How do you get around Corsica? Do you need a car? These questions are often asked by travelers willing to discover the ‘Island of Beauty’.
As a matter of fact, Corsica can be explored in different ways, either with your own vehicle, on public transport, or even on foot. Each method has advantages and drawbacks and may be better suited than others to one’s personal needs and preferences.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about how to get around the island to enjoy your ideal Mediterranean getaway.
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OWN MEANS OF TRANSPORT
Private transportation grants maximum freedom and independence allowing you to experience the unique Corsican destinations that might be poorly serviced by public conveyance. Entertaining full flexibility, you may plan your perfect itinerary as you please, without worrying about limiting timetables or routes.
BY CAR
The easiest and the most convenient way to get around Corsica is definitely by car. Traveling on four wheels gives you access to the majority of the island’s tourist attractions as well as the freedom to plan your adventures according to your time frame and personal preferences.
If you travel in your vehicle, you will arrive in one of Corsica’s 6 passenger ferry ports– Ajaccio, Bastia, Ile Rousse, Porto Vecchio, Propriano, or Bonifaccio. Ferries depart from major Mediterranean port towns in France, Italy, and Sardinia. Companies servicing the island include Corsica Ferries, Moby Lines, Corsica Linea, La Mérodionale, and Ichnusa Lines.
Day ferries take between 50 minutes (from Sardinia) and 6 hours (continental Italy and France) while the night crossing lasts 9 to 12 hours. Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the traveling season and formula. Learn more about ferry crossings to Corsica.
The Corsican roads are narrow and windy, except for the eastern T10 stretch connecting Bastia and Bonifacio. Navigating the never-ending zig-zags requires focus and attention, as well as low driving speeds. When estimating your travel time do not focus too much on the relatively short distances between the locations as it may be misleading. Generally, you will not exceed an average of 40 km per hour.
On the other hand, the island’s twisting route labyrinth is a true scenic drive paradise. Dramatic mountain landscapes, thrilling coastal scenery, and fascinating historic landmarks- all are easily accessible from the comfort of your car, a campervan, or a motorbike.
Read more about driving in Corsica.
HIRE A DRIVER TO VISIT THE AJACCIO REGION
Cruise ship passengers and other visitors looking to enjoy their custom day itinerary around Ajaccio and the surrounding regions may hire a driver or even upgrade to include a private tour guide. Guests are welcome to choose their preferred time and place of departure. Private tours last for up to 8 hours and are also offered in English. Click here to learn more and make an early reservation.
IN A RENTAL VEHICLE
If you fly into one of Corsica’s airports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Figari), you can rent a vehicle for the required period. Most of the major rental companies are represented on the island with agencies located at the airports and in the major cities. However, booking in advance gives you not only a better deal but also a guarantee that you will get a car that meets your needs.
Rent your car in Corsica – check out Renatlcars.com to find the best deals
When choosing your vehicle, consider the number of passengers traveling, the amount of luggage you will be carrying, and the need for an automatic transmission model. For the standard road use an all-wheel drive car is not required in Corsica as the quality of the surface is good.
As to electric vehicles, they are becoming more and more popular on insular routes, however, it is worth remembering that in mountainous terrain, car autonomy will be more limited than on straight, flat sections. Supermarkets, service stations, and numerous hotels are equipped with charging points, but it’s best to double-check their availability before traveling.
Learn how to get to Corsica by air.
ON A MOTORBIKE
Being one of the most popular European motorcycle destinations, Corsica attracts thousands of bikers all year round. Exhilarating itineraries provide access to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Mediterranean, while good technical infrastructure guarantees support in case of difficulties.
As the local roads are narrow and windy, often without guard rails for protection, careful driving is required at all times. Headlights are obligatory both, at night and during the day. This rule also applies to scooters registered after 1 July 2004.
If you choose to fly into Corsica, you may rent a motorbike on the island for the duration of your stay:
- Ajaccio – https://www.corsica-moto-rent.com/
- Calvi – http://www.tramare-monti.com/fr/
Visitors arriving with their own transport need to take a ferry in Italy or France to arrive in one of Corsica’s four ports. Learn more about how to get to Corsica.
To get yourself prepared for the Corsican roads, you should equip your bike with an oil carter protector, an engine guard, and a radiator shield. Neither should you forget an anti-puncture or a first-aid kit.
As to the required documents, carry your identity card, driver’s license, and green card. In case of emergency call 17 (Police) or 15 (Medical help). The universal 112 number works on all mobile phones.
ENJOY A QUAD BIKE TOUR IN CALVI
Hop aboard a quad bike on a 2-hour-long excursion to discover the picturesque corners of Balagne with a visit to the Chapel of Notre Dame de la Serra. The helmet and gloves are provided by the organizer. The activity is suitable for holders of the driver’s license. Find more details and book your trip here.
ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Exploring Corsica without a car is more challenging but possible, although your travel options will be limited. Busses and trains are Corsica’s primary method of public transport. The connecting routes link the principal cities with the frequency of operating services adapted to seasonal traffic fluctuations.
BY BUS
Buses run between Bastia and Ajaccio (via Corte), Ajaccio and Porto Vecchio (via Sartène, Propriano, and Bonifacio), and Porto Vecchio and Bastia with a connection to Macinaggio in Cap Corse. Bus operators also service several routes in Alta Rocca (south Corsica) and the region of Porto.
Different companies offer their services in the given area, therefore, it may be tricky to obtain relevant information regarding timetables. At https://www.transbus.org/reseaux/20.html you may find a complete list of bust agencies servicing the island. The best place to consult the schedules and tariffs is www.corsicabus.com. Moreover, each town guide presented on this site contains a Practical Information section at the end of the article where I cover the details regarding the local transport options.
The principal bus operators include –
- Autocars Corse-Méditerranée (ACM), www.autocarscorsemediterranee.fr, tel. 0495 254037
- Muvistrada (Transports en commun d’Ajaccio), https://mobilite.muvitarra.fr, tel. 0495 232941
- Eurocorse Voyages, www.isula.corsica, tel. 0495 210630
VIEW AJACCIO IN AN OPEN-TOP BUS
View Ajaccio from an open-top bus on a guided tour of the Imperial Town with a stop at Pointe de la Parata for a splendid panorama of Iles Sanguinaires. Find more details and book tickets here.
BY TRAIN
The train ride through Corsica’s awe-inspiring mountain scenery between Bastia and Ajaccio is one of the island’s main scenic highlights. Not only will you be able to admire some of the most dramatic landscapes but you will also have a chance to cross the famous Pont du Vecchio in Vivario, a 222 meters long road bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The ride takes 3 hours with stops at Corte and Vizzavona.
A subsidiary line from Ponte Leccia leads to Ile Rousse and Calvi in the northern Balagne region.
Timetables and tariffs may be found at https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/ or https://www.corsicabus.org/. You can purchase tickets at train stations. Bicycles are not accepted aboard the train.
IMP TIP – In season, the famous Trinichellu train operates services along the coast between Calvi and Ile Rousse with stopovers at some of the most picturesque spots in Balagne. Going at a slow speed, visitors may enjoy the captivating Mediterranean seascapes hopping from one pretty beach to another.
OTHER OPTIONS
ON FOOT
Hiking is the most satisfying method of getting around Corsica. At your own pace and according to your own timetable you can explore every corner of the beautiful Mediterranean destination. This budget-friendly option also allows you to meet fellow travelers and form meaningful relationships.
The downside is that it requires a lot of stamina and physical agility, thus limiting its accessibility to many visitors.
If you are in a reasonable physical shape, I do recommend though, taking on some shorter hiking challenges while visiting the island. A list of easy hikes in Corsica may help you decide which trek best suits your preferences. With various distance and elevation possibilities, you will surely find an exciting adventure.
LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS
Well-seasoned explorers know and appreciate the awe-inspiring landscapes of Corsica. GR20, the iconic long-distance trail traversing the island diagonally draws each year thousands of hikers from around the world. Known as the most challenging European hiking route, GR20 is equally beautiful. Tall rocky pinnacles, frozen high-altitude lakes, ancient forests, and emerald rivers cascading into natural pools- this outstanding scenery may be encountered at each corner of the archetypal trail.
Other famous Coast-to-coast walking routes crossing the lower altitudes include Mara a Mare and Tra Mare e Monti.
Proper preparation with special emphasis on health and safety measures must always be the prerequisite of any hiking adventure.
BOOK A GUIDED HIKING TOUR IN THE BAVELLA MASSIF
Enjoy a guided hiking tour to explore the classic landscapes at Col de Bavella. The excursion starts at the Bavella pass by the statue of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. You may choose a half-a-day or a full-day scenic walk at the foot of the famous granite Needles. A meal composed of local produce is available as an option. To learn more and book tickets in advance click here.
BY BICYCLE
For people with a thirst for adventure, cycling is one of the most exciting ways to explore Corsica. First of all, it gives you freedom and flexibility to plan your next destination in your own rhythm in complete unity with the surrounding environment. It also provides access to the most interesting, remote corners of the island where a paved road turns into a less–frequented dirt track or a stony footpath.
Faster than walking and slower than driving, you have a chance to take in the astonishing beauty of the surrounding scenery yet you manage to make headway.
GT20
This nature-friendly travel option is much-loved by numerous travelers eager to pedal their way through Corsica’s natural landmarks, monuments, and cultural attractions. A cycling equivalent of the GR20 trail known as GT20, leads from Bastia, via Cap Corse, Balagne, the scenic Porto Bay, and Corte, down to Bonifacio. As most of the Corsican roads may be considered ‘scenic’, a bicycle tour is granted to become a thrilling adventure.
The possibility of tackling each stage of the GT ride on an electric bicycle opens up this excellent activity to a larger number of visitors. However, if you prefer short excursions, you may rent an e-bike in most tourist locations and enjoy a fun day trip around your favourite spots. Prices start at €40-45 for a day’s use.
The best time to discover Corsica on two wheels is between May and June or September and October, avoiding the high season’s heath.
BOOK AN E-BIKE TOUR OF AJACCIO
Explore Napoleonic sites and natural attractions of Ajaccio on the electric bike. A self-guided e-bike tour is available for anyone above the height of 1m55cm. Closed-toe shoes are required. A map with the points of interest is included in the price of the bicycle. Click here to book your adventure in advance.
HELPFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Liability Disclaimer
All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk. Always plan ahead and be cautious when preparing for your hikes. The author of this blog cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident, death, loss, personal injury, or any other inconvenience or damage that may be sustained by anyone as a result of the use of any information contained on this website.
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