Buses in Corsica. Holidays in Corsica: how to get there? Cost, travel time, transfer. When to come to Corsica
43.5 € – minimum budget for a day in Corsica 🇫🇷. This is enough for a good budget hostel, two trips on public transport and food (the amount is equal to two lunches in inexpensive cafes).
The budget does not include the cost of flights and insurance. A round-trip ticket from Moscow can be found for 28-30 thousand rubles. Insurance can be selected on the services or, prices start from 1 € per day.
Corsica has five airports: in the north (Bastia), south (Figari Sud) and three more in the west (Calvi Sainte-Catherine, Propriano and Ajaccio). You can get from Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport to the city center in the following ways:
- The bus will take you to the main train station in approximately 25 minutes. The ticket costs 4.5€.
- A taxi to the center of Ajaccio will cost about 12-15 € during the day and about 20-25 € at night and on holidays.
How to get around the city?
How much does public transport cost?
The main public transport in Ajaccio is buses. One trip costs 1€, and a pass for 10 trips costs 8€. You can travel between the cities of Corsica by bus or train; ticket prices depend on the distance (from 5 to 25.1 €).
How much does a taxi cost?
The cost of a taxi in Ajaccio depends on the company, time of day and day of the week. On average, the price for boarding will be 2.5 € during the day and about 3 € at night, as well as on Sundays and holidays. A kilometer of travel will cost approximately 1.9 € and 2.5 € respectively.
How much does gas and parking cost?
A liter of gasoline in Ajaccio costs an average of 1.4 €. An hour in organized parking will cost 1.5€-2€. In other Corsican cities, parking is a little cheaper: about 1€ per hour.
How much does housing cost in Corsica?
Hotels: in the off-season, prices for double rooms in hotels and guest houses on the island start from 40 €, and in Ajaccio itself from 50 € (for example, ibis budget Ajaccio). In summer, housing prices in small cities rise by about 15%, in larger cities by at least 25%.
Hostels: There are almost no opportunities to stay in a shared room in Corsica, with rare exceptions, such as “Gites d’Etapes U San Pé” north of Bastia. A place in a dormitory room is offered there for 17.5 €.
AirBnb: Apartments across the island rent for around 60€, but in general there are few such options in each city. There are even fewer rooms for rent and not in all cities; most of them are comparable in price to apartments.
If you don't have an AirBnb account, you can get RUB 1,500. for your first booking by registering using the link.
Thus, good budget accommodation in Corsica will cost you 20-25 € per night per person.
How much does the connection cost?
When to come to Corsica?
It’s worth coming to Corsica for four to five days. In summer, the flow of tourists and housing prices in Corsica increase, but more tourist services are provided. For example, many museums are open longer in the summer or only open in the summer, and some tours only run from April to October. During this period, music festivals, rural festivals and fairs take place, and on August 15, for example, Napoleon's birthday is celebrated on a grand scale. A complete list of events can be found on this website.
Total. So how much will I spend?
So, minimum:
- 17.5-25 € for housing
- 2 – 10 € for transport
- 24-30 € for food
useful links
- Prices in Ajaccio on Numbeo
- Wikitravel about Corsica (in English)
- Corsica Travel Guide: LonelyPlanet
- Current euro exchange rate: 1 EUR = 71.2 RUB
Flights Moscow – Ajaccio:
The article is constantly updated.
Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea; is one of the 27 regions of France, but has a separate status - the Territorial Community of Corsica. The capital and main city of the island is Ajaccio. The main population is Corsicans. In total, about 260 thousand people live on the island. Next door is the picturesque Italian island of Sardinia. The distance to the French coast is about 170 kilometers, and to mainland Italy - 90 kilometers.
Corsica is often called the “mountain from the sea”, as it emerged from the depths of the sea as a result of tectonic movements of the earth’s crust. The shape of the island resembles an oval, elongated from north to south. Geographically, the region is divided into Southern Corsica and Upper Corsica. A third of Corsica's territory is occupied by mountain ranges. In the center of the island, the mountains rise to almost 3000 meters above sea level. The highest points are the mountains of Monte Cinto and Monte Rotondo. There are many rivers and lakes on the island. The rivers are mainly mountainous and non-navigable. The largest of them are Golo, Gravona, Taravo, Tavignano, Llamon, Rizzanese and some others.
Corsica has rich flora and fauna, for which tourists often call it the “emerald island”. Most of the island's territory is covered with forests of low-growing trees and evergreen shrubs. It is believed that even the name of the island comes from the Phoenician word “cyrne”, meaning “covered by forest”. Corsica's natural resources shelter many endangered species of plants, fish and birds. Some areas are of international importance and are protected. These include the Urbino pond, the Tre Padul de Suarton nature reserve and some other places. The remoteness of the island facilitated the development of endemic plants and living organisms. So, here you can find Corsican mouflons, a very rare velvety gumweed, and Corsican spurge. The island has 6 nature reserves, the most famous of which is called Scandola.
It is no coincidence that Corsica is associated with the name of Napoleon, since it was on this island that the great commander was born. According to one unconfirmed version, Christopher Columbus was also born on the island. Today it is a favorite holiday destination for both native French and tourists from all over Europe.
The island attracts with its beauty, its unsurpassed landscapes: beautiful bays, incredible rocky shores, bays, excellent beaches beckon. Summers here are hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy. The average air temperature is 12-14 degrees in January and 24-27 degrees in July.
Current time in Ajaccio:
(UTC +2)
Transport in Corsica
Ajaccio is the soul of Corsica. It is the largest city of the island and also its capital. The city is located on the western coast of Corsica among picturesque landscapes. The population is almost 65,000 people. You can get here by bus from Bastia in 3 hours, from Bonifacio in 4 hours, or from Calvi with a transfer in 2.5 hours. The city has a railway station, a local airport and ferry connections with other cities in France, Italy, Great Britain and other countries.
Bastia is a city in the northeastern part of the coast, one of the oldest and most attractive corners of Corsica. The area of the city is only 19.5 km² with a population of about 43,000 people.
On the southwestern coast of Corsica, on a narrow and long cape, lies the most colorful and photogenic city of the island — Bonifacio. From the city's embankment you can easily see Italian Sardinia.
To the northeast of Bonifacio, on the hills, is the city of Porto-Vecchio. This small town is considered one of the most beautiful European ports. Porto-Vecchio is a comune in the department of Southern Corsica. The area of the city is 169 km², and the population is about 11,000 people. Today, Porto-Vecchio is a large-scale tourism center that attracts wealthy French and Italians.
The small town of Calvi on the northwestern coast of Corsica is the capital of the canton of the same name in Upper Corsica.
Saint-Florent is a small town that grew and was formed around the Genoese citadel of 1440. The ruins of the medieval residence of Neobbio are still preserved here. An important place among the attractions of Saint Florent is given to the Cathedral of Saint Florent, which is classified as a national monument of France.
Corte is an ancient Corsican city, which is called the “heart of Corsica”. The history of the exploration and development of the island began from here. Here you will find the Museum of Corsican Culture and the only Citadel in the interior of the island.
In Erbalunga, a beautiful town on Cape Corsica, you can find the ruins of an ancient castle and observation tower.
Calenzana is a commune in Upper Corsica. Her department is also located there. The city with an area of 183 km² and a population of about 2000 people is located 70 km north of Ajaccio. Despite its considerable size in comparison with other cities in Corsica, Calenzana is called a village.
L'Isle-Rousse is a town and commune in Haute-Corsica. L'Isle-Rousse is a very small town with an area of only 2.5 km² and a population of just over 3,000 people. The city was founded in 1758 by Pascal Paol. The original name Isola Rossa is translated from the French dialect as “Red Island”. The thing is that the harbor on which the city stands is surrounded by ocher-colored rocks. L'Isle-Rousse was originally built in the 17th century as a port to shorten the sea routes between Calvi and Genoa.
The small but cozy town of Porticcio is located in the southern part of Corsica. It is located 15 km south of Ajaccio. Over the past two decades, Porticcio has grown from a village into one of the most popular seaside resorts on the island. Porticcio is famous for its abundance of gorgeous beaches with fine white sand and gentle turquoise sea.
Culture
Holidays in Corsica
All the richness of the culture of the island of Corsica can be seen in the numerous urban and rural festivals that take place here every year. At this time, Corsica is filled with a special atmosphere: the breath of Roman evenings, Renaissance balls, Corsican dances. Regardless of the theme of the holiday, it is always accompanied by catchy Maresca and quadrille dances, national music and tasting of special treats.
The indigenous people of Corsica claim that tourists who have not attended a single holiday do not know the true Corsica.
Every year on August 12th in the Corsican town of Pioggiolle (High Corsica) the so-called bell ringers competition. On this day, all residents of the city compete for the title of the best bell ringer. The whole city is immersed in a special holiday atmosphere. And in Niolo, in the first days of September, Poetry Day takes place. All experienced and aspiring writers compete in poetry competitions.
Bastelika also hosts August 12th costume ball, which is a big holiday for the residents of this town. This is a costume parade in honor of Sampiero, who is recognized here as a folk hero, and the condottiere Francisco I, who, according to legend, was the prototype of Othello. People in Renaissance costumes dance in the streets and central square. On this day, men sing real serenades under the balconies of their lovers.
On August 8th and 9th, Aleria hosts festival of antiquity Festa Antica. Locals dress in togas, a craft fair opens in the city center, and restaurants serve exclusively Roman menus.
August 15th is celebrated very loudly in Ajaccio Napoleon's Birthday. Napoleon's hometown, where he was born and lived for 9 years, is Ajaccio. Everything here reminds of him, his monuments and busts are on every corner. Therefore, for local residents, the Emperor’s Birthday is a special day and they celebrate it on a grand scale. Also, on this day the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated, so August 15 is officially declared a non-working day in Ajaccio. All residents of the city are in a special holiday atmosphere throughout the day.
At the beginning of November, the whole island celebrates the beginning of the chestnut harvest. Chestnut is considered a special product here, and chestnut trees are very revered. More than 20 varieties of dishes are prepared from sweet Corsican chestnuts.
On November 11, the regions where the vineyards are located celebrate St. Martin's Day. Saint Martin is considered the patron saint of viticulture and wine.
And on December 1, in Corsica it is customary to celebrate the official opening of the seafood eating season. Sea urchins, oysters, and mussels are mandatory components of the holiday table in every family.
Festivals in Corsica
Festivals in Corsica annually attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The first place among the famous festivals is the Wind Festival. The wind is considered the wealth of Corsica, from which the locals have learned to make money. This festival takes place in the third ten days of October. Hang gliding and paragliding, parachute jumping, jumping, hot air ballooning, and kite flying are mandatory components of the holiday. Several thousand people take part in the festival itself, and another 40-50 thousand come here just to watch and enjoy the fascinating atmosphere of this unusual holiday.
Music lovers are invited to Bastia in mid-October. At this time it's happening here music Festival. World-famous musicians are invited to the event, and local maestros also perform at the same time. Representatives of completely different genres of music take part in the concerts of this holiday, so the festival is liked by all guests without exception.
What to see
Sights of Corsica
- Sanguinaire Archipelago
Where to go in Corsica
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Private guides in Corsica
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Corsica in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Beaches of Corsica
On the coast of Corsica, which stretches for 100 km, there are more than 200 beaches and a large mountain range. Tourist areas are mainly concentrated in the southern part of the island: in Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and in the northwest - in Calvi.
The cleanest and calm waters of the Mediterranean have created ideal conditions for diving, which is why almost all beaches are equipped with modern diving centers. In some places, the mountainous terrain of the coast is suitable for lovers of hiking and mountaineering. The beaches of Corsica are considered some of the best and most picturesque in the world. Thanks to them, this island is called a paradise for tourists.
The most popular and interesting beaches of Corsica:
Diving in Corsica
Diving in Corsica promises to be interesting. The clear waters and variety of marine life are a good reason to go scuba diving. There are more than three dozen diving centers scattered across the island, which kindly offer their services to everyone. The best time for diving is considered to be from April to November. Amazing visibility even at a depth of 30 meters amazes both beginners and professional divers.
Corsica has a number of unique attractions that are favorite places for divers.
Off the East Coast of Corsica, near Campoloro, the ship ALCIONE, launched back in 1915, sank. Many people want to look at the ship and plunge into history. And not far from Ajaccio, near Cape Castagna, you can see the 60-meter ship La Meuliere that sank in 1918. A twin-engine Vickers Viking aircraft rests in Mortoli Bay. Calvi sheltered a “flying fortress” from the Second World War, a B-17 aircraft, off its shores.
The area around Bonifacio offers amazing views of the underwater world. Here you can even find schools of barracudas, large groupers and red corals. Visibility of about 30 meters gives a complete feeling of flight.
Surfing in Corsica
It’s not for nothing that Corsica is called “happiness on the water.” Surf clubs on the island offer to ride the stubborn waves on a “board”. Amazing conditions for water slalom attract amateurs and professionals from all over the world to Corsica. Pros are offered to rent surfboards and create the most attractive routes, and for beginners there are numerous surfing schools, whose instructors will be happy to teach you all the rules of conquering the sea elements. The most gorgeous waves are on the southern coast of the island. The waters near Bonifacio are more suitable for windsurfing. It is here that the coastal zone is shallow and the winds are stable. The cost of renting equipment is about 25 euros per hour, or 80 euros for the whole day.
Fishing in Corsica
Fishing is a fairly common activity for both tourists and local residents. Locals fish for food, and tourists fish for relaxation. No activity brings such relaxation as fishing. True, you will also have to pay for fishing here. So, night fishing for squid costs about 70 euros per adult and about 50 euros per child under 12 years old. Morning fishing costs almost the same. The Porticcio resort offers deep sea fishing opportunities. Propriano, a former fishing village that survived thanks to fishing, is today one of the most popular resorts. The price of fishing in this area can reach about 100 euros per person, but you can also have good fishing off the coast of Ajaccio.
Hunting in Corsica
Hunting in Corsica is a separate issue. Here you can hunt wild boar, pheasant and other game. Ghisonaccia and the highlands are considered hunting areas. You can only hunt on the island at certain times. Thus, the hunting season is recognized as the period from August to October. The price for this type of entertainment is quite high, from 200 euros per person per day. You can also find offers for a week, for example, for 950-1200 euros. For this money, authorized agencies will organize transfer to the hunting site, accommodation in mini-hotels or hunting lodges, food, weapons, ammunition and escort. No one here gives any guarantees of receiving the spoils.
Hiking and horseback riding in Corsica
Corsica is an ideal place for lovers of extreme sports and mountain walks. The island's mountain ranges stretch from north-west to south-east. There are plenty of centuries-old trails for hiking and horseback riding. The most famous route Calenzana - Conca requires about 10-15 days to complete. Magnificent landscapes: azure lakes, slopes strewn with strawberries, juniper bushes, myrtles and heather, rivers winding through their valleys fascinate tourists. Equestrian centers located on the island kindly offer a wide variety of programs: from hour-long rides, one-day routes to multi-day hikes with overnight stops.
Shopping in Corsica
Everyone is used to the fact that if you go to France, shopping here can only be in Paris and its environs. Expensive fashionable shops and small shops are a must in any tourist’s plans. For some, the best vacation is shopping, and for others, it’s the sea, the sun, the beach. But you can combine business with pleasure. The beaches of Corsica are a paradise for lovers of relaxation, and the many shops, souvenir shops and markets will attract even the most demanding shopper.
It's hard to resist shopping in Corsica. There are no large shopping centers here, but there are plenty of individual shops, both large and small. Almost all large shops are located in the main cities of the island: Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Bastia, Calvi and others. But small souvenir shops and markets are everywhere. They can be found on almost every street. As a rule, having visited Corsica, they take it from here glass products And Corsican ceramics , the production technology of which has not changed since the Middle Ages, for which it is valued by tourists from all over the world. But still, the lion's share of purchases in Corsica, in addition to souvenirs, is food. In local markets you can find delicacies that you cannot taste anywhere else in the world.
Each city on the island of Corsica has a large market square where you can buy products from local farmers . You can try all products before you buy. Corsicans are not greedy people. They will feed you with great pleasure first, and then only offer to buy. Raw smoked sausages with pepper and other spices, amazingly tasty coppa and prizuttu hams, tender figatellu liver sausages, boar sausage and dried boar meat are on every counter here. The world-famous soft cheese brocciu, which is made from full-fat goat's milk, can only be bought in Corsica. Delicate, soft, with a texture unique to this type of cheese, it is a must-buy for every second tourist.
In the markets you can find a huge assortment honey , the most diverse: fruity, floral, citrus and even chestnut. Each type of honey has its own unique recipe, which only the Corsicans themselves know. Corsican olive oil - a must-buy, right after the brocciu cheese. Tourists bring it home en masse. But it is worth remembering that the best time to buy oil here is either in March at the Saint Lucie de Tallano market or in July in Montegrosso. By adhering to this simple rule, you can buy only the best quality product. Prices for traditional Corsican products are very reasonable. For example, you can buy sausages here for only 2-5 euros, but you need to know when to come for them. Prices, as a rule, decrease significantly by the end of the working day, because Corsicans greatly value the freshness of each product. It is customary to bargain in Corsican markets, so even an expensive product can be bought for almost nothing.
Souvenirs , which can be brought from the island, are in one way or another connected with the great French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Souvenir shops are everywhere here, and the range they offer is very impressive. These are the famous Napoleonic cocked hats, busts of the emperor, magnets, dishes, postcards, keychains, T-shirts, and all with the image of Bonaparte. Prices for such souvenirs range on average from 1 to 50 euros, but they can also be much more expensive. Thus, in souvenir shops you can find everything for every taste and every budget.
Most of the island's indigenous people practice crafts and then put their works of art up for sale. Elegant, authentic creations of Corsicans can be bought in port souvenir shops, shops and just on the streets. At antique markets, especially on weekends, you can find a huge number of very interesting things. There are also many points selling French wine on the island.
The only thing that shopping lovers will not be able to do here is buy clothes. There are many clothing stores in Corsica, for example, the famous Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Benettone and others, but the prices there are quite high. This is due to the fact that such goods arrive in the cities of Corsica by sea from the mainland, which is why their prices are significantly inflated. More traditional Corsican outfits are in abundance here, but they are bought more as souvenirs rather than for everyday wear.
Cuisine of Corsica
Corsican cuisine is associated with a large, warm home and cooking for the whole family. Old residents of the island still remember that they used to get up before dark to prepare pasta, and for bread and water they had to ride a donkey for more than two hours. Modern Corsica is full of villas, restaurants and small cafes serving dishes in the best traditions of the island.
Corsica's cuisine is a mixture of French and Italian. But, importantly, each region of the island has its own signature dish, which you cannot try anywhere else. Locals take every meal very seriously. Some meat dishes must be tasted accompanied by a glass of wine. The most famous delicacy of Corsica is a casserole made from wild boar, fennel, onions and wine. Lamb stewed with potatoes and fresh rosemary is no less appetizing.
Traditional Corsican dishes are renowned for their distinctive aromas and taste characteristics. After all, the source of these unsurpassed aromas is the very nature of the island.
A privileged place among the products used in preparing dishes is occupied by chestnuts And olives. Sweet chestnuts are a special product in Corsican cuisine. Many years ago, Pascal Paoli said: “As long as we have chestnuts, we will have bread.” Dried chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, chestnut flour from which bread and sweet pastries are baked, chestnut soup, side dishes and even chestnut beer and liqueur are undoubtedly very tasty delicacies.
What is Corsican cuisine without olives and olive oil? Olive trees have been grown on the island since ancient times, and the olive oil produced here is renowned for its consistent quality.
Pork since ancient times it has been a traditional dish of every Corsican, and breeding pigs is a common practice for every farmer. The most delicate liver sausage is considered a special delicacy. They usually like to eat it in winter, when it can be roasted over a fire. And the admiration of true gourmets is worthy of wild boar meat, which is carefully fried or stewed. Also, not the least important among meat dishes is the meat of a young kid.
Cheesemaking- a long tradition in the life of Corsicans. There is a very large concentration of sheep and goats on the island. There are especially many sheep and goats in the areas of Alta Rocca Calenzana, Venaco, Niolo, as well as on the eastern plains of Taravo or Gravona. This allows the locals to make over 12 different types of cheese from goat's and sheep's milk. Corsican cheese has a special, unique aroma and taste. The most famous cheese, which is made only here, is Brocciu. This is a soft cheese that is made in the form of small circles covered with a crust of greenish mold. Brocciu has a moderately salty, slightly sweetish-spicy taste and has a distinct milky smell. The cheese matures in just two to three weeks. It is added to salads, desserts, soups, pies, pancakes and omelettes. And with white wine it’s just an incredibly tasty delicacy.
Remain unchanged in the Mediterranean seafood. Local cafes offer dishes from sea bream, sea bass, sea urchin, sardines, lobsters, lobsters, mussels, eel and even scorpion fish. And this is not a complete list.
Vegetables soups with wild herbs, soups with beans and mountain dandelions, soups with garlic, onion and bacon have been the daily lunch of local residents for a long time. Traditionally, wild herbs and plants are used to prepare local cuisine - basil, rosemary, anise, sorrel.
Lasagna, ravioli, and pasta are popular on the island due to the influence of Italian culture. Here they are prepared no worse than in the best and most expensive restaurants in Italy.
Local jams, confitures and honey are the best treats for those with a sweet tooth. In the markets you can find a huge variety of honey: floral, citrus, fruit and, of course, chestnut. Fig and strawberry confiture is also the work of local craftsmen.
Corsican wines- this is the highest degree of quality. Light red wines with aromas of flowers, fruit and coffee, made from Sciaccarelli grapes; rich red wines with aromas of violets and licorice, made from Niellucciu grapes; dry and semi-dry white wines of a yellow-greenish color, shaded with the aromas of apples and almonds from the Vermentinu grape variety - this is the pride of the Corsicans. And in eight separate regions of the island, they even make fortified citrus wines, myrtle and mint liqueurs, chestnut liqueurs, the Cap Corse aperitif and the local vodka Aquavita, which means “Water of Living”.
.Latest hotels booked in Corsica
You can view the list of hotels with descriptions (amenities in the rooms and on site, photographs, reviews, contacts, directions) in the section “Hotels in Corsica”. You can also book your favorite hotel there.
A car is the most convenient transport in Corsica. Buses run rarely, the railway runs along a limited route, so you can’t get to many beautiful places and beaches without a car. The mountain roads on the island are often serpentine and have sharp turns, but are covered with good asphalt. And between the cities there are “national” roads that allow you to travel quickly. Renting a car in Corsica is easy; major brands are represented, for example Hertz, Europcar. You can compare prices on this website.
Day 1: Bastia – Cap Corse
To begin with, the goal is to get to the center, from the port (10 minutes) or from the airport (30 minutes along the T11 road). It’s easier to leave your car in the underground parking lot at Place d’arme. It's next to the citadel, you won't be confused. A leisurely walk through the citadel, the shady garden, the Old Port, Place San Nicolas and the double-domed church of San Jean Baptista will take at least two hours. There is only one road leading from the city, D80. On the map, the cape is shaped like a thumb. But in reality these are pebble and sandy beaches, picturesque villages, ancient Genoese towers and quiet fishing ports.
The most interesting places in Cap Corsica:
- Tower in Miomo,
- Stone village of Erbalunga,
- Pietra Corbara beach,
- Maginaggio beaches,
- Mills of Mattei,
- Centuri port,
- Black beach in the ancient village of Nonza.
This is an approximate auto route through the most unforgettable places in Cap Corse. In essence, the road goes around the “finger”. You can drive it in a day, but for a good rest, break the route into parts. Miomo is famous for its 16th century stone tower, which is very well preserved. You will see the next tower in the village of Erbalunga. The Genoese built about 90 of these unique watchtowers, and most of them were on Cap Corse. If you love sandy beaches, stay in Pietra Corbara or Maginaggio. The latter is a very beautiful white sandy beach with a turquoise sea, a little away from the quiet port of Maginaggio. It's nice to go to one of the many cafes or glacerie serving delicious ice cream and sit right by the sea, looking at the boats. From this port it is 12 km to the Mattei mill. It has not been working for a long time, but only here you can see both sides of the cape from above. And in the port of Centuri, tourists feast on lobsters.
Day 2: Nonza – Saint Florent
The volcanic black (already gray) beach is known throughout France. Nonza is a very atmospheric medieval village with a Genoese tower. To get to the beach you need to go down a steep stone staircase. The road is still the same, D80, it will lead to “Corsican”. What to do in Saint-Florent, we already wrote.
Day 3. Ile Rousse-Algajola-Calvi-Porto Calanca Piana
Ile Rousse (“red island”) is a small village with sandy beaches. The clear turquoise sea invites you to swim and soak up the sun. one of the most beautiful on the way. It is about an hour's drive from Saint-Florent along the T30 and D81 roads. The attraction of Calvi is the citadel of the 15th century. If you are not afraid of serpentine roads, then go to the famous red rocks of Calanca Piana. The road goes through Porto, the distance from Calvi is 32 km along the D81 and D351. From Porto to the protected rocks it is another 60 km.
Day 4. Ajaccio – Propriano – Sartene
It’s faster to get to Bonaparte’s birthplace on the D81, about 1.5 hours from Calanque Piana. Sights include monuments to Bonaparte, Fache Palace and Napoleon's House. Near Ajaccio, Propriano and Sartene there is a “sea” of beautiful paradise beaches, choose any along the way, or better yet several.
Day 5. Lion Rocapino – Bonifacio – Porto-Vecchio
Day 6-7. Return to Ajaccio or Aleria – Corte – Bastia
If you decide to fly from Ajaccio, this will save you from having to cross the island again. Otherwise, you will find an ancient city, the only mountain fortress in Corsica, and perhaps hiking in the mountains to a waterfall and lakes. From Porto-Vecchio to ancient Aleria it is about 71 km. Ruins (older than the Colosseum!) are available for visiting. Aleria was founded by the Etruscans. After visiting the ancient times, go to the “heart” of the island, to the mountainous Corte. Brave hikers are attracted to the GR20 mountain trail. Other hikers take the easy route to English Falls. You can stay for one day in Corte or closer to the waterfall, in the town of Vizzavona. The two are just under an hour's T20 drive. If you do not go to Vizzavona, then from Corte to Bastia there will be another 70 km, which will take at least an hour and a half.
And it is famous for its clean beaches, historical sites, as well as a peaceful atmosphere. Tourists strive to get to Corsica at any time of the year, as the French island has a number of advantages compared to other resorts in the world.
How to get to Corsica by plane
There are four airports on the island (Bastia, Campo del Oro, Figari, Calvi), which receive flights from different countries all year round. There are no direct flights from major Russian cities. However, carriers offer a lot of options with connections in different cities. The most popular tickets are from the following airlines: Aeroflot; Air France; Air Corsica; British Airways; CCM Airlines; Luxair.
It is better to purchase tickets to Corsica several months before the trip due to the fact that this destination is especially popular among tourists. Each carrier tries to create optimal conditions for its customers, so you can buy a ticket at a promotion and save a little.
If you decide to go to the island with a transfer in, you will spend about 9-10 hours on the journey. At the same time, be sure to take into account the fact that upon arrival in the French capital you will need to change the airport. For these purposes, you can use a transfer or public transport that will take you to Orly airport.
Another way to get to Corsica is a flight with connections in, or. Despite transfers in several cities, the travel time will be from 5 to 7 hours, which is quite convenient, given the significant distance between and the French resort.
As for the cost of tickets, the cheapest option will cost you 23,000 rubles per person one way, and the highest price is 101,000 rubles.
To Corsica by ferry
There are excellent ferry connections between the port cities of France and Corsica. A ferry trip is suitable for those who are traveling to the island from France and are not afraid of long journeys. You should first decide on the starting point of departure, which could be Nice or.
Tickets are usually purchased on specialized websites. Convenient navigation in English will allow you to quickly find the route you are interested in. The cost of a ticket directly depends on the distance and duration of the trip. On average, the price varies from 35 to 60 euros.
If you are traveling around France with a rented car, keep in mind that the car can be transported by ferry without any problems. This service is widely practiced in Europe. Among the most famous carriers are: Moby Lines; CMN; Linee Lauro/Medmare; SAREMAR; Corsica Ferries.
It is also worth noting that almost all ferries plying to Corsica are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip.
Ground transportation on the island
Most tourists arrive at Bastia and Campo del Oro airports. The first one is located 20 kilometers from the city of Bastia, from which you can go anywhere on the island. There is a bus stop near this airport, from where spacious buses run 5-6 times a day. It is better to check the schedule with the airport staff, since bus operating times vary in different seasons. Tickets can be purchased either from vending machines or directly from the driver. For one ticket you will pay around 8-10 euros.
Some tourists prefer to get from Bastia airport to their holiday destination by taxi. Such a trip cannot be called cheap, since you will have to pay about 50-70 euros for one trip. To save money, you can call a taxi in advance and wait for the car at the airport entrance. Travel time will be approximately 20-30 minutes.
Public transport is poorly developed in Corsica. This is one of the reasons why visitors often rent a car to get to their final destination. There are car rental offices at all airports on the island. Keep in mind that you will be allowed to rent a car only if you have an international driver’s license. In addition, company employees will require a deposit from you, which is subsequently returned.