Where to stay in Corsica without a car? Is it possible to explore the island’s top attractions without the comfort of four wheels?
As a matter of fact, even without a vehicle, you will be able to enjoy Corsica’s charms, travelling either on public transport, on foot, aboard a boat or even on a bicycle.
In this guide, I present the 3 best Corsican destinations for a car-free getaway explaining how to get around, what to see and do, and where to stay. Plan your trip to the Island of Beauty to discover the heart and soul of this magnificent Mediterranean jewel.
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORSICA WITHOUT A CAR – IN SHORT
AJACCIO – Best place for first-time visitors offering interesting sightseeing, sandy beaches, excellent boat tours and mountain day trips. The biggest town on the island. Good local transportation options. Diverse guided excursions for those without a car.
CALVI – Best overall place to enjoy Corsica’s attractions. A quintessentially Mediterranean seaside resort with a vibrant marina, beautiful beaches, dramatic nature, and charming countryside. Local transportation is more limited than in Ajaccio but the town is easily walkable. Many exciting organized tours.
CORTE – Best place for hikers, lovers of the outdoors and adventure seekers. Arresting high mountains, emerald-coloured rivers, ancient forests and a historic city with a fascinating heritage. Corte is more suited to travellers who enjoy active recreation. The town is walkable.
1. AJACCIO
WHERE TO ARRIVE
- Ajaccio airport
- Ajaccio ferry port
HOW TO ARRIVE
- If you arrive by plane at the Ajaccio airport (located 6 km from the city centre) get on the bus nr 8 to reach the town. Routes, timetables and ticket information are on the official website https://mobilite.muvitarra.fr/.
- Alternatively, you may take a taxi at the entrance of the terminal. You may also try try Allo Taxi Ajaccio https://www.allo-taxis-ajaccio.com/, Ajaccio Happy Taxi 0769802981, or Ajaccio Radio Taxis https://www.taxis-ajaccio.fr/.
- If you arrive in Ajaccio by ferry you will have the heart of the city at hand due to the port’s central location.
WHY STAY IN AJACCIO
Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica, is a charming coastal destination that boasts an interesting history, stunning nature, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. Whether you are interested in sightseeing, exploring the great outdoors, or simply soaking up the laid-back Corsican atmosphere, Ajaccio will grant you an abundance of rewarding holiday experiences.
As the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the city offers a rare glimpse into the life of the famous French emperor. It is also home to numerous religious and historic monuments that bear witness to the island’s fascinating heritage. The vibrant harbour where restaurant tables spill into the picturesque waterfront is the heart of this welcoming town. Pastel-hued buildings of the Old Town encircle the marina dotting the maze of narrow alleyways and sunny squares.
The Imperial City is also a premium location for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts. Beautiful turquoise-water sandy coves indent the Ajaccio Bay coastline providing excellent opportunities to practice watersports. Porticcio and Route des Iles Sanguinaires are the most popular destinations for seekers of summer bliss.
Active visitors will appreciate a wide range of outdoor attractions in the vicinity of Corsica’s capital. Majestic high mountains, wild sapphire-hued rivers, waterfalls, and ancient forests provide a glorious backdrop to scenic hikes and other open-air activities.
Boat tours departing from Ajaccio’s port to Corsica’s west coast’s natural monuments offer a great opportunity to enjoy thrilling day trips even without a car. Iles Sanguinaires, Calanches the Piana, and Scandola Nature Reserve crown the Island of Beauty bucket list.
HIRE A DRIVER TO VISIT THE AJACCIO REGION
- Visitors without a car 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. You may choose your preferred time and place of departure. Private tours last for up to 8 hours and are also offered in English.
GETTING AROUND AJACCIO
ON FOOT
The centre of Ajaccio is easily walkable and the vast majority of its main tourist attractions are within a comfortable walking distance from one another. The ferry port enjoys a central position with the Old Town and the Citadel just behind it.
OPEN BUS TOUR
A convenient way to explore Ajaccio is on an open-top bus tour with a stop at Pointe de la Parata exposed to stunning views of Iles Sanguinaires. Find more details and book tickets online.
FREE ELECTRIC BUS
Ajaccio offers free electric mobility services. Aiaccina and Citadina operate in two city circuits – Citadina runs from the Jardins de l’Empereur district to the CFC station via Pietrina and Place Abatucci while Aiaccina provides two routes focused on the key sectors of the historic center. Electric mini buses run every 15-20 minutes, timetables may be consulted online https://www.ca-ajaccien.corsica/aiaccina/.
CITY BUS TRANSPORT
Public buses service the Ajaccio agglomeration providing connections with various city destinations. An official website https://mobilite.muvitarra.fr/plans-lignes/ provides detailed information on itineraries, timetables, tickets and tariffs (you may conveniently purchase tickets via a text message).
LONG-DISTANCE BUS
Long-distance buses linking Ajaccio with other towns depart from Gare Routière at 17 Boulevard Sampiero near the ferry port. Find comprehensive information at www.corsicabus.org/busAjaccio.
LE PETIT TRAIN
Ajaccio’s Little Train provides an easy way to visit the city. There are two circuits with commentary available in 8 languages. The 45-minute-long city tour passes through the main tourist sites in town with a 15-minute stop at the Napoleon Cave where the Emperor used to meditate. The 1h45 min long Islands Sanguinaires tour offers two stops, at the Napoleon Cave and Punat della Parata for the sublime views of Iles Sanguinaire Archipelago. The train departs from Place Foch. Tickets cost €4-€12 and may be purchased online https://www.petit-train-ajaccio.com/.
TRAIN
Daily train services operate between Ajaccio and Bastia via Corte, Calvi, and Mezzana. Gare d’Ajaccio, the town’s railway station is located only 500 m north of the ferry port on Boulevard Sampiero. Consult timetables online at cf-corse.corsica.
MARITIME SHUTTLE
A 20-minute-long sea shuttle links the port of Ajaccio with Porticcio on the other side of the bay. Find details on the official site https://www.ca-ajaccien.corsica/muvimare/.
BEST THINGS TO DO
- Visit Place Foch, the town’s buzzing main square with the statue of Napoleon dominating the palm-dotted promenade.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Ajaccio’s beautiful Old Town with a stop at the ochre-coloured 16th-century Cathedral.
- Discover historic artefacts devoted to Napoleon at Maison Bonaparte, his birthplace, located on Rue Saint-Charles.
- Sample local seafood at one of the restaurants lining the harbour waterfront.
- Visit the famous Musée Fesch to view an outstanding exposition of fine arts.
- Shop at Corsica’s most prominent farmer’s market for artisanal produce and take-home gifts.
- Try delicious Corsican specialities on a culinary tour of Ajaccio.
- Enjoy swimming or snorkelling at one of the city’s excellent beaches.
- Taste mouth-watering local wines made from Scciacarellu, Niellucciu or Vermentinu grapes.
- Hike along Chemin des Cretes from Bois des Anglais to the Sanguinaires for stunning panoramas of the Ajaccio Bay.
BEST CAR-FREE TRIPS FROM AJACCIO
- Hop on the sea shuttle boat to Porticcio, an exquisite beach resort across the bay boasting a vibrant watersports scene.
- Indulge in Ajaccio’s numerous scenic sites on a self-guided e-bicycle tour of the town.
- Set out on a magical sunset boat trip to Iles Sanguinaires with an aperitif aboard.
- Explore Scandola Nature Reserve and Calanches de Piana, Corsica’s celebrated natural monuments, on a scenic boat tour from Ajaccio.
- Enjoy a guided mountain day trip to immerse yourself in Corsica’s pristine nature with a stop at a beautiful waterfall and an emerald-coloured lake for swimming.
- Enjoy a family day out at A Cupulatta, Europe’s leading turtle sanctuary.
- Cool down in crystal clear waters of Cascades des Anglais at the Vizzavona pass.
- Discover Corte, Corsica’s mesmerizing historic capital in the heart of the island accessible by train from Ajaccio.
- Explore the attractions of Bastia, the northern island’s biggest city, home to fascinating historic monuments and cultural sites.
2. CALVI
WHERE TO ARRIVE
- Calvi airport
- Bastia airport
- Ajaccio airport
- Bastia ferry port
- Ile Rousse ferry port
- Ajaccio ferry port
HOW TO ARRIVE
- If you arrive at the Calvi airport you will find that, unfortunately, there is no public shuttle service with transfers to the town center. In front of the arrival terminal, you will find taxis or you may phone +33 (0)495 653036 www.radio-taxis-calvais.comtaxis. Autocars Mariani offers transfers of individuals and groups. Consult detailed information at https://www.autocarsmariani.com/Transferts-des-ports-et-aeroports_a25.html.
- To reach Calvi from Ile Rousse, you may take a bus https://www.corsicar.com/en/autocars-lignes-regulieres-autocar-corse_11.html or a train https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/.
- Similarly, Bastia and Ajaccio provide train connections with Calvi throughout the year https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/. From Bastia, you may also take a bus https://www.corsicar.com/en/autocars-lignes-regulieres-autocar-corse_11.html.
WHY STAY IN CALVI
Calvi embodies the quintessential Mediterranean seaside resort, offering a perfect blend of rich historic patrimony, supreme natural beauty, and coastal charm. This picturesque town boasts a beautiful Genoese citadel rising from the sea, a spectacular pine-fringed shell-shaped beach, and a vibrant marina, all set against the backdrop of rugged mountains and azure waters.
In summer, Calvi comes alive with exciting musical events and cultural attractions becoming a holiday hub for leisure and relaxation. However, as soon as you leave the city walls you step into the world of untamed Corsican nature with some of the island’s emblematic landscapes dominating the northwestern territory. From monumental rock formations plunging into deeply blue sea water, sky-piercing snow-capped summits, and remote woodlands to olive grove-covered hills and green river valleys, Calvi has something for everyone.
The region’s authentic perched villages ooze charm and the Corsican soul. Offering stunning views, medieval architecture and old traditions of arts and crafts, they form ‘Route des Artisans de Balagne’, a popular tourist trail that allows visitors to explore the distinct character of rural hamlets. Agricultural land surrounding the villages is planted with the famous Balagne vineyards known to yield top-quality wines that perfectly showcase their unique terroir.
Home to the first stage of GR20, one of Europe’s iconic hiking trails, the Calvi area brims with beautiful hikes and walks tailored to all levels of skill and ability.
GETTING AROUND CALVI
ON FOOT
Calvi is a great walking town with all its attractions easily accessible. From the beautiful Citadel, the buzzing waterfront and Old Town alleys to Calvi’s train station and a vast sandy beach, the main sites may be reached in under 30 minutes.
COASTAL TRAIN
In peak season, the famed Trinichellu train runs services along the coastline between Calvi and Ile Rousse. During the 45-minute journey, it stops at some of the most beautiful places in Balagne, allowing access to sublime beaches. The slow-paced ride exposed to captivating Mediterranean scenery is a great family attraction. Services run several times during the day https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/.
BUS
Buses run between Calvi– Bastia via Ile Rousse and Ponte Leccia, and Calvi– Calenzana. Beaux Voyages details timetables, fares, and departure places at https://www.corsicar.com/en/autocars-lignes-regulieres-autocar-corse_11.html. Rapides Bleus, https://www.rapides-bleus.com/, runs services from Bastia to Porto Vecchio via the principal towns of east Corsica. Autocars Mariani provides airport transfers, coach rental, excursions, and seasonal bus connections. Find more information on the official website https://www.autocarsmariani.com/.
TRAIN
Long-distance train lines connect Calvi with Bastia and Ajaccio. Check timetables and tariffs at https://cf-corse.corsica/horaires/ or https://www.corsicabus.org/. You can buy tickets at the train station –Gare de Calvi, or on the train.
BEST THINGS TO DO
- Explore Calvi’s beautiful 13th-century Citadel rising from a rocky peninsula above the city.
- Savour a glass of excellent local wine on a waterfront restaurant terrace.
- Visit the baroque-style Eglise Ste-Marie-Majeure on Rue Clémenceau.
- Unwind on Calvi’s famous beach known for its intensely azure water and soft white sand.
- Shop in the delightful Calvi boutiques lining narrow alleys behind the marina.
- Set out on a cycling journey to discover mesmerizing landscapes cradling the resort. A bicycle rental store is situated on Av. Christophe Colomb.
- Beach hop along the glorious coast on the Calvi – Ile Rousse Trinichellu train.
BEST CAR-FREE TRIPS FROM CALVI
- Join a boat tour to explore the superb scenery of Corsica’s famous landmarks- Scandola Nature Reserve and Calanches de Piana.
- Set off on a guided journey to the villages of Balagne to learn history, visit authentic Corsican hamlets and discover the living traditions of local arts and crafts.
- Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 trip to the wild Desert des Agriates, home to some of the best beaches on the island.
- Head out on a snorkelling excursion to the Mediterranean heaven of Pointe de La Revellata.
- Set out on a wine-tasting tour around the local estates to explore the world of Corsica’s unique flavours.
- Enjoy a fun day on quad bikes visiting the beautiful site of Notre Dame de la Serra guarding Calvi from a hill above the town.
- Hop on the train to Ile Rousse to indulge in the Riviera-like atmosphere of this charming coastal resort.
- Visit Corte, one of Corsica’s most fascinating places with a rich history, beautiful architecture and a magical mountain setting.
BEST HOTELS IN CALVI
- La Villa Calvi (€€€)
3. CORTE
WHERE TO ARRIVE
- Bastia airport
- Ajaccio airport
- Calvi airport
- Bastia ferry port
- Ajaccio ferry port
HOW TO ARRIVE
- From all three locations, Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi, Corte may be easily reached by train. Check timetables at cf-corse.corsica.
WHY STAY IN CORTE
Nestled in the heart of Corsica, the charming mountain town of Corte is a mecca for enthusiasts of the outdoors and wild nature. With easy access to breathtakingly stunning scenery visitors may explore two famous river valleys- Restonica and Tavignano, hike to high-altitude lakes Melo and Capitello but also venture further inland to the scenic region of Vizzavona.
Hiking, wild river swimming, climbing, or canyoning are only a few of the innumerable outdoor activities available for lovers of adventure. The grandiose high mountain scenery of the interior contrasts the coast’s idyllic ambience of summer bliss.
But Corte’s appeal extends beyond its scenic charms. The town itself is truly fascinating with a strong identity and an ardent devotion to self-determination. As the former capital of independent Corsica in the 18th century, Corte is home to a rich historic heritage revealed in its architecture and landmarks.
Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the city’s Citadel guards the atmospheric Old Town where famous monuments attest to turbulent struggles for independence. Being a vibrant university town, Corte abounds in bars, restaurants and cafés where a vital cultural scene promotes a year-round lively atmosphere.
GETTING AROUND CORTE
ON FOOT
Due to its compact size, Corte can be easily explored on foot. The distances between the main attractions are short and you will reach the Citadel from the train station in under 20 minutes. However, Corte’s perched setting means you will have to climb steep alleyways to get to the town’s highest point.
TRAIN
On the train from Corte, you may access Bastia, Calvi and Ajaccio. For an outdoor adventure, you can get out on the Vizzavona pass where mesmerizing mountain scenery provides a beautiful backdrop to many fun activities.
BEST THINGS TO DO
- Stroll along the atmospheric cobbled streets of Corte’s Old Town. Stop for a snack at the vibrant Place Gaffory below the Citadel.
- Visit the town’s fascinating religious monuments evoking bygone times. Eglise de L’Annonciation, Oratoire St-Théophile, and Chapelle-Sainte-Croix belong to Corsica’s highly esteemed landmarks.
- Ascent to Belvedere, Corte’s famous viewing platform with a breathtaking panorama across the Restonica and Tavignano valleys.
- Discover the town’s iconic Citadel rising from a granite outcrop.
- Explore historic artefacts at Museu di a Corsica dedicated to Corsican culture housed in the former barracks of the Citadel.
- Shop for delectable local specialities at the yellow-painted Ghionga, Europe’s oldest grocery store.
- Swim in fabulously refreshing, emerald pools of Restonica.
- Set out on a scenic hike along an old mule track in Tavignano, Corsica’s deepest gorge.
BEST CAR-FREE TRIPS FROM CORTE
- Enjoy a fantastic hike to high-altitude lakes Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello to discover Corsica’s archetypal landscapes.
- Visit Bastia, Corsica’s northern capital, home to fascinating historic sites and a beautiful Old Port.
- Go on a scenic train ride to admire the Pont du Vecchio Bridge, a true architectural marvel created by Alexandre-Gustave Eifel.
- Hike the scenic 11-kilometre round trip to Bocca Palmente (1624m), a mountain pass accessible from Vizzavona with stupendous views of Monte d’Oro.
- Spend a day at the family-friendly Adventure Park of Vizzavona with tree toping courses accessible for children as young as 3.
- Set out on an easy hike to the sublime Cascades des Anglais at Vizzavona where you can soak up the soothing energy of mountain landscapes.
- Change mountains for beachside leisure in Calvi, the island’s most picturesque coastal town.
- Explore Ajaccio, Corsica’s seductive capital city brimming with interesting attractions and exciting activities.
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