Tips for a 10-day Corsica itinerary with kids

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Corsica for 10 days from April 26 to May 5 as a family with two boys aged 8 and 12. We’ll arrive in Calvi and stay for 7 nights in the hills above L’Île-Rousse. Then we’ll have 2 nights left (accommodation not yet booked) before flying out from Ajaccio.

Of course, we’d like to explore and do a few hikes that are kid-friendly.

Some of the places we’ve shortlisted: - the towns of L’Île-Rousse, Calvi, Saint-Florent, and Corte - the villages of Balagne - the Agriates Desert (Ostriconi beach by car, and Lotu by boat with a hike to Saleccia) - Restonica Gorge - a boat trip to Piana and Scandola

For the last part of the trip, I’m really unsure about: - where to stay? - what to visit? I’d thought about staying near Ajaccio and visiting the Sanguinaires Islands and doing a few hikes along the coast, but I’d also spotted some great options inland around Evisa, like the Aitone Forest, for example.

We’ll return the rental car on May 3 at 10 AM in Monticello and fly out from Ajaccio on May 5 at 7:40 PM.

We’ve rented a car for the whole 10 days.

I’ll admit I’m posting this out of convenience because I’ve been *terrible* at planning this trip and could really use your advice—especially about distances and what’s doable without rushing or spending all our time in the car.

Thanks in advance! Have a great day.

Virginie

Hi there,

Warning, road access (private vehicles) isn’t allowed in the Restonica Gorge since a bridge was washed away. You’ll need to take a bus that you have to book in advance, and it stops before the destroyed bridge... obviously.

Check with the Corte Tourist Office (or town hall).

...

For the Restonica Valley, you’ll need to book shuttle seats (Autocars Cortenais) a day or two in advance at 6 20 17 17 55 or 04 95 46 22 89. Alternatively, the tourist office at 04 95 46 26 70.

Good evening,

Now that you’re back from your trip to Corsica, please tell us all about it!

Best regards.

Hi,

Virginie didn’t have enough time to prepare, she didn’t have enough to say thanks, and she probably won’t have enough to tell the story... 🤪

Hi Virginie, What a fantastic family travel project! Corsica is truly an ideal destination with kids—rich in landscapes, nature activities, and small, accessible cultural discoveries. For your last two nights, staying near Ajaccio seems like a great idea, especially to avoid too much driving before your return flight. The Sanguinary Islands are gorgeous in the late afternoon, and there are several easy walks along the coast. If you prefer wilder spots, the Aïtone forest near Evisa is also an excellent option, with beautiful shaded hikes and natural pools in the rivers—but it’s a bit more remote, and the trips can be long. Since you have a vehicle, everything’s doable, but I’d recommend limiting big moves during those last two days, especially with kids. A nice option could be spending one night inland (Evisa or Soccia, for example) and the last night near Ajaccio, to mix nature and relaxation. Little tip: Check out this article about Corsica that really helped me, especially with kids. It was super useful for planning a similar trip: https://voyage-enfants.fr/vacances-corse-en-famille Have a great trip, and enjoy Balagne—it’s a stunning region! 🌸

Hello,

I’m afraid your tips came too late—we’re already May 11th, and they got back home on the 5th of May!

Best regards.