Corsica: Where the mountains meet the sea. My 7-day road trip across the island - Part 1.
- quynhanh hophan
- Oct 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 13
The moment I stepped off the airplane in Bastia, I felt the Mediterranean humidity wrap around me. It's such a different feeling after leaving the cold air of the Netherlands.
I spent a week road-tripping across Corsica with my boyfriend. I came here chasing the sun at the end of the summer, not expecting much honestly. I thought it is simply just another European island. But Corsica turned out to have so much to offer and suprise me in the best way!
A little island with the mix of France and Italy
Corsica sits in the Mediterranean between France and Italy. It's French by passport and proudly Corsican at heart.
Going from North to Soutth feels like flipping between worlds. One moment, you are winding up the mountain roads and the next, you’re driving toward beaches with turquoise, crystal-clear water that looks surreal. Down south, the beaches stretch long and calm, perfect for lazy afternoons. Head north, the coastline turns rugged with waves crashing against rocky cliffs, which creates a dramatic scene. This is a place full of contrasts, and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.
Getting there and around
I took a direct flight from Rotterdam Airport to Bastia. From there, we rented a car from Sunny Car, which is absolutely necesary to explore this island properly . Public transport hardly exists here. Having a car gives you the freedom to stop whenever you see something beautiful which, in Corsica, happens every ten minutes.
A pit stop in Porto-Vechio
Our first stop on the way south was Porto-Vecchio, a little coastal town perfect for a quick lunch break and a short wander. It’s small, charming, and calm. We didn’t stay long, just enough to stretch our legs, enjoy our late lunch, and soak in the slow island rhythm before continuing toward Bonifacio.
Bonifacio - the city on the cliff
We continued our trip to Bonifacio, about a three-hour drive from Bastia. Bonifacio became our base for three days to explore the south of Corsica.
Morning Walk on the Cliffs
Early mornings here are quiet and golden. The white limestone cliffs glow against the deep blue water, shaped by centuries of wind and waves. It’s an easy, peaceful walk. We stopped every 10 mins for photos. Every corner here opens up a panoramic view.
Tip: Make sure to go before 9 am before the sun gets strong and the path gets busy.
Exploring the Old Town
The old town sits dramatically on top of those cliffs: steep, hilly, and full of narrow streets. We wandered along the coblestone streets, feeling like going back in time.
Climbing the 189-step King’s Staircase (Escalier du Roi d’Aragon) was impressive but no joke (my legs felt sore for a few days later...). The steps are carved straight into the limestone leading down toward the sea. Centuries ago, they were used to carry water up to the citadel. It's hard to imagine when you’re catching your breath halfway back up!
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Flip-flops are not allowed. It is 45 degree steep.
Magic at dusk: Sunset & Stargazing
As the day faded, we found a quiet spot on the cliffs and sat down on a rock overlooking the old town (a pin on Google Map). The sky looked like it was on fire, glowing orange and pink, the colors slowly melting into the water. The wind brushed my face and the only sound was the ocean crashing against the cliffs. It was one of those moments where everything just paused: just the waves and the light. I’m a sunset chaser, and this one felt like a little bit of magic.
Later that night, we came back to watch the stars. The Milky Way stretched above us, and every few minutes a shooting star crossed through the dark. No city lights, no car sounds. It is the scene I only saw on TV as kid, and now it was right there in front of me.
Tip: Bring a jacket; it gets windy once the sun goes down.
The boat trip
The next morning we came back to do a boat tour to see Bonifacio from the water (We took this Tour No 1). Being out on the sea made me realize just how massive and dramatic the cliffs are. Seeing the King’s Staircase from below, carved straight into the rock, was surreal.
Our tour was in French, but a sweet grandma behind us us kindly translated some info. And she made the trip even more memorable.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. The boats leave every 30 minutes and fill up quickly.
A pit stop in Corte
We said goodbye to Bonifacio and started driving north, trading sea views for mountain roads. Our first stop was Corte, a small town in the heart of Corsica. The air felt a little cooler, the landscape was wilder. After days by the coast, it felt like discovering another side of the island: rougher, another kind of beautiful.
Corte was just a quick stop during our trip, but the drive itself was stunning. One moment, you’re surrounded by mountains; the next, the scenery shifts into dry, desert-like. Corsican scernery keeps changing and that’s what makes it so special.
L'Île-Rousse: A lively coastal city
It's a lively coastal city with a beautiful beach right next to the center. It feels a bit commercial but in a good way, full of life and energy. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb for the next 3 days, which is tucked uphill, surrounded by a garden that felt like a small escape from the busy streets below.
City stroll & Walk along the shore: We spent the morning wandering through the streets full of shops and restaurants, stopping for fresh drinks and people watching. We saw a little buzzing market where you could buy all Corsican products like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and sausages.
Seleccia park: A scenic park worth a stop. It is not a botanical garden, so don’t expect endless flowers. Instead, you’ll find plants typical of Corsica: wild herbs, myrtle, and tall pine trees (just to name a few). It’s peaceful, green, and a nice break from the busy town vibe.
Cap Corse - The final road trip
We squeezed Cap Corse into our last day before flying back to Rotterdam. It was a four-hour loop with plenty of quick stops. The drive was long but so worth it.
The scenery kept changing as we went from west to east, from dramatic cliffs and wild coastlines to softer hills. It felt like seeing a smaller version of all of Corsica in one day.
Here are a few spots worth stopping for a short walk, a photo, or just to take in the view.
Saint-Florent: A lovely coastal town with a small marina and plenty of cafés and fancy yachts.
Moulin Mattei: A short walk up from the D80 will lead you to the white wind-mill of Moulin Mattei, with the panoramic view of both side of Cap Corse.
Erbalunga: One of my favorite little towns with colorful houses right by the water and a calm, authentic vibe. Great for a short stroll and some postcard-like photos.
Tip: There are not a lot of restaurants or cafe along the way. So bring some food and water with you.
Corsica was full of surprises: wild, beautiful, and full of contrasts. But of course, I can’t talk about Corsica without mentioning its beaches: some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. So stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share my favorite spots to swim and unwind!
If you go, here are my honest tips:
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a swimsuit as you’ll need both every single day. I regretted not bring more swimsuits with me.
Don’t rush. Roads are winding, and so is the pace of life.
Go in June or September if you can with warm weather, fewer crowds.
Protect yourself from the strong sun here.
Google Maps says 3 hours? Make it 4.
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