A Handcrafted Corsica Itinerary: 7 Days in the South of the Island

Corsica is accessible by air and sea.

By air: Figari - Sud Course Airport (FSC) is the main gateway to the south of the island (along with Ajaccio), with connections to mainland France and other European cities. If you’re visiting from outside of Europe, fly into the airports in Paris (CDG/ORY) or Nice (NCE) and continue your journey to Corsica.

By ferry: Services run from France and Italy, arriving into the ports of Ajaccio, Bastia, L’Île-Rousse, Bonifacio (a crossing of an hour or less from Sardinia) and Porto-Vecchio.

For this Corsica travel itinerary, arriving into Figari offers the most straightforward starting point.

Driving is the most practical way to explore Corsica, particularly in the south where experiences are spread between coast, towns and mountains.

• Car hire: Essential for flexibility and access to beaches, villages and inland areas
• Chauffeurs and guides: Ideal for specific experiences such as wine tasting or mountain excursions
• Boat charters: Best for exploring the coastline and reaching places like the Lavezzi islands

Distances can be deceptive due to winding roads, so allow time to travel between stops. Read our full guide to travelling around Corsica for more information.

• Day 1 to 2: Beach Life Along the South Coast
• Day 3: Ajaccio and in the Footsteps of Napoleon
• Day 4: Bonifacio, a Cliff-top Wonder
• Day 5: Into the Mountains
• Day 6: The South Coast From the Water
• Day 7: A Visit to the Old Port

Corsica’s southern coastline is a beach-lover’s paradise, offering everything from empty, off-the-beaten-track bays to vibrant hot-spots with water sports, bars, restaurants and lidos.

Some of our favourite beaches include:

• The idyllic white sands of Santa Giulia, just south of Porto Vecchio
• The hidden granite coves and maquis-fringed beaches of Pianottoli, northwest of Bonifacio
• Roccapina for a broad arc of golden sand and clear sea
• Cupabia Beach near Porto Pollo in the southwest, an expansive stretch of soft, pale sand next to waters that shift from turquoise to emerald
• The Grand and Petit Sperone beaches are defined by their powder-white sand and clear, far-reaching views towards Sardinia and the Lavezzi Islands.

Take your time moving between beaches, stopping for lunch by the water.

Continue your Corsica expedition in Ajaccio, the island’s capital and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. The city’s identity is deeply tied to him, from Cours Napoleon, Ajaccio’s central thoroughfare, to Maison Bonaparte, now a museum dedicated to his life. Monuments, streets, squares, hotels, bistros, bars, cafés and even the airport bear the Emperor’s name.

Spend the afternoon exploring the old town, where statues, squares and cafés quietly echo his legacy. A private guide can add depth, revealing stories that are not immediately visible.

Few towns can boast such a dramatic and precarious position as Bonifacio, a quintessential addition to any Corsica travel itinerary. Teetering perilously atop an eroding limestone promontory above the sea, it has to be seen to be believed. It is also extraordinarily panoramic, with 360-degree vistas of southern Corsica, the Tyrrhenian Sea and even Sardinia.

Wander the Vieille Ville, a maze of streets within a historic citadel, whose fortified walls lend the town an aura of impregnability. If you’re staying near Bonifacio between April and October, head to the church of St Francis on a Thursday evening for a concert of Corsican polyphonic song (paghjela), a tradition that has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Corsica’s coastline and beaches are stunning, but so too are its towering forested mountains, many of which rise to well over 2,000m. Those who wish to explore the island’s interior can expect pristine nature, dramatic scenery, plunging waterfalls, a rich variety of wildlife, and extraordinary views. This includes:

• The Bavella Pass: Here, you’ll encounter the naturally sculpted Trou de la Bombe and the striking red granite peaks of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
• The Ospedale massif (northwest of Porto-Vecchio): From rugged trails that wind through pine and cork oak forests, to sweeping views from the Punta di a Vacca Morta.
• The Valinco region: A blend of golden beaches, forested hills and mountain trails, offering scenic hikes and glimpses of authentic Corsican life.

The best way of experiencing it all is by engaging the services of one of our experienced trekking guides. They know the terrain like the back of their very safe hands, and they’ll take you to spots of outstanding beauty, give you insights into the way of life of those who reside and work in the mountains, and share their knowledge of the island’s diverse flora and fauna. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and one that you’ll cherish for years to come.

After a hard day by the pool, touring the sights, or lounging on the beach, you might not wish to cook or to go to a restaurant for dinner. That’s understandable - after all, you’re on holiday.

We have the perfect solution: let us arrange for one of our private cooks to come to you. So you can relax, have a last swim in the pool, sip an aperitif on the terrace, and wait for the gong to sound. When it does, you’ll be served a delicious, authentic Corsican meal created using flavour-filled, locally sourced ingredients. Bon appétit!

Corsica’s southern coast is bewitching, especially when seen from aboard one of our private boat charters. Your skipper and their crew will guide you out of Bonifacio’s port, past the town’s towering limestone cliffs and on to the Lavezzi archipelago, an unspoilt group of eight tiny islands surrounded by reefs, idyllic beaches, and flourishing marine life. 

It’s the perfect place to snorkel and swim, and when you’ve worked up an appetite, your crew will serve you a delicious lunch of Corsican specialities before you head back towards the sunset and Bonifacio.

Porto Vecchio is one of Corsica’s most popular towns, thanks to its characterful maze of streets, its piazzas, its boutiques, its charming atmosphere, and its views. 

For students of history and architecture, there are some interesting sites to visit, including Bastion de France (a 16th-century fortification with stunning views), Place de la République (once the Roman heart of town), and Porte Genoise (the town’s original gate). 

Stroll around the streets, head to the street market to buy some fine cheese and charcuterie, and stop for lunch in one of the many al fresco restaurants overlooking the marina and the sea.

Corsica reveals itself slowly, in shifting sea light, varied terrains and moments that rarely feel planned. A swim in the sea before breakfast, a long rosé-accompanied lunch that stretches into the afternoon, medieval streets that lead somewhere unexpected.

This itinerary is a starting point, but the most memorable journeys are those shaped around you.

Our team knows the island intimately and can refine every detail, from where you stay to how each day unfolds. Whether it’s a seafront Corsican villa that allows you to step out each morning into the salt air, a table reserved in a tucked-away restaurant, or a boat waiting in the harbour at first light, we’ll help bring it all together with care and consideration.

If you’d like to create an itinerary that feels entirely your own, we’d be delighted to help you shape it.