Exploring the island on wheels is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover Corsica’s most beautiful destinations while allowing you the autonomy to spend as much time at a given location as you like. Check out these tips before you hit the road!
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DRIVING IN CORSICA – GENERAL INFORMATION
As Corsican roads are famous for thrilling hairpin bends, zigzags, and steep drops, driving these twists and turns may seem a bit daunting. However, if you remain attentive and observant you will be rewarded with an opportunity to enjoy some of the most breathtaking vistas in Europe.
Routes Territoriales (T) – the main roads in Corsica are of good quality and it’s the Routes Dépertementales (D) that become more narrow and winding.
In the mountainous regions, narrow stretches flanked by steep drops are common while bridges are often single-track.
ROAD TRAFFIC IN SUMMER
As traffic remains open to tour buses in the summer months when the island welcomes an influx of tourists, you may get stuck behind one of them. The best solution is to accept it! And then, use the first opportunity to safely overtake the bus.
If you find that it is you holding up the traffic- let it pass by pulling up to the side of the road allowing other vehicles to overtake.
AVERAGE DRIVING SPEED
You may be surprised that the average speed for your entire trip will not exceed 30-40 km/h and that Corsicans tend not to measure distances in km/h but rather in the time needed to travel them. A word of caution though, be mindful at blind corners– the local drivers do like to race the bends!
How te get around Corsica? Learn more…
DRIVING ON CORSICAN ROADS – USEFUL TIPS
- Speed limits in Corsica:
50 km/h in built-up areas
80 km/h on the regional roads
110 km/h on the expressways
- Seat belts must be worn in both the front and rear of the vehicle
- Children under 10 must not travel in the front and a child seat must be provided
- The blood alcohol limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- It is compulsory for drivers to carry a warning sign and a reflective jacket
- If visibility is poor during the day, dipped lights must be used
- In GPS-based navigation systems, the fixed-speed camera function must be turned off
How to get around Corsica? Learn more…
SCENIC DRIVES IDEAS IN CORSICA
- Calvi to Porto
- Porto to Piana
- Porto to Evisa
- Vivario to Ghisoni
- Restonica Valley
- Scala di Santa Regina
- Asco Valley
- Tour of Cap Corse
- Porto Vecchio – Bavella – Solenzara
If you get tired of the never-ending twists and turns, head for the Bastia– Bonifacio stretch (T11-T10) – it may be your only chance to experience a straight road in Corsica!
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2 comments
Your website is very informative. Thank you for the great information.
We are planning a 7-10 day trip in late May and wanted to explore as much of the island as possible. We would then leave Corsica and ferry to Sardinia for a few days before flying home to Canada. Would you be able to suggest 3-4 different locations to stay so we can do day trips and then continue on? We prefer small quaint villages rather than the larger centres. Thank you kindly, Carol
Dear Carol, I am sorry for the delay in replying to your question, I was away in a remote location without access to my account. I have compiled the following propositions for your stay although I must admit the task was not easy, Corsica has simply too much to offer in terms of tourist attractions!
Saint Florent may be your perfect first base for the exploration of Corsica’s north. Beautifully located in the Nebbio valley it has a lovely marina abounding with charming restaurants and bars. From its port, you may depart on a 15 min boat ride to some of Corsica’s most attractive beaches- Loto and Saleccia. Saint Florent is also a starting point of an iconic scenic drive around the Cap Corse peninsula famous for dramatic landscapes, beautiful perched villages and historic monuments. You may also enjoy a day trip to Bastia, the capital of Haute Corse, it boasts a beautiful citadel and an atmospheric old port just below. Local Partimonio wines are some of the best on the island.
As your next stop, I recommend a couple of days in Corte located in the heart of Corsica’s mountains. The town itself has a long history and was once the capital under Pasquale Paoli. It is perched dramatically on a rocky spur with windy cobbled streets. A must-visit destination just outside of Corte is the Restonica Valley, a paradise of emerald river pools overlooked by snowy peaks, or alternatively even more remote Vallee d’Asco.
For your third stop-over, you could choose the town of Cargese or Porto, both are magnificent due to their location on the island’s most beautiful coast. West Corsica’s top attraction is a boat trip to the emblematic Scandola Nature Reserve (best enjoyed at sunset, departing from harbours in both towns) and a visit to Calanches de Piana, a labyrinth of red rock plunging into the sea. One of the most beautiful beaches in the area is called Arone, if you enjoy hiking, however, the summit of Capu Rossu offers breathtaking panoramic views.
As your last stop, I would suggest a clifftop town of Bonifacio in the south. Its striking position and a charming old town make it the most-visited place on the island. For a dip in translucent Mediterranean water, it’s worth driving up north from Bonifacio to the most famous beach of Corsica- Palombaggia, while a Bavella scenic drive is celebrated amongst mountain and nature lovers. Ferries to Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia depart from Bonifacio’s lovely marina, the crossing takes 50 min.
Carol, I hope you find this information helpful, if you have further questions you may email me at contact@coolcorsica.com. Have a lovely holiday!
Karola