere else, it's impossible to predict the weather months in advance. Back in April or May, it has sometimes snowed (a long time ago, though) ... !!!

No matter what, whatever type of trip you're planning, do LESS, but do it WELL.

Cheers.

...